Home Security Systems Blog

Natural disasters—hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and snow storms, can wreck havoc on your home, property, and lifestyle. These storms can be devastatingly damaging—separating family members, ruining whole neighborhoods, and unleashing panic in those in its path. While these catastrophes are unpredictable, being well-prepared can ease the process of recovery and protect your family and home. Try to remember these things:

Always have these supplies on hand: extra batteries, flashlights, a portable radio or television, fire extinguisher, blankets, clothing for each family member, non-perishable food and water—enough for three days and a first aid kit. It is also a good idea to have a spare set of car keys and a credit card, hidden and secure within your emergency supplies.

All family members should be familiar with how to reactivate the home security system after a power outage.

Never use a generator indoors—it is very dangerous for your health, and puts your home at risk for further damage. To be careful, install carbon monoxide monitors to avoid potential poisoning.

After a disaster—enter the home with caution. At each door, open it slowly, and wait a minute before entering the room to avoid any falling debris or other hazard.

Fires commonly occur after disasters so properly installed smoke detectors can protect your home. Fire detection monitors that are linked to a home security system are additionally beneficial because the security system will automatically alert the fire department at the first signs of an emergency.

Have a month’s supply of any prescribed medication you or a family member may be on.

If you live in an area prone to flooding and hurricanes ensure that your home security system has flood monitoring devices so that you can be altered at any sign of rising water.

Finally, when your estate has experienced significant damage after a storm, and you may not remain on the property coordinate with police to have your home periodically patrolled while you are away. Also, schedule the lights to automatically turn on—you can do so using your home security system, and turn down the telephone ring volume so that burglars cannot detect that the home has been left alone. If possible, leaving a vehicle in the driveway that is secured with an anti-theft device can also trick thieves into believing the property is still occupied. Of course, remove any expensive valuables that may be tempting and bring them to your temporary location while your home is being restored.

Following this advice can remove some of the stress that surrounds recovering from a natural disaster—being prepared can’t prevent damage, but it can make a difference in how much damage you, your family, and home suffer. Keep safe, keep secure.

You see them everywhere – video surveillance cameras keeping watch over intersections, shopping malls, banks and parking garages. Sometimes they catch the bad guys in the act, from running a red light to stealing a car. More often, the mere presence of a CCTV – closed circuit television -prevents a criminal act from being committed. The fear of getting caught on camera is a powerful, proven deterrent.

As the economy suffers and burglaries and home invasions rise, many homeowners are installing CCTV surveillance systems.  It can provide you with the ultimate defense, whether you’re in your home or thousands of miles away.  If the cost of a sophisticated video system is prohibitive, however, there is an alternative. Fake it!

Dummy cameras are a smart security option and can go a long way towards protecting your home, possessions and family. Remember, most burglars aren’t rocket scientists but they’re smart enough to avoid the risk of getting caught on video. And sure, they know about fake cameras, but most won’t just hope that yours is one of them.  A good deterrent is one that keeps the burglar moving on past your home.

If you choose a dummy camera carefully and install it properly, it’s nearly impossible to tell whether it’s fake or is actually connected to a video recorder. In fact, a good dummy camera can be more effective, and certainly less costly, than a cheap CCTV package. When shopping for a system, look for a camera with these attributes:

• It should have a flashing red light to indicate a power source
• There should be a video cable that “connects” the camera to the house
• The lens and housing should look authentic and substantial
• There should be abundant decals claiming your property is protected by video surveillance

Once you’ve decided on the camera, take a walk around your property to determine optimum placement. Where are the vulnerable spots? Where could a burglar gain access or hide? Remember that the cameras must be in plain sight – you want the burglar to see them – and they must be mounted high enough that actual inspection is not possible. Cameras for entryways or other confined areas can just “sit there” while larger areas, such as a patio or pool area, might be best protected with a moving or motion-activated camera that moves from side to side, giving the impression of surveying a larger area. Choose your installation locations well, install the cameras properly, and remember to put the ladder away when you’re done!

