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Best Ways to Prevent Internal Theft in Your Business

Internal theft can have significant consequences for businesses, leading to financial losses, damaged trust, and decreased morale among employees. Implementing effective measures to prevent internal theft is essential for safeguarding your business's assets and reputation. Here are some of the best ways to prevent internal theft in your business:

1. Conduct Background Checks: Start by conducting thorough background checks on all employees before hiring them, especially for positions with access to sensitive information or financial resources. Look for any red flags, such as past criminal records or discrepancies in employment history, that could indicate a potential risk for theft.

2. Implement Strict Access Controls: Limit access to sensitive areas, such as storage rooms, cash registers, and accounting systems, to authorized personnel only. Use key cards, passwords, or biometric scanners to restrict access and monitor who enters these areas. Regularly review and update access permissions to ensure they align with employees' roles and responsibilities.

3. Establish Clear Policies and Procedures: Develop comprehensive insurance and procedures outlining acceptable behavior, ethical standards, and consequences for theft or misconduct. Clearly communicate these policies to all employees during onboarding and provide regular training sessions to reinforce them. Encourage employees to report any suspicious behavior or incidents of theft promptly.

4. Implement Regular Audits and Inventory Controls: Conduct regular audits of financial records, inventory, and cash transactions to identify any discrepancies or irregularities. Use surveillance cameras and inventory tracking systems to monitor inventory movement and identify potential theft patterns. Perform surprise audits occasionally to deter employees from engaging in fraudulent activities.

5. Foster a Positive Work Environment: Cultivate a positive work culture based on trust, transparency, and open communication. Recognize and reward employees for their honesty, integrity, and contributions to the company's success. Encourage employees to take ownership of their work and provide opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

6. Lead by Example: Demonstrate ethical behavior and integrity in your own actions as a leader within the organization. Lead by example by following established policies and procedures, treating employees fairly and respectfully, and upholding high ethical standards. Set a positive tone for the workplace culture and hold yourself and others accountable for adhering to company policies.

By implementing these proactive measures, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of internal theft and create a more secure and trustworthy work environment for employees and customers alike.  For more information, feel free to contact Cove today.

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Guardians of the Globe: Exploring Diverse Security Landscapes Worldwide

Security practices vary globally, reflecting unique cultural, technological, and geopolitical factors:

1. Cultural Influences

Different cultures shape security approaches, from community-focused policing in Japan to stringent surveillance in some Western nations.

2. Technological Frontiers

Advanced nations leverage cutting-edge technologies like AI, drones, and biometrics, while others prioritize traditional methods and human resources.

3. Geopolitical Considerations

Security measures are heavily influenced by geopolitical dynamics, with regions facing distinct challenges such as border security, terrorism, or cyber threats.

4. Community Engagement

In many places, community involvement is pivotal for effective security, fostering trust and collaboration between law enforcement and residents.

5. Crisis Preparedness

Countries prone to natural disasters prioritize crisis preparedness, implementing early warning systems, evacuation plans, and resilient infrastructures.

6. Cybersecurity Challenges

The digital age brings shared challenges, with nations worldwide enhancing cybersecurity protocols to counter evolving online threats.

7. Tourism Security

Popular tourist destinations emphasize safety measures, ensuring the well-being of visitors through visible policing, surveillance, and informational campaigns.

8. Global Cooperation

In an interconnected world, international cooperation is essential to address transnational threats, facilitating information sharing and joint security efforts.

Exploring security practices worldwide reveals a rich tapestry of approaches, each shaped by a combination of historical, cultural, and contemporary factors. That is why you need Cove.

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Personalized and Easy Window Treatment Tips

Window treatments not only enhance the aesthetics of a room but also provide privacy, control natural light, and offer insulation. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned decorator, here are some simple and personalized tips for choosing and styling window treatments.

1. Consider Your Needs

Before diving into window treatments, think about your goals. Do you need more privacy, better light control, or a decorative touch? Knowing your needs will guide your choices.

2. Curtain or Blinds?

Curtains and blinds are the two primary options. Curtains offer a soft and elegant look, while blinds provide a sleek and modern appearance. Choose what suits your room's style.

