Central Illinois Security Blog

The winner of the CIS starter security kit!

Kathy Wheeler — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 10:28:36 -0500

We recently attended the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce 2024 Golf Outing and had a great time! Thanks to everyone who stopped by hole #9 to say hello to Scott Parker and Sara Linn. And congratulations to Joanna Smith with J Collective Homes, who was drawn as the winner of the starter security kit from all of those who registered to win!

Originally posted at https://www.centralillinoissecurity.com/Blog/Posts/17/Uncategorized/2024/6/The-winner-of-the-CIS-starter-security-kit/blog-post/

CIS Staff Expands for Champaign, Decatur

Kathy Wheeler — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 10:28:11 -0500

Central Illinois Security, Inc. (CIS) welcomes Sara Linn of Auburn to the team as an account executive for new and existing business development. Linn brings two decades of customer service experience and over six years of expertise in the security and technology sector for the benefit of central Illinois customers. To accommodate increased demand, she will focus on the eastern service area for CIS, including Champaign, Decatur, and surrounding communities.

Professionally, Linn supports the interests of central Illinois businesses by building relationships within the community as a board member for Local First Springfield and as a member of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce and the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce. Personally, as a wife and mother, she cheers on her family, along with the Auburn Trojans and the St. Louis Cardinals.

Contact Sara Linn at 217-787-4970 for assistance with your residential and commercial needs for the planning and integration of security systems, fire alarms, video surveillance, control systems, and video conferencing solutions.

Originally posted at https://www.centralillinoissecurity.com/Blog/Posts/16/Uncategorized/2023/11/CIS-Staff-Expands-for-Champaign-Decatur/blog-post/

From a satisfied customer

Kathy Wheeler — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 15:26:25 -0500

A residential customer contacted us recently to share progress on their new home construction.

"My wife and I are finishing our new build and have had multiple issues with contractors’ craftsmanship, lack of attention to detail, and communication. The one company that has done a fantastic job was CIS and specifically Kenny Micheletta, who I initially met with and have worked with along the way. Not one issue with the install or communication I’ve had with Kenny. I wanted to pass this along on a job well done and will recommend CIS in the future."

Zach R.

Originally posted at https://www.centralillinoissecurity.com/Blog/Posts/15/Uncategorized/2023/10/From-a-satisfied-customer/blog-post/

Video Conferencing Solutions from CIS

Kathy Wheeler — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 13:59:24 -0500

Did you know Central Illinois Security provides video conferencing solutions? Our meeting room services include:

System design and configuration
Installation and AV integration
Room scheduling
Training
Ongoing Support

These videos will show you the different types of meeting room configurations we can design and install:

Your needs and budget guide the set up for your meeting spaces, using equipment you can operate the same way, from any location, for a consistent user experience. Contact us to schedule a free video conferencing evaluation. We’ll work with you to design and install the best system based on your requirements.

Originally posted at https://www.centralillinoissecurity.com/Blog/Posts/14/Uncategorized/2023/7/Video-Conferencing-Solutions-from-CIS/blog-post/

CIS Reaches 30-Year Milestone

Kathy Wheeler — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 14:27:35 -0500

March 2023 marks 30 years in business for Central Illinois Security, Inc. CIS has been providing security and control services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year since 1993. That’s 10,950 days and counting! While CIS has maintained our mission to provide unparalleled products and support to our residential and commercial customers for three decades, technology has changed drastically.

At the time CIS was founded way back in 1993, CERN had just released the World Wide Web (WWW) into the public domain, enabling its widespread use. By the end of the year, the first webcam had been connected to the internet and 623 websites were launched.

In 2023 the world looks vastly different and moves at the speed of technology. CIS has kept pace by expanding its expertise beyond security systems, fire alarms, and video surveillance into networking, automation/control systems, and video conferencing solutions.

Looking towards the future, CIS remains dedicated to evolving as a company that homeowners and businesses in central Illinois can count on. To celebrate our 30^th anniversary, CIS will extend the following discount offers to current and new customers through the end of the year. If you’re thinking about a new security system, a cellular upgrade, or adding new equipment like a keypad or video surveillance, now is the time! Contact us for more details and to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation home or office evaluation.

CIS 30^th Anniversary Specials

30% off installation fee on all upgrades for current customers.
30 days free monitoring for new customers, new customer rate applies thereafter.
Discounts valid through 12/31/23.

Originally posted at https://www.centralillinoissecurity.com/Blog/Posts/13/Uncategorized/2023/3/CIS-Reaches-30Year-Milestone/blog-post/

Home Expo in SPI, IL February 4 - 6, 2022

Kathy Wheeler — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 16:10:17 -0500

Central Illinois Security will exhibit at the Home Expo in Springfield, IL February 4 - 6, 2022. Come see us at the Bank of Springfield Center and check out all the latest trends in home building and remodeling. You can register at our booth for a chance to win a home starter security kit, so make sure to stop by and say hello! Find all event details at http://www.BuilderEvents.com.

Originally posted at https://www.centralillinoissecurity.com/Blog/Posts/12/Uncategorized/2022/2/Home-Expo-in-SPI-IL-February-4-6-2022/blog-post/

Comcast Customer Security Assurance Phone Scam

Kathy Wheeler — Thu, 06 Jan 2022 15:04:36 -0500

Two Central Illinois Security customers with surveillance systems were contacted recently by phone from callers claiming to be with the Comcast Customer Security Assurance Department. These customers were informed that hackers had been discovered using their internet for fraudulent purposes. The scammers next proceeded to ask questions about their security setup and try to obtain personally identifiable information.

