Home Security

When we talk of home security the first thing that springs to mind is alarm systems, however there is much more to it than calling in your local alarm installer. A comprehensive home security strategy starts with visual deterrents.

While many burglaries are spontaneous, opportunistic crimes that can be prevented by simple deterrents such as security lighting, many are also well planned team events in which the perpetrators have conducted significant field research into your neighborhood and most importantly your property The professional burglar does his homework and the first step in his decision making process is the elimination of unnecessary risk.

While obviously houses in dark streets, with rear or side lane ways surrounded by heavy foliage are a burglars delight because of the natural cover they provide, the surrounding topography of your neighborhood is not the only home security discriminator for the burglar.

So what type of house is attractive to the burglar? The simple answer is one that looks easily accessible.

The first key discriminator for burglars when it comes to choosing which house in the street to rob is the presence of visual deterrents. Visual deterrents are your first level of security protection and the first features of your residence to be examined by the burglar.

Home security visual deterrents include external intelligent lighting, home security alarm system monitoring warning signs, perimeter fences, lockable gates, garages and/or sheds, visible and audible alarms, CCTV cameras, home security screens, active neighbors and our faithful hounds.

In order to provide a base level of home security, visual security deterrents are a necessity. Often, simply placing a security alarm warning sign in a prominent place at the front of your premises, whether your home is fitted with an alarm or not, will get your house struck off the burglars list. Visual deterrents are a powerful tool in your home security arsenal and do not have to include expensive technologies.

Remember, in the initial analysis of potential burglary targets, it is the criminals perception of your security capabilities that is important. Visual home security deterrents, whether real or perceived work.



By: Chris Hopkins

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They say an expert is someone who takes a subject you understand and makes it confusing. I hope I don’t have the same impact on this subject. Explaining security to your children is something that should be simple, but I have found can be over thought out, making it more confusing then it should be. The simplicity of the subject is that you are responsible for the safety of your children, and if you do nothing to protect them because you think they may be traumatized over something they presently have no fear of, then you are over thinking the subject. I have designed countless home security systems for families that have experienced a break-in. They also thought it could never happen to them.

If you want to discuss traumatized, that is a traumatic experience. Children have a much more difficult time feeling safe again after having had their home broken into then wondering why their parents are installing a home security system. Before I got into the security industry, I personally had to explain to my five year old son why someone would break into our home and steal his bike (among other things). I would have preferred to just explain why we need a security system, and how to use it.

I’m not a psychologist but I have designed home security systems for years and have personally seen the effect of having a home violated, has had on children. Adding security to your home need not add any trauma to your family if you present it in a positive light, security should be treated as a good thing. Children see news all the time as to bad things that happen, even cartoons are filled with bad things happening, so it is not news to them that they need protection. The important thing to consider is how to present it to them. Presenting the need for a home security systems is a matter of making it age appropriate. With younger children you can talk about setting up an invisible force field to protect their family from bad guys, just like the one protecting Batman’s Bat Cave (or whoever is their super hero). Explain how no bad guys can get into your home because of this force field. Your children will take their cues from you and your attitude. By introducing security as something they can relate to it becomes something they like to use. Making it fun takes away all the fears of having a security system.

The other area affecting children is parents with teenagers who think that because their children come and go at all hours, that they will constantly be setting it off. As if for some reason teenagers are not capable of turning off a security system. That is probably the most common response I get for delaying putting in a home security system. It is true that the more people using a security system the more opportunity for false alarms, but a false alarm is not a big deal. It is a much bigger deal to have your home burglarized, or worse. I had one teenage girl who could no longer sleep in her room because of a peeping tom, who she was afraid would come in through a window. Teenage girls are targets of a lot worse things then burglars.

A home security system gives them peace of mind when mom and dad are away. If most false alarms are turned off within 15-20 seconds it won’t even dial the alarm company, if it does dial the alarm company, still no big deal. The alarm company will call, your teenager will give the family password and the alarm is canceled. Teenagers are capable of giving out a password. My daughters trip the alarm every month or so and not once have the police been dispatched. They find it humorous, as I do except when it happens before I wake up in the morning.

Here’s the bottom line; too many bad things happen to families who think that they could never happen to them. I believe the internet has emboldened pedophiles, and that as a result children are at greater danger than ever before. As a parent you’re responsible to protect your family, and one of the greatest tools that you have is a home security system. Don’t over think the subject, get a system and give your children a true sense of security.



