Home security providers know that a few seconds can often make all the difference between effectively responding to an emergency or allowing it to escalate. They are constantly looking for new ways to make security monitoring faster and more responsive. One of the most effective options is two-way voice capability.

We offers two-way voice as part of our HomeTouch Premier package. Two-way voice capability is dependent on panel type, so existing customers may need a panel upgrade to take advantage of the service.

How It Works
Two-way voice is similar to an intercom but significantly more powerful. It allows customers to communicate directly with monitoring center representatives using a speaker and microphone built into the security system panel. As soon as an alarm reaches our monitoring center, the operator immediately opens the two-way voice channel and begins speaking. The customer hears the representative over the speaker and responds accordingly. The system also allows the operator to continue listening or provide direction until help arrives.

Faster Response Time
The main advantage of two-way voice is faster response time. With a conventional home security system, the operator at our 24-hour monitoring center must call a customer the moment an alarm is triggered, while two-way voice is nearly instantaneous. In some emergencies, that quick response time could mean the difference between safety and an elevated level of danger.

Burglary Deterrence
A home security system is already an excellent way to prevent burglary or home invasion, but two-way voice increases deterrence. For example, a triggered burglary alarm immediately engages the two-way voice system and connects the monitoring center. The operator can warn the intruders that they are being monitored and police are on the way, which could be enough to scare them away.

Two-way voice also allows subscribers to come up with emergency passwords that can alert operators they are being held against their will or threatened by intruders. If the password is spoken, an operator will know that the situation is escalating. That information can be passed on to police dispatchers immediately.

Fire Response
In the event of a house fire, two-way voice enables a homeowner to alert the monitoring center that everyone has escaped safely, with no need to waste time searching for a phone. If occupants are trapped in the house, two-way voice can make it easier to verify their location. The operator can also provide safety advice until the fire department arrives.

These are just some of the benefits of making two-way voice a part of your home security system. We believe two-way voice is one of the most effective features to be added to home security in a long time. Whether your system is wireless or wired, you should consider adding two-way voice to your existing package. Of course, new subscribers would be wise to take advantage of it as well.

We would be more than happy to answer all of your questions about two-way voice and other valuable features of our HomeTouch Premier package. Just give us a call at 717-248-4996 to learn more.

Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 5-11, so it’s a good time to talk about fire prevention. According to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), fire departments responded to nearly 270,000 house fires in 2012, resulting in more than nearly 13,000 injuries, 2,000 deaths, and $5.7 billion in property damage.

The statistics become even more sobering when you realize that most house fires are completely preventable. For example, cooking accidents are the No. 1 cause of house fires and related injuries. Smoking is another leading cause. Learning to do things in a new way – a safer way – is a major step toward preventing fires.

Here are some important fire prevention tips you can put into practice:

• Cooking – Approximately 40 percent of house fires start in the kitchen, and two-thirds are the result of the ignition of food. You should never leave food cooking on the stove unattended. It only takes a few seconds for something to spill over and catch fire. Also, be careful of loose-fitting clothing when working around an active stove.
• Heating Equipment – Malfunctioning heating equipment is the second-leading cause of house fires in the U.S. Make sure your heating equipment and ductwork are properly cleaned every year. This includes chimneys and furnace exhaust stacks.
• Smoking – House fires can result from smoking in bed or falling asleep in a chair while smoking. If you do choose to smoke, be very cautious at all times. Bedding materials, carpets, furniture, and draperies can all ignite very quickly through careless smoking or the careless discarding of used cigarettes.
• Electrical Appliances – Electrical fires are often caused by damaged power cords, the improper use of extension cords, or overloaded electrical sockets. Treat all of your electrical appliances with extreme care, and frequently check the condition of cords.
• Candles – Candles account for about 3 percent of house fires every year. When using candles, make sure they are far away from anything combustible. Do not leave a candle burning unattended. Never sleep with a candle burning in your bedroom.

In addition to these prevention tips, it is also important to have working smoke alarms in your house. Smoke alarms can mean the difference between you and your family getting out safely or becoming victims of smoke or flames in a house fire. Be sure to check your batteries regularly as well; one good way to remember is by using the start and end of Daylight Saving Time as a reminder.

Home Security with Fire Monitoring
Even the safest of families can be victims of a house fire. We encourage you to enhance all of your prevention measures with a home security system that includes fire monitoring. It’s an important layer of effective fire protection for your property.

When you include fire monitoring in your security package, we install sensors in various locations around your home. Should a house fire trigger one of the sensors, your alarm system will make a loud noise to warn you of impending danger and a signal will be automatically sent to our 24-hour monitoring center. One of our monitoring specialists will attempt to communicate with you to verify whether it’s a false alarm. If it’s a true emergency, they will quickly notify the local fire department.

Fire monitoring from Monitronics can make a big difference if a fire breaks out while no one is home. Rather than the fire burning for a long time before anyone notices, Monitronics will quickly respond. And the sooner the fire department arrives, the more likely your house can be saved.

