When most people think of monitoring their home security system they think primarily about its ability to alert the police of a break-in. What they aren't aware of is the lesser know capabilities of the modern alarm system, which is environmental monitoring.
For example: you can monitor the amount of carbon monoxide that is present in your home. Smoke Detectors, water level sensors and low temperature devices can also be monitored by home security systems. Although monitoring of these devices is becoming more popular it will be some time before it becomes a regular feature of every system.
News accounts have helped push the awareness of these capabilities. Every time there focus is placed on the effects of radon gas or other dangers such as fires in the home there is an increase demand for this type of monitoring.
Unfortunately it takes a tragedy to motivate most people to take action. Adding environmental monitoring devices to a new security system or existing ones is relatively simple. Once installed, the alarm system is programmed to make an audible sound or silent alarm depending on what type of device is being monitored.
If you have a low temperature sensor to prevent freezing pipes you wouldn't want the siren blasting you out of bed in the middle of the night but you would want to know if there is too much carbon monoxide in your home.
For those who are aware of the full capabilities of an alarm system it may come down to the cost issue whether or not to add extra equipment. Although cost is a valid concern one should also consider all the risks involved.
A break-in takes a human and a conscience decision to target a particular house. Where as fires and other acts of nature are not so discriminating. Think about all of the things that run on electric in a home. Any one of them has the potential for starting a fire.
Don’t get me wrong; I’m not talking about spontaneous combustion but normal wear and tear to the electrical cords etc. A fire or a flooding basement can damage an entire house costing many thousands of dollars. A break-in on the other hand is less likely to reach the same level of damage.
When put into this perspective it’s not as hard to justify the cost of the equipment versus the potential risk you can avoid. Check with your insurance agent to see what discounts they give for monitoring your home security system.
*Author:Arthur Wright*
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Home Security: Options To Consider
Today, there is a large, very important need for home security. There seems to be no limit to what the ‘bad guy’ can accomplish. They can come in when you are right there sleeping. They can monitor your home in ways in which you will simply never be able to tell. And, they can provide you with a terrifying approach to life each and every day after they have attacked you. By using effective home security, you can really cut down on the times and the abilities of these things happening to you.
Home security is quite versatile. There is something out there for everyone on any budget. In fact, simply putting a home security tag in your window from a company can be a deterrent for robberies itself. Nonetheless, there are many things to consider. First, consider probably the best option and that is monitoring systems that work to monitor the home when you are not there. Should something trigger it, it will react and someone can see just what is happening or can send someone down to look at it.
Other options in home security including home alarms that when triggered can call police or emergency services. You can also use a variety of locks that cannot be broken into as well. There are so many ways in which you can effectively protect your home that there is no reason not to.
When it comes to protecting your family and your home, nothing should stand in your way. You need to safeguard all aspects of that home so that you can sleep easy every night knowing that someone or something is out there looking out for you. And, when you are away from your home, you need to know that it and all of your possessions are safe as well. Home security can do these things for you.
*author:Matthew Noel*
Home security is quite versatile. There is something out there for everyone on any budget. In fact, simply putting a home security tag in your window from a company can be a deterrent for robberies itself. Nonetheless, there are many things to consider. First, consider probably the best option and that is monitoring systems that work to monitor the home when you are not there. Should something trigger it, it will react and someone can see just what is happening or can send someone down to look at it.
Other options in home security including home alarms that when triggered can call police or emergency services. You can also use a variety of locks that cannot be broken into as well. There are so many ways in which you can effectively protect your home that there is no reason not to.
When it comes to protecting your family and your home, nothing should stand in your way. You need to safeguard all aspects of that home so that you can sleep easy every night knowing that someone or something is out there looking out for you. And, when you are away from your home, you need to know that it and all of your possessions are safe as well. Home security can do these things for you.
*author:Matthew Noel*
Your Guide to Wireless Security Cameras
The use of wireless security cameras has been gaining in popularity over recent years. This can be for many reasons. Some people use wireless security cameras to make their home secure and to monitor their home. Other people use them to monitor their nannies or their employees. Some people use it for surveillance of their store or office. Whatever the reason may be, wireless security cameras are quickly becoming the preferred method of security for many people. If you would like more information, then let this be your guide to wireless security cameras.
Wireless security cameras are so popular because you can literally put them anywhere you want because you don't have to worry about wires. The placement of them is very flexible and they are very easy to install. They are also quite inexpensive to purchase and many come with warranties. The only drawback is that wireless security cameras require that you change the battery pack on them every 4 to 8 hours. The battery packs can be recharged so it is best to have more than one so you can easily change them out.