By: Wm R Thomas

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Is your swimming pool safe? Here are some facts to consider:

• A person can drown in a few inches of water within a few seconds.
• Most child drowning accidents (and deaths) occur while the victim is being supervised.
• In most instances the child was out of sight for less than 5 minutes.
• Most drowning victims are under the age of 5.
• More than 300 children, under 5 years of age, drown in swimming pools, in the U.S. each year.

A drowning typically happens very quickly and without warning. When the safety of loved ones is left solely to the watchful eyes of humans, the chances of an incident are far greater. Implementing mechanical swimming pool security precautions can’t completely guarantee against accidental drowning, but it certainly can minimize the risk. Security fencing and a wide variety of alarms are readily available to assist with swimming pool security.

Perhaps the most simplistic and most commonly overlooked security feature is fencing. Fencing can be permanent or removable. In its simplest version, one can purchase mesh nylon fencing that can easily be attached to existing columns or attached to decorative posts that are placed around the perimeter of the pool. Prefabricated metal panels are also an attractive and affordable option.

Assuming you have fencing in place, gate alarms are a very effective safety feature. The alarm is mounted directly on your pool’s gate. They are battery powered and emit a loud alarm when the gate is opened and the magnetic field is broken. The alarm can be temporarily disabled by when an adult presses an override button. Installation is simple. One minor drawback would be the need to constantly monitor the battery strength to ensure the alarm is functional.

When the pool is accessed by a door leading from the house, an audible door alarm is a valuable security item. As the door opens a loud beep or chime is heard. Door alarms can be powered by batteries or the home’s electrical current. Sometimes these alarms become a nuisance due to the fact that they’re activated every time the door opens. This can be annoying when adults or older children create the primary flow of traffic. Consequently, if the alarm is disengaged to avoid the annoying sound, you’re left with an unsecured entry point for your pool. Window alarms operate in similar fashion and might be of use if the pool could be accessed by opening a window.

Perimeter alarms use laser (infra red) light to create an invisible beam of light around the pool. When the beam is broken, by someone (or something) walking through it, it will cause the alarm to sound. The installation is very flexible but appropriate measures should be taken into account. It should be mounted low enough that a crawling child would activate it. However, be mindful that if a large pet has access to this area, it will constantly trip the warning device. Perimeter alarms can be rather expensive.

Wrist alarms are a relatively new product. These alarms are placed on the child’s wrist and locked into place. The wrist alarm communicates with a base station. The alarm on the base station is activated when the wrist alarm becomes submerged in water. A single base unit can support several compatible wrist alarms, making them reasonably inexpensive. Be warned, however, that these units are not operable in salt water.

Certainly any one of these security measures will help to create a safe swimming environment. However, it might be wise to consider a combination of these safety measures. Losing a child to a drowning accident is a horrible tragedy, but the odds can be greatly reduced by utilizing some of these options.



By: Bob Garret

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There have been many cases where people have spent tons of money getting the latest gizmos to ensure tight home security, but eventually failed in their motives, as their houses got easily robbed. They paid for not checking whether the structure of the house was secured and sturdy, and being overconfident about the home security system, thus committing careless mistakes, which proved to be very costly.

Doors And Windows

For total home security, all external doors have to be sturdy with dead bolts and padlocks installed in them. They have to be secured by a sturdy door, if they are not strong enough to withstand a shove or kick by burglars. Make sure that the strike plates are in place, ensure that the frame is strong with screws fitted tight and ensure that the hinges are on the inside of the door. In case the door opens outwards use non-removable pins on the hinges. Check to see if re-enforcers are installed around the doorknob and dead bolt to prevent it from giving away when the door is manhandled. If French doors are used use flush bolt or cane bolt locks to secure them. Glass doors and sliding glass doors need extra security using slide rod locks. Secure windows with track locks or cane bolt locks, dual ***** window locks etc.

Burglar Alarms

These are great devices to alert perhaps the neighborhood when an unauthorized access is made to enter your house. Though expensive, it helps to scare away potential thieves due to the noise and fear of being captured. These alarms could be simple devices that just emit an alarm startling the thief and alerting the homeowner or could be sophisticated devices that are connected to the local authority. Sometimes people use the alarm to alert them by calling their cell phones when they are away from home. Some alarms are connected to the Internet and send emails to the homeowner who can access them from cell phones. Wired and wireless alarms have offered homeowners who are concerned about home security a wide choice of features, price and specifications. Be sure you choose a good alarm system that is fail-safe, reliable, and with good after sales service and friendly qualified staff to help you with installation. Be sure that you have pet proof motion detectors installed to prevent frequent false alarms.

Be sure that you are always careful, alert, and do not give burglars a chance, as you carelessly left the doors or windows unlocked. It will not only be a chance to loose your valuables but could also endanger those you love. Home security is necessary to ensure your safety, so do not compromise.



