Owen Security Solutions Announces New Director of Sales

Owen Security Solutions is pleased to announce and welcome Calhoun-native Kacee Smith as Director of Sales, beginning August 2020. In this position, Smith will be responsible for the leadership and direction of Owen Security Solutions’ team of sales and security advisors. Smith will also work to develop new business opportunities, cultivate relationships, and generate opportunities for growth for the local technology solutions leader.

“I am extremely excited to have Kacee join our team,” says Justin Owen, President and Owner of Owen Security Solutions. “Kacee brings a wealth of knowledge, not only in sales and marketing, but also in business and leadership. I know that he will elevate not only our sales team, but our leadership team and entire company as well! I am humbled that our existing team can attract such talented and like-minded people, and I look forward to what the future holds for our company.”

Smith is a life-long resident of Calhoun, Georgia, a 2005 graduate of Gordon Central High School, and earned a Marketing Management degree from Georgia Northwestern Technical College. With the goal of combining his passion for football and community, Smith then founded the Georgia Rampage, a professional indoor football team, where he served as president and general manager. He later also served as president of the X-League Professional Indoor Football League.

Smith’s passion for developing, nurturing, and expanding relationships has since led him to the insurance industry, where he enjoys meeting new people, understanding their needs, and the opportunity to educate on the importance of not only being insured, but being insured properly.

“I am very excited to join Owen Security Solutions and look forward to this new adventure,” says Smith. “I have spent years educating my customers, friends, and neighbors on the importance of properly insuring their lives, homes, and businesses, and it gives me great pleasure to join a team that is dedicated to securing and protecting those same lives, homes, and businesses.”

Smith is also the elected official for Post 5 of the Gordon County Board of Education and an active participant in many local benefits and fundraising events. He is supported by his wife, Belinda, and two children, Kacedon and Kacelee.

About Owen Security Solutions

For more than 40 years, Owen Security Solutions has been a locally owned and operated business committed to providing North Georgia with trusted service and premier solutions for the protection of lives and property. For more information on the products and services provided by Owen Security Solutions, please visit http://www.OwenSecuritySolutions.com

Owen Security Solutions Climbs SDM Top 100

Owen Security Solutions, a North Georgia-based security, technologies and integrations company, celebrates its announced ranking on SDM Magazine’s list of the nation’s top 100 security companies. The company has continued to ascend the industry’s chart each year, since first appearing in 2017, and has now secured number 85 on the list among industry competitors such as Brinks Home Security and Guardian Protection.

Founded by Calhoun native Gary Owen in 1973, Owen Security Solutions is a second-generation, locally-owned and operated company based in Calhoun, Georgia. Now led by president and owner Justin Owen, the company employs more than 40 employees and serves more than 7,000 customers from metro-Atlanta to the areas surrounding Chattanooga, TN.

“I am extremely proud of our team for another year of accomplishments and growth,” said Justin Owen, President of Owen Security Solutions. “This group of individuals is driven and dedicated to seeing our company not only succeed, but THRIVE, and they are determined to accomplish great things! As always, without our loyal customers and supportive community, this would not be possible.”

Security Distributing and Marketing (SDM) is a trade media that provides security professionals with industry news, insights and technical solutions. The SDM Top 100 list is released each Spring and, for 28 years, has ranked U.S. companies that provide the sales, installation, service and monitoring of electronic security and life safety systems to residential and non-residential customers.

Owen Security Solutions is part of the Electronic Security Association, the Georgia Security Chapter, National Institute for Certification in Engineering technologies, the local Chambers of Commerce for the communities it serves, as well as a member of the Honeywell Authorized Dealer Program and the DMP Dealer Program.

For more information about SDM or Owen Security Solutions, please visit https://www.sdmmag.com/2020-SDM-100-Rankings and www.OwenSecurity.com.

Touch-Free Security

Use your Owen security system without touching it

The COVID-19 pandemic has created an immediate need to avoid touching surfaces or spreading germs. Are your employees concerned about using the business’ commonly touched surfaces? Phones, keyboards, doorhandles, and POS systems are first to mind when considering high-traffic areas for germs, but has anyone considered the security systems’ keypad? WE HAVE!

