Chicago, IL (EMZM) June 30, 2012

Summer provides plenty of opportunities to spend time with your family – and there’s nothing better than a hard-earned vacation. Unfortunately, that makes it easy for burglars to victimize empty homes under the cover of darkness.

You want your home to be SAFE, secure, and comfortable. You don’t want your home to become the target of criminal activity. But the shocking truth is that many families will experience burglary, vandalism, or worse. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics shows an annual total of 730 burglaries for every 100,000 people in the population. How can you ensure that your family isn’t one of them?

There are motion sensors, an effective alarm system, and if possible, joining a neighborhood watch. But Charles Otstott of SAFE Electrical says it’s simpler than you may think, “One of the easiest things you can do is install security lighting. Criminals don’t want to go anywhere near a home where they might be seen.”

“The Key,” he continues, “is lighting that reduces glare, shadow, and is energy efficient – you don’t want to break the bank protecting your home!”

Good quality lighting solutions include:

• A well-shielded low pressure sodium (LPS) fixture. The light is well-controlled, energy efficient, and produces no glare, giving maximum visibility.
• Well-controlled and installed flood lights or spot lights.
• Infrared sensor lights. These lights can even be programmed to activate an alarm. These are very cost-effective and offer good visibility when needed (for instance, when taking out the garbage or when there is an intruder).

It’s important to have a qualified electrician install any lighting fixtures. “The safety and security of your home and family isn’t the job for a rookie,” Otstott explains, “You want to be sure that when you need them, your lights function properly.”

You can’t put your life on hold for the Summer. But you can help ensure that there aren’t any unpleasant surprises waiting for you when you get home. A little forethought can save time, money and most importantly – peace of mind.

About SAFE Electrical Service (www.SafeElectricalService.com)
SAFE Electrical Service, located in Chicago, IL, is an electrical contractor with over 20 years’ experience in residential and commercial electrical service.

Chicago, IL (EMZM) June 19, 2012

Summer brings an increase in storm activity across the United States.  While you may not live in a state that is prone to hurricanes, tornados and thunderstorms occur almost nationwide—and cost thousands of dollars each year in damage and lost goods.

Your home insurance will typically cover damage caused by winds and lightening.  But most insurances do not cover the expensive electronics in your home that are destroyed by power surges during storms.  And not just possessions are ruined.  Outlets, light switches, bulbs, and air conditioner components can receive irreparable damage.

Does that mean you’re at the mercy of the weather?  Hardly.  Eriks Kancs from SAFE Electrical Service, “The best protection is prevention.  Meaning, you may not be able to insure your electronics, but you can ensure that they are protected to the best of your ability through home surge protection devices.”

These devices fall into two categories – point-of-use surge protection and service entrance surge protection.

“Point-of-use surge protectors help protect appliances and equipment from power surges created within the home.  You can get them at most electronics stores from $20 to $100, and simply plug them into your electrical outlets,” Kancs continues, “However, service entrance surge protection is more complicated.  It protects the entire electrical system including plugs, switches, and motors.  But installation of these devices requires a qualified electrician, and if you want to install the device at the meter, you must have the permission of the utility company.”

Who provides your service is almost as important as the service they provide.  That’s why in order to help local residents prepare for the storm season, SAFE Electrical Service is offering the free report “5 Things to Look For When Hiring An Electrical Contractor” to homeowners.  Just call SAFE Electrical Service at 708-361-1555 and they’ll send it along.

Remember, whether you opt for total system protection or simply point-of-source devices, surge protection is a measure that can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars in appliance and equipment replacement costs.  And uninterrupted comfort is priceless.

About SAFE Electrical Service (www.SafeElectricalService.com)
SAFE Electrical Service, located in Chicago, IL, is an electrical contractor with over 20 years’ experience in residential and commercial electrical service.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) July 05, 2011

The down economy hasn’t slowed SAFE Electrical Service. The Chicago electrical contractor increased its sales 52 percent over last year for one simple reason: customer referrals. Direct customer referrals drive nearly 20 percent of new business, says Charles Otstott, general manager of SAFE Electrical Service. That number doesn’t include referrals from other sources, like Angie’s List, a subscription service where members submit reviews about service companies in their local area.

What’s driving these referrals? Ask Otstott and he’ll tell you, “Service is the first and last thing a customer sees and remembers. It is also the defining moment in the referral process.”

Contractors use referrals and testimonials as a way to acquire new customers when job prospects are low. As reported in the San Antonio Express-News last April, home remodeling is on the rise, but homeowners are calling in electricians only for the toughest projects. What’s more, the weaker activity in the new housing market, according to The Beacon-News, has reduced the demand for electricians.

Actual testimonials from repeat customers like Katie Lynch help differentiate SAFE Electrical Service from other electricians in Chicago: “I highly recommend SAFE Electrical Service for any electrical needs. I worked with Charles for a number of jobs: installing new outlets, fixing old outlets, installing lighting fixtures and bringing electrical service to a new site.

“He is knowledgeable, on time, leaves very little mess and is easy to work with. I expressed my need and we discussed the best way to accomplish the job. Charles gave me a number of options to consider and in the end we came to the best solution for my situation and budget. I will use SAFE Electrical Service again.”

The company’s goal is to provide a satisfying customer experience, every time. Its attention to detail, strong work ethic and dedication to excellence has helped us stay competitive, even in a struggling economy.

“Service is a valuable asset to everyone, customer and company alike,” states Otstott.

About SAFE Electrical Service (www.SafeElectricalService.com)
SAFE Electrical Service, located in Chicago, IL, is an electrical contractor with over 20 years’ experience in residential and commercial electrical service.