Friday, December 21, 2007

Choosing A Surveillance Product

Today, while homeowners are away making a living or away on vacation, homes are left empty for large amounts of time, leaving homes and possessions unprotected. With burglaries and home invasions more pervasive than in past times, homeowners are taking measures to protect themselves from these invasive threats. One technique on the rise is the use of surveillance equipment.

There are many different types of security and surveillance products on the market, from high-tech surveillance systems to do-it-yourself alarm systems. Having a well-designed plan and choosing the appropriate surveillance product for your home is important for optimal security and protection.

Fake surveillance cameras are exactly that, fake! They are inexpensive look-alikes that are designed only as deterrent. These fake cameras are only mounted to a building and are not wired to anything, therefore unable to record. The only advantage to this type of camera is its price and ease of installation.

If your security plan requires the monitoring of only one area a wired surveillance camera may best serve your purposes? These cameras are fairly simple to install. However, there are models on the market that do require specialized technicians for installation.

Wireless surveillance cameras, in comparison to wired systems, are more flexible. They can easily be relocated throughout a property and there is no wiring to reveal the cameras location. And unlike its wired counterpart, these cameras can be networked with greater ease. Following the installation instructions, the property owner can install many wireless devices.

A more conspicuous device is the covert surveillance camera. These systems are the James Bond of the surveillance camera market. These cameras can be placed in regular looking items, such as a doll or potted plant, and allow the property owner to observe activity without provoking suspicion. These systems, although more expensive, are a great interior monitoring device to observe the activity of, for example, nannies, babysitters, and store cashiers.

For areas where lighting is low, night vision surveillance cameras are recommended. This style of camera produces strictly black and white images. To produce a black and white image requires less light than the production of color. Many corporations, shopping malls, and parking complexes use this type of camera to monitor their parking lots because of the lighting situations found in those locations.

The most common surveillance camera purchased by homeowners is the home surveillance camera. Generally, this camera system is packaged into a complete kit, providing the homeowner with all the necessary wiring and hardware, to include detailed instruction, for installation.

There are many surveillance products that can be used for home security. There mechanisms differ on the situation in which they are to be used. The most basic is the home security cameras that can observe and record every corner of a home using internal and external night vision cameras. If you are indecisive of the surveillance product you need a security camera kit can be pretty handy since all you need to do is plug and play. Another useful surveillance product is the security quad processor that is capable of networking multiple security cameras and playing them on one monitor. There are other useful products as well that can be found and are convenient security experts like RF modulators, DVR recorders, Internet monitoring of security cameras, wires and other accessories.

There are many factors to consider when planning the purchase of a home surveillance system and the success of any security system is dependent on the expertise of the installer. The layout of the home, the exterior lighting, wiring systems, and other factors must be evaluated as part of your home protection plan. Most professional security companies highly recommend that a qualified technician perform the installation of a surveillance system. The Internet provides listings for practically every home security need, the producers of the products available, and detailed information about the company’s products and reputation.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Home Security For Peace Of Mind

In today’s world home security is no longer about having gates locked or a dog prowling the yard. Today, home burglaries take place with alarming frequency. Federal statistics indicate that home burglaries are climbing toward ten percent from 2004. Why such a rise? The reason is that security in convenience stores, malls and gas stations are using monitoring cameras and security alarms to protect their employees and assets. This causes the thief to seek other means of revenue. Your home!

There are seven reasons to consider a security system for your peace of mind:

1) As stated earlier, home burglaries and invasion have risen from past statistics. The thieves or drug users of today have no problem entering your unguarded home and taking whatever money they need or items they are after. In addition, more families are two income families. This means there’s no one at home for large portions of time. If there are children, often they are left with a nanny or babysitter. In some instances these individuals need to monitor.

2) The installation of a security system will help the homeowner protect property and possessions against any intruder and, depending on the homeowners needs, can even give an “eye” into the activity of those looking after your children. It’s an effective way to protect your home and the loved ones.

3) The surveillance systems on the market today are relatively inexpensive, when compared to home protection. In addition, most surveillance cameras are easy to install when following mounting and networking instructions, if there are more than one camera involved in your home protection plan.

4) Most surveillance systems of today can be integrated and interfaced to alert security personnel or police. In an emergency situation, the appropriate home or business security system, can instantly transmit a call to 911 and simultaneously record the activity. This is very useful information for insurance companies and the courts.

5) Surveillance cameras are able to record any event that takes place on a property. In the event of vandalism or fire, the recorded event will definitely assist law enforcement in prosecution and insurance companies in processing a claim.