3. Personalize with Color and Fabric

Your window treatments should harmonize with your room's color scheme and décor. Choose colors and fabrics that reflect your personal style. Light, airy fabrics like sheer curtains can make a room feel bright and spacious, while heavy fabrics like velvet add warmth and coziness.

4. Measuring Right

Accurate measurements are crucial. Measure the width and height of your windows. For curtains, decide if you want them to reach the floor, hover just above it, or extend beyond it.

5. Mounting Style

The way you mount your window treatments can affect the room's appearance. Inside mounts fit within the window frame, creating a sleek look, while outside mounts are installed above the window frame, making the window appear larger.

6. Layer for Versatility

Layering window treatments can offer both style and functionality. Combine curtains with blinds for versatile light control and privacy.

7. Don't Forget Hardware

Choose curtain rods and hardware that complement your décor. Simple, understated hardware works well with contemporary designs, while decorative rods can add a touch of elegance to traditional settings.

8. Easy Maintenance

Consider the maintenance involved in your window treatments. If you prefer low-maintenance options, go for machine-washable curtains or blinds that can be easily wiped clean.

9. Child and Pet Safety

For families with children and pets, ensure that your window treatments are safe. Cordless blinds and curtains with tiebacks can help reduce potential hazards.

10. Personal Touch

Don't be afraid to get creative with tiebacks, valances, or other accessories. Adding a personal touch to your window treatments can make them truly unique.

Window treatments can significantly impact the look and feel of your space. By considering your needs, personalizing your choices, and following these Cove tips, you can create a beautiful and functional window treatment that perfectly suits your home.

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5 Steps for Enhanced Home Security

When you own a house, protecting your family and your possessions are frequently your top priorities. The good news is that you may increase your home's security and lower your chance of a break-in or theft by taking a few easy steps. Here are a few Cove Smart tips to increase your security and mental calmness:

Keep track of your possessions on a list The majority of local police departments advise property owners to engrave their social security number on the metal parts of items that are vulnerable to theft. When police discover obviously stolen property, they may quickly identify the rightful owner and return the item. Police can recover valuables by using photos of particularly costly objects, such antiques and works of art.

Think about setting up an alarm system Alarm system prices range significantly. A couple of the simpler, less costly detecting gadgets are easily disabling by a burglar. The greater the collection of devices' complexity and unfamiliarity, the greater the likelihood that a thief will set off the alarm and give up on trying to silence it.

The likelihood that the burglar will be apprehended significantly improves in areas with effective police forces. The noise and attention of an alarm may possibly discourage the thief from completing his task in areas where police response times are poor.

Recall the other entrances to your house The majority of houses have more entry points than just the outside windows and doors. Several thefts occur in garages. In addition to having valuable objects taken from the garage, the door leading from the garage to the house is frequently left open or is not strong enough to deter a thief.

Secure the windows in your home The majority of standard window locks are quite easy to pry open or force. Long-term home security improvements are provided by heavier locks. Window hooks are another straightforward, low-cost strategy that works well for double-paned windows (those with two sliding panels that move up and down or side to side). Large nails or specifically manufactured pins can be used with ease.

Make sure that all doorways are well illuminated For many homes, perimeter defenses like walls and fences are ineffective. Doors and windows are often thought of as the first line of protection in modern society, but there is actually something else that comes before. It is based on the unavoidable finding that criminals prefer to operate in the shadows. This suggests that you should make sure that the exterior of your property is well-lit, especially at any potential points of access.

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How Could Artificial Intelligence Affect Home Automation and Security?

It's likely that you have already utilized artificial intelligence (AI) in your house if you have an iPhone® or Netflix® account. Netflix develops original episodes based on data collected and employs algorithms to anticipate which shows you would like. Siri® on your iPhone utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to comprehend spoken language and reply to instructions or queries, but AI is capable of far more than just "Call Mom - mobile."

AI is developing quickly and starting to have a bigger impact on automation and home security. Let's explore how it could affect you and your family soon.

Home Automation Home automation features like turning on your lights or thermostat when your smartphone passes a virtual boundary are already possible thanks to geofencing technology. However, AI offers a house the chance to learn more than just settings. For instance, voice commands or gestures detected by ceiling cameras may cause your house to turn on the lights automatically.

