Many people consider home security an essential part of owning a home. Home security surveillance is one way to make sure that both you and your home are protected from intruders who intend to do you harm or steal your possession.
It can even help elderly people who live alone contact the outside world in case of emergency. Here we will give you a good look into the variety of home security systems on the market, how they work, and possible alternatives to expense surveillance equipment.
It is essential that your home be protected in any way you feel is necessary because burglars are intelligent people. They will watch – or ‘case’ – you home to learn your routines. They know when you are at home, when you are out, and when you are at the most vulnerable. Some burglars prey on disabled or elderly people, breaking in and intimidating them into submission. Can you imagine how they must feel when this happens? It’s not only a violation of their privacy; it’s a terror tactic that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
Whether or not your home security system is powered by one of the national security companies that monitor your home, or you’re comfortable enough with a guard dog, we can help you decide the best security for your needs. We will show you some of the systems that are available, give you suggestions for protecting your items inside the home, and help you decide whether or not you need protection for your yard. Let us help you protect your home.
Home security alarms and sensors come in a variety of choices. They are not as expensive as they used to be and the monthly service charges that many security companies offer are not only reasonable, but also very affordable. People do not realize just how simple or complex these alarm systems and sensors can be, but they are well worth the investment to protect you and your possessions. One thing you should keep in mind when looking into a security system is how thick or thin your doors and windows are. The better the windows and doors, the better the system will work because it will make it harder for the burglar to break in. Here is a run down of some of the home security systems and sensors on the market.
Hardwired security system – these types of systems have low voltage wiring that is professionally installed into the walls and flooring of the home. These wires connect to a main panel with additional remote keypads and sirens located throughout the home. These types of systems are best installed when the home is being constructed as it is easier to wire the system through the walls. Hardwired systems installed after construction can be costly because of the labor involved.
Wireless security system – used in door alarms, car alarms, wireless motion detectors and more, these systems do not have the same extensive wiring as a hardwired security system. Because of their mobility, they can be put anywhere in a room or on your property. These systems use infrared sensors, acoustic sensors, or both, and they can be attached to a light sensor to make it look like everything at home is normal.
Web connected security systems – with a web connected security system, you can keep a track of your security system from your home or work computer as long as it is connected to the internet. It can also allow you to control your system from the computer and have alert messages sent to your pager or e-mail to let you know whether or not the system is working properly or if there is something wrong. This system can also be set up to send messages via satellite system.
Door alarms – these alarms use a magnetic contact strip that will set the alarm off when the door is opened while the alarm is set. The system uses two pieces, one mounted to the door itself and one mounted to the frame. The magnets used in this type of alarm are powerful enough to keep a connection even if the door is left ajar to allow airflow between two rooms. If the door is opened any further, the alarm will go off.
Medical alarms – as long as there is a phone line available in the home, a medical alert device system can be setup and maintained. These are monitored 24 hours a day by specially trained personnel who can be summoned in case of an emergency. The medical alert devices are small and worn on the body at all times as pendants, bracelets, watches, and even key chains. They are usually water proof and are connected wirelessly to an emergency console mounted somewhere in the home.
Smoke alarms – also known as smoke detectors these are a must have in your home regardless of any other security systems that is installed. Most residential and commercial buildings are required by law to have these and they are usually installed during the construction phase. Owners of homes that do not have smoke alarms in them can purchase units that run on batteries to install in their houses.
Carbon monoxide and gas alarms – carbon monoxide is very dangerous because it is odorless, a true invisible killer. Carbon monoxide – and other dangerous gas – alarms will alert you to any unsafe gas levels in your home. Anytime one of these alarms goes off, you should wait until your property is cleared by a professional until reentering. These alarms should be placed at least five feet above the floor and close to the bedroom.
Flood alarms – while not everyone needs to have a flood alarm, they are handy to detect any excessive water leakage in the home. They will be triggered whenever there is a leak, septic backup, overflow, burst pipes, power outages, cracked foundations, and flooding from storms. If you live in an area prone to flooding, these alarms can help you save your possessions and may even be helpful with insurance claims.
Motion sensors – available in hardwired or wireless versions, motion sensors are handy where ever you need to protect property. Some of them can be programmed with pet immunity, meaning they will not go off whenever the furry family member walks through the secured room. The sensors can cover areas from a few feet wide to 5,000 square feet. Many people use these types of sensors outside as well.
