Outdoor Security Lighting is a Necessity in Home Security
Heath Zenith SL-5511-BZ 150-Watt Quartz Motion-Sensing Light, Bronze
One of the simplest and most effective things you can do to improve your home’s safety is to add outdoor security lighting. An often overlooked element, but so important. Most burglars would not even think about going into a home which is well lit up–they want to be as hidden as possible, lots of lights makes that impossible.
There are three basic kinds of this lights, one which is always on, the second is a dusk to dawn light, and the third is a motion sensor light. The first light will use the most energy, but is often the cheapest. The second will use slightly less energy but will cost a bit more. This has included in it a sensor which knows when it is dark outside and turns on the light when it is dark and turns it off when it is light. The most energy efficient is the motion sensor which only turns on when it sees motion. This can really scare away intruders. However, this may not work if the intruder does not go into the line of the motion detector. Also, if you live in an area which has a lot of animals, these animals may turn on the motion sensor by mistake, waking everyone for no reason. General outdoor security lighting may be a better deterrent, it depends on your preferences, your living situation and the area in which you live.
You can get electric lights or solar powered outdoor security flood lights. Although the solar powered ones will save you in energy costs, they may not be as bright as the electric ones. If you have an older home, you may even be able to find gas lights to use. I would only use these as decoration though, to light a whole yard with these will be expensive. The cheapest, albeit not as bright, lights to run are led security lights. These cost a bit more outright, but will save you a lot in the long run, especially if you are leaving the lights on all of the time.
Using outdoor security floodlights is a common option. However, this doesn’t look very nice in your yard and tends to include a glare for your neighbors. There are now more decorative outdoor security lighting which will do the same thing, except without making people angry and wasting money.
The best thing about outdoor security lighting is that it is really easy to set up and makes a big difference in your home’s safety. It is also one of the most inexpensive ways to help your home security.
Using Fake Security Cameras to Deter Burglars
OUTDOOR FAKE / DUMMY SECURITY CAMERA w/ Blinking Light (dark grey)
One popular way of deterring and tricking potential burglars is through the use of fake security cameras. There are several strategies to doing this, each with its own goal in mind. Feel free to do whichever one feels right for your situation.
A dummy security camera looks just like a regular surveillance camera. They may even have motion detectors and move like regular cameras. They often have an led light which may or may not flash. This indicates that is is ‘on’ and ‘recording’.
There are basically two different ways that people use these fake security cameras. The first is on their own as a replacement for real cameras, and second with a set of surveillance cameras.
SE Dummy Security Camera, Dome Shape, 1 Red Flashing Light
In the first strategy, you do not have any real cameras up. The fake cameras are simply acting as a deterrent. In this case, you will want the camera in plain site, so the burglar can see it. The theory is that the burglar sees the cameras on the home and decides to leave so that he does not appear on camera. Some people debate the effectiveness of this strategy, but many people do it. It is an inexpensive way to add to your home security plan.
The second strategy requires you to already have a surveillance camera system in place. Your real cameras should be hidden quite well. Your fake cameras will be placed in slightly more visible spots. The idea here is to fool the burglar. He will think that he found the real cameras and will ‘disconecct’ any wires to it, or turn it off, etc. Meanwhile, your camera has actually been recording him the entire time.
These fake security cameras come in many fashions, so that you can find one which goes with your current system or one that will no look out of place wherever you put it. One popular one is the fake security camera with led flashing light. This camera has a light on it which makes it look like a camera which is recording. Another popular option, for indoor security is the fake security camera dome. This mimics indoor security dome cameras. These may or may not have an led on it as well. The fake cameras can have all sorts of features on them to make them look more real. They may have cables which you can run, giving the intruder something to cut. They may be motion sensored and move to follow the intruder. Although there are all of these fancy fake cameras, the one that s said to work best is an actual camera minus its working parts. So, just the shell of an actual camera. Make sure that the camera you buy has a glass lens and two cables running from it. These are two of the first clues that thieves look for to see if it is a fake camera.