Home Safety Another area that is susceptible to change is home security. For the 214 million Facebook users in the United States alone, Facebook employs AI in the form of facial recognition to tag images of friends with an accuracy rate of 97 percent. The same deep learning might be used in home security systems to monitor visitors' arrivals and departures.

A family's regular routine may be learned by AI-powered home security systems, which can then recognize when an occurrence looks unexpected. As a result of fewer false alerts, this is advantageous for families with lots of visitors or frequent travel. Because people have a limited attention span compared to technology, which is programmed to remain always vigilant, AI also provides homes with peace of mind.

Getting Past Fears While using these cutting-edge gadgets might be advantageous, some homeowners worry about turning technology inward. Alexa and other AI-enhanced technologies are always listening and observing. The reason for the delayed uptake of these prospective prospects is typically the fear of hackers getting into this technology to steal private information and infringe privacy.

It's critical to prioritize safety and work with reputable suppliers as AI enters households. During a presentation, one AI system mistakenly identified shirt wrinkles as a trustworthy face to enter a house. You can make sure that you utilize Cove Smart by reading reviews, consulting with a skilled installation, and testing products before purchase.

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What Effect Does Winter Weather Have on Home Security?

High winds and significant snowfall that accompany winter storms can easily result in power disruptions. Winter storm Grayson, which struck the east coast less than a year ago, cut electricity to 80,000 homes and businesses.

Winter weather may significantly affect your everyday life, depending on where you reside. In addition to impacting heating costs and driving conditions, snow, sleet, and freezing temperatures can have an impact on home security.

1. Power Blackouts Take into account a home security system with a battery backup. The system will transition to battery mode in the event of a power outage and remain there until the power is restored. Your system will recharge and continue to work normally once the power is restored. However, your system's battery life is limited. After 24 hours, most batteries degrade. Always inquire about the lifespan of the backup batteries from your security supplier and make plans appropriately.

2. Communication Blocking Consider using cellular monitoring as a backup for your security system to prevent system outages. Your security monitoring service will immediately switch to your backup cellular connection if your IP (wi-fi) connection drops due to severe winter weather. This enables you to prevent theft or break-ins even if your home's main network encounters issues because of the harsh winter weather.

3. Unresponsive Emergency Services Due to natural calamities like winter storms, emergency services are frequently overrun with calls and requests. If there is severe winter weather, homeowners must be ready for delays. As you wait for emergency services to arrive, take into account the following precautions to keep your property secure:

Give your security provider current emergency contact information.

Use a battery-operated radio to get updates on emergency services, storm information, and a forecast of when the power could come back on or the weather will get better.

In the case of a protracted power outage, prepare an emergency kit with supplies such as food, water, blankets, hats, gloves, batteries, matches, and a flashlight.

Reduce the harm caused by extreme weather by using the aforementioned advice. To make sure you have the right precautions in place in the case of a winter storm, get in touch with Cove.

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Four Crucial Tips for Preventing Pet Fires

To raise awareness of the fact that approximately 500,000 dogs are impacted by home fires each year, the American Kennel Club established National Pet Fire Safety Day, which takes place on July 15. In light of this, your family's fire safety plan need to include every member, even the four-legged ones.

Fortunately, there are a number of easy precautions you can take to keep your pet safe from fire-related harm, such as pet-proofing your house and restricting their contact with open flames. Here are some easy pet fire safety guidelines, whether you're at home or traveling.

Keep animals away from fires

Pets should also be kept away from outdoor fire pits and fireplaces. A boisterous pet may not only tumble into the fire but could also knock someone down and fall into the flames. Keep boisterous pets on a dog leash or in another location for everyone's safety while you relax by the fire with your loved ones.

Make your home "pet-proof"

Any unsecured cords or wires should be hidden in your home so that your dogs cannot access them for your safety and their safety.  Consider crate-training or limiting your pet to a space in your home that is secure from such dangers while leaving them home alone.

Utilize a fire alarm monitoring system

To let first responders know when each pet is accounted for, think about posting a sticker for the fire department with the number of pets you own close to your front door.  The greatest method to be ready in the event of a fire while you are away from home is to have a Cove security system installed. In this manner, emergency personnel will be sent even if you are not at home when the fire alarm sounds.