6) Home surveillance should not be considered as merely a present investment of protection for the property owner. Home security systems increase the marketable value of one’s property. Today’s property buyer wants the security of the investment.

7) The security system packages in today’s market are various and diverse. This variety gives the homeowner or renter a wide range of options in developing a quality security program. For apartment renters subscribing to a monthly security program could prove to be an economical way to protect possessions and loved ones. These subscriptions operate much like subscribing to the telephone or cable company.

In today’s world home security has become more than making sure the doors are locked and gates secured. The criminals of today have become adept to navigating simple security systems. But with a comprehensive security plan the homeowner can record these navigations, should a thief dare. With the appropriate surveillance system loved ones can be protected from unsuspected individuals. And lastly, surveillance systems are very useful to law enforcement and the courts. A dog’s testimony is nothing but a yelp, but the evidence captured by a surveillance camera is a bite in crime!

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Basic Knowledge about Home Surveillance

When it comes to assuring the safety of your home, one thing that you have to remember is that compromise is not an option in this respect. You would always want the best for your home and you would never want to lose out on your assets by way of thefts when you could have done something about the entire situation. Therefore, in order to familiarize yourself with the basic concepts of home security, it is very important for you to know the various terms that are used in the home security systems front. This would include identifying the systems that are ideal for your house and ignoring the systems that are a bit too much of an add-on for your home. One thing that you should know is that there are many options available when it comes to choosing home security systems and any quick decisions in this respect could just as well be the gravest of errors that you could have ever made.

You will find that most of the home security systems that you may come across aren’t that difficult to install. Sometimes, with respect to finding the right security systems, you may just feel to give up your search since it could be frustrating to find the one that exactly suits your home safety needs. That’s because, if you opt for one home security system, there will always be a question lurking at the back of your mind and each of these questions will always begin with the two words “what if…” Therefore, in order to make this process much easier, it is important that you identify your needs and what you expect your home security surveillance systems to do for you with respect to providing the best security system that your house could ever ask for.

Surveillance circuit monitors and other security systems are the ones that you usually tend to come across nowadays and the best part about these systems that they are not all that difficult to operate as one would imagine them to be otherwise. Another advantage of many of these home security systems is that they are really inexpensive which makes them al, the more popular among the customers who want the best for their homes. One best thing about the security monitors is that the signal that the cameras pick up can be broadcasted in any of your rooms at your own convenience. Therefore, it is really important that you know what you’re talking about especially with the sales people who are trying to sell you expensive security systems that you really don’t require. This requires you to have some knowledge with respect to the different security systems available in the markets and the best system that would actually suit all of your home security needs. Once you have acquired the basic knowledge about home surveillance and other security systems, the rest of the process should be like a breeze for you.

In order to ensure that the quality that your security system gives you is perfect, it is important that you opt for the security systems manufactured by the same company itself. Other factors that you have to consider with respect to getting the best out of your home security surveillance systems include the lighting in your rooms, the sensitivity of the motion detectors, the resolution of the monitors, etc. Comparing the various options that are available at your disposal, you just might get your hands on the best that home security systems has to offer and that too at an affordable price.

Friday, December 14, 2007

Common Sense Home Security Tips

It is not unusual to be concerned about the safety of your house and its valuable assets from the insatiable eyes of the thieves that can strike anytime in your house and wipe you off leaving you empty in your pockets. Therefore, be assured, since thinking about the safety of your house is nothing but natural and the best thing is that you can do a lot to protect your house in that respect. Just like you take care of your computer by installing the latest anti-viruses, anti-spywares and other firewalls, protecting your house from the burglars is no more different. It is important that you ask yourself some questions, which would help you to determine how safe your house is. They would include questions like whether you have ladders or any other tools that a thief could use to break into your house, whether you have any sort of alarm which could alert you of any possible break-in, etc. If all these questions point out that your house isn’t safe from the burglars, it is about time that you do something about it.

Firstly, you have got to remember that thieves would generally avoid those homes that are always occupied by residents. However, mistaking this fact to mean that you family would be safe could be the greatest mistake that you could have ever made. Burglars would stop from doing anything, which means that to get to the loot, they could even harm your family. However, you would be just as helpless when you have been robbed off your belongings when you are not there in your home at all. Now that you know about the risks that involve with respect to a burglary, it is important that you be aware of some common sense that could come a long way with respect to protecting your house as well as its valuable assets from any possible break-in and the best thing about these tips is that it is much more easier than the pain staking installation of the anti-viruses that you do in order to protect your computer systems from any virus threats.