Good luck using your fake security cameras. Anything you can do to make your home and your family safer is worth it in my eyes.
Using Door Security Hardware to Prevent Theft
Kwikset 335-10B Pocket Door Lock Privacy Function, Oil Rubbed Bronze Finish
Home intruders are quite a common thing nowadays. You should be doing everything you can to prevent theft and break ins. Although it is tempting to immediately go out and buy a huge home security system, starting small and close is your best bet. Door security hardware is one of the first things that you should be thinking about getting for your home’s safety.
Most home doors are very easily kicked down or broken into. Burglars tend to do this during the day, when everyone is at work, or at night when they know you aren’t home.
Before you even think about exterior door hardware, you should examine your current door and frame. Is it stable and strong? Does it look strong from the outside? Does it close all the way and stay closed once shut? If not, get a new door first before you even think about outfitting it with security gadgets.
There are many different types of door security hardware which can be used to protect your home. Among them are ones we have all heard of: door bolts, door lock sets, etc. However, there is also an ever-growing set of locks and tools which are even stronger than those above.
One type of front door security hardware is a door security bar. This is a ‘U’ shaped tool which attaches to the doorknob and extends to the floor. These are often adjustable so you can make them fit just about any door. On the floor it has a rubber piece which grips the floor tightly. This makes it quite difficult, if not impossible, for the intruder to break in.
Schlage BE365VCAM619 Camelot Keypad Deadbolt, Satin Nickel
Another type of security bar is available in sliding door security hardware. Many people are scared of intruders coming into their sliding glass doors. You need to make sure that your security bars not only keep the door shut, but also prevent the burglar from lifting the door off of its track, as that is often the way that a sliding door is broken into.
There are also other things you can do to help your door be stronger against attacks. One is to add a strike plate to the door. The reason why you need this is because the door jamb (where the lock holds the door shut) is actually one of the weakest parts of the door. They are often made with softer woods which are easily breakable. You can also add longer screws, at least 3″ to be safe.
iTouchless Bio-Matic Fingerprint Door Lock For Right Hand Door, Silver
After you have done all of this to your door and added the best door hardware, you should feel much safer at home. Your doors are the first place a burglar is going to try to get into your home and you have now put in the preventative measures against that.
The DSC Alarm Systems: The Most Innovative System?
DSC alarm systems is a home and business security company which offers monthly monitoring services. Generally, rates for these types of services start at about $14.95 a month and go up to $39.95 for basic service.
The offer you will see most often with alarm monitoring companies like DSC alarm systems is a three to five year agreement for around $20 a month. Often, these types of deals will get your free installation and possibly a free DSC alarm system as well.
DSC Bravo 3 BV-300DP Digital Passive Infrared Motion Detector, Pet Immune to 60 lbs
DSC, which stands for Digital Security Controls is considered a world leader in electronic security since their founding in 1979. DSC alarm systems is a global brand which is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.
The DSC security systems offer you a choice of what type of DSC alarm panel you would like to have in your home. These are usually user friendly and simple to understand. The keypads may have extra features on them which are helpful, but not necessary for everyone. If you feel you need them, then get them. These may include: quick alarm, auto-bypass, emergency alarm, and quick exit.
Most DSC alarm systems come with a User Guide and Installation manual. These make for a very easy transition into using your new home security system. DSC offers a lot of expansion packs, so if you want to start small and grow bigger with a system, this is a great system to do that with.
Using DSC alarm system, you will also have the option of using Escort voice assisted telephone control. Using this system, you can access and monitor your home security system from wherever you are around the world. This enables you to arm the alarm if you forgot to or to shut it off if a friend is coming over to feed your pets.
The DSC alarm system also includes a feature that it will update and maintain itself. It will let you know of any possible errors or problems that it notices and will let you know the best way to fix them.