If you suspect your pet may be experiencing smoke inhalation symptoms, get advice from your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline.

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Fire Prevention in Off-Campus Housing

Even though the school year has only just begun, one college student sadly lost their life in an off-campus fire.

It is the first deadly fire of the academic year 2013–2014. According to Campus Firewatch, there have been 163 deadly campus-related fires since 2000; 87% of these incidents took place off-campus, where around 2/3 of all students in the country live.

Binland Lee, a senior studying marine science at Boston University, died in an off-campus fire in Allston, Massachusetts, in April. She was one of seven students nationally who perished in fires in off-campus accommodation during the previous academic year. Two more BU students were among the fifteen people hurt in the blaze.

On April 28, around 6:30 in the morning, a fire broke out at 87 Linden Street, destroying it and injuring nine inhabitants, including two additional University students and six firemen. Someone's irresponsible disposal of smoking supplies was the cause of it.

Generally, students' ignorance of fire safety and prevention is to blame for the majority of college-related fires. Off-campus students must thus be aware of the fire hazards and the safety precautions that might save their lives.

Before signing a lease and/or moving in, prospective landlords should be questioned by students and/or their parents according to a list provided by the USFA. If they haven't previously, students should ask such questions now.

Are installed smoke alarms functional? (Preferably in every bedroom, and interconnected so that they all beep simultaneously if someone smells smoke)?

Exist at least two exits from both your room and the building?

Does the building have a fire escape or at least two interior stairs that lead to the upper floors?

Is a sprinkler system set up and kept up?

Can all of the devices, laptops, printers, and appliances that you and your roommates are bringing fit in the available electrical outlets without the need of extension cords?

Are there EXIT signs directing you to the exit in your building's hallways?

Exists a Cove Security that is implemented and kept up?

Has the heating system undergone a recent inspection?

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Why You Should Regularly Check Your Business' Fire Alarm System

It is imperative that you as a building owner/business owner take all necessary and required precautions to safeguard the lives of your staff and customers. Commercial fire alarm are essential for safeguarding your company against fire and smoke.

The best method to know if the fire alarm system at your place of business is up to code or requires maintenance is to have it regularly tested by skilled experts. An comprehensive inspection and testing should be done once a year.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 72 criteria for fire alarm systems can be met with the aid of regular inspections. The NFPA also provides details on the standards for how frequently fire alarms must be tested.

Additionally, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has put in place particular laws regarding the setup and operation of fire alarm systems in commercial buildings. With the exception of times when they are undergoing repairs or maintenance, the employer must ensure that all employee alarm systems are kept in working order.

It's crucial to understand what your state and local regulations need as well as what sort of testing schedule best protects your company. You should enquire further about the criteria from your insurance provider.

The NFPA advises educating building maintenance personnel or other staff members on how to spot problems with your system. Additionally, they ought to be aware of how to reset it and when to contact for assistance.

Even the greatest fire alarm systems may fail if they are not properly maintained. A well maintained system may lessen business interruption, stop catastrophic fires, and save lives. For added protection, you may install a doorbell camera.

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How to Prevent Chimney Fires

Your chimney may be thought of as an ornamental feature that adds warmth on chilly winter days, but in actuality, it serves as a tunnel for the removal of hazardous flue gasses from your house. The condensation that is brought on by these vapors inside the chimney leads to the buildup of creosote, a highly combustible substance that commonly starts chimney fires.

In addition, a helpful website claims that chimney fires are particularly deadly by their inherent nature. The flames don't spread quickly since they depend on a little amount of air and fuel, which means they burn slowly and frequently go unnoticed until an examination.

Lack of Care Makes Chimneys Dangerous Anywhere can experience a chimney fire. According to the local press, a chimney fire in Plympton, Massachusetts, in February ignited a home's roof. Fortunately, there were no casualties during the 10 minutes it took firemen to put out the fire.

Put out chimney fires Fortunately, there are several things we can do to defend ourselves from these kinds of fires, as explained on a website for the fireplace business. The most important item is chimney hygiene; maintain the building clear of creosote. Additional details taken from the sources mentioned above include:

Never ignite fuel such as pine boughs or wrapping paper.