It’s also important to consider house fires that might occur while you’re sleeping at night. A nighttime house fire is particularly hazardous because you could be overcome by smoke before you even realize there is a problem. Fire monitoring can alert you to a potentially dangerous situation before you are overcome by smoke, allowing you and your family to get out safely.

Please observe Fire Prevention Week by implementing the prevention tips we have offered. Go a step further by developing a fire escape plan. Also, contact One-Stop Communications about a home security system with fire monitoring. Together, these steps can help protect your loved ones and your property.

www.onestopsecurity.com

Hockey Starts Now.  NHL Center Ice free preview on DISH.  October 8-25

Channels 573-587
Hopper Channel 475

Follow your favorite teams and players all season long, with up to 40 out-of-market games per week. Get the best seats in the house with NHL Center Ice. 

To order DISH call 717-248-4996

Today we are celebrating 18 years of business.  Some exciting news will be released in the next couple weeks.  We are very grateful for all our customers in central PA and look forward to working with you in the future..  Thank you!

Home security systems can be simple or complex, with components that range from a basic door alarm to high-tech electronic security measures. One option that’s becoming extremely popular is video surveillance. This is because home security systems with video surveillance give you the ability to have your eyes on your property even when you’re not physically present.

You may be familiar with video surveillance because you’ve seen it used by businesses. However, video surveillance is the perfect addition to home security systems, too. When thieves know they’re being recorded, they know they’ll be more easily convicted, so it’s a huge deterrent to criminal activity. But deterring criminals isn’t the only benefit.

Monitronics Home Security offers HomeTouch® home security systems, which allow you to watch both live and recorded footage of your property from your computer, smartphone or tablet. You can use this surveillance capability to keep track of deliveries, see when your children leave for and return from school, and see who knocked on your door while you were at work. When motion is detected, you’ll receive a captured still image of your property, and you can even get text or email notifications of any activity. You can also access a library of recorded video, in case you need to go back and see what happened on an earlier date. With HomeTouch® home security systems, Monitronics customers can see what’s happening in their homes 24 hours a day.

HomeTouch® can also help you save energy. In addition to being able to see what’s going on in your home, you’ll be able to adjust your lights and thermostats from your smartphone. You can even use HomeTouch® to remotely control your home’s locks.

If you’re going to invest in a home security system, choose one that’s worth the money. Monitronics Home Security systems not only provide warning signage, a secure perimeter and sensors throughout your home, but also fire and carbon monoxide protection. 100% of Monitronics operators have achieved proficiency and certification, earning our Alarm Response Center a Five Diamond Certification from the Central Station Alarm Association. In addition, Monitronics has been honored for exceptional customer service by the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service – the world’s top sales awards, contact center awards and customer service awards. For more information about how Monitronics Home Security can help you protect your family and your home, visit www.onestopsecurity.com or call 717-248-4996.

DISH Remote Skins Now in Stock Bright colors make the remote VISIBLE and easy to spot as well as IDENTIFY which room it belongs to. Some colors even glow in the dark!  

It’s tacky texture helps remotes stick to sofa arms preventing falls, and if it does fall the REMOTE SKIN PROTECTS it from breaking. No more lost battery covers!

It also PROTECTS coffee tables and other furniture from scratches from the remote’s hard plastic base.

Get a MEDICAL ALERT SYSTEM STARTING AT $99!  Help is just a pendant click away.

We’re committed to helping seniors and those with medical conditions feel independent, safe and secure at home. Your medical alert system gives you instant access to professional, caring assistance 24/7.

Call 717-248-4996 for more information or visit www.onestop.biz.

NHL CENTER ICE gives you up to 40 out-of-market games a week. From the first face-off to the final stretch of the season, you’ll feel the excitement of the game as you watch all your favorite teams and players. Plus, you also get NHL Network™ during the season at no additional charge.

Call us today at 717-248-4996 to find out how you can get the NHL CENTER ICE in your home

Home security systems offer the peace of mind that your home is protected at all times – whether you are home or away. Despite this, only around 17% of home in the U.S. have such a system installed. If you have not previously considered a monitored alarm system for your home, the following infographic might just change your mind.

Did you know you can get a home security system installed for FREE from One-Stop Communications.  Check out www.onestopsecurity.com for more information or call 717-248-4996.

Right now through 9/8, tennis fans looking to get the most US Open action can enjoy a unique on-screen experience and comprehensive coverage only on DIRECTV. Here is everything you can see on DIRECTV, at no additional cost!

Mix Channel
Watch up to six matches on one screen at the same time, including early-round, outer court matches. The US Open Mix Channel, available on channel 701 in HD, includes the main network feed and matches currently airing on channels 702-707.

Real-time updates at the press of a button!
When you’re tuned to any of the matches, just press the RED button and enjoy access to interactive menu features that include:

• Match Guide – Check scores for matches in progress or see what’s upcoming
• Recent Results – See real-time scores for all in-progress and completed matches
• Women’s and Men’s Draw – Provides a complete round-by-round chart of the tournament showing scores and who’s in and who’s out

When it comes to tennis coverage, it’s game, set, and match, DIRECTV!