If you are looking for an alarm system which is truly powerful and you can trust to protect you and your family, then this is the one for you. You will be able to sleep peacefully, no matter where you are, that your home is protected and safe from harm with your DSC alarm system in place.
DIY Home Security Systems
DIY home security systems can be a lot easier to put together than it seems. There are some things that you can do in order to make this an easier process for you. This can include buying certain types of systems and doing your research prior to trying to install it yourself.
The first thing that you can do is look for a do it yourself home security system. These come in a whole package made specifically for do it yourself-ers. This means that it may contain tools or instructions that a normal kit provided for a professional installer may not include.
You do need to make sure that you read any and all instructions thoroughly before proceeding to install your system. You should also look up tips. Reading this article is a great start!
One thing to keep in mind when installing your own home security equipment is placement of sensors and contacts. You want to make sure that they aren’t in places where pets, people, or things may set it off falsely. Just like in the story of ‘The Boy Who Cried Wolf’, if you set off too many false alarms, no one is going to pay attention anymore.
You can choose to purchase your diy home security system in a package, as mentioned above, or you can piece it together yourself. I recommend the package approach. These are usually put together by people who really know what they are doing and usually leave no stone unturned. Putting together your own system might mean having to order different parts/devices that you did not realize you would need, just making the process even more difficult.
The best home security system to install by yourself is a wireless burglar system. These are much easier to set up than wired ones. The only thing you will need to keep in mind is that wireless interference has a tendency to happen and may occasionally set off a false alarm.
You will also need to decide whether you wish to sign up for monthly home security monitoring. This is generally a monthly charge where, if your alarm goes off, it rings in a central station where people will call the police for you and respond to the situation. For some people this is worth it, for others, a waste of money.
Be careful with this, because you may not be able to get a monthly monitoring system if you install it yourself. Check with several companies. They may make you have it professionally installed. This is due to the increased number of false alarms that do it yourself home security systems tend to have. They do not want to look like a fool for calling the police when it was just your cat.
So, if you are thinking about installing a do it yourself home security system, then you should read as much as you can about installation and tips prior to even buying the system. Also be sure to look at systems which are made for DIYers.
Home Alarm Monitoring System: What is the Best For Me?
When you choose to have home alarm monitoring, you may be overwhelmed by the vast number of companies and services out there. You will need to wade through all of this to find the best home security monitoring for your home.
There are some very intense upgrades that are available, but only the ultra rich or famous need these. This includes not only home alarm system monitoring, but the services of guards, closed circuit televisions and more. Most people do not need something like this.
We will be looking at this from a more average household perspective. A household which wishes to use home alarm monitoring systems, but isn’t sure how to choose the right home alarm companies or home alarm monitoring services.
You may be asked to choose how you wish for the alarm signal to reach the alarm company. The easiest and most reliable way to do this is with a telephone line. However, many homes today do not have landlines, so this is not always possible. The next method is through broadband access. This simply uses your broadband connection to notify the alarm company when the alarm has been set off. The last method is through two way voice communication. This uses an intercom-like system. When the alarm goes off in your home, a representative from the company comes over the intercom to see if you are ok. You can tell them if it was just a false alarm and not to call anyone. If you do not answer, or you say that there has been a break-in, then they will call the authorities for you.
Most companies call the police directly. However, some companies will send over a team of security guards to investigate. These guards go through minimal training. Many people are not comfortable with this. Be sure to ask your representative if this is going to be the case.
Find out if the companies you are looking into are local or national. National companies tend to cost more, but it is a nice relief to know that if a disaster happens in your area, then you will still get a response. A local company is less money, and you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you are supporting your local community. Again, the choice is up to you and based on your preferences.
Keep in mind, while shopping, that this is to protect your family and your belongings. If the alarm rings and nobody is home and you do not have home alarm monitoring systems installed, then you can’t do anything. Hopefully the burglar will get scared and run away, however, who knows what damage he has already done to your home. Getting home alarm monitoring is more than an insurance policy against your things, it is a protective and preventative measure which may save lives.