If you chop your own wood, let it air dry for a full year.

In addition to having the chimney cleaned every year, get it checked by a licensed safety expert.

Make sure the ash is properly disposed of; scoop it out, place it in a metal bucket, and set the bucket outdoors.

Putting up a smoke alarm and an outdoor camera

Consider purchasing an environmental monitoring system and related services for further protection. Look for products that can detect the presence of fire or carbon monoxide. Join a monitoring service that may notify the fire department for a quick response, around-the-clock.

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How Do You Pick the Right Alarm System for Your Needs?

One of the best decisions you can make to safeguard your house and family is to get a home alarm system. Finding the ideal DIY home alarm system can be challenging, despite how simple it is to decide that you need one. You can install a wide variety of different types of systems, and even within each type of system, there are several equipment and feature possibilities.

Should I Purchase a DIY Alarm System or Get Professional Installation? One of the initial decisions you'll need to make is whether to hire a pro or do it yourself. However, thanks to advancements in wireless technology, you can now set up a trustworthy alarm system without the expertise of a professional installer. Previously, there was a huge gap between what you could do with a DIY system and the more sophisticated systems that require professional installation.

Wireless or wired? In the past, most security professionals would have suggested wired systems over wireless ones. Early wireless technology had a limited range and was occasionally faulty. In addition, they can be exposed to outside assaults. The solution is not as simple for today's consumer. Range, reliability, and the possibility of outside attacks have all been resolved thanks to advancements in wireless technology and encryption.

Are Security Cameras Necessary? Getting a protection rule can be a fantastic way to secure the house, but one of the best burglary deterrents is surveillance equipment. might be a fantastic way to safeguard the house, but one of the best deterrents against burglars is the presence of surveillance cameras.

Do I Need a Lot of Security Zones? The number of devices that can connect to the protection plan will depend on the number of safety zones. You might need to connect more motion detectors, cameras, smoke detectors, door contacts, etc. if you need to secure a large property.

What method will the system use with the monitoring station? There are several ways that modern safety regulations might communicate. Systems that communicate across cellular networks, classic hard telephone lines, and home internet connections are also available.

Do I also want the Home Automation Features? In the past ten years, home alarm monitoring systems have advanced significantly. There wasn't much brainpower in older systems. They could be set to react to various event triggers, but they couldn't control your home's many features or give you alerts directly to your phone.

You should take some time to think about your needs before investing in a home alarm system. You may choose door alarms that are ideal for your house with some thought.

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Kids' Safety Guidelines

Protecting your children is your main priority as a parent. Even if you place a high priority on protecting children, you can never be everywhere at once. When you go back to work, you might have to leave your baby with a babysitter, or you might let your preschoolers play in the backyard while you make lunch. Maybe you want to make sure your teenager isn't leaving the house after you go to bed or you let your seventh-grader spend a few hours home alone after school.

Be aware of when your children arrive home and go.

A kindergartener who sleepwalks, a preteen who needs to allow themselves into the house after school, a toddler who recently learned how to open the back door, or a teen who occasionally disregards their curfew are all possibilities. Whatever your motivation, there is a home security system that can help you keep tabs on your kids' whereabouts.

Children are protected by home security cameras in a variety of ways.

While doorbell cameras let you see who is at your front door and when outdoor cameras keep an eye on what is happening in your yard. High-resolution technology, infrared night vision, and a detection range that leads the industry to produce clear video day and night.

Parents can build safety and support for youngsters who are home alone with the use of smart security systems and home automation components.

These issues can be resolved by a door lock, which enables kids to enter a building without a key and with ease. Additionally, you can let your child in if they accidentally forget their code. When your children enter their special user code and arrive home, your smart lock will send you a real-time alert if you have configured mobile notifications for it.

Environmental sensors that are smart alert children to leave in an emergency

The likelihood that your family will survive a house fire is significantly increased by smart smoke and heat sensors connected to a smart security system. When smoke, heat, or quickly increasing temperatures are detected, they not only sound an alarm but also transmit instant warnings to your smartphone, allowing you to call the fire department and check on your kids if they are home alone.

