Home Security

Home invasions have been making a lot of news lately mostly because of the violence that happens in them.

It might be worthwhile to explain the difference between a burglary and a home invasion. Home burglary is committed by a person who usually acts on his own who is unarmed and is looking for a quick snatch of valuables from your house. The faster the burglary is, the better it is for the burglar. A good burglary usually takes no more than 3 to 5 minutes.

The value of goods taken in the average home burglary is somewhere close to $1800. The damage done to the home during a home burglary is another $1800.00 on average. So it can be expensive.

The chances of getting caught are minimal to start with. But if the burglar should get caught, the penalties for a home burglary are a joke. That is why burglary is such a low risk enterprise.

A home invasion, on the other hand, is much more dangerous. Two or more people usually do them and they are usually armed. Their intent is to commit robbery usually with a firearm, making it armed robbery which has far greater penalties. Home invaders are usually looking for drugs and because they are armed, their threats are much more dangerous. Violence usually accompanies a home invasion.

Statistics show that a surprising number of home invasions start at the front door of a home. Many people, when they hear a doorbell or knock on their front door reflexively open the door without checking to see who is there. A big mistake! Before you open your door to anyone make sure you know who’s there and don’t, under any circumstances, let a stranger into your home.

It only takes 2 seconds, once the door is open, to get into your house.

The best thing you can do is to prevent a home invasion. If you are a victim of one here are some things that you can ahead of time to mitigate the problem.

First of all develop a family strategy. If someone should gain illegal entry into your house the first step would be a fail-safe way of getting in touch with authorities. Many a home invader has been caught red-handed because people acted quickly. That should be your first step.

The second step should be to have some self-defense products available. A stun gun or a pepper spray may disable the assailants long enough for you to get away.

Do what the home invaders ask. Your life and the lives of your family are worth far more than whatever the home invaders are asking for.

Follow these tips and you may avoid one or survive one.



By: Bill Chicoine


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24 hour alarm monitoring is a common security strategy for homes and businesses. When the average person thinks about what this means, they envision a system based primarily on a series of invasion sensors, however it is much more than that. Today, a secure 24 hour alarm system relies on a combination of technologies including a camera-based motion detector system, centralized monitoring, and an advanced central control system utilizing video recordings. In order to ensure round-the-clock protection, there are several additional technologies which can make this possible without intruding on daily life.

One of the most common elements of 24 hour alarm monitoring is cameras. This could be one or two simple cameras aimed at entrances or a web of cameras throughout an entire property. Regardless of how many are used, they will always be active, which means they are always providing a layer of protection. Additionally, by making sure that the cameras are easy to see they can be a visual deterrent as well. Today cameras can either store images in an on-site server or to an off-site unit maintained by a security company.

Another important element of a 24 hour alarm monitoring system is a variety of sensors. The most common types of sensors that many people take for granted is their fire detector or heat detector as well as an invasion sensor. Combining these sensors can protect any property from a variety of different threats. They offer round-the-clock protection against invaders as well as expensive property damage caused by fires. Additional sensors which have become more common include motion-detectors, infrared sensors, magnetic sensors, and gas sensors. All of these provide protection against some form of threat at all times.

A technology that has become increasingly popular, especially with the power and versatility of smart phones, is remote control capabilities and a convenient user interface (UI). Using a phone or laptop, it is now possible to control the lights, heat, door locks, alarms, and even the opening and closing of curtains. These functions are easy to operate on a smartphone or a personal computer utilizing specifically designed programs.

By having access to these functions remotely, it is easier to maintain an appearance that someone is actually on the property. In most cases, criminals who attempt to break into homes and offices do so when no one is around. By creating the perception that someone is always on the property and active, the threat is already substantially diminished. Along with threat protection, control over lights and curtains also provide a greater sense of comfort when entering and leaving the home.

The final aspect of 24 hour alarm monitoring is having a plan of action in place. If a situation ever does arise then it is important that the correct parties know exactly what to do. In many cases, security companies will alert homeowners and business owners of the reported threat and automatically take action on their behalf. On the other hand, some people and businesses have all of the alarms sent directly to their phone and decide what course of action should be taken. If an emergency does arise, the alarm will send a signal to local police, hospitals, or a security service in order to provide rapid dispatch services. This type of fast response is critical to minimizing damages. Regardless of which methods of security are used, deciding the appropriate reactions to an alarm must be decided upon beforehand.

The Eclo’s Total Security Solutions packages are engineered to provide 24 hour alarm monitoring, which includes controlling, central monitoring, alerting, and dispatching services.



