Customer Newsletter – October, 2022

October is National Fire Prevention Month

So it’s a great time for us all to take the precautionary steps to prevent dangerous and life-threatening fires.

Maintain your heating source. Whether it’s a fireplace, wood stove, a furnace or electric heat, check the equipment before using.

Don’t store items near your heating source. Keep boxes, clothes, draperies, furniture and other combustible items away from a heating source.

Don’t leave burners or grills unattended. Keep dish towels, clothing and other items away from heating elements and open flame. 

Never leave a burning candle unattended. For ambiance, consider battery powered candles.

Get a fire extinguisher. Place one on each floor of the house and in the garage.

Have an escape plan. Practice fire drills with your family and make sure everyone knows where to go depending on where the fire is in the home. 

Add monitored smoke detectors . We monitor for fire at no additional monthly cost. Smoke detectors start at just $125. Call for details at 770-963-0305.

View the video above featuring EMC Security customers that are thankful they installed monitored smoke detectors in their home. A few months ago, their home was quickly overcome with smoke and fire while they were just a few yards away, in the backyard. If it wasn’t for EMC Security, the damage and loss would’ve been much greater.

Adding smoke or heat detectors to your home security system may very well be the best decision you make when it comes to the safety and security of your loved ones. 

And, your monthly monitoring cost doesn’t change when you add fire monitoring to your security system.

Most Common Causes of Home Fires

In 2019, fire departments in the U.S. responded to an estimated 361,500 home fires. These fires caused roughly 2,870 deaths and 12,700 reported injuries. Property damage was estimated at $7.9 billion.

Smoking – #1 cause of deaths

Most smoking-related fires start inside the home, often originating from upholstered furniture, bedding, or mattresses. Always smoke outside, thoroughly extinguishing cigarettes in an ashtray when finished.

Fireplace

To prevent an accident, install a spark screen or glass door in front of the firebox to protect the surrounding area from stray sparks and rolled logs. Check chimneys annually to ensure that creosote hasn’t built up, and never leave a fire unattended. 

Candles

Never position a lit candle near flammable items like bedsheets and books, which may become engulfed in flame if they come in contact with the tiny fire. As a safer alternative, homeowners can purchase flameless, battery-powered candles with LEDs.

Grill

Position your grill or fire pit several feet from your house, safely away from trees, deck railings, and other structures.  Routinely clean the grill, investigate signs of rust and corrosion, and check the gas connections.

Did you register your alarm with your municipality?

Certain municipalities in Georgia require home security system users to obtain an alarm registration or permit. Alarm companies are not able to register your system (with the exception of Brookhaven City and Dekalb County) so it is your responsibility to comply with these requirements. If you fail to do so, the municipality could delay or refuse to dispatch emergency personnel and/or assess you with fines.

Additionally, some areas of Georgia have partnered with CryWolfe Services to monitor their alarm registration and false alarm program, requiring additional registration. 

We compiled the requirements for some areas that require an alarm registration or permit on our website. This list is not comprehensive so you should confirm registration requirements with your municipality. 

Please contact your local municipality with any questions regarding alarm registration and user permits. 

Alarm Registration Information >>