Wired VS Wireless Burglar Alarm
It can be tough to choose between a hard wired or wireless burglar alarm. Many people are enticed by the wireless version because they feel it is more high tech and therefore must be safer. This is not always true.
Hard wired burglar alarm systems are actually generally thought of as better than wireless burglar alarms. This may merely be from the relieving effect that visible wires have on people. When they see those wires they know that they are protected. In a wireless system, you never see any wires. This, however, is somewhat of a myth. Most homes with hard-wired home burglar alarm systems actually have all of the wiring done during construction and so the wires are behind the walls and cannot be seen at all.
This leads me to the recommendation that if you are in the process of constructing your home to think about a hard wired system, but if your home is already built, a wireless home burglar alarm is probably better and much more convenient to install.
Hard wired systems are often recommended because they can be longer lasting, more durable, and more sustainable than a wireless burglar alarm. They also do not cause the same problems with wireless interference.
A wireless burglar alarm is easier to install by a do-it-yourself-er than a hard wired one is. So, if you are planning to install it yourself, this may be your option.
Because a wireless burglar alarm is run off of batteries, you will need to test it every once in a while to make sure that the batteries are still working. This isn’t so much an issue with a hard wired alarm, because the batteries in these are simply there for back up if you lose power.
As you can see, there are many differences between the two, but let me, again, lay out the differences for you so that you can consciously make the best choice for you.
Wireless Burglar Alarm Pros and Cons:
PRO: More high tech features
PRO: Easier to install
PRO: Can Be installed on a pre-existing home
CON: Easy to set off false alarm
CON: Interference with wireless frequencies
CON: Batteries may run out at any given time
Hard Wired Burglar Alarm Systems Pros and Cons:
PRO: Longer lasting
PRO: Run off of home’s power with battery backup
PRO: Often cost less than wireless
CON: Hard to install
CON: Better to install on new construction
The last thing to consider is the least important to most people, but may affect your decision. This is how the alarm system looks in your home. Wireless intruder alarms can be concealed much easier than hard wired ones. They can be concealed so well that the intruder does not know they are there. This may or may not be a good thing. What is a good thing is that it will not effect your decor of your home. Noone will be able to tell that you have an ugly alarm system on your home. As I said before, this may or may not bother you.
5 Great Home Security Devices for Your Home
No matter where you live, you should be thinking about the security of your home. By using the best home security devices, you can increase the safety of your family and our belongings. Here is a list of five great home security devices that you should think about using in your home.
1. Biometric door locks. This one sounds very complicated and scientific, but that just simply isn’t true. These are simple locks which do not use a key to open them, but instead will scan and read your fingerprint. Everyone in your family will have to scan their fingerprints into the system, but after that is done, all they have to do when they come home is swipe their finger. No worries about forgetting a key or a password. The downside to this is if you need to let someone into your home who hasn’t been fingerprinted.
2. Yard signs and house decals. Going from high tech home security equipment to super low tech here! Studies have been done which show that a home which has home security yard signs or house decals advertising that they are protected are much less likely to be burglarized than homes that do not.
3. Fake surveillance cameras. Among the expensive security devices for home is the surveillance camera, however, some people choose to replace or add to these with a fake surveillance camera as well. This makes the intruder think that they are being recorded by a camera, when in reality they are not.
4. Outdoor security lights. This is great for simple do it yourself home security. Simply place lights outside of your home. The most effective are ones which are run on a motion detector. These can really scare a burglar as he thinks that you may have spotted him and turned the lights on. Another option is to leave them on all of the time. A burglar is much more likely to rob a home which is dark and easy to hide in.
5. Wireless home security devices. These are great because they leave no trail. It is hard for a burglar to figure out what they are because they do not seem to be connected to anything. You can get a wide range of wireless security devices.