By: Jeffrey K Adams


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There are home security systems and then there are home security systems. While many middle class Americans opt for so called cookie cutter options or even for more fancy affairs with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, sensors on all doors and windows, glass break detectors, and even motion detectors, there is a higher end spectrum where price isn’t much of an issue.

High end security systems are quite varied in form and function; however, there are some features that those with loose budgets should consider.

Integration: Just as you have your home theater system connected to your computer, you can bundle up your home security system and connect it to everything else. The idea is to make each component talk to one another, to communicate. You can easily tie all your systems together through your computer. Using a program like Digilinix, you’ll be able to control everything from your TV to your garage door through your computer. This makes it easy to view surveillance footage on your computer or flat screen TV; you can even record it and play it back with your DVR.

Occupancy Sensors: Another feature to add to your home security arsenal is an occupancy sensor. This does more to save electricity and to help out with the global warming issue, than it does to save your home from thieves, but it’s still a great feature. Occupancy sensors consist of passive infrared detectors and door contacts which detect when someone’s in a room. If there is no movement for a significant amount of time, it will shut the lights off in that room and adjust the temperature as well.

Customized WAV Files: Some innovative home security companies have devised applications that go hand in hand with integrated systems mentioned earlier. One such company out of Washington state has created an emergency soundtrack, as it were, to play during a situation. These WAV files can be customized to play, for example instructions if an intruder were detected on the grounds. This audio system would only be triggered after security personnel working off-site verified the presence of the intruder. Of course, the possibilities of WAV files are endless, if you think about it.

Remote Controls: You use a remote control to switch on the television, to operate your air condition, to open the garage door, and to turn on your stereo, so why not have a remote for your home alarm system. Some security manufacturers are coming out with remote control capability that allows users to monitor and control their system when they are away from home. These remote controls are basically something akin to a small web server. They work through the internet, allowing home owners to view surveillance videos and receive alerts to their cell phones and other mobile devices.

Customized Alerts: This means putting sensors under an aquarium, for example. If the tank breaks and no one’s home, the security company can call the repair man in and have him save the fish and fix the tank too.

Of course, these are just of the few high end goodies on the market for more upscale customers. Browse the web for more exciting home security developments.



By: Levi Mortenson


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Home Security Systems have a lot of different pieces. Knowing what these pieces are and how they work will help you decide what you need to build a complete alarm system for your home or business.

The main part of any burglar alarm system is the control panel. This panel is usually hidden in a closet, basement or mechanical room in the house. It is the brains. All of the other parts are controlled by this unit. The control panel also contains; a battery in case of power failure and an auto-dialer for calling a monitoring service. It also has all of the necessary contacts for any non-wireless equipment.

Detectors:

Glass-Break: This detector works just like the name implies; it detects the breakage of glass. When glass is broken, it emits a sound at a specific wavelength. This detector monitors that wavelength and alarms when detected.

Motion: These detect any motion in an area. Their sensitivity, on many models, can be adjusted. Many modern motion detectors will avoid being set-off when any small pets are moving in the room.

Door/window contact: These devices are set-off when a door or window is opened. These can be located inside the door/window frame or can be attached to the sash of the window or to the door itself.

Fire Alarm: Most people don’t know the fact that you are more likely to have a fire in your house than to have a burglar. But, modern home security systems can incorporate a fire alarm as well.

Water Detector: Have you ever had a water heater or washing machine flood your house? Well, there are water detectors that will set off your alarm system when a water leak is detected.

Carbon Monoxide Detector: These are just as important as a fire alarm detector. Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and basically undetectable by humans. This one detector could save your life.

Other Parts:

Control Panel: This is the keypad unit. Functions of the alarm system are controlled from here (turning the alarm on and off, entering a key code, and setting up the system).

Remote Arming Fobs: These are small fobs (like remote car fobs) that you can put on your key ring and turn your alarm on and off with just a touch of a button. Some even have the capability of controlling lights in the house.

Light Controllers: Your alarm system can also turn lights on in the house when activated.

Horns or Sirens: These alarm (very loudly) when your alarm is triggered.

Cameras: Another one of the self-explanatory parts of the alarm system, but not easily understood. Video surveillance cameras come in a large variety of types. The modern home security system can also be remotely accessed. What that means is that you can access any of your cameras from any place there is an internet connection. My suggestion to you is if you want video surveillance then talk with a professional to get the exact product for your needs.

Digital Locks: These are great if you have kids at home. You can add a code for every person in your family and know when they get home.

As you can see, there are many parts to home security systems. We didn’t even get into the fact that many come in wired and wireless configurations. Also, a lot of these components can be included in small business security.