Owen Security Solutions systems feature several ways to arm and disarm your system without ever touching the keypad!

Touchless Keypads

Several Owen Security Solutions exclusive keypads are equipped with code-less arming and disarming features, allowing your employees to protect your business without touching the keypad to enter codes. These built-in proximity readers allow users to forego the commonly-used keypads, and instead present programmable credentials, including cards, fobs, or our exclusive Prox Patch adhesive “button”, to arm or disarm the system.

Transmitters

For touch-less arming and disarming, as well as access control features, Owen Security offers a wireless key fob transmitter with a built-in proximity credential is the perfect solution! At home and work, credentials are the perfect tool to give employees, babysitters, after-hours cleaning services, repairmen, and others a touch-less way to interact with your keypad. This feature can also be programmed for use as a panic button to silently signal emergencies.

Remote Programming for Social Distancing

Owen Security makes it easy to provide credentials to your employees and vendors while respecting social distancing. We can show you how easy it can be to simply program the user codes and drop their credentials in the mail! With very little training, any customer can begin using their system’s credential features right away and enjoy the ability to manage their systems without any contact!

Owen Security Solutions also offers other contactless solutions that do not require an physical credential, but, instead, allows you to control your system from your mobile device, no matter where you are!

Control Your Alarm System Using Siri®

When you need to arm or disarm your system, have Siri do it for you! With the Owen Security Virtual Keypad app, you can use Siri to arm and disarm your system as well as activate favorites like locks, lights and thermostats. You can even program geofences on your phone to trigger Favorites based on the location of your cell phone. Using a voice-controlled smart assistant as a shortcut to manage routine system features is not only less hassle, quick, and easy, it is also a way to avoid contact with another surface often touched by others.

These wonderful features have been integrated into our products and, as everyone continues to do their part in eliminating the spreading of germs and COVID-19, prevent the possibility of spreading germs to employees or loved ones who also use the home or business protection systems.

If you would like more information on Touch-Free Security, give Owen Security Solutions a call at 706.629.7398 or visit us online at www.OwenSecurity.com and let us help you stay One Step Ahead!

Learn more by watching this short YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sN_By4JRKBk

5 Tips for Security & Home Automation on Valentine’s Day

On the most romantic day of the year, Owen Security Solutions wants to offer five tips on using your home’s security system features to ensure things go as smooth as the pickup lines that got you your first date!

With the touch of a button, your home security system and automation capabilities protect your family and loved ones from intruders and interruptions while spending this holiday together.

Set the Mood

One of the easiest ways to help deter burglars is to make your home appear occupied. Setting timers and schedules to control both outdoor and indoor lights not only help your home appear occupied, but also active. Try scheduling your lights to activate at slightly different times each day; this makes it more difficult for potential burglars to determine your family’s schedule or routine.

Easily prepare for your Valentine’s arrival using ONE mobile app to brighten the scene for a big surprise or set the mood for movie night.

Warm Things Up

Adjust your home’s temperature before you arrive using your security system’s mobile app and interactive thermostat. No one likes coming home to a chilly house or, even worse, moving from the most comfortable spot on the couch to adjust the thermostat.

Don’t Miss a Thing

Your home’s video surveillance equipment enables you to keep an eye on your home and it’s surroundings from anywhere! Quickly and easily monitor your video surveillance through your desktop, tablet, or phone and know that you’re returning to a safe space.

Lock it Down

Using the home automation features is not only smart, but also quite impressive to many unfamiliar with the system! With the tap of a button on your mobile device, your system can send you a motion-detected video alert of the visitor at your door, enable two-way voice communication, and allow you unlock your home’s door for special deliveries or an anxious date!

Enjoy the Peace

The last thing you would want to ruin Valentine’s Day with your loved ones is a break-in. Be sure to arm your home’s security system when everyone is safe in the home, then sit back and enjoy peace of mind.

