With the level of crime across the country seemingly getting worse, it is hard for homeowners to ignore the need for adequate security for their homes. Especially for those who live in the suburbs or in the country areas that are not so well populated one aspect of securing the home that needs to be considered is getting home security gates.
Home security gates are mainly used to limit access to your property thus enabling you to have some control over who gets onto your property for whatever reason. The same is true for persons who you do not what to see or entertain.
There are many advantages of getting home security gates installed. Most home security gates operate via a keypad, which will open the gates at the entry of a code or password. There may also be an intercom system attached to the whole system where whenever someone comes to the gate they will use the intercom to identify themselves without you having to leave the house.
Home security gates provide homeowners with some degree of security and operate as a buffer between your home and the undesirables out there. These gates offer protection from thieves and robbers who are always waiting for the opportunity to take advantage of any situation. Home security gates are not easy to force open so intruders cannot get into your property using a vehicle.
Home security gates are very easy and convenient to operate. A remote is usually used to open the gates so you will not have to leave the house or get out of your car to open the gates. They usually operate on a timer so once a number of seconds have passed they will automatically begin to close. Some gates even have a sensor that will detect when an object is in the way and will not close until it has been removed. You can also close the gates by using the remote.
They also give you some safety where children are concerned. Children can be protected from persons entering the property hence they will be safely inside and pets cannot wander off the property. Other animals can also be kept off the property where they can do damage to the home or cause harm to someone on the property.
You can also use them to provide you with some degree of privacy. These gates can be made of many different materials and if you get one that is solid wood or metal you can prevent persons from peeping or spying on you and your home. They can also be used to stop drivers from using your gateway or driveway as way to turn their vehicles or to park them.
Another benefit of having home security gates is that of lower insurance rates. Many insurance companies will offer you better premiums if your home and its perimeter are well protected. If they are well designed, home security gates can add value to your home and if they are stylish and pleasing to the eye, can also improve how the home looks.
Along with advantages come some disadvantages. One of the major problems with most home security gates is the use of electrical power. These systems work well under normal conditions but if there is any loss of the power supply the gate will also lose power and cease to work the way it was intended. It will become necessary to acquire a backup power source like a generator. Some systems however, can be operated manually if the power is lost.
Many of the home security gates can be costly, especially if they come with security cameras at the gate so you can see who is at the gate. The cost will increase depending on the size of the gate you want for your home and the type of material you would prefer to have it made from.
They have to be serviced on a regular basis. As with any machine they can malfunction or simply go bad, so regular servicing may be needed. But the bottom line is everything comes for a price and so does security for home. Although home security gates are costly and requires maintenance, the security provided by it is really beneficial.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Can Home Security gates be useful?
Posted by rica at 9:37 PM 18 comments
Labels: Home Security
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Hidden Cameras and Home Security
Hidden video cameras, also known as “nanny cams” or “spy cams”, are tiny cameras designed to be concealed in almost any conceivable item, from a shirt button to a houseplant. Since the advent of 911, this type of camera has become a security and monitoring tool used in many public places like airports, railway terminals, shopping malls, or any other public place where monitoring the activity of people is important to security and crime prevention.
Hidden cameras also provide a means for homeowners to observe activity around their home without the camera being visible. These cameras are useful in keeping an “eye” on the nanny or babysitter when parents leave the care of their children to these individuals. Recently developed remote monitors make it possible to observe activity in side your house while you are away. For example, a homeowner can monitor activity from the office or any other location with Internet access. When connected to a recorder, hidden cameras can record that activity.
Hidden cameras are produced in wired and wireless designs. Wireless cameras require batteries to operate. Wired devices require hardwiring to a power source. The advantage of wireless systems is obvious. Wireless systems continue to operate even in the event of a power failure.
The technology used in most hidden cameras is the Charge Coupled Device, or CCD. CCDs transfer images into electronic impulses and send that information to a monitor, recorder, or both. The formats for these cameras vary from ¼” to 1”. The most common formats used by homeowners are the 1/4” or 1/3” sizes. CCDs are relatively inexpensive and provide good images.