In order for you to get the right alarm system for your needs, it is a good idea to talk to a professional. At least now, you are armed with knowing some of the components and how they work.

In order to have the most effective burglar alarm system, I would also recommend a monitoring service. This will give you extra peace-of-mind knowing that your loved ones are protected.

Finding a reputable home security systems specialist is a daunting task. If you are in Denver, Colorado (or another major city in Colorado) there are professionals willing to help.



By: Russell Roberds

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Home security is a big issue these days and home invasion is getting a lot of publicity not to mention home burglary. This pan tilt color camera allows you to see who is outside your front door or back door by turning on your TV from the comfort of your own living room. If you would feel threatened you can call the police rather than answer the door.

With one out of six homes on an annual basis, the victim of a burglary is it any wonder that products like this home security camera are so popular?

There are many things that homeowners can improve their home security like joining or starting a “Neighborhood Watch” program or put a warning sign about your “vicious guard dog.” Those are both effective tools and they are free.

Seeing a security camera outside a front door or back door or anywhere on a homeowners’ property is one of the most effective deterrents to home invasion or home burglary.

This is the coolest home security camera you can get. It is a pan tilt color camera that is 7″ x 5″ x 2.75″ and it includes 66 feet of cable but you can add an additional 55 feet of cable for 121 feet of cable run.

It is completely weatherproof and is geared for outdoor use. It has night vision capability that gives you the opportunity to see up to 16 feet in complete darkness with the six night vision LED’s. The camera can pan left to right 180° or tilted up-and-down 180°.

The camera will operate in rather extreme temperatures up to -5° and has an IP 44 rating for water resistance.

The automatic pan capability allows the camera and turn once and stay for 5 seconds in that position and then rotate five more times and stop.

The control box requires a 12 volt battery that is used to power the camera and will support two cameras. It comes with an infrared remote control. The control box can be hooked up to a VCR or DVR or hard drive on your computer.

This Home Security Camera is a pan tilt color camera and is a good example of how high technology has met the needs of homeowners for home security to prevent home invasion or home burglary. As a home security camera or security camera for your business it is one of the best.



By: Dave Artman


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One of the biggest reasons why a lot of people don’t have an advanced home alarm system installed at their residence is because they think they are too expensive. This is one of the most common misconceptions regarding such systems. The truth is, not having such a system can be a lot more expensive in the long run. In fact, not having one could end up costing more than you’re ready and willing to spend. There are other misconceptions that need to be cleared up as well. In the end, you’ll probably come to the realization that such a system needs to be a part of your home as soon as possible.

First of all, it has to be established that an alarm system is as effective as it claims to be. No matter how inexpensive something is, who would want to pay for that something if they think it will be of no use to them? When it comes to home alarm systems, it starts with the intrusion detection technology that will be installed throughout your home. Criminals will be trying to enter your home through windows and doors, and that’s exactly what’s first on the list. Sensors will be installed on them that will detect when they have been opened. In the unlikely event that a criminal gets past those door and window sensors, the motion sensors inside will surely catch them. Those motion sensors will be installed in every important room in your house and placed such that motion in any part of the room won’t go undetected. Motion sensors are necessary because a criminal may find another way in. For example, they may try breaking a window and crawling through it. Once inside, though, it will basically be impossible for them to go undetected any longer.

As soon as a criminal is detected, the alarm will sound loudly and immediately notify the ever-vigilant home alarm system company. They’ll dispatch the local police to your house, who will be on the scene within minutes. A criminal would be wise to make a run for it as soon as they hear the alarm because they won’t have any chance once the police get there. The ironic part about the effectiveness of these alarm systems is that your system may never actually be tested by a criminal. As soon as they see that alarm company sign posted in your front yard, they’re probably going to skip your house altogether.

So how much does such an advanced home alarm system cost? The cost on the surface can be as low as $1 per day. The real cost is what could happen to your home should a criminal successfully burglarize it, or worse. If you’re like most people you have your home stocked with expensive electronics like computers, high definition televisions and gaming consoles. Imagine coming home one day from work to an empty house. You could end up paying thousands of dollars to replace all the things that were stolen. If you think about the situation that way, a home alarm system ends up sounding like pretty cheap insurance for all of your stuff.



By: Levi Mortenson


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Considering a home security system? You have a lot of options – so many that it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

Do you want a wired or wireless system? Security cameras or monitoring system – or both? Do you want infrared sensors, day/night cameras, two way voice communication? How about fire alarm monitoring as well as burglary?

When choosing a security system for your home, it’s important to step back first and look at your options. What may work for you may not work for someone else’s home. Different homes need different types of protection.