Wireless security cameras work by sending video signals to a receiver via a transmitter in the wireless camera. The receiver can be connected to a TV, VCR, computer, etc. No wires are needed between the camera and the receiver. The receiver can be placed anywhere from 700 feet to 10 miles away from the wireless camera. It just depends on which wireless security camera model you buy.
The receivers can penetrate as much as 8 walls. They also penetrate most solid objects such as: glass, plastic, wood, fiber glass, and some metals. This is an added benefit for people when they want to place the camera in a certain spot.
If you have trouble viewing the wireless security camera image, you may have to move the camera a bit. Sometimes moving it just a few feet can make a huge difference in what you see. You also have to pay attention to what kind of material the signal has to travel through. The denser the material, the weaker the signal will be. It is usually best to have the receiver positioned hire than the camera. This will give you the best range.
The above was all of the important information you should know about wireless security cameras. If you are considering getting a wireless security camera, you will be glad to have known all of this information. A wireless security camera is a cheap and effective way to monitor anything and to help you feel more secure. It will give you peace of mind and leave you feeling glad you decided to purchase a wireless security camera.
*author:Bob Hett*
Wireless security cameras are so popular because you can literally put them anywhere you want because you don't have to worry about wires. The placement of them is very flexible and they are very easy to install. They are also quite inexpensive to purchase and many come with warranties. The only drawback is that wireless security cameras require that you change the battery pack on them every 4 to 8 hours. The battery packs can be recharged so it is best to have more than one so you can easily change them out.
Wireless security cameras work by sending video signals to a receiver via a transmitter in the wireless camera. The receiver can be connected to a TV, VCR, computer, etc. No wires are needed between the camera and the receiver. The receiver can be placed anywhere from 700 feet to 10 miles away from the wireless camera. It just depends on which wireless security camera model you buy.
The receivers can penetrate as much as 8 walls. They also penetrate most solid objects such as: glass, plastic, wood, fiber glass, and some metals. This is an added benefit for people when they want to place the camera in a certain spot.
If you have trouble viewing the wireless security camera image, you may have to move the camera a bit. Sometimes moving it just a few feet can make a huge difference in what you see. You also have to pay attention to what kind of material the signal has to travel through. The denser the material, the weaker the signal will be. It is usually best to have the receiver positioned hire than the camera. This will give you the best range.
The above was all of the important information you should know about wireless security cameras. If you are considering getting a wireless security camera, you will be glad to have known all of this information. A wireless security camera is a cheap and effective way to monitor anything and to help you feel more secure. It will give you peace of mind and leave you feeling glad you decided to purchase a wireless security camera.
*author:Bob Hett*
The Value of Home Security Safes
A basic locking cabinet can secure valuable papers or personal items but it will not protect them from theft or fire damage. Only safes can provide a superior level of protection for documents, jewelry, guns and personal items. Computer data that would be difficult or impossible to duplicate if lost. Home and business security systems require the addition of security safes to eliminate the possibility of data and document loss due to fire and climate disruptions.
The proliferation of home robberies are classified as "snatch and grab." The intruder invests approximately 3-5 minutes within the home. The very presence of a home security safe is a deterrent to such robberies. Any additional time invested within the home increases the odds of apprehension. Theft prevention and climate control management have rendered security safes a requirement for any home, office or business. The needed security afforded by home and business safes completes any existing security control system. Home security safes offer protection of personal documents, jewelry and irreplaceable items. Home safes are a major deterrent from robbery and provide needed security from fire and climate changes. Advance Safes offer a large inventory of wall safes, floor safes, fire safes, gun safes, and electronic digital safes. Home safes are a perfect compliment to any home security system.
Fire could destroy your business! In fact, eight businesses burn almost every hour in the U.S. resulting in over 2.3 billion dollars in annual losses.* Unfortunately, seven out of ten businesses have not adequately protected their vital records. When that information is destroyed a business often fails. Don't become a company that incurs fire damage resulting in critical loss of data (customer, personnel, accounting files, etc.) by not utilizing quality fire and data media safes. Survival is possible but preparation is necessary.
Security safes are an essential protection against fire, theft and climate changes. Theft prevention, fire protection, data security and storage are a requirement for any business or home office. Advance Safes offer a complete inventory of fire safes, data media safes, depository safes, floor safes, treasury safes (TL-15 and TL-30), vaults and hotel safes. A quality safe is an essential requirement for any business security system. A safe investment is a long-term security dividend.
*author:Lawrence Hilliard*
The proliferation of home robberies are classified as "snatch and grab." The intruder invests approximately 3-5 minutes within the home. The very presence of a home security safe is a deterrent to such robberies. Any additional time invested within the home increases the odds of apprehension. Theft prevention and climate control management have rendered security safes a requirement for any home, office or business. The needed security afforded by home and business safes completes any existing security control system. Home security safes offer protection of personal documents, jewelry and irreplaceable items. Home safes are a major deterrent from robbery and provide needed security from fire and climate changes. Advance Safes offer a large inventory of wall safes, floor safes, fire safes, gun safes, and electronic digital safes. Home safes are a perfect compliment to any home security system.
