8 minute read
Ask Cappie the Computer Cat
HOME SECURITY TECHNOLOGY UPDATE
Dear Cappie, I know a few years ago you wrote about home security. I know you can’t recommend a specific brand, but can you suggest what we should look for when we shop for one? Mark, SCG full time resident
Dear Mark,
Good question: since our last column on home security systems, technology has changed quite a bit. However, you failed to mention if you were planning to hire a professional security firm to install the system or if you planned to do it yourself. Cost, house size, and amount of protection you desire are other factors that affect what is considered “best.” At the lowest end is a doorbell camera (battery or wired) that you can install yourself to monitor who is at your door, generally via an app on your smartphone. At the high end, there are package deals that include window and door sensors, internal and external cameras (with or without a control panel), night vision, motion detection, video security, voice control abilities, panic button/app for your phone, sirens, combined with smart home automation options and professional monitoring. Wired systems are generally more cost effective, but they include a more comprehensive and complex installation process. This may include getting into your ceiling and wall space to hardwire connections to power sources for transmission of signals. Because such systems are hardwired, they generally are more reliable because they will not run out of power as a typical battery powered system might. Most wired security systems also have a backup 24–48-hour battery option in the event all electrical power fails. While wireless security systems tend to cost more per each option, they have their positives: they are generally easier to install, are less invasive (use radio waves to connect and monitor your devices), and offer additional features such as the ability to remotely arm and disarm your security system, monitor your cameras from your smartphone, remotely lock and unlock an individual door, and connect to other “smart” devices in your home as well. Many popular tech sites recommend the following for DIY options (in alphabetical order): Frontpoint, Ring Alarm 8-Piece Kit, Simple Safe, Wyze. For pro home security systems: Abode, ADT, Vivint. Check these and other internet tech sites to read reviews for initial pricing and monthly cost for both DIY and professionally installed systems. You should be able to identify and prioritize your feature preferences to determine an approximate cost: n DIY or paid installation n Old or unused phones
“working” as cameras at small cost or new hardware n Number of sensors needed; amount of wire/ cable needed n Notification system n Back-up n Ease of use n Integration with other home technologies Most home security companies offer system bundles that range in price depending on the type and number of security products you choose. One size does not fit all. Consider this step one in learning about home security.
View the digital version of “Ask Cappie” monthly column by going to www. grandinfo.com. Click on the More News>Grand Lifestyles Magazine> to choose the month you want to view. Special thanks to Gail for sharing this Halloween photo of Finn, her 7-yearold Chihuahua-Miniature Pinscher mix. Finn is a master of dog treat puzzles and is an oldschool home-security system: he always lets the family know if someone is at the door even before they hear the doorbell.
Aly Cline Council Member
BBQ Festival Rescheduled
The RibFest Throwdown scheduled for April 23 & 24, 2022 at Mark Coronado Park is being rescheduled for fall 2022 due to a potential scheduling conflict. The new event name, dates and ticket information will be released in the coming months. This event is a live music and BBQ festival presented by the City of Surprise in partnership with national event company Forty8 Live!
Surprise Boards and Commissions
The City of Surprise is currently accepting applications for the Arts & Cultural Advisory Commission and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission. All Board/Commission positions are voluntary and you must reside in the City of Surprise. Applications are available online at surpriseaz.gov/boards. Please submit applications to the City Clerk’s Office in person by appointment or by email to clerk@ surpriseaz.gov. The Clerk’s office is available by phone at 623.222.1200.
Important Rules for Drivers, Pedestrians, Motorists and Bicyclists
DRIVERS
You must yield the right-ofway to pedestrians crossing the street in any marked or unmarked crosswalk. When the light turns green, you must still yield to pedestrians and vehicles in intersections. The law also requires vehicles to come to a complete stop at any school crossing when the crosswalk is occupied by any person. You may not pass another vehicle that is stopped for a pedestrian, even if you have a clear lane or a green traffic signal. In the interest of safety, if you see persons crossing any street, give them the right-of-way.