And you also need to consider your budget as well as your comfort level. For example do you want your home to be shut up tighter than Fort Knox? Or do you just want a fake security camera with an ADT sticker out front to deter potential burglars?

These are a few considerations before choosing the right system for you. But when it comes to the actual system part – what options do you have?

Here’s a brief overview of your basic choices:

#1 Home Alarm

This is usually a siren that goes off when a monitored door or window is opened. The alarm sound can potentially scare off burglars and alert homeowners that someone is in their home.

The upside to a home alarm is that it can be more affordable than some other options. The downside is that if the burglar knows you’re not home and you just have a basic alarm, they probably won’t be deterred from cleaning out your stuff and moving on.

Another downside is that if you or your kids are home, someone needs to have the presence of mind to call the authorities if somebody does break in. And this can be difficult in an adrenaline-pounding situation.

You can sometimes find a home alarm that will auto-dial a certain phone number like the police if it is set off. However be aware that if you have a false alarm, you can get charged a hefty fee if this happens.

#2 Home Monitoring System

This is what most people think of when they consider a home security system. A home monitoring system means you have a third party service like ADT or Brinks monitoring your home for burglary, fire, carbon monoxide etc.

When something goes wrong, the system sends an alert to the monitoring center. The center then contacts the homeowner and/or the proper authorities.

The benefit to this is that you have a reliable 3rd party looking out for your home so if something goes wrong you don’t have to worry that you (or your kids) won’t have the presence of mind to call the proper authorities.

Another benefit is that you can often customize the service to give you exactly what you need including adding nanny-cams, wireless viewing, email alerts, etc. The downside to this is that there is a monthly monitoring fee.

#3 DIY Home Security System

These are usually wireless out-of-the-box systems you buy and set up yourself. There are a wide variety of options here from basic to very complex. You can get security cameras, DVRs, motion sensors, etc.

A benefit to doing it yourself is that you may be able to save some money and you can also customize your system to be as simple or state-of-the-art as possible.

The downside is that you have to make sure you’ve got enough coverage for your property. There are some very cheap do-it-yourself systems out there that are easily disabled in less than 10 seconds so you don’t want to take a chance on protecting your home and family, just to save a buck.

#4 Home Security Cameras

You can buy these on their own or often as an entire system which may include indoor and outdoor cameras, video monitors etc. This is more of a do-it-yourself option however you can get a monitoring system like ADT to add in security cameras as well.

The benefit to this option is that you can constantly monitor what is going on in your home – even from your iTouch or laptop computer. You can see who is at your front door. You can see who’s pulling up on your driveway. You can even keep an eye on your nanny or a caregiver for your elderly parent.

So those are some basic options you have when choosing a home security system. Each one has it’s advantages and disadvantages. Every home is different and I recommend you take some time to familiarize yourself with the options you have and what kind of protection you personally are comfortable with.



By: Christopher Winters


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When many people think of do it yourself home security, they assume that performing any kind of home protection upgrade on their home will be complicated and frustrating. The truth is that following a home security how to does not have to be complicated. So, if you are interested in making some inexpensive and relatively simple home security upgrades to your home, it’s important that you know where to start. One of the most commonly overlooked home security issues is the condition of door jams, locking mechanisms and window locks. Many people will move into older homes and never even think about how old and weak the doors and windows might be.

In case you think that the locks on your doors and windows could use and upgrade, there are some easy things you can do to increase your level of protection against a home invasion. One of the best home security how to projects to complete on your own, is to install a deadbolt on your front door. Many people are satisfied with locking their doors via the door knob handle. What these people don’t realize is that the most common ways for thieves to enter a home is by kicking in the door.

Following this home security how to – to install a deadbolt is a great first step toward making your home as safe as possible. The first thing you need to do is to visit your local hardware store or home improvement store and pick out a new door lock kit. These kits will usually come with all of the necessary screws you’ll need to get the job done. Take note of the ***** length. The screws that you use on the door strike plate should be long. The longer the better. Once you’ve returned home with your new deadbolt, it’s time to examine the door frame. If the wood is splintered or rotten, you might want to consider replacing it, because it does no good to attach a strong lock onto a weak door frame.

Once your door frame is in order, you should gather all of the necessary tools to complete the job. The tools that you’ll need will most likely be listed on the dead bolt packaging, but will most commonly include a drill, a hole saw, a hammer, a chisel and a screwdriver. Now it’s finally time to begin attaching the new door hardware to the door frame. The next steps include drilling a hole in the door and installing the latch to the door frame.