Home Security Solution for your New Years Resolution

How Smart Home Security can improve your 2020.

As we enter into a new decade, many will continue the tradition of making New Year’s resolutions to lose weight, break habits or save money; but, have you considered a resolution to better protect your home and family in 2020? The cold, rainy months of winter present a great opportunity to spend time inside and improve your home’s safety and efficiency.

Below are a few ways that a home security and smart home system can benefit you and your family in 2020.

Peace of Mind

Smart home security features offer homeowners peace of mind while away from home and/or family. Not only is a home with a monitored security system less attractive to potential burglars, the smart home features offered by Owen Security Solutions systems give you the ability to check-in on your home or loved ones from anywhere.

The easy-to-use app gives you real-time access to live video, recorded clips, alarm status and smart home automation features. Instant alerts are sent to your mobile device when an emergency or unexpected activity is detected, giving you the opportunity to confirm the need for emergency services or to verify an accidental alarm.

The smart home feature can also allow you to remotely control your home’s door locks, in the event that a trusted neighbor or family member needs to access your home.

Save Money

A smart home security system can do much more than keep your family and home safe. Integrated technology, including thermostats, lights, leak detection, water shutoff valves and more, can be installed to also increase energy efficiency and reduce utility useage.

Smart thermostats can save homeowners significant amounts of money on their monthly utilities, often paying for themselves in just a few months. Schedules can be programmed to automatically regulate your home’s temperature to an economic setting while unoccupied and readjust to your preferred temperature before you arrive home from work.

Lights can also be programmed on schedules, ensuring energy conservation and savings for your family. Don’t pay for electricity you don’t need! Customizable automations can be programmed to turn lights off when the home is unoccupied and turn them back on when an authorized person enters a defined perimeter or at a specified time. Never come home to a dark, spooky, scary house again!

Leak Detection and water shut-off features are designed to protect your home in the instance of a burst water pipe, flooding basement, leaky appliance, etc. The integration for these devices is customized for each homeowner. These devices are programmed to alert homeowners to possible concerns when moisture is detected in a designated area. This often prevents extensive damage to the home and saves homeowners significant amounts of time, money and stress.

Save Lives

Smoke, heat and carbon monoxide sensors save lives, but only if someone is home to hear the warning. Otherwise, homeowners often aren’t aware of what has taken place until it’s far too late. This can include a total loss of valuables, family heirlooms and, sadly, family pets that may be unable to escape.

Choosing a monitored system with life-safety technology enables communication that can alert you of an emergency at your home while preparing to dispatch first responder services.

Live Easy

Owen Security Solutions streamlines your home security and Smarthome features into one mobile app. Our goal is to integrate technology into your home and security system in a way that will make your experience easy, reliable, safe and fun!

Fire Safety for the Holidays

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching and for many households this means traveling to visit loved ones, made-from-scratch feasts and fellowship with family. For most, these holiday festivities and memorable moments are centered around the kitchen, which means that keeping fire safety at the forefront of your mind during this hectic and joyous time is very important to protecting those you love.

According to data from the United States Fire Association , each year, Thanksgiving Day is the peak day for cooking fires in American homes. An estimated 2,000 Thanksgiving Day fires occur annually in residential buildings in the United States. The primary cause of these residential fires each year is cooking and, unfortunately, smoke alarms are often not present in 20 percent of these instances.

Here are a few additional facts from the National Fire Prevention Association :

Ranges or cooktops were involved in the 62% of reported home cooking fires, 89% of cooking fire deaths and 79% of cooking fire injuries.
Households that use electric ranges have a higher risk of cooking fires and associated losses than those using gas ranges.
Unattended cooking was the leading cause of cooking fires and casualties. Clothing ignitions led to 14% of the home cooking fire deaths.
Almost one-third (30%) of the people killed by cooking fires were sleeping at the time. More than half (53%) of the non-fatal injuries occurred when people tried to control the fire themselves.