Don’t forget the keys: Handing out the keys of your home even to your friends could be the biggest mistake that you may have ever done. It is important that every family member knows where exactly you keep your keys all the time so that you know what to do if any of them are missing. Never use those traditional techniques of hiding your keys under the mat or in a flower vase, since that’s exactly where the robber would look for them in the first place. And always keep separate key bunch such as for your home, for your car, etc.

Strangers beware: this may seem like the same advice that your mother always gave you when you were a child. Never let any stranger into your house come what may. It is important that you teach your kids to follow this advice all the time. If someone needs some help and asks if he or she wants to make a call, don’t let them in your house. You can make the phone call for them if they really are in any kind of trouble.

Keep your doors and windows locked all the time: This tip goes without sayings that in your absence, always keep your house locked, including your windows. This proves to be a great habit and it greatly reduces any chances of any break-ins. Locking the windows would also include locking the windows of your attic.

Don’t show off your valuables: Your house is your home and not a museum or a jewelry shop where you put up all the valuables on display. Doing this is only inviting unwanted attention from the criminals who lurk around your neighborhood looking for an opportunity to strike big.

The last tip and probably the most important one would be to remain alert all the time. Home security systems are a good investment and if you don’t already have one, go get one right away.

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Choosing A Home Security Company

Thefts and burglaries seem to have become very common in this day and age and as a homeowner, if you are not equipped with what it takes to protect your home, you are as well sitting as a duck that may as well be the next target of your neighborhood cat burglar. The safety of your family, your home and its valuable assets should be given the number one priority and if you’re up to the challenge of putting up a fight against these adamant thieves, then a home security system is probably the best solution that you have, or is it?

When we talk about home security systems, the first thing that comes to your mind is surveillance cameras, burglar alarms, motion detectors and other examples of what the modern day technology has to offer with respect to protecting your house. All you have to do is simply conduct a research and you will find a variety of DIY home security systems available in the online as well as the offline market places. At the same time, a thought that always comes to mind is that if you yourself can install a DIY home security system without breaking a sweat, it could be very much possible for a burglar to foil your attempts in protecting your home. The constant risk of these DIY home security systems is that you are informed about the burglary only after the event has taken place. You may as well lost thousands of dollars before you check the surveillance tapes for the robbery in your home. Therefore, in order to avoid these worst-case scenarios, it would always be advisable that you invest for a home security system that is monitored by a well-established home security company.

Trusting your home and its belongings on a reputed home security company is perhaps the best thing that you can do to assure the safety of your home. Once the security surveillance systems are installed in your home, these home security companies keep a check on your house for any unusual activity. This means that whenever you’re not in your house and if any burglar even attempts to break into your house, the alarm is immediately tipped off, in the event of which the home security company either sends someone to check the house or they might just call the police and allow the officials to handle the matter thereon. This, however, depends on the service that you have signed up for with the home security company. This means that the home security company gives you the option of either sending in their professionally trained security staff or calling up the police in the event of any theft taking place in your house.

Another best thing about these home security companies is that they are the ones who would always be there for the maintenance of you home security systems every year or whenever the situation calls for immediate maintenance. However, one thing that you shouldn’t forget that all this definitely doesn’t come for free. This means that these companies charge a certain fee for their services, so get ready to shell out some dollars for the installation as well as the monthly service charges. One best thing about these home security companies is that they can greatly lower your insurance premium payments since the insurance companies often offer a discount for those houses which are more secure.

Some of the things that have to be kept in mind when availing such services of a home security company would include you to do some research about the company, i.e., how long has the company been operating, whether the company is insured or not, checking the background of the home security staff, etc. Home security companies often offer their services once the clients have signed a particular contract. Hence, it is important that you go through the contract thoroughly so that you don’t find yourself opting for the expensive security add-ons, which you really don’t require.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

How to protect your home using Home Security System

We all worry about the security of our homes, especially when we have a family to take care of. How do we make our homes as threat-proof as possible without turning it into Fort Knox? Obviously, nobody wants to live in a prison, but is there anyway of making your home completely safe from all intruders? The answer to this question is quite obviously a no! If someone wants to get into your home, they will do, but there are many ways and means of ensuring that your home is as protected as it can be and also for ensuring that it doesn’t look like an easy target.

Intruders look for homes that appear vulnerable. If you have an open window or gate, or valuables in full view of anyone that happens to pass by, you are increasing the dangers of your home security being breached. One way in which you can repel any intruders is by having a clearly visible alarm fitted to the front and back of your home. You can get some great “dummy” alarms that are less costly than full home security systems, but still look like the real thing. It just means that it isn’t worth the intruder breaking in to find out whether or not it is real!

