If you’ve ever worried about your home when your are away, whether you’re at the office or out of the country; or if you’ve ever wondered if your kids got home safely from school; if you’ve forgotten to lock the door on your way out – there is new type of home security system designed to provide total peace of mind.

Home automation is home security for the smartphone generation, created to allow homeowners full control over their home and lifestyle. Covering every aspect of home management and leaving no stone unturned as a security solution, this technology is fast becoming commonplace in homes across the United States.

If this is the first time you are hearing of home automation, let this infographic serve as an introduction.

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To get FREE HD for LIFE on your TV call One-Stop Communications at 717-248-4996.

For more details call One-Stop Communications at 717-248-4997

Halloween is a favorite holiday for many children, which is why it would be a particularly terrible time for an accident to occur. Unfortunately, it’s also a time when accidents and injuries are more likely to occur than on a regular evening. The combination of overexcited children hyped up on sugar, people who might not have their best interest at heart, and the inherent risk of being out after dark can lead to unfortunate consequences.

Fortunately, the stories of poisoned candy handed out by sinister people on Halloween are, for the most part, the stuff of urban legend. On the other hand, there are some very real dangers of which parents and children should be aware.

• Even if they’re not handing out tainted treats, some people are a threat to kids. Before yours venture out on Halloween, take a look at your local or state website that pinpoints the location of sex offenders, so that you can avoid those houses. Then head out with your children, enabling your home security system before you go, rather than letting them roam the neighborhood alone. If your children are older, and you feel it’s safe for them to go out on their own, be sure to send a cell phone along with them, so they can keep in touch and let you know if they need help. Additionally, know the route they’ll take before they leave.
• Watch for traffic. Especially with people returning from Halloween parties, the streets can be dangerous after dark. Following basic safety rules can help protect your children from danger. If you have teens out driving to parties and other revelry, admonish them to take extra care for their own safety and the safety of others, and make sure they have enough gas in the tank to get where they’re going. Set reasonable curfews to make sure your kids are home before it gets to be too late.
• Don’t assume some places are safe. Even if you take your kids to a church or community sponsored Halloween event, it’s important to keep an eye on them at all times. While these places may be perfectly safe, crowds of strangers make it easy for predators to blend in.
• Keep costumes safe. Make sure they’re visible in the dark and that kids can see through the eyeholes of any mask. If any props are used, be careful to ensure they don’t have sharp edges that could injure your child in a fall.
• Remember to keep your pets safe, too. Some malicious people are cruel to animals on Halloween, especially black cats. No matter what color or species, pets are better off staying inside on this holiday.
• If you’re staying home, check your outdoor lights to be sure that they’re functional. A big part of home security is keeping your outdoor areas well lit. Be careful, too, to pick up any toys or other items in your yard that might trip a child on the way to your porch.

On Halloween, and throughout the year, keeping your family safe is a top priority. At One-Stop Communications, we offer a home security system perfect for every family and every unique situation. For more information about purchasing a home security system from One-Stop Communications, visit our website.

Sources:
http://www.halloween-safety.com/, http://www.snopes.com/horrors/poison/halloween.asp,   
http://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/news-features-and-safety-tips/Pages/Halloween-Safety-Tips.aspx

• Be aware that earlier nightfall means decreased visibility at rush hour. Drivers and pedestrians have to readjust to the darkness and that can mean an increase in accidents. In fact, a study by Carnegie Mellon University indicates that the risk of traffic fatality jumps 186% for pedestrians between October and November. If you’re driving, make an extra effort to stay alert. If you’re walking, be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
• Avoid fatigue, which can contribute to accidents. The time change can throw off our internal clocks, and lowered visibility can make us sleepy. You can counteract this problem by making sure you don’t have a sleep deficit before the time changes, and by being aware that you may be sluggish and less alert for a few days.
• Remember, dangers in the fall aren’t all related to longer nights. Fire, weather changes and even falling leaves can all be considered seasonal hazards. This is a great time to have your furnace serviced to make sure it’s in good working order and to review safety measures for using space heaters. Remember to keep space heaters away from anything flammable, like furniture or window treatments, and read manufacturers’ instructions to make sure you’re using them safely. There’s not much you can do about the weather, but be aware that it can change quickly in the fall, often causing dangerous conditions like wet roads or ice patches. As to falling leaves, they’re lovely to see, but can cause slips and falls if they’re left on the ground. If you’re a homeowner, make sure you rake leaves up promptly to keep your property safe.
• Use the time change as a reminder to follow through on some safety measures. Change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, recharge your fire extinguishers and create a winter emergency kit for your car. Depending on where you live, this kit should include things like warm clothes, a blanket, bottled water and non-perishable snacks, a flashlight and extra batteries, a shovel, flares, jumper cables, cat litter or sand for traction, and hats and gloves.

Of course, one of the best ways to keep your home and family safe is to have the right security system installed. At One-Stop Communications, there are home security systems to meet the unique needs of many types of families. For more information about Home Security, visit www.onestopsecurity.com or call 717-248-4996.

Sources: 
http://safetytoolboxtopics.com/Seasonal/end-of-daylight-saving-time-can-be-deadly.html
http://www.takeonestep.org/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=254
http://safety.lovetoknow.com/Fall_Season_Safety_Tips

Only a couple more weeks until kickoff. Get your DIRECTV system installed today.  Call 717-248-4996

One-Stop Communications has been working with Mid-Atlantic ProTel to transition the AT&T dealership to the new location for many months.  Existing and new AT&T customers in Mifflin County will be directed to the new store location for sales and service of AT&T products.  One- Stop Communications will still remain in operation at its current location servicing all the other products it currently offers.

One-Stop Communications is pleased to see the new store open in Lewistown. “After 18 years in the wireless phone business, it is exciting to see the opening of a store dedicated exclusively to AT&T products and services,” said Michael Buffington, President of One-Stop Communications. “Mid-Atlantic ProTel was perfect fit for this area with their focus on customer service, and I am happy to have the opportunity to focus on the other parts of our business.”

The majority of the AT&T trained staff from One-Stop Communications will be transitioning to the new store to continue providing service to the customers of Mifflin County.  Mid-Atlantic ProTel was honored earlier this year by AT&T for Outstanding Customer Service and was named Regional MVP by the AT&T Northeast Region Management. 

Mid-Atlantic ProTel has taken their mission to heart. “Smartphones aren’t just a luxury anymore. They’ve become a necessity for both school and work,” said Patrick Gaidrich, Director of Retail Operations at Mid-Atlantic ProTel. “We’re going to continue to do what we do best – connect people to the devices they love.”

Mid-Atlantic ProTel currently operates 17 stores in MD, PA, VA & WV, with two more locations planned for 2014 and another six stores in 2015.

For more information on ProTel’s growth and future locations, visit their website at www.MyProTel.com.

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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.