Hidden cameras come in two basic color model types. The black and white model performs better in low light applications and is less costly than the color models. The color model on the other hand can transmit color images, making identification and description much easier and accurate. High quality cameras are able to alternate between black & white and color as the homeowner desires. However, with the improvements in security technology and decreasing prices for surveillance cameras, the color models are more frequently chosen over the black and white models. In fact, some vendors no longer distribute the black and white surveillance cameras.
The use of hidden cameras is a controversial subject and there are laws governing their use. In some places hidden cameras are totally banned or are against the law to operate unless certain criteria are met. It is important for anyone considering the purchase of a surveillance camera to check with local laws and regulations regarding the use of surveillance cameras where they live or work.
Hidden cameras can be very effective for people who own businesses, and should be seen as a necessity especially by shop owners. It would give you peace of mind to know what’s going on in the shop when you are not in. Here are some unique Hidden Camera devices that can be useful; one of them is the SONY dream machine that can identify concealed actions in your dorm room or bedroom. The other is the Universal EXIT Sign surveillance camera that can be fitted without difficulty and catch-thieving employees easily.
An effective hidden camera is the Down-View Smoke Detector that is very functional when set up on the ceiling. It can be mounted at various spots like stock receiving doors and above a cash register and ensures that employees or customers do not steal from you.
Like these there are many other unique hidden camera devices like thermostat-hidden camera, Neon Blue Wall Clock device, Emergency Lights device, Flower Pot cam, Motion Detector camera and plenty more.
Posted by rica at 4:05 PM 1 comments
Labels: Home Security, Security Camera
Monday, January 14, 2008
Why Do You Need a Wireless Home Security Camera?
This subject could truly be a topic for debate because many people are for the wireless technology and on the other hand, many are for the wired technology. That’s because, people just can’t seem to make up their mind on deciding which one is better than the other. So, when it comes to deciding which surveillance system to go for, people just start to rack their brains. Well, for those who are confused with respect to making up their mind, simply read on? Although there are many ways for making your house secure and protecting them from unwanted attention, i.e., from thieves and other unauthorized persons, setting up a wireless home security camera system may as well be the best decision that you could ever make.
Safety is the main concern for house owners these days and who is to blame them for that. Considering the crime rates on the rise, any security measure that you take for your house may just not feel good enough. This is where the wireless home security camera systems come into play. These systems are ideal for assuring complete safety of your home, come what may. The best thing that you can do is invest in a wireless home security camera that works on motion sensors. The motion sensors help in detecting any movement in any area of your house. When these motion sensors are safely installed all over your house and when these sensors are connected to the camera, you can be assured that you have successfully secured your house. That’s because, on the event that these sensors detect any movement, they effectively send the signal to the camera which are also placed at the key points of surveillance areas and the camera simply capture the moment by recording the entire event.
Another advantage of the wireless home security cameras is that they don’t consume electricity like the way the wired security camera systems do. That’s because these wireless cameras don’t need electricity since they operate with the help of batteries. Therefore, you’re also indirectly saving on the power costs. And the best thing about these cameras is that they don’t consume too much power from the batteries. Security cameras always have the benefit to act as evidence during thefts and other criminal activities. The footages that these cameras capture can be used to bring down these criminals so that they don’t commit such acts in future. That’s because situations may arise when you might be on a vacation during the weekend and you return to find that there has been a break-in in your home. In this case, only such security cameras act as evidence and help you putting such criminals into jail.