As long as you can follow a few simple directions that come with your new deadbolt lock, you should be fine. Updating your home security doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact there are quite a few ways to improve your level of protection against break-ins that don’t require a lot of money or know how to complete.



By: Amy N. Howard

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Vandalism is “willful or malicious destruction or defacement of public or private property.”

According to statistics from the Bureau of Justice, graffiti is still the most common type of vandalism. It does billions of dollars in damage every year and contributes to the poor financial condition of almost every major city in the country. Most “taggers” as they are called are males between the ages of 12 and 21 who belonged to a gang.

If graffiti is removed within 24 to 48 hours, that is key to successful prevention. When it comes to home security, vandalism to your car or home is more the issue. What may seem like a slight “key” job is major car vandalism.

Nothing can devalue your home faster than graffiti or vandalism to your home or in your neighborhood. Defacing private property is another low risk crime-right up there with home burglary.

If you are under the misguided impression that police can protect you against vandalism, that just isn’t realistic. They may not even be able to catch the guys that did it, much less prevent it. The only ways you can catch vandals doing damage to your home is to catch them red-handed or have video proof.

The costs of vandalism escalate every year. This year it is estimated to reach $20 billion in damage to public and private property. Many cities cannot afford to repair the damage done because of budget constraints. Colorado Springs is such a city. Recently a terrible accident occurred on a stretch of I 25 that runs thru the city. That particular stretch of highway is dangerous anyhow, but especially at night.

Several months ago vandals stole the copper out of dozens of street lights along that section of road making the lights inoperable. The city claims it can’t afford to repair them making the roadway even more dangerous.

Vandalism to your home or car can be very expensive too. Here’s a way to catch the bad guys. It is the Video Patrol Home Security Camera. It is designed for outdoor use and can withstand any inclement weather. It is an inexpensive outdoor security camera.

The video patrol outdoor security camera can take 75 minutes of motion activated video or 26,000 still photos. It is effective up to 23 feet away, but does not have night vision capability. To take pictures at night you need motion activated spotlights, for example. All videos and photos are date/time stamped. It uses a 2 GB SD card to record the images but will support up to an 8 GB card. It is one of the most effective tools you can get to catch the bad guys doing car vandalism too.



By: Dave Artman


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Both homes and businesses can be made significantly more secure by installing a security camera to monitor all activity in a certain area. There are different sizes and types available, and each one serves a specific purpose. Knowing the difference in each one will help you to decide which one is best suited to meet your specific budget and needs.

The importance of home security continues to grow rapidly across America, and there are more choices now than ever to choose from. There are numerous ways to maintain your home’s security, and this may include installing one or more cheap security cameras, digital security systems, or other types of hidden cameras.

Home security cameras vary in cost, design, and size. There are some, such as the indoor dome cameras, that are more discreet and inexpensive than others, but also tend to have far fewer features than the larger, more expensive cameras. The larger ones are designed specifically for outdoor use, are weatherproof, and have infrared sensors. Indoor and outdoor cameras are both available with black and white or color monitors depending on the model that you choose.

The vast majority of home security cameras work through a series of long cords and can be a real pain setting up. If you do not want to deal with that hassle there are also a wide variety of wireless and network cameras that you may choose from. While these do usually tend to be more expensive than the typical home security cameras, they are much easier to use and install.

For those people on a budget, a cheap home security camera is all that you really need. These low-cost cameras have become much smaller and more discreet, and allow home owners the ability to better monitor their family, possessions, and property without having to rely on the aid of inconveniently large devices. They may even be routed to laptops to allow users to monitor the safety of their home while they are on the go.

Home security cameras are available in a wide variety of formats, and there is one suitable for the needs of each home owner. Some of the more popular types include the bullet, c-mount, and dome cameras. Each one offers different benefits in field of view, resolution, and visual distance, as well as a wide variety of lenses and other options depending on the specific model that you choose.

A home security camera system is a strategically placed collection of security cameras that is intended to capture all of the action in one specific area from every possible angle. The system may consist of only one or two cameras covering one single area of interest or valuable item, or there may be multiple cameras in every room of the house, some of which record sounds along with visual information.

One of the more popular types of security cameras for nanny supervision is what is commonly referred to as a mini security camera. They are tiny, unobtrusive devices that let people watch any area in secret. They come either pre-mounted in a small case or dome, or are also sold unmounted, which allows the purchaser to put them wherever they wish such as inside smoke detectors. Even though they have a very limited field of vision range, they are still very effective if positioned correctly.

Everyone can benefit from having a home security camera installed in their place of residence. Take the time to learn about the details of each one, and choose wisely depending upon your budget and specific needs.



By: Cecilia Montrose


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