You can rely on Cove Smart to assist you whether you're at home or abroad, raising teenagers or young children. You can keep tabs on where your loved ones are and what they're up to thanks to security sensors, camera systems, and other smart gadgets, and they can even send help when it's most needed.

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Timely Tips to Prevent False Alarm Fines

Subscribers to security systems are becoming aware that more municipalities have registration requirements for home alarms. Additionally, as cities, municipalities, and counties cope with well-known financial difficulties, they are seriously considering false alarm fees as a way to increase money. Therefore, as the alarm user, it is your responsibility to ensure that your system is registered wherever this is necessary and that you are taking all reasonable precautions to prevent false alerts.

Why It Matters

The advice below is timely, since summer storms can knock out power, and we’re more likely to have different living patterns in the summer. It’s also the season when burglaries peak (according to the FBI), so remember to use that alarm system! And if you want more info on how some jurisdictions are dealing with alarm registration and false alarm fines.

The Tips

If the system is an older model with a "box in the basement," make sure it is properly grounded.

If you still have an alarm system that requires a phone line, be sure there are surge protectors on both the alarm system and your phone line!

Fix windows and doors that don't fit snugly. But keep in mind that contemporary sensors, especially wireless ones, are more tolerant in this respect.

Verify the stability of the connections. The majority of modern sensors are wireless and tiny. The greatest adhesive is offered by the top businesses.

Ensure that the backup battery is charged. Alarm system batteries should be able to maintain a charge for at least four hours, according to Loudon County (VA), and this is a fundamental criterion for any UL-listed devices.

Illustrations of Alarm Fines

Many local authorities give you two complimentary false alarms. The usual starting fine for a third infraction is $100, and it rises with each further offense. For instance, Arlington County (VA) increases fines for false alarms after the ninth one during a 12-month period by up to $500. However, in Fairfax County (VA), repeat offenders may be subject to fines of up to $3,000 for the 25th and subsequent false alarms. After that, fines start at $25 for subsequent offenses.

Cove Smart is steadfastly devoted to protecting your home and loved ones with alarm systems that are more dependable, secure, user-friendly, inexpensive, and less challenging. Cove Smart is the industry pioneer in interactive home security.

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Holiday Season Steps To Secure Your Home

It's time for gatherings with loved ones and delicious meals. Usually, this time of year is dedicated to festivities and getting back together with loved ones. Unfortunately, there are those evil people out there who want to disrupt the celebrations: thieves.

How can you protect your house from the elements and burglars? These ten actions can help you have a safe and enjoyable holiday.

1) Consider yourself a burglar

Look at your house objectively and search for any potential entryways that a thief may exploit. Because robbers arrive in many sizes and forms, you shouldn't disregard entryways vents and dog doors simply because they're small or hard to access.

2) Store any tools.

Rakes and shovels are required for the leaves and snow that fall and winter bring. After you're done, be sure to put any tools away.

3) Secure windows and doors

Did you know that the most typical point of entry for burglars is through doors? Up to 40% of burglaries happen through open doors and windows; you can secure your house by simply securing your doors and windows.

4) Use cunning while concealing extra keys

If you store a spare key outside your house for emergency scenarios, be aware that there is a risk.

5) Recognize your neighbors

Home to home, relationships with neighbors might differ, but if you trust them, it can be quite advantageous for both of you. Inform your neighbors if you will be gone for the holidays.

6) Be careful not to share your whereabouts on social media

This piece of advice is quite widely known because of Farmers Insurance. Whether you're leaving for 10 minutes or 10 days, posting your whereabouts on social media puts you in danger.

7) Turn it on

It's quite simple to operate your lights remotely even while you're not at home. You can automate lights in your house with a variety of tools, improving safety and energy efficiency.

8) Draw the drapes or blinds

It's fine to put your Christmas tree on display in a front window for passersby to admire, but keep the presents out of sight. Large presents or a sizable cache are desirable targets for a thief canvassing the neighborhood, even if they are wrapped.

9) Inspect weather sensors

Environmental sensors for your home alarm system can allay your worries about the environmental risks that the colder months bring.

10) Turn on your alarm system

Because the homeowners didn't arm their security system, many break-ins are successful. If you don't use a system, it doesn't matter how good it is.