Some holiday safety tips from Owen Security Solutions:

The first step you should take to protect your family and home this season is to be sure that you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside each sleeping area. Smoke alarms should be replaced at least every 10 years to ensure proper working order, and batteries in smoke detectors should be changed every six months.

Never leave cooking food or in-use appliances unattended. Being present and keeping an eye on food to ensure that it doesn’t boil over, burn, or put anyone in danger is the best way to prevent possible injuries.

Keep your cooking workspace clear of any trash, combustible products, or flammable materials. Wooden utensils, oven mitts, towels and place mats can also catch fire quickly.

Be sure that you wear clothing that will not drape or be loose-fitting while working near fire or heat. Clothing fibers can melt to your skin, ignite, or get caught and cause unintentional fires, spills, or burns.

Children should be at least three feet away from cooking areas and any area where hot foods or drinks are prepared. Steam or splashes from these items could cause serious injuries or burns.

Always keep your kitchen stocked with a fire extinguisher. Type K extinguishers are specifically for grease fires and type ABC multipurpose extinguishers can be used for flammable liquids, wood, and electrical fires.

Never put water on a grease fire. Water could splatter the fire and cause it to spread much more quickly. Baking soda and a lid for the pan can be used to help deprive the fire of oxygen.

Turkey fryers should be kept outdoors and a safe distance from buildings or flammable materials. Never use these fryers in an enclosed area or on a wooden surface. Do not leave fryers unattended, use well-insulated mitts and safety goggles when working near the fryer, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Most importantly, ALWAYS ensure the turkey has thawed before putting it into the fryer. The National Turkey Federation recommends that turkeys thaw for at least 24 hours for every five pounds in weight.

We hope that these by following these holiday safety tips many more families enjoy a wonderful and safe holiday season with loved ones!

For more information on a home security system or life protection system and monitoring, please give us a call at 706.629.7398 or visit our website www.OwenSecurity.com.

For downloadable or printable safety tip sheets, visit the National Fire Prevention Association website.

Tips and Tricks for Halloween Kicks

SmartHome Halloween Decor & Ambiance at the Touch of a Button

Halloween is one of the most fun-filled holidays of the year! Cooler weather, colorful scenery and fun, fall family activities are all around; however, to really get into the Halloween spirit, you must set the mood! Here are a few tips for spooking up your home using the SmartHome features available right at your fingertips from your home security system!

Sights:

Create an eerie ambiance with spooky lighting using your SmartHome automation system. Schedule both indoor and outdoor lighting to automatically activate at a designated time. Not only does this give you the chance to show your festive side, even when you’re not at home, it also helps to deter potential burglars or mischief by giving the impression that someone is home.
Rest assured that slyly using your mobile app to activate strobe lights, fog machines and/or electronic decorations as visitors approach your spooky setup will keep them on their toes and earn you a spot as one of the neighborhood’s best stops!
Replace exterior and landscape lighting with festive colored bulbs, such as green, purple, orange or black, to add an ominous touch to outdoor decor without sacrificing the security of well-lit outdoor spaces.
Check out this blog with photos for more GREAT ideas on how to decorate your yard with lights! https://www.fromhousetohome.com/entertainingdiva/halloween-outdoor-lighting/

Sounds:

Set the mood with superior spooky sounds through your Sonos Home Speaker. With high quality sounds and room-rumbling bass, your visitors will be thrilled and chilled with streaming sound effects, such as screams, squeals and evil laughs! Muah-ha-ha!
Check out the MANY free sound effects at this great site: https://www.partnersinrhyme.com/soundfx/scary_halloween_sounds.shtml

Spooks:

Use your Video Doorbell for “Tricks” and “Treats”.

Video Doorbell Cameras are the newest trend in home security and surveillance. These devices are programmed to alert the homeowner of movement at the door and allows them to see and record video as well as communicate using the two-way voice feature.
This Halloween, when your Video Doorbell alerts you to approaching Trick-or-Treaters, consider using the opportunity to give them a little fright! Using the two-way communication, send crazy sound effects or a personalized greetings as they approach your home and knock!
The best part of this tip? The Video Doorbell will record the whole thing and you can continue to the tricks and the treats again and again until next year’s spooky season!