If it fits your budget, you can take a lesson from smart business owners by installing a basic home video system to protect your most vulnerable locations, then enhance your protection by installing dummy cameras everywhere else. It’s maximum security for a minimum investment. And finally, don’t be a dummy and tell anyone, other than people who absolutely must know, that your surveillance cameras are fake.

Economy Down, Crime Rates Up

Throughout history a pattern has developed in our country: when the economy is down, crime rates go up. Particularly, the crimes related to home security seem to increase the most. Theft, burglary and robbery become progressively more tempting as more people lose their jobs and need to make ends meet. Local governments need to cut back on costs eliminating police patrols and other security features, and business owners may be more lenient on security features to save a little money. This is the time to install a home security system if you haven’t already-why put your family’s well being at risk in this already tumultuous time?

A security system should include these features to decrease the chances of property crime:

• Digital Keypad: Contacts the Fire Department, Paramedics, and Police Department with one button.
• Loud Home Burglar Alarm Siren
• Backup Power Supply: Your home security system will continue to monitor your property even if the power goes out.
• Home Security Signs and Stickers

Consider these other home security system features that add to your protection, despite the state of the economy:

• Fire Monitoring: Smoke detectors and automatic Fire Department alerts.
• Wireless Door Sensors: Alerts to any entrance of the home.
• Flood Detection: Sensors can notify the security provider of rising water in the home whether it’s from a broken pipe, an overflowing washer or external source.
• Motion Detectors for Interior Protection of Your Home: Notifies you of any suspicious motion, yet is smart enough to ignore motion from pets or children under 50 pounds.
• Carbon Monoxide Monitoring: Protects against poisoning from the deadly gas.
• Video Surveillance
• Remote Key chain Control: Turn your home alarm system on or off easily from car, house, or yard.

While budgets may be tight, investing in a home security system is a sound way to spend your paycheck. Additional protection for your home and belongings may be the crucial factor in keeping your family afloat in the economical downturn.

Everyone worries about the safety and security of their family, home, belongings, and property. Yet, most people live day to day committing some very common home security mistakes that can put their most valued possessions at risk. With minor changes to your behavior and a few added precautions, the likelihood of a home security issue is lowered. Avoid these common home security mistakes to enjoy a more worry-free life!

• Hidden Keys-Do not leave a key hidden somewhere on the property. Burglars know all the common hiding places and will definitely look in these places for the easiest entry into their target home. If you frequently lose your keys consider carrying a copy of your house key in your wallet or give it to a trusted neighbor.

• Unprotected Valuables-Install a safe somewhere in the home. Place valuables in the safe while at work, on vacation, or when others like a cleaning service will be in the home while you are away.

• Neglected Locks- If a faulty lock is found on a door or window of your property, fix it that day! Putting it off until another time only allows more opportunity for burglars and thieves to break into your home.

• Allowing strangers into the home- Never answer the door without proof of the individual’s identity. Some burglars claim they are working for the local government surveying the land, are an electrician, or are some other occupation they believe will allow them entry into the home. Before opening the door to your home, ensure the individual is in uniform, is driving a company vehicle, and has valid identification. If you are still unsure of their authentication, do not be afraid to call the company and validate that individual is indeed an employee and scheduled to be at your home.

• Forgoing Landscaping- Do not allow your yard to become overgrown. An uncut lawn clues burglars into that your home may be left empty for periods of time, and thus an opportunity to break in. Large bushes and shrubbery also aid burglars with hiding places while lurking around the property, ensure the plants do not block windows and doors for added home security. Installing outdoor motion-detecting lights can further deter any attempts of property crime.

• Lack of Yard Security-Your backyard shed should be as protected as your home, with a modern lock and motion-detection lights. If the shed is left unlocked, not only can burglars steal expensive items like lawn mowers, but they also have access to tools and ladders that can help them break into your home. Of course for similar reasons, do not leave any of these items laying in the yard overnight.