We checked directly with Comcast, and they assure us the Comcast Customer Security Assurance Department never contacts customers. Anyone who has been affected by this phone scam should call Comcast at 1-844-963-0185 to let them know. This is a reminder to never provide personal information to unsolicited inquiries. Please share this threat with family and friends you feel need to be warned.

Originally posted at https://www.centralillinoissecurity.com/Blog/Posts/11/Uncategorized/2022/1/Comcast-Customer-Security-Assurance-Phone-Scam/blog-post/

RE/MAX Professionals SPI IL Trunk or Treat

Kathy Wheeler — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 10:14:33 -0500

We are proud to sponsor the RE/MAX Professionals Springfield IL Trunk or Treat on October 19 along with LRS Education Services. Make plans to bring your kids in costume to this safe, family-friendly event to celebrate Halloween!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1479551315752673/

Originally posted at https://www.centralillinoissecurity.com/Blog/Posts/10/Uncategorized/2021/9/REMAX-Professionals-SPI-IL-Trunk-or-Treat/blog-post/

3G-4G-CDMA Transition in Mobile Communications

Rebecca Eilering — Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:12:00 -0500

Issue #1: If your security system currently uses cellular monitoring, the 3G-4G-CDMA Sunset transition in mobile communications networks may impact you adversely.

Over the next two years, US cellular providers plan to “sunset” 3G, 4G, and CDMA networks to free up bandwidth for faster LTE/5G signals. In fact, this process has already begun. This means if you installed a cellular communicator a year ago or longer, your security system will not be able to communicate with our central monitoring station.

CIS Solution: If you are not 100% sure whether your security system will be affected, give our office a call at 217-787-4970. We will confirm what cellular communicator you are currently using and determine if you will need an upgrade.

Issue #2: If your security system currently uses POTS (Plain Old Telephone System) phone lines, switching to cellular monitoring will save you money and increase your safety.

Land lines are rapidly disappearing because of high maintenance costs and widespread cell phone usage. Eliminating the expense of the obsolete POTS line retained only for an alarm system will also improve your overall security.

CIS Solution: We can help you switch to cellular monitoring, which will remove the ability to cut phone lines in an attempt to deactivate a security system during a break in. Furthermore, your security system can be enhanced by upgrading to a cellular communicator. You may be able to add remote control of the alarm and home automation features like door locks, lighting, thermostat control, and even a video doorbell!*

Please give us a call with any questions about your system and how it may be affected by the coming 3G-4G-CDMA Sunset changes to the cellular networks, or if you wish to move away from an outdated phone line connection.

Sharon Wilson, General Manager
217-787-4970
service@centralillinoissecurity.com
Contact Us Form

*Some security systems may require upgrades to take advantage of these features.

Originally posted at https://www.centralillinoissecurity.com/Blog/Posts/8/Uncategorized/2021/9/3G4GCDMA-Transition-in-Mobile-Communications/blog-post/

New 10-Digit Dialing Requirement for Area Code 217

Rebecca Eilering — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 10:13:00 -0500

With the recent change to a full 10-digit dialing directive in our area, CIS wants to assure you that we have you covered!

As of February 27, 2021, Illinois residents living in the 217 area code are required to dial full 10-digit phone numbers, which includes the area code, for local calls. This new 10-digit requirement for area code 217 has implications for security and fire systems using regular phone land lines only, NOT systems using cell units.

CIS has been working behind the scenes to program this update remotely; however, in some instances direct access to a system on premises is required, including for all Simplex panels.

As a reminder, your system should be tested every 30 days to ensure functionality. If you haven’t tested since February 27th, please be sure to check your system now. A keypad displaying “FC” (failure to communicate) indicates your system needs to be updated. To ensure your safety, please contact us to resolve your issue and bring your system up to date.

Thanks for your trust in our service. We continue to deliver your security and control system needs in the most secure manner possible. Please contact us with any questions or concerns regarding this 10-digit dialing directive.

Sharon Wilson
General Manager, Central Illinois Security
217-787-4970
service@centralillinoissecurity.com
Contact Us Form

Originally posted at https://www.centralillinoissecurity.com/Blog/Posts/9/Uncategorized/2021/3/New-10Digit-Dialing-Requirement-for-Area-Code-217/blog-post/

COVID-19 Virus Continuity Statement

Kathy Wheeler — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 10:07:00 -0500

Central Illinois Security is committed to providing the highest quality service to our customers. That commitment remains unchanged as everyone deals with the impact of the COVID-19 virus. Rest assured we have appropriate safeguards in place to continue providing expert service and support to your organization.

As the rate of COVID-19 infections has decreased and restrictions have eased, our employees have returned to working in our offices. We are working to ensure the work environment is safe for our employees, which means frequent and extensive cleaning and providing hand sanitizer and face masks.

We continue to limit onsite customer visits to emergency situations and carefully assess the risk of meeting with groups of no more than ten people total. Our goal is to minimize the chance of exposing employees and customers to infection.

If you have issues or requests, please do not hesitate to ask us. We are ready to help in any way possible during this crisis. Just contact your CIS representative as usual.

We value our customers. We want to ensure your health and safety along with the health and safety of our own employees. Thank you for your continued business and your patience as we all deal with this crisis.

Originally posted at https://www.centralillinoissecurity.com/Blog/Posts/4/Uncategorized/2020/4/COVID19-Virus-Continuity-Statement/blog-post/