So, which is the best home security system for you? That is a tough question to answer. It depends on your individual situation. You will probably want to use a combination of the above home security devices as well as a monitoring system and possibly motion detectors. It really depends on the type of neighborhood you live in and the way your home is situated.
Now that you know my favorite five home security devices, you should go out and do some research on your own. Put together a home security plan which lets you know what sorts of devices you are going to place where and why. It is just as important to know why as to know what and where.
Installing Replacement Windows for Home Security
How does installing replacement windows fit into home security? Great question! If your windows are old and don’t lock well, or are not as strong as newer windows, then you may need to replace them for security’s sake. Most people do not think to replace them for this reason, but this could be a life saving decision. Recently I needed replacement windows for my home, and this is what I did.
When securing their home from intruders, most people mainly think of their doors as entrance ways into their home. However, most burglars actually use windows to get into your home. It is a good idea to check your windows and make sure that they lock securely, you may want to add contacts to them as well so that if someone breaks into them, your alarm will go off.
The most common types of windows to use to replace your current ones are wood and vinyl. These each have their benefits. Wood is generally more expensive, but gives you a great look. Wood is also more vulnerable to the elements. It can rot, fade and crack. Vinyl is less expensive, but can look cheap and out of sync with older homes. Vinyl is not as susceptible to environmental factors or fading. It is much more durable and long lasting.
If you purchase special energy efficient windows, you can get a great deal now with a tax credit. This will give you 30% or up to $1500 back on your new windows, saving you a lot of money. You will also save on your monthly heating/air conditioning bills due to increased insulation and less draft.
You can install the windows yourself, or you can have somebody else install them for you. Depending on your level of skill in home improvement, you may be better off paying someone else to do it. If you are changing the size of any of your windows, then you should absolutely get a professional to install it instead of doing it yourself.
Other benefits of replacing your windows include home energy savings, prettier windows, and of course, your peace of mind that you now have much safer windows than you did earlier. Obviously, you want to try to get the best replacement windows possible.
How Can You Place a Motion Detector Alarm To Minimize False Alarms
One of the biggest problems with installing a motion detector alarm is that they tend to set off false alarms. Contrary to popular belief, false alarms are not caused by cheaper alarms, but instead by bad placement of the alarms.
This means that when you install wireless motion detector alarms, you will need to make sure that you place them in spots which will maximize their effectiveness and minimize their false alarms.
When simple things like air blowing from a furnace, or a bug crawling across the floor can set off your alarm, you are going to be in for a lot of false alarms. This tends to be more of a problem with systems run by ultrasonic or photoelectric beams. These would shoot off a beam and when something interrupted the stream of the beam, the motion detector alarm would sound.
Today, we have far more advanced technology with Passive InfraRed (PIR) and Microwave (MW) technologies. These prevent many of the false alarms which occurred from the older types of detectors as these detect for heat and waves, not just movement.
One of the best ways, although one of the hardest, to test your placement of your alarms is to wait until you get a false alarm and then troubleshoot it. False alarms can also be caused by radio frequency interference, lightning, power surges and equipment failures. Make sure it isn’t any of these problems first. If you are sure, go check the placement. See if they is anything around the motion detector alarm that may set it off indiscriminately.
Since pets are a common culprit of setting off these alarms, you can actually get ones which are pet-proof. These have programmed in them the heat signature of a pet and when the motion detector alarm reads this, they do not go off.
Try your hardest to keep pests and bugs out of your home. These small creatures set off the motion detector alarm often on their own. Keep ant or mice traps around if need be. Just make sure that you keep all of the pests out.
Often, you will have a wireless motion detector alarm. This will need to be tested and have its batteries changed every so often. If you do not comply, then you may end up with no alarm at all. Keeping your wireless motion detector in top shape will only help its overall performance.
Please remember that motion sensor alarms are just tools and will only work as well as they were installed and are operated. Blaming a faulty installation or operation on the device is not fair and not going to get you anywhere but frustrated. Do everything you can to prevent false alarms and you will be happier and sleep better for it.