Glass break sensors – these sensors use special onmidirectional microphones to pick up the sound of breaking glass. Some of them even use a special device that detects the shockwaves of breaking glass instead of the sound itself. Many of the these sensors use additional technology to rule out things like jingling keys, a dropped drinking glass, or other things that mimic breaking glass.
Infrared motion sensors – these wireless sensors use an infrared light spectrum that compares the heat of an object passing through the secured area to the temperature of the background. When they detect a change in the infrared, the alarm is triggered. They can detect fires, malfunctioning appliances, and are commonly part of home security packages.
Magnetic sensors – these are found installed on both windows and doors with an electrical circuit running through them. They are connected to the larger system in the home and when the connection is broken, the alarm is set off. Many time burglars will attempt to circumvent these sensors by cutting a hole through a wall, but that will still trigger the alarm when the mesh in the walls is damaged.
Dual technology sensors – these sensors use two different types of technology – such as infrared and motion detectors – to protect the home. With technology constantly improving, most home security surveillance units use more than type of sensor technology in them now. Digital sensors, which are some of the newest on the market, are good examples of dual technology sensors.
Security cameras strategically placed around your property are a good way of keeping an eye on things from inside. Of course they are not always practical and many small homeowners may not feel the need for such a high-tech security device. However, homeowner’s who have a large amount of land or large homes may find them beneficial to make sure no one is lurking around the property, ‘casing’ the house for a later break-in. These are something to consider if you have a sizeable estate. Let’s take a look at the different types of security cameras available and the equipment that goes with them.
CCTV (Closed Circuit Security Systems) – once used primarily in commercial settings, CCTV’s are becoming very popular in the private sector because they are inexpensive and easy to set up. Most systems consist of cameras, monitors, sensors, and cables. It is interesting to note that this is one of the best deterrents that can be used to keep your home safe. The presence of cameras usually alerts intruders that there is an advanced security system in place. These cameras can continuously monitor the property or activate when a sensor has been triggered in order to save power and video tape if a recording device is used.
Wireless cameras – everything is going wireless these days and with the advances that have been made in this technology, wireless cameras are quickly becoming the way to go. They can be mounted anywhere without the worry of wires, are cheaper to use since there is no installation cost, and are more inexpensive in the long run.
All of these cameras come in and exterior and interior format. There are a few differences in how these are mounted, but they operate in the same way. Exterior cameras should be mounted high enough so that the intruder cannot damage it, but the camera can still capture all physical features. Many of these come in night-vision format as well. Interior cameras can be mounted in less obtrusive ways – like in walls – or above doorways to cover halls, corridors, and rooms. Zone coverage and lighting are important for all cameras so if you are self-installing them make sure you test them for adequate lighting and coverage.
Monitors – your security cameras are useless without the monitor to view the feedback. Usually in black and white – although colored monitors are available for an extended cost – they have a higher resolution than a standard television set, somewhere between 500 and 1,000 lines.
Protecting your home includes more than just cameras on the inside and outside, door and window alarms, motion detectors, and other home security surveillance devices. You also need to provide adequate protection for your outdoor property so that you can see at night, know who may be coming up your driveway unannounced, and alert you if someone is on the grounds uninvited. Here are a few of the outdoor security systems you may wish to consider for your property.
Driveway alarms – a form of PIR motion detector, these alarms come with a receiver unit and remote sensor. The can let you know that someone is coming up your driveway or it can actually be used in other areas of the yard to alert you of intruders, anyone tampering with your outbuildings or mailbox, or warning you if children are close to dangerous areas. Some advanced models include a two-way intercom system.
Pool alarms – while your children may understand why they need to stay away from the family pool when an adult is not present, others may not. Pool alarms come in at least three different styles: surface alarms which detects sudden waves in the water; submerged or subsurface alarms which are triggered by water displacement; and personal wristband that the child wears and is triggered when they come into contact with water.
Dusk to Dawn Outdoor Lighting – the oldest type of lighting available, these yard lights are triggered by the growing darkness and turn on by themselves, lighting up the yard until the sun rises again. While some people may complain that these lights run up a high electricity bill, the actual amount of energy they use is negligible.
Motion-activated Outdoor Lighting – these are usually in the form of flood lights that come on as soon as motion near them is detected, usually temporarily blinding the would-be intruder and scaring them off. They can be used with a wide variety or sensors and mounting to get the angle you need.