Home Security Systems can be a little costly, especially if you decide to have a fully monitored system, as this generally includes annual subscription charges. However, a price cannot be put on you and your family’s safety. So if you can afford to pay more for a better quality system, it could prove to be a good investment, especially if you have suffered the traumatizing experience of having a break-in.

If used correctly, the security systems can be a great relief for you and your loved ones, and reduces a lot of aggravation. Claiming after a break-in, with the police and insurance companies, is a very time consuming and irritating process, and anything can reduce that risk, is obviously a good thing.

When thinking of investing in a home security system, you should think of how the cost outweighs the risk. Better quality systems will incur a bigger cost, but if you are in an area where home security is threatened regularly, the cost may be worth it in the long run. You should make sure you shop around for the best deals and arm yourselves with as much information as possible so you know exactly what options are available and how much different packages cost. Don’t just opt in for the first one that you may see, as you could find that other companies may offer a cheaper deal. You should also find out exactly what is offered in your deal before you sign on the dotted line, and work out if there are any extra hidden charges you may have to fork out for.

There are so many options available, from the simplest to the ridiculously complicated depending on the level of security you are looking for. Obvious things like signs that say your home is protected and visible CCTV cameras and alarm systems are by far the easiest and cheapest way to make sure that an intruder knows that there will be trouble if he or she decides they want to break in to your house. Broadcast the fact that you are protected and you will have less of a risk than those who have no security whatsoever.

All in all, the decision of home security systems falls on you and your personal choices, but there are people and websites dedicated to helping you find the best ways to protect your home. After all, nobody can put a price on the safety of not only you, but your family as well, and we all know the devastating effects burglary has on a family. It really does pay to be protected.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Importance Of Home Security

As animals do various things to provide security of their home, man being an animal is no different. He does a lot towards the improvement and security of his home. History shows that man from the beginning of time covered the entrance to their caves with large boulders, preventing any animal or rain, snow or any other severe effects of climate.

As time moved forward and he was able to train animals like dogs, he found a guard for his home. After the invention of doors, locks and keys, it made his home safer. But with the passage of the time, with the evolution of the human brain, there also came an increase in crime. A simple lock was not enough to protect his home. With the enhancement in technology, various new means of home protection was introduced.

According to a survey, forty percent of home burglars were able to enter houses due to the lack of secure locks and doors. Electronic locks with some sophisticated software provided the ability to track and access the locks. The user can open the lock connected to the network just by the click of a button. This kind of technology is widely used in offices and commercial areas.

Another outstanding progress made was the invention of the fingerprint door lock. These locks are designed to attain a very high level of security. Their sensors have the ability to recognize fingerprints. Biometric fingerprint Internet banking USB key, Biometric fingerprint time and attendance and Biometric fingerprint embedded modules are some of the stunning examples of fingerprint locks.

Grade 1 ANSI (American National Standard Institute) launched a wide variety in deadbolt locks for exterior usage such as the outer door or the door of the garage. Due to the increasing demand for ANSI locks, their replica products are also widely available in market. It is very difficult to distinguish between the real product and the duplicate, but they cannot provide a quality as that provided by ANSI locks.

Regardless of the type of lock, the quality of the door is very important. Its thickness, texture and lock selection play a key role in home security. The simplest and the most insecure lock is the knob lock. Deadbolts are of two kinds: internal and external. To secure the home with the best lock on the door is the cheapest way compared to other home security items such as alarms, cameras and security networking.

The Internet helps in the selection of an appropriate door along with the right lock for their homes. Many websites introduce the complete range of products in conjunction with their prices for any particular company. Many companies provide special offers to motivate people by fulfilling its demand with top quality products.

Statistics by the US bureau of Justice have revealed that thefts on property were at a staggering fourteen million and eighty three percent of these attempts were successful with the thieves entering the building or house located on the property. Using the right security alarm can help protect you, your property and your family from any untoward incidents that can cause danger. Home security alarms, security systems and automated monitoring systems have been designed to send messages, calls or make loud sounds if your house has been intruded.

It is a better to be prepared by enhancing your home security since nothing can be more important than your home. This is where you and your family and belongings. Once you have these systems in place only then can you be sure of a sound sleep and a home with the latest technologies is definitely not an easy target for burglars. There are numerous places to get your home security in order, from getting experts to install it or even installing it yourself. If you want to install it yourself then there are forums available online that will guide you through the whole process and even show you loopholes that you could miss.