By ensuring that your home and family are secured with the most cutting-edge technology, Cove Smart can demonstrate its genuine concern for your security. Making the right decision is made easier the more information you have.

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The Industry of Fake Home Security Products

Why did I not realize it sooner? I should have known better because I was young and the imitation Jordans were so expertly crafted that it took close inspection to tell them apart from the real thing. What's more, I didn't know any better.

The same is true for home security; homeowners utilize a variety of imitation, or "dummy," products in the hopes that criminals won't be able to tell them apart. Want to give the impression that you have a security system when you don't? How about making it seem like someone is home even when no one there?

Fake Cameras

Have you ever had the unsettling (or paranoid) impression that you are being followed by cameras when browsing a department shop or convenience store? That is the same argument for phony cameras, regardless of whether they are real ones. You want burglars to believe that someone is watching them. The majority of the time, if they spot a camera, they'll turn around.

Dummy cameras are inexpensive, particularly when compared to a genuine working camera. A word of warning, though: a cunning, savvy burglar might examine the camera more thoroughly.

TV Light Simulator

Through the recreation of the lighting that emanates from a TV, TV Light Simulators try to provide the impression that someone is at home. For an easier break-in and quick exit, burglars plan on homes being empty during their intrusion.

The cost of a TV Light Simulator is low both initially and over time. Your electricity cost will go up if you leave your normal TV on all the time. Comparatively speaking, simulators use relatively little power—some even say they only use as much as a nightlight!

The Final Conclusion

All things considered, whether or not you should purchase bogus security items depends on your particular circumstances. Your own level of concern, the safety of your surroundings, and your possessions all play significant roles.

But bear in mind that fake home security gadgets are not a replacement for real ones. The appearance of a yard sign, camera, and/or lighting will dissuade many criminals, but not all of them are unaware.

With Cove Smart, families’ daily lives are safer and more connected. The industry of home security has changed because of us. And that’s only the start.

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How to Save Electricity with These Home Efficiency Tips

2019 will see a trillion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity produced. In the same year, Americans utilized around 3.7 trillion kWh of power across all uses, including transportation, industry, business, and residential. About 1.4 trillion kWh, or 38%, of the power is used for residential purposes.

What percentage of energy is wasted? You could be surprised at the sum. The discrepancy between output and utilization is already evident. However, energy creation is where the energy losses start.

Only a small portion of the energy contained in fuel is extracted by power plants. Electricity is generated by nuclear, coal, and petroleum power plants with an efficiency of roughly 33%. Natural gas plants do somewhat better, coming close to 40%. This is not to suggest that power plants are ineffective; rather, heat loss is a natural byproduct of physics that cannot be avoided. Compare these numbers to those for vehicles, which move with around 30% of the energy contained in gasoline. An average human body uses 25% less energy than necessary.

Between the power plant and your home, even more energy is lost. Between 8 and 15 percent of the electricity escapes throughout the transmission and distribution process as heat.

However, the total energy used in a residence is not entirely accounted for by electricity. For heating and cooking, many homes use fossil fuels like natural gas, propane, or fuel oil. The amount of energy used by natural gas burnt at home for space heating in 2015 was around 1.6 trillion kWh, which is greater than the amount of electricity used by all US residences in 2019.

At home, we frequently waste energy—both electrical and non-electrical—by using inefficient light bulbs, illuminating vacant spaces, turning up the heat and air conditioning in unoccupied homes, and opening windows to allow conditioned air out. Fortunately, you can cut down on your energy waste at home by combining low-tech and high-tech measures, which will cut down on waste, emissions, and expenses.

Electricity is saved by using efficient light bulbs and lighting techniques

Even while lighting accounts for just around 5% of the power consumed by a typical American household, it is arguably the most noticeable (and controllable) daily energy usage. Similar to other technologies, lights waste electricity by producing heat and when they are kept on unnecessarily. By switching to more efficient light bulbs and shutting off the lights when you're not using them, you can light your house more cheaply and with less waste.

The popularity of incandescent light bulbs has decreased. Contrary to common perception, incandescent light bulbs were not outlawed under the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Instead, it required greater energy efficiency, or using fewer watts to produce the same amount of light.