Hi-Lo Motion Activated Outdoor Lighting – a combination of dusk to dawn and motion activated outdoor lighting, these lights provide outdoor lighting all night that brightens considerably if motion is detected. These provide the best of both worlds and can be mounted in a variety of ways as well.
There is no doubt that we all have valuables in our homes that we need to protect. Important papers, collectibles, weapons, and more all benefit from the protection a safe can provide them. Safes can mounted in the wall – you’ve seen these on television hidden behind pictures – or they can be floor or portable models. Always consider your needs when you go to purchase your safe so that you get the right one for the job.
Burglary safes – these are designed specifically for the protection or money and valuables and insurance policies are more likely to pay out when one of these are used. These safes are designed, tested, and rated solely for this purpose and have been tested against theft. Please note that these safes are not usually rated for fire protection.
Fire and Record safes – built to withstand fire, these safes protect important records, money, valuables, papers, and collectibles. Some of them can also be rated for burglary protection. However, because of the way these safes are constructed – they use a ‘wet-fill’ process designed to release steam at a certain temperature – they should not be used with anything that can be destroyed by water damage, such as audio and video tapes, CD-ROMs, stamp collections, and more.
Media safes – using a ‘dry-fill’ process, media safes are constructed using a different process that avoids the use of moisture in the fill material. They can also be a specially designed ‘cooler’ that the media is stored in within a standard fire safe, protecting the items from fire without damaging them at the same time.
Gun safes – fulfilling a two-fold purpose, gun safes provide you with a place to safely store your weapons from burglars and also from children or other family members who are curious about them. It is best for all users of a gun safe to make sure they thoroughly research the product they purchase to get the best for their needs.
We have covered home security surveillance equipment, outdoor lighting, and how to keep your valuables safe. But there are other ways to make your home a little more inaccessible that just these items. They are but the tip of the iceberg in home security. While lighting around your home at night is very important, and arming your yard with safety alarms is good, there is more that you can do to ensure the safety of your home, but also you own.
Start by installing a garage door opener. Use one that is set up to turn the lights on in the garage when it is triggered. Install a motion sensor light above the garage door that turns on when the door starts to rise. This is startle any intruders who may be lurking around your garage before you even get into the building, allowing you to safely call the authorities from the safety of your vehicle.
In addition to lighting and sensors placed strategically around your yard, you should surround your yard with a fence that could range from chest high to a privacy style that reaches seven to eight foot high depending what is allowed in your area. This makes it difficult for the intruder to gain access to the yard. This type of intruder deterrence can be made of wood, concrete or high grown hedges. If you decide to use hedges, make sure there are no breaks in them where an intruder can gain access. If you use gates in your privacy fencing, make sure they are secured properly from the inside.
Finally, if you use lights and motion detectors around your yard, make sure they are placed properly so that people who are simply passing by do not trigger them at all hours of the day and night. Always use lights with your motion detectors so the members of your family know where they are, and if your yard is large, you may wish to use an alarm with them as well.
Dogs have been part of the family structure for centuries, not only as companion’s to their owner’s, but also as watchdogs of the property and livestock. Today, dogs are still an integral part of society and many people still rely on them to watch over their homes and property. Dogs that are primarily housed outside are a great deterrent from intruders who may have ill intentions towards your property.
There is a difference between a watchdog and a guard dog. Guard dogs are those breeds that are naturally inclined to be protective of their territory and everything in it. They are wary of strangers, courageous, and able to resist most counter-attacks. They are also trainable, loyal to their ‘family’, watchful, and stress resistant. Dogs that big and strong with good solid bark and dark color are more recognizable as a guard dog.
Watchdogs, on the other hand, are the ones that let’s everyone in the house know that someone is at the door or in the house by barking. Any dog can be a guarddog. Smaller, excitable breeds make excellent watchdogs and if they are used in conjunction with a guard dog, intruders do not have a chance. Watchdogs are helpful as they are usually the first alarm that goes off when someone trespasses in your home.
Here is a list of just a few great guard dogs that you may wish to consider welcoming into your home: Rottweiler - Doberman (expecially females) - Belgian Shepard - American Pit Bull Terrier - German Shepard - American Bulldog - Neapolitan Mastiff - Giant Schnauzer - Bull Mastiff - Akita Inu |