By: Milos Pesic

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A lot of homeowners think twice about installing a home alarm system in their houses. Some think that it’s just not worth the trouble while others believe that the cost is too much to bear. They just rely on a plain old fence to ward off any home invaders or any other potential threats they may encounter. A home security system is not just an alarm system, as it does not only alert you but will definitely save you and your family’s lives.

No chance of invasion. The primary benefit of having home security system installed in your home is the intricate features it has in enveloping your entire home with an anti-burglary system. This means that no matter what angle a potential threat enters from, the security system will go off. Of course, this depends on what time of home security you get. These days, no one is ever safe. As much as you may want to think that your neighborhood is a secure area, an intruder will always find a way to get to your home. When you have a home security system, it also wards off anybody who has a common sense in recognizing the equipment you have. They will not even attempt to enter your home knowing that you have top notch home security.

The safety it provides. Most home security systems not only sound off alarms, but also alerts the company that provided you with it of a potential breach. If you aren’t familiar with the process, once the alarm goes off, the system sets off a notification in which the security company will be alerted. You will be contacted to see if everything is all right and if it’s not, law enforcement will be sent to check out your home. Now that’s a security feature for you! Whether you are home or outside the city, you can be sure that your home will remain safe from any intruders.

Saving lives. Think about an instance that you have fallen asleep. You will not know, without home security, that an intruder is already in your home and presents himself as a danger to your family. You may never know what is happening until it is already too late. With a home security system, the lives of your loved ones as well as yours will be saved. By alerting the authorities of potential threat, a lot of harm can be avoided from happening.

You can never really put a price tag on the safety of your family. While you may think that the cost is too much, the value of your family is even greater than that of a substantial amount. You would be actually spending more if damage is done and theft happens in your home than it is to set up a home security system.



By: Chuck Morris

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When considering your home security situation, you’ve no doubt thought about home alarms, cameras and even a safe room. These are all great ways to prevent crime, especially theft and home invasions. But, you do need to cover all your bases. The world today is incredibly unpredictable. Things happen and you cannot stop everything, however you can be prepared. One relatively old but still incredibly useful home security tool that hasn’t gotten much attention these days is the panic alarm. Even if you already have a fully armed home alarm system, consider the panic alarm as a simple but worthwhile investment. It complements any security system.

Panic alarms aren’t just for the elderly or for juvenile delinquents. Panic alarms bring help with the push of a button. In any emergency situation, a panic alarm can be reassuring. Panic alarms can easily be installed as part of your home alarm system; in an emergency, they can be used to signal for help whether it be for a medical situation or a break-in and robbery. Many businesses such as banks and jewelry stores and even hospitals install panic alarms as an added security measure, as assistance can be called in quickly, without any fuss.

So just how does a panic alarm work? The mechanics are simple, really. A panic alarm is activated when someone pushes the button. A signal is then sent out to a monitoring service or local emergency services who will then respond to the alert. There are many different types of panic alarms-you’ve got a small, hidden silent alarms usually used in the event of a crime or break-in; these types of alarms usually send out an alarm to an on-site monitoring service in the case of businesses or a central monitoring service in the case of homes and private property. The most important aspect of the panic button is that the perpetrator or criminal isn’t aware that security services have been alerted. Panic alarms can easily be mounted on a wall with activation buttons, such as the type you would see in airports or other public areas where security is heightened. Additionally, you’ve got alarms that can be carried on your person. These are portable and go where you go; they can easily be carried in a purse or pocket.

Many elderly people use this latter type of security alarm. These are generally known as a medical alert panic buttons and are commonly worn on the wrist as a bracelet. When it is pressed, a signal is sent out to a home console which dials an alarm monitoring staff. These alarms work via internal batteries, which are usually waterproof and shock resistant.

The concept has been carried on to home security systems as well. These are typically called holdup alarms and they allow a person to covertly trigger an alarm to summon the authorities. Although you often find these types of alarms in banks, retail stores and other businesses, more and more home owners are integrating them into their own home alarm systems. The trigger can be a button, a money clip, a foot rail, a pen etc. Also, in the event that the intruder orders the home owner to shut off the alarm system, these panic buttons can be a life saver. Usually, users can enter in a special duress code without the intruder knowing.



By: Natalie Ingram

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One average there is around one break-in/burglary every twenty seconds, with around one in five homes being broken into on an annual basis. Therefore, it is absolutely paramount that you have a good security system set up in your home. In this article you are going to learn more about do it yourself home security systems that will help you to keep your house as safe as possible.

A crucial element of any do it yourself home security system are visible deterrents- these are things that would-be intruders see, and are then put off by, thus preventing a break in in the first place.

