ADT Security Pro - Home Security Blog

When I was younger, I remember leaving my purse in the car to run into places. You could also leave the windows down on you car and not lock doors. Upon return, your items were right where you left them, every time. 

You probably agree those days are gone... possibly L-O-N-G gone. We'd best take some precautions to keep our belongings just that... our belongings!

Here at California Security Pro, we hope this is the most exciting or if you prefer, the most relaxing Summer of your life. The memories you make should be at your choosing, not in response to a break-in or theft.

Summer Safety Tips for your home's security...

You probably already know that burglary numbers go up for the summer months. Thadeus the thief must like the nice weather too... he's extra active during the warmer months. A possible reason sited is you are out enjoying the great weather and summer festivities. Whatever reasons old Thad is on the prowl, there are some simple tips to keep him out of your house.

1. Don't open the door unless you know the person - You definitely want to go to the door and let the person on the other side know that people are home. A common practice for burglars is to knock and knock to verify the house is empty and then break-in. So ask who it is through a locked door and tell the salesman or lost person or kid looking to give you a free exterior paint quote that it's not a good time. You are washing killer, your 100 pound wolf/rottweiler mix or just on a conference call. This will also save you from all the scams that come knocking on your door during summer. 

The new generation of ADT Pulse Cameras is here. The Indoor Day & Night HD Camera and the Outdoor Day & Night Security Camerasare now available. They offer 720p resolution and 90 degree angles. And don't woryy, you can still add them yourself in the systems tab Just log-in, select the Systems tab. Then select Manage Devices and select your camera from the drop down. Follow the set up wizard through a few easty steps and your ready to go. 

What's new??

The system will find the camera and configure it on it's own. Just press the button on the camera when prompted. This gives you an easier install if you decide to add a camera yourself. You do need to be utilizing the new TS panel or the Netgear Gateway. They do not work with the white iHub.

You have to admit, when you walk into a building covered in surveillance cameras, you think twice about actions as silly as dropping your gum wrapper on the floor. Cameras tell you and me, that we are being watched, it is being recorded and someone could hold us accountable for the actions we are taking. 

That threat has amazing benefits, I've mentioned before that our cameras made for a very short lived lying phase in our 8 year old. One look at the facts of who actually stole Sadie (the stuffed dog,) and he was forever convinced that the truth was on tape waiting for us to verify his story if need be. 

But does that make the costs associated with video surveillance actually worth it? We decided to verify if our clients actually feel the cameras are worth it and why. Many originally felt on the fence when deciding to invest in security cameras or not. Our clients tell us they have found that preventing crimes, raising the chances of catching a burglar AND the every day use that ADT Pulse Cameras offer, make them well worth the investment! 

Read on for the reasons our clients find that the investment is well worth it.

The best video surveillance is not necessarily the best home security camera system for you. Different systems are made to fit different needs. Here's a quick look at video surveillance for 'your' home.

There seems to be great confusion between the terms myADT.com and my account with ADT. Commonly that's phrased as ADT my account. Let me assure you that neither is an actual term other than with ADT, you do have an account. Now that you can breathe a sigh of relief, we'll take a look at what your ADT account is comprised of
and what myADT.com is and clear up the confusion.

The exclusive Home View from ADT Pulse makes managing your home simpler than ever.

The hurdle with new technology is often the learning curve of each and every new device you install. Often, the AMAZING features that we saw on a commercial or an in-store live demo simply take too much time to figure out. 

ADT has taken that all into account and designed Home View to look like your home. What could be easier? You don't even need instructions to know what your house looks like. 

You might not realize Brinks and Broadview  are now a part of ADT. So if you call them, you'll be directed back to us.

As for other companies like Bay Alarm and a zillion smaller companies, It's a common misconception that to utilize your home's existing alarm system you are required to call the company that installed it. Even if you don't like them... it's that or purchase a whole new system and not take advantage of the existing equipment! Luckily that is not the case. Here at

California Security Pro, many of our installers have been installing home security systems for over a decade. They've seen most of what's out there and have the skills to provide you with a great system, utilizing the parts of your system that are still functional.

Click to scheduling your FREE Home Security review. It gives you the opportunity to have a professional look at your existing system for free and give you options. You'll find out consultants honest, straight forward and not pushy, their job is to educate you and help you make the best decision, even if it's not us.

In this 3rd look at recent crime, we'll look at crime prevention and preparedness. 

“I believe luck is preparation meeting opportunity. If you hadn’t been prepared when the opportunity came along, you wouldn’t have been lucky.”  ― Oprah Winfrey

How true that is when a burglar comes knocking. Those that get a lucky break are often the most prepared. 

To recap, Part 1 : recent crime in your area was how to find out exactly what's going on in your community and even stay on top of it with sites like Nixle.com that text you with up to the minute information of what's going on now close to your home. 

In Part 2 : What to do when you have a break-in we looked at what you do when you actually are a victim of a crime specifically a break-in or burglary. 

Here we will look at how a security system and some do-it-yourself steps add the layers of protection necessary to prevent the worse if it looks your way. If you are staying on top of local crime and crime trends, many come to the conclusion that it can happen to you just as easily as the nice couple on the news last night that weren't expecting it. This blog tells you what to do to NOT be them.  

If you just had aburglary, there's no need for me to tell you how this all feels. If you are on the lucky end and you are just looking into how to prevent it, take a moment and imagine what this all looks like:

You grab a coffee with an old friend. You catch up a bit, who has kids? Where did the super smart redheaded guy from high-school end up? Married to the head cheerleader?? No one saw that coming! Awww, they have cute kids... what? they run a farm stand? Wow, the years have flown!!

You're pondering this all as you pull into your driveway. Hmm, why can't that teenager turn lights off, almost every light in the house is on. The front door looks a little weird too. You get closer and it's clear, it's been kicked in. 

***Editor's note, this is part 2 of a 3 part series, to read Part 1 - Recent crime in your community, CLICK HERE***

"Of course I knew that a break-in could happen anywhere. I'd think, 'We don't have a lot of expensive things.' or 'It'd be cheaper to replace a few items than to pay for years of an alarm system...'   I thought these things every time I saw a home security commercial...

3 months after I woke up to a burglar in my home, I had to move. It's been 6 more months, we have an alarm now. I now own a gun and have been taking self defense classes for 4 months.  I am slowly replacing my mental security. I wake up thinking that someone could be in my home, near my kids and have to go make sure that everyone is okay.

What he stole was my peace of mind."

-Melnee Johnson