Security:

While your SmartHome system can help you achieve the eerie ambiance and decor you desire this season, its main purpose is to keep you and your family safe!
If you plan on being away from home around Halloween, your SmartHome technology helps protect your home, loved ones and property.
Help keep pranksters at bay by arming your home security system, using your system’s video surveillance features to keep an eye on your home and rest assured that our professional monitoring team is on standby 24/7!

Are you ready to get moving on making your home a SmartHome? Call us today!

Why Home Security Systems ARE for EVERYONE!

Security systems were once expensive devices that were only affordable for large businesses and wealthy households, but not anymore!

All levels of crime rates have continued to rise in recent years and the security industry as a whole has recognized the importance of affordable and reliable security for renters, homeowners and business-owners alike.

At Owen Security Solutions, we are committed to providing the latest in security technology to both current and prospective clients. Our complete security, life safety and home automation systems are advanced enough to alert users in the event of a break-in, fire, flood, power surge or outage, burst pipes, temperature alerts and medical emergencies! Our systems are custom designed to fit your needs, make your life easier AND save you money!

Here are just a few of the additional features our systems offer to make your home or business more secure, safe and efficient.

Medical Alert Devices

It’s important to know that you can reach loved ones and medical professionals in the event of an emergency. Owen Security Solutions offers customers a medical alert device that works with your home security system to signal emergency services with the simple push of a button. This device can be worn as a traditional lanyard or on the wrist, allowing easy access to the pendant in times of distress while remaining discreet.

Smoke Alarms

No home or business should be without smoke detectors! Our security systems are programmed to use smoke detection devices to alert occupants of smoke before a fire begins. This gives your family or employees vital time to escape the structure and alerts emergency services in an effort to prevent damage or loss of lives or property.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Our carbon monoxide detectors sole purpose is to alert occupants of any dwelling or business of the presence of excess carbon monoxide in the air. Being alerted of CO2 before experiencing symptoms will allow you to vacate the area and protect yourself, loved ones, employees, customers and pets from inhaling this deadly chemical. You will then have the opportunity to ventilate the area and hire a professional to find the source of the leak.

Flood Sensors

Although disasters such as home fires get far more media attention, flooding is a much more common disaster for homeowners and, unfortunately, does substantially more damage with effects that can last for months. While Owen Security Systems cannot prevent flooding, when our systems are installed and equipped with flood sensors, they can alert you as soon as a leak or flood is detected. The more quickly you are made aware of these circumstances and can address them, the more likely you are to limit the damage incurred.

Home Automation Devices

Owen Security Solutions’ Home Automation options allow you to control, automate, protect and monitor your home with affordable and intelligent solutions. Take control of your energy bills by programming your thermostats to auto-adjust, turn off lights in empty rooms and double-check locked doors from anywhere. Enjoy the ability to unlock doors for guests or repair workers, turn on/off small appliances while away from home and never come home to a dark house again! Customize your home to fit your family’s lifestyle with these great features and others, including cameras, home theater systems, security and life safety in one complete SmartHome experience!

For more information about Owen Security Solutions and the great products and services we offer, please visit our website today at https://www.owensecurity.com/ and follow us on Facebook!

The Inside Scoop on Residential Security Cameras

Let’s face it, as much as we would like to think home break-ins will never happen to us, the reality is that it can happen to anyone. At Owen Security Solutions, we believe in always being One Step Ahead. That’s why we recommend home security and surveillance cameras to anyone looking to step up their home security game.

Proactive Protection

Surveillance cameras are often considered one of the best crime deterrents available and act as a red flag for anyone who may be attempting to gain access to your home or belongings. More often than not, a residential security camera can stop a break in before it even happens, which saves you repairs, effort, time, money and lots of trouble in the long run.