A good example of this is security company stickers stuck in all the major windows of your house; any local security firm will provide you with these, and they will make a potential intruder think that your house has a good security system in place. You can also install mock security cameras around the outside of your house, and large window and door locks to ward off intruders.

Motion sensor lights in the main entrances to your property are also a good idea, as these have a very proven track record for reducing break-ins (especially at night) You can pick them up for very little from most electronics stores, and you can also install them yourself.

Choose locations such as outside your front and back door, as well as outside your garage if you have a separate one to the rest of your house. No sound do it yourself home security system is complete without at least one of these; they are definitely worth the minor investment.



By: William P. Jones

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A home alarm system can certainly alert you and the local authorities that an intruder is attempting to break into your home.   This same alarm will hopefully scare off the intruder; never to return.   However, there are a handful of other measures to take to prevent intruders regardless of whether you have a home alarm system installed or not.
It seems obvious, but it can’t hurt to re-state the importance of locking your doors when you leave your home or go to bed at night. Even if you live in what you would consider a “safe area”, you just never know. Avoid keeping spare keys under mats, on top of door frames, in planters, or in your mailbox. These are the first places an intruder might look.   Find a more secure hiding spot or better yet give to a neighbor to hang on to for you. Store in a shed or the garage ladders or outdoor furniture that can be used to access top floor windows. Intruders know that often second floor windows are left unlocked and if it is easy to get up to them, they will. Keep the shrubbery and trees along the foundation of your home cut short and thinned. Make it so not one bush can be used to hide a person easily. Organize a neighborhood watch program in your community. These programs can make a significant impact on reducing crime and fear in your area.

Before heading on an extended trip, there are steps to take to secure your home and its belongings while you are gone.  The key is to make your home look as if it is occupied and give away no clues to the fact you have been away and might be for a while.
Be careful not to advertise that you will be out of town. Many people post on social networking sites their every move. Updating your status with “leaving for vacation now” is just the invitation a thief wants. Ask neighbors or relatives to watch your house while you are gone. See if your local police department will also keep an eye on your home. Stop mail and newspaper delivery or have a neighbor take it in every day. Have that same neighbor bring in any packages that may arrive when you are gone. Leaving a delivery outside of your garage for days is a dead giveaway that nobody is home. Arrange to have your lawn mowed or snow shoveled if needed. Install a handful of self-timers on lamps to turn on at dusk and off at bedtime. Make sure to stagger the times the lamps go on and off.   All the lights going on at the same time is obvious to anybody watching your home.   Also install timers on televisions or radios to turn on and off at different times each day. Turn the ringer down on your telephone if it can be heard from the outside. Have a neighbor, relative, or friend change the positions of your window treatments each day.   Preferably mimic the pattern you regularly make when you are home; open during the day, closed at night.



By: Elizabeth Dennis

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Selecting a good home security system can be tough, as you will have to be sure to select a good, reputable, customer friendly firm with excellent after sales service and reliable security systems. Home security systems are available in different price ranges to suit all budgets. A good home security systems not only gives peace of mind, as you have secured your house, but also will be a deterrent preventing burglars from gaining entry into your house easily.

How To Select A Good Home Security System

o Do some research and contact all vendors who offer security systems within your budget and the check for the quality of the products. Check the firm’s reputation to see if it is a legitimate and authorized business and get quotes from different vendors.

o Decide on the kind of home security system that is needed. Check if it will suffice to have a standalone option installed or will it be better to have a central monitoring system.

o Compare their product’s features, costs, after sales service, reputation, and warranty. Check references by other customers and see if they are satisfied with the product and the firm. Ask them if the system is reliable and if it did send any alarms when needed and if the local authorities responded quickly. Ask them if the features of the products were explained carefully and if all contracts were straightforward without any hidden clauses.

o Usually the firms send representatives to check your home and assess your security needs, listing limitations if there are any. The number of motion or contact sensors, cameras, lighting needs etc. that may be needed will be listed by him. Once you have an accurate security needs analysis done, you can invest within your budget to get the maximum possible security. It always helps to invest in a good home security system as insurance companies offer a discount on policies if good security cover is provided.

o You could always ask friends and relatives to recommend a good security system provider and could contact them to find out if they have a system that is within your budget. Make sure that the system will be serviced regularly and has power back-up facilities in case of power outages. Be sure to understand how to operate it. It will be better if the company had a good technical staff to guide you, in case you need their help.

Home security systems are essential these days when burglaries are on the rise. Do not compromise on quality, as it always pays to invest in a good home security system.



By: Milos Pesic

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