PEDESTRIANS
Keep in mind, in many instances and circumstances, it’s easier for you to see an approaching vehicle than it is for the driver of the vehicle to see you. Don’t assume an approaching vehicle sees you and will yield to you. Use crosswalks when provided or cross at an intersection. Make eye contact with the drivers of approaching vehicles whenever possible. Look before you step into a roadway. Even at a crosswalk, drivers must be given time to perceive and react to you stepping into the roadway. Avoid distractions, such as using phones or wearing headphones/earbuds, while crossing the road. Cross in a well-lit location at night. Follow all traffic rules, signs and signals that may be present where you are crossing.
MOTORISTS AND BICYCLISTS
As a motorist in Arizona, you always need to be aware of your surroundings on the roadways, whether it be motorcycles on the freeways or bicyclers on city streets. It is important as drivers and bicycle riders to adhere to all traffic laws and to watch out for one another on the roadways. In Arizona, it is legal for bicycles to ride in the traffic lanes, as long as they adhere to the same street laws as motorists. To be safe and avoid accidents, bicyclists should ride with traffic and be aware of hazards, cars and people around them. The Bicycle and Pedestrian Program from the Arizona Department of Transportation created a few safety tips to help you bike smart and bike safely in Arizona: n Ride on the right-hand side of the road n Always ride with the flow of traffic. Riding against traffic is very dangerous n Ride predictably n Follow the same rules motorists do; travel in a straight line without swerving into other traffic lanes. n Obey traffic control devices (signs, signals, lane markings) n Bicyclists must follow the rules of the road, just like other vehicles n Protect your head - always wear a helmet, even on short trips n Follow lane markings n Don't turn left from the right lane; don't ride straight in a lane marked "Right-Turn
Only" n Ride correctly through intersections n Use the right-most lane that goes in your direction. If you're heading straight, get in the through lane, not to the right of a turning vehicle n Signal before you move or stop - hand signals let drivers and others know what you intend to do next n Enter streets and intersections cautiously n Always check for oncoming traffic n Ride defensively on the road n Anticipate hazards and be ready to adjust your position in traffic n Don't ride on the sidewalk n Be visible and be seen - wear bright colors to increase visibility and make eye contact with drivers n Look behind you n Know how to look over your shoulder without swerving or losing your balance; side-view mirrors are an option n Make sure everything on your bicycle is in proper working condition before you ride
Meet and Greet
My next monthly Meet and Greet will be on Tuesday, May 24, in Sun City Grand’s Pima room at 6 p.m. I look forward to discussing the latest City news and answering any questions you have. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me anytime at aly.cline@surpriseaz.gov or by calling 623.222.1322.
City Council Meetings
The next regularly scheduled Council meetings are May 3 and 17 at 6 p.m., and City Hall is open to the public for inperson attendance. You can also watch live on surpriseaz.gov/surprisetv, the Surprise City Gov Facebook page at facebook.com/ cityofsurprise or on Cox channel 11.
MAY FAMILY ACTIVITIES
Please visit the various websites for face mask and safety guidelines.
Each month, we are proud to provide GrandKids Corner, a varied list of activity options for you, our Residents, and your families. SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE!
Herberger Theater Center 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix
n May 1–May 22, 2022 n www.herbergertheater.org/calendar/ n Recurring weekly on Sunday, Saturday n 5/7 & 5/21: Backstage Tours after 4pm Performance
A pop culture phenomenon returns to the musical stage! Academic subjects will never seem boring again when presented through megahits like “Conjunction Junction,” “Just a Bill,” “Interplanet Janet” or “Three is a Magic Number.” Schoolhouse Rock explodes onto the stage with songs you loved updated for a whole new generation!
SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE! is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com D-BACKS VS. COLORADO ROCKIES
Arizona Diamondbacks
Chase Field in downtown Phoenix
The Arizona Diamondbacks take on the Colorado Rockies at Chase Field in downtown Phoenix. CARDS, KICKS, & COLLECTIBLES
Bell Bank Park 1 Legacy Drive, Mesa,
n May 7, 2022 n www.BellBankPark.com/events n (480) 353-7058 n $10.00 n 11:00 AM–8:00 PM
Legacy Sports USA presents the First Annual Cards, Kicks, and Collectibles Show at Bell Bank Park.
The Cards, Kicks, and Collectibles Show at Bell Bank Park is a gathering of collectors, dealers, and any other groups interested in collecting trading cards, sneakers, and other related memorabilia. The Cards, Kicks, and Collectibles Show at Bell Bank Park will have a combination of local, and out-of-state vendors who are ready to buy/sell/ trade.