In case of buying a wireless home security camera, you would think that cost would be a huge factor. Well, it is not since the entire equipment would cost you hardly around $50 to $75. This makes the wireless home security camera probably the best deal that one could get with respect to home surveillance systems. And the best part is that the installation process hardly takes about half an hour. Another advantage would be that some of the wireless cameras are so small, that they can even fool the craftiest of all the thieves since these cameras can virtually be hidden anywhere. Some wireless home security camera options also include the night vision mode that makes it easily possible to record any suspicious activity during the night. Therefore, it goes without saying that wireless home security cameras enjoy more advantages than the wired ones. These security systems are ideal to protect your home, your assets and your loved ones from any danger whatsoever. Besides, wired cameras often give away the thieves as soon as they see any wires anywhere. This is one aspect where the wireless home security cameras always capitalize upon.
Posted by rica at 3:56 AM 1 comments
Labels: Home Security, Security Camera
Friday, January 4, 2008
More Dependable Than A Watch Dog
It's not fair. Some people have great wealth and many possessions. Others are poor and have nothing. This inequality has recently spurred the development of home user- friendly security systems. A homeowner can now ensure the safety of his home, his family and his possessions through use of a home security camera system.
Whether you live in an overcrowded city or in one of the rapidly growing suburbs, you hear reports of people living nearby, having their homes robbed. You may think that you're safe because you've never had anything stolen. But, at the risk of seeming paranoid, do you realize how frantic some petty criminals are? If they're gripped by the need to feed a drug habit, they'll take anything they can carry away. They can turn your chairs, lamps, kettles or art pieces into drug fixes in short order. I hear you thinking, "Yes, but I have insurance." There are two problems with that. If you make a claim on your insurance, your deductible will go up. Even worse, your peace of mind will be destroyed. The idea of someone sneaking around your house, gauging the value of each of your items will prey on your mind more than the loss of your belongings. With the installation of home security camera systems, you can relax and move on.
The Wireless Home Security System
These systems are designed for home installation, and run on lithium batteries. They remove the necessity for the costly and unsightly installation of a wired system. The only maintenance you have to do on a wireless system is to check regularly to make sure that the batteries are still charged up. Dead batteries won't safeguard you! With the addition of a wireless system to an existing home, you benefit in two main ways. You are protected from break-ins, and if you decide to sell your home, you have the choice of taking your wireless system with you. Of course, you also may decide to offer your security system to the buyer as a selling incentive.
A home that is fitted with a wireless security system uses radio wave frequencies to keep in contact with the security company. The system has a control panel with many variables from which the homeowner selects his preferences. There is a wide range a range of security settings. The homeowner can set it to be extremely sensitive or more "relaxed." For example, how many seconds of movement must pass before the alarm goes off? Does the homeowner want a silent alarm or one which will awaken the neighborhood? Motion sensors react to any movement within the premises when armed. The softly lit keypads are as clearly visible to the thief as to the homeowner. However, when a burglar tries to disable the keypad, the alarm is triggered. If the motion sensors have not already set the alarm off, the thief himself will bring the authorities running. The homeowner can access his system remotely, by key-fob.
The Wireless Security Cameras
These tiny cameras are an essential part of the wireless security systems. Often employed in businesses or public buildings, they allow a security guard to monitor all movements within the closed circuit. The homeowner can use them to monitor his property.
Myths about Security Systems
There are two main rumors about security systems:- they are extremely expensive and they are so complicated that you'll never learn to operate it. Although home security camera systems were once only affordable by the rich and famous, but now they have dropped in price with every passing year. Also their quality and reliability have increased greatly. Can you put a price on peace of mind?
Complicated? Not at all! They are very user friendly today. They're friendlier than a watch dog and cannot be bribed with meat! The newest home security camera systems are an affordable response the steadily increasing crime rate.
Posted by rica at 4:21 PM 1 comments
Labels: Home Security, Security Systems
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!
Posted by rica at 10:18 AM 1 comments
Labels: Home Security
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.
Posted by rica at 6:45 AM 1 comments
Labels: Home Security, Tips And Suggestions
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.
Posted by rica at 3:49 AM 2 comments
Labels: Home Security, Security Company
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.
Posted by rica at 3:33 AM 0 comments
Labels: Home Security, Security Systems
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.
Posted by rica at 6:24 AM 0 comments
Labels: Home Security