Peace of Mind

Another great reason to incorporate residential surveillance cameras into your home security system is the peace of mind you will gain by being view your home whenever you like. With modern home security and surveillance cameras, you can now use your mobile device to view live footage of your home, save and protect important recorded video clips or even speak to the person on your front porch. Whether you are out of town for a week or at work for the day, live footage of your home is available 24/7 at the touch of a button! Technicians can install Wi-Fi based cameras or DVR/NVR systems nearly anywhere in or on your home, ensuring your property and loved ones are always protected.

Video Verification

Although Owen Security Solutions’ surveillance cameras allow you 24/7 access to your security footage, there’s no need to worry about checking it constantly. We can provide around-the-clock monitoring to ensure your home is protected so that you don’t have to. Video Verification allows your home’s video footage to pop-up on your phone as a notification the instant your alarm is triggered AND the footage can be sent directly to our agents on-staff, who can then verify the activity and notify and dispatch emergency services.

Price Isn’t a Problem

Residential Video Surveillance is often overlooked for fear of bulky equipment, maintenance and cost. Our technicians and security advisors pride themselves in listening to the specific needs of each homeowner and are experienced in designing systems that are the perfect fit for your needs AND your budget. We offer a wide variety of services at a fair and cost-effective rate.

At Owen Security Solutions, our goal is to keep you One Step Ahead in theft, life safety and technology. We offer a wide variety of services at a fair and cost effective rate, and there is no better time than now to get more information! Contact us today for incredible deals, including 6 MONTHS OF FREE MONITORING! For more informations, please contact us at 706-629-7398, owenadmin@owensecurity.com or visit www.owensecurity.com.

Lights, Camera, Security

Summer is winding down and everyone knows this is the time to squeeze in those last few vacation days before the regular hustle-and-bustle of fall kicks in. Unfortunately, it means this is also the perfect time for the bad guys to take advantage of an empty home. We’ve come up with a few ideas to help keep your home safe from the people who are up to no good while you’re away enjoying the rest of summer!

Residential Cameras

Residential cameras have not only become prevalent in home security, but also necessary for just about everyone. Installing a residential camera allows you to have eyes on your home at all times. Whether you’re out of town on vacation, working late at the office or out for a fun night with friends, being able to check in on your home will give you the security and peace of mind you need to fully enjoy yourself. You can also rest assured knowing a team of professionals are monitoring your home for any unusual disturbances when you choose Owen Security Solutions.

Doorbell Cameras

In addition to regular residential cameras, you can also install a doorbell camera to your home. Not only does it provide additional up-close and personal security, but it also acts as a visual deterrent for anyone looking to cause trouble. People who have the intention of breaking and entering into your home will be met face-to-face with a camera, making them aware that the property is under surveillance.

Neighborhood Watch Cameras

For ultimate home security, you have to think big. With services like neighborhood watch cameras, you can almost eliminate threats of thievery and vandalism. Neighborhood watch cameras are set up throughout a subdivision and record an accurate and up-to-date list of all cars entering and exiting your community. This ensures those with bad intentions cannot get in or out without the police knowing. Entering subdivisions protected by neighborhood watch cameras are not worth the risk for thieves and vandals, ensuring the ultimate protection for you and your neighbors. Home security is a team effort, and with you, your neighbors and Owen Security Solutions on the job, we create a net that makes it nearly impossible for thieves to get through!

Over the coming weeks, we will delve more deeply into each of these security areas, providing some options for you to consider. There is no one-size-fits-all solution in home security, which is why we pride ourselves in bringing custom installations to each of our customers. There is a reason we have been recognized as one of the Nation’s Top 100 Security Companies, according to the 2018 SDM 100 Report.

At Owen Security, we always stay one step ahead. Don’t let tragedy be your teacher. Partner with us to create the safest environment possible for you and your family. With incredible deals like free security consultation and quotes, free camera and installation offers or six months of free monitoring, there is no better time to upgrade your home! Call 706-629-7398 or visit www.owensecurity.com to learn more about how we can help you.