Archive for January, 2010
Video Monitor Home Security Is It For You?
High tech home security systems are not just for the rich and famous anymore. With video monitor home security you can now protect your home from anywhere in the world. Sound to good to be true it’s not so with this modern technology why wouldn’t you spend a little money to keep your family and your greatest asset your home safe from burglary and other emergencies.
It used to be that only the rich could afford such luxuries but not anymore thanks to the Internet. Now anyone can afford home security. It used to be that you had to buy an expensive monitor and wired camera that you could only watch from your home. This type of surveillance was viewed on closed circuit television. You could watch the monitor and see what was happening as it was happening but while you were away you couldn’t see what was happening. To view what happened while you were away you had to record and then rewind and watch it when you got home.
Not very helpful when you think about it. If you were to be burglarized you might have a picture of the perpetrator but he would be long gone and there would be little chance of getting your stuff back. With todays technology you can view your home from any Internet connection online where ever you are. If you are out of the country you can log in to the Internet and through security websites you can view your home.
Many of these video monitor home security systems have motion sensors and will turn on and start recording at the slightest motion. Some even have cell phone and email alerts to let you know that there is movement or motion associated with your home. How cool is that where ever you are you can now have the peace of mind that you are protected.
You can also turn on your TV inside your home and turn it to a certain channel and see who is at the door before you open it. Or you can keep an eye on the kids playing outside while doing chores like folding laundry or cooking or cleaning the kitchen. Not to mention your kids will love the freedom and you will love the fact that you can still watch them.
Do you have a family? If you do then safety for your family is an important issue. You may not have thought until now that you could afford it but you can. So is video monitor home security right for you? That is up to you to decide but if you want peace of mind you need video monitor home security.
About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;Ron Mcbride writes about all aspects of home security.
For more articles and resources on Home Security related topics Home Security Equipment and Security Systems visit his site at: http://www.homesecuritystore.com
Video Camera Systems For Home Security
If you are in the planing stages of having a security system installed in your home or business then you may be considering incorporating CCTV or closed circuit television as part of your system. For one thing this new high tech option is far more affordable then ever before and the choices in camera types are many.
Infrared Cameras
Infrared technology was on the cutting edge not very long ago and now infrared cameras are available for a security system starting as low as 50 per camera. This is truly amazing considering twenty years ago a camera of this type would easily cost at least a few thousand dollars.
Infrared means that a camera functions by detecting heat such as the heat given off by a persons body. The first benefit of this type of camera is that is can literally see in the dark. Also a camera of this type can see through foliage.
PTZ or Pan Tilt Zoom Cameras
PTZ or pan tilt zoom cameras are another technology that has now become far more affordable. These cameras start out at around 150 per unit but that is a heck of a lot cheaper then they used to be. Perhaps you have seen them being used on TV by businesses such as casinos that use them to monitor employees and customers.
Miniaturized Security Cameras
Another area that has seen great development is in the technology that is used to miniaturize and disguise security cameras. Even if you aren’t interested in using them in your system it is well worth taking a look at them online for curiosity sake. Its simply amazing how small a camera is now available for a security system and how they are now so cleverly disguised as so many common household items such as light switches.
About the writer: Article by Sandy Oroval. Get all the details about south florida video surveillance equipment and even the top articles online regarding south florida wireless home security system
Uninviting Burglars – Make Your Home Less Attractive To Burglars Pt. 1
Physical improvements you can do to make your home less attractive to burglars.
Burglars thieves and muggers are opportunists. They prowl about looking for things such as high bushes around doors windows or garages to hide behind; open doors or windows for easy access; an inviting open garage door; an accumulation of flyers newspapers; little or no lighting around entryways and garages; empty bigticketitem boxes on the curb; a darkened house indicating nobody home.
Have an inventory of your property along with photos or videotape. Store the pictures/video in a secure place away from the house such as a safety deposit box. Include a description of each item purchase receipts and any serial numbers helpful for insurance/recovery identification. Contact your local police department. Many offer a free home security inspection. Mark your property with a code in an inconspicuous spot using indelible ink or an etcher Some police departments loan etchers for personal use.
Dont keep all your jewelry in one easytofind place.
Burglars and muggers hate light. Have all entrances to your home and garage well lit with fixtures out of reach from ground level. Install lights with motion sensors but be aware they may give false alarms. Use photocell controlled lighting. The lights come on at dusk and stay on until dawn and cost pennies per month. If you have an electrical or fuse box mounted outside secure it with a strong lock.
Muggers and burglars dont like to work in the open. If you have bushes or shrubs near any windows or doors trim them down to clear the view from windows and trim them up 12 feet from the ground to eliminate potential hiding places. Trim shrubs around the garage doors.
Keep doors and windows locked at all times even if youre in the back yard.
Install a peep hole/wide angle viewer at a height convenient for everyone in the house.
Dont rely on door handle locks. Experienced thieves can easily open these. Dont rely on chain locks. They can be easily cut or pulled out. Install deadbolt locks in all outside doors. Make sure the lock has at least a 1 bolt or throw. If you already have a deadbolt check the length of the kick plate screws. These screws should be at least 3 long to go into the frame. If there is a window next to or in the door you should have a double cylinder deadbolt requires a key from each side. That way a burglar cant break the window to gain access to the deadbolt lock. Keep the key nearby but accessible only to your family for emergency use. Patio sliding doors are particularly susceptible to breakins. Use antislide bolts or a track bar to reduce track clearance.
For double hung windows you can purchase locks clamps that attach to the windows to restrict movement. An alternative is pinning. Drill a downangled hole through both windows and insert an eyebolt or pin having a head. This is for emergency removal. Drill a second hole no more than 4 inches lower and the window may be opened for air circulation yet not allow access. Louvered windows allow easy access since the panes are easily removed. Replace them with a more secure window type. The most secure basement windows are made of glass block. Before changing basement windows check fire codes and be aware of emergency exits. An exterior air conditioner should be securely mounted on the inside of the window frame. If possible remove the air conditioner in cold weather.
There are many fine wireless or wiredin alarms and alarm systems on the market in a variety of price ranges. You could purchase a DIY system or have a professional install one for you. Wireless systems run on batteries and will work during a power outage. Some wired in systems connect you to a central monitoring center through your phone line and have a monthly monitoring fee. Remember an alarm system will only help you if you turn it on! If you are unable to invest in an alarm system put alarm warning stickers on doors and windows.
Stay safe
About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;I began selling/installing home safety security equipment 30 years ago. Now my wife Debbie and I own 2 websites:
http://www.whfsecurity.com for home security and
http://www.whfsafety for personal safety.