• Forgetting to test the home security system- Test your alarm on a regular basis and maintain relationships with your home security provider for updates in technology and new advances that can improve your safety and security.

The Neighborhood Watch Program started in the 1970s and spread throughout the nation in hopes of reducing the crime rate—and did just that. Its continuing success is reason to start or become involved with your local Neighborhood Watch. Of course, the program does not require that citizens take any unnecessary risks that may endanger them. It is simply a neighborhood alliance between residents who learn to look out for each others safety, and the local law enforcement. By working together, relationships strengthen with neighbors and police officials, bettering the fight against crime.

Benefits to joining or establishing a Neighborhood Watch in your area:

Discourages Crime: Participants are taught precautionary measures, like keeping all doors locked and the lawn groomed, that help prevent the likelihood of exposure to crime.

Diminishes Fear: Participants are instructed on how to observe and report suspicious activities in the community, so that in times of need residents are well-prepared.

Builds Friendship Among Neighbors: The Neighborhood Watch Program encourages meetings both concerning safety and social matters. As neighbors develop stronger relationships, the importance of their well-being becomes of greater concern for the community.

Advances Resident-Police Relations: Community leaders of your program will have direct contact with a representing officer. Police are glad to help any neighborhood taking the initiative to prevent crime, its beneficial for both parties!

Allows for Addressing Other Neighborhood Concerns: Meetings are open forums, bring up any issues you are concerned about—child safety, getting the sidewalk fixed, planning a block party, or improving the community’s quality of life.

To get involved or start your own Neighborhood Watch Program, the first move would be to contact your local police department. If a program is already established, the officer will have the means to connect you with the neighborhood representative in charge of planning meetings and gathering new members. If not, that officer will have the needed information for getting the program started.

Remember, participating in a Neighborhood Watch is a piece to your total home security plan. Integrate the program with your home security alarm, fire prevention, carbon monoxide detectors, and flood monitors and you and your family should remain healthy, happy, and safe. Get the community involved and keep the community secure!

For the past eight years, we as a nation have been told to “be afraid.” Now, while Americans have started to reject this message and have begun to re-claim their national heritage as living in the “Home of the Free and Land of the Brave,” the fact remains that domestic crime is going to remain with us for a long time. Therefore, it behooves us to take certain precautions in order to protect our personal property as well as the physical safety of our families and ourselves.

A home security system not only provides this protection, it can be a money-saver as well, as many home insurers offer a discount for homeowners who install such a system. However, not all home security systems are created equal.

It is not the purpose here to promote one brand of home security system over another. However, there are certain features that you must have in order for such a system to do an adequate job protecting you and your family.

1. A Master Control Panel: This is the heart of your system, and should be easily accessible and user friendly. If it can be armed and disarmed remotely, so much the better.

2. Home Alarm Monitoring: Your home security system does not work alone; typically, a signal is sent to dispatchers whose job it is to monitor the system. Make sure this service is a good one. It’s also a good idea to have buttons, which can be pressed to notify police and fire fighters directly.

3. Window, Door Sensors & Motion Detectors: The best home security systems are proactive; motion detectors should activate lights when a person is moving in the vicinity (this by itself is often enough to discourage would-be burglars).

4. Extra keypad: You need to be able to access and program your system from all locations.  A portable long-range keypad, which you can carry with you, is also a good idea.

5. Wireless Capability: This is a tremendous convenience, and allows you to operate the system from your car.

6. Heat Sensors: The first sign of a fire is not smoke, but heat, which collects near the ceilings. A good heat detector will notify you of a fire well in advance - often in time to prevent irreparable damage.

7. Back-up Power: In case of a windstorm or natural catastrophe that results in a power outage, it is vital that your system stay on. Redundant systems will defeat burglars who attempt to cut electrical connections. A system that uses rechargeable batteries is best.

8. Yard and Window Signs: A warning that your home and property are protected is often a great deterrent to burglars all by itself.