As a result, the use of inefficient incandescent light bulbs has decreased and the use of alternative types has increased. Although more efficient than incandescent bulbs, fluorescent light bulbs—the long rods or twisted CFL bulbs that emit a stereotypically harsh "office" light—have disadvantages. They emit a poor quality of light, and because they contain mercury, disposal is difficult.

Compared to other options, an LED lights consumes less energy, costs less to operate, and has a longer lifespan. When LEDs are smart light bulbs, they may also have wonderful capabilities like the capacity to dim, change colors, and automate their house.

Smart lighting techniques reduce energy use and costs

Turn off your lights when not in use, and do the same with your TV and other electronics. A typical kWh of electricity costs $12.69. (the average American residential price in December 2019; yours may cost more than twice that). Thus, the cost of seven days of using three 43-watt lights would range from $2.75 to $5.50. Although that is not a startling sum, leaving lights on for many hours at a time adds up over the course of a year.

Also, use outside lighting wisely. The United States spends 120 billion kilowatt-hours of energy annually to brighten streets and parking lots, according to the International Dark-Sky Association. Because it only beams into the air without illuminating anything, they estimate that around 30% of that energy is squandered. The average American house loses 0.5 kWh of energy each night (or roughly $23 per year) on subpar exterior lighting, according to the residential sector.

Again, not a large sum, but your increased efficiency will definitely be appreciated by the environment and the electrical system. Put your outside lights on timers or motion detectors, cover them, and position the lighting in a helpful direction to make greater use of them.

Homes may save energy in addition to switching off the lights by employing natural illumination. Indirect natural light can supplement electric illumination without drastically increasing your A/C or heating costs, depending on which way your home's windows face.

Steps using high- and low-tech assist reduce energy use and costs at home

To maintain a cozy and well-lit environment in our houses, we need a lot of energy. The costs may mount up rapidly between gas and electricity bills. Additionally, it's crucial to reduce waste and use energy effectively for the environment, your pocketbook, and the overworked power infrastructure.

Fortunately, there are easy things you can do to make your house more energy efficient. Compared to alternatives like incandescent or CFL lights, LED lights use a lot less energy. Your HVAC system will run more efficiently if you use weather stripping and caulk to seal up minor crevices in your house. When utilized appropriately, curtains encourage beneficial heat transmission at windows.

Check out more posts on our blog if you learnt anything new, like this one on how the Cove Smart helps you automate your complete house or this one on the different applications for smart lighting.

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More Ingenious DIY Booby Traps for Home Defense

The best method of protecting our home is using toy-powered booby trap. The cult classic "Home Alone" taught us this, at least. In the movie, 8-year-old Kevin is left home alone and has to defend the home from two careless burglars using homemade traps, which would make even the most heinous sociopath swoon with envy. Everyone fantasized of creating their own mean little contraptions with falling irons, spikes, hot doorknobs, and other ingenious devices. You could imitate his tactics and eventually fall victim to your own trap, or you could develop solid defenses that resemble traps and are just as intelligent as your home security system.

Never attempt these at home

It's surprisingly simple to make a set of booby traps with just a little amount of dexterity. The internet is rife with instructional videos for creating your own hazards, such as the air horn trip wire trap, which creates a louder and louder noise when an unwary intruder takes the incorrect step and prevents the cops from apprehending the burglar until after a well-earned diaper change. Speaking of soiled underwear, installing a larger garden with a stealthy Star Wars swinging log trap or creating a spike pit near the front door will undoubtedly dissuade even the most persistent thieves.

Traps for legal home security

These kinds of traps may sound nice in principle, but if you think about it, it's kind of ironic to think that roasting a burglar with an electric doorknob will probably get you in jail. We advise using legal alarms and traps available in stores because of this. A door stop alarm, for instance, is small enough to fit beneath the main door, but opening it from the outside activates the alarm, making an ear-splitting boom. It is tiny, inexpensive, impenetrable, and doesn't charge for monitoring. But going with a real home security system is the smart move. Wireless alarms are offered by most firms, like Cove Smart, and can be installed practically anywhere in the room without the assistance of a professional. Anyone can defeat robbers by concealing a small, discreet camera or motion sensor in a dark corner or at an open shelf of a bookcase with a little skill.