9. Wireless Remote Controls: A small remote that you can carry on your key ring is the best, and should include some kind of “panic” button for informing the police or fire department immediately.

10. 2-Way Voice: A synthesized voice can literally “talk” you through your system’s features.

Most reputable home security companies offer Home Alarm System monitoring packages that include Carbon Monoxide Sensors.  If you are looking for a CO Monitoring System that will protect your family and pets while you are away consider a monitored solution. The benefits of a remotely monitored home alarm with CO Sensor is that if a centrally monitored facility such as those monitored by ADT Security will alert you and medical first responders in the event of a situation. If you return to you home to the sound of an Home Alarm System Alert and unconscious pets or loved ones it is too late.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless and invisible gas that consists of one carbon atom bonded with one oxygen atom. Carbon monoxide is usually produced from the combustion of fuels that contain carbon, such as gasoline. Combustion often produces carbon dioxide, the well-known greenhouse gas, but in conditions where oxygen is of only limited availability, carbon monoxide forms instead. Carbon monoxide is toxic and can cause death in humans and pets if inhaled in high enough concentrations for prolonged periods.

The symptoms of mild Carbon Monoxide poisoning are headaches, dizziness and flu-like symptoms. Higher exposure can cause heart attack, degeneration of the central nervous system, and death. Carbon Monoxide can cause death in unborn children if their mother is exposed to the gas. There are treatments for exposure to carbon monoxide but prevention is by far the best approach to prevent Carbon Monoxide exposure.

The most common sources of Carbon Monoxide exposure are house fires, malfunctioning heaters or stoves, car exhaust, and propane or gas-fueled equipment like grills, stoves, generators, etc. Carbon Monoxide poisoning is the most common type of fatal poisoning in the United States, with more than 40,000 people per year seeking treatment in the US. About 500 people die each year from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in the United States, not including about 2,000 people each year who use Carbon Monoxide as a suicide method.

Prevention of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and exposure is a matter of responsible and informed use of fuel-burning equipment in the home and workplace. Learning how to safely operate grills, industrial equipment, stoves, etc. is a key element in any carbon monoxide strategy. It is of particular importance to ensure that fuel-burning equipment and heaters are functioning properly, and not to use the equipment if there are problems such as leaks. The first line of defense in a residential environment is a Carbon Monoxide Detector, installed near heaters or other gas-burning equipment. These devices sound a loud alarm if excessive levels of carbon monoxide are detected, giving residents of the home a warning that they should evacuate the area immediately.

Fortunately, Carbon Monoxide Detectors are widely available and quite inexpensive. Stand-alone models can be purchased for as little as $20, and can either use AC power or batteries. It is important to install and regularly test Carbon Monoxide Detectors, particularly in confined spaces or in areas that contain stoves, grills, or other common sources of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. It is especially important to remember that Carbon Monoxide has no taste or odor, and cannot be detected by unaided human senses - “I don’t smell anything” is not a reason to disregard a Carbon Monoxide Detector going off!

Every parent worries about keeping their children safe - whether out in public or at home. You might not be able to do much about the outside world, but your home, at least, is a place that you have some control over. Here are some tips on making your home a safe environment for children.

Cap unused electrical outlets with outlet covers. Available inexpensively at any hardware store, these plastic caps plug into the socket and prevent little fingers from finding big trouble. Instruct children to leave plugs alone, and teach them not to play with power cords.

Install a quality home security system, and instruct your children – especially the older ones – on how to properly set and use it when they go out of the house.

Put at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home, and make sure there is one in or near every bedroom in use. Replace batteries annually, and replace the alarms themselves at least every ten years – the technology is constantly improving and the alarm you buy today is a lot more effective than the one you’ve probably got up on the wall now. Use the ‘test’ button on your alarms monthly to ensure they are working, and to familiarize children with the sound they make. Better yet use a fire alarm system with heat and smoke sensors which are monitored by a company such as ADT. This will ensure the fire department is on the way if you are unable to get out or to a phone.