Fire could destroy your business! In fact, eight businesses burn almost every hour in the U.S. resulting in over 2.3 billion dollars in annual losses.* Unfortunately, seven out of ten businesses have not adequately protected their vital records. When that information is destroyed a business often fails. Don't become a company that incurs fire damage resulting in critical loss of data (customer, personnel, accounting files, etc.) by not utilizing quality fire and data media safes. Survival is possible but preparation is necessary.
Security safes are an essential protection against fire, theft and climate changes. Theft prevention, fire protection, data security and storage are a requirement for any business or home office. Advance Safes offer a complete inventory of fire safes, data media safes, depository safes, floor safes, treasury safes (TL-15 and TL-30), vaults and hotel safes. A quality safe is an essential requirement for any business security system. A safe investment is a long-term security dividend.
*author:Lawrence Hilliard*
The Importance Of Installing A Family Security System
There is nothing more important than preserving the safety of your family and home. Whether you are away on vacation and the house is left unattended or you work late at night and want your spouse and children to be safe, a family security system may be the answer.
A family security system will typically feature a keypad, which is programmed with a set of numbers used to activate, or deactivate, the alarm system. If any disturbances should occur, the alarm would sound and authorities would be notified. Many family security alarm companies offer this feature, but others require that the homeowner notify the authorities directly. For this reason, it is a good idea to have cordless telephones placed conveniently throughout the house and make sure that you understand the system contract completely.
Many burglaries occur when a home is empty, which is why many choose to install a family security system. An alarm will likely frighten the perpetrator and protect your home from any unwelcome entries. A family security system is designed to protect the family and their belongings. The home that you live in and the items contained inside were purchased with hard-earned money. A family security system is one way of making sure that nobody is able to take that away. While many family security systems can be self-installed, it is recommended that a trusted professional take care of the installation. This is not a home feature that you can afford to have improperly installed or fail when you need it the most.
A few common sense acts will help to keep your security code a private number that only your family knows. Never give the family security system code to anyone for any reason and make sure that your children understand the importance of this. In addition, study the family security code and memorize it. Never leave it written on a piece of paper and allow it to float around the house or simply be thrown away. Did you know that many criminals search through garbage in order to gain private information? You do not want your family security code to be available to them so, once your code is memorized, use a paper shredder or scissors to make sure the written numbers cannot be placed back together before throwing them away.
As a final thought on family security systems, they are designed to protect you and your family. If a system is so complex that you feel like a prisoner in your own home, it may be time to find another system. A family security system should not be difficult to operate and should not be intimidating. It should make your family feel secure and anything less is just plain unacceptable.
*author:Daphne Succes*
A family security system will typically feature a keypad, which is programmed with a set of numbers used to activate, or deactivate, the alarm system. If any disturbances should occur, the alarm would sound and authorities would be notified. Many family security alarm companies offer this feature, but others require that the homeowner notify the authorities directly. For this reason, it is a good idea to have cordless telephones placed conveniently throughout the house and make sure that you understand the system contract completely.
Many burglaries occur when a home is empty, which is why many choose to install a family security system. An alarm will likely frighten the perpetrator and protect your home from any unwelcome entries. A family security system is designed to protect the family and their belongings. The home that you live in and the items contained inside were purchased with hard-earned money. A family security system is one way of making sure that nobody is able to take that away. While many family security systems can be self-installed, it is recommended that a trusted professional take care of the installation. This is not a home feature that you can afford to have improperly installed or fail when you need it the most.
A few common sense acts will help to keep your security code a private number that only your family knows. Never give the family security system code to anyone for any reason and make sure that your children understand the importance of this. In addition, study the family security code and memorize it. Never leave it written on a piece of paper and allow it to float around the house or simply be thrown away. Did you know that many criminals search through garbage in order to gain private information? You do not want your family security code to be available to them so, once your code is memorized, use a paper shredder or scissors to make sure the written numbers cannot be placed back together before throwing them away.
As a final thought on family security systems, they are designed to protect you and your family. If a system is so complex that you feel like a prisoner in your own home, it may be time to find another system. A family security system should not be difficult to operate and should not be intimidating. It should make your family feel secure and anything less is just plain unacceptable.
*author:Daphne Succes*
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Tips For Keeping Your Home Secure While Away
- Make sure your home looks like someone is living in it. Don't close your curtains
- in daytime, this shows the house is empty. Think about getting automatic time switches to turn your lights on in the evening.
- Fit mortise locks or bolts to all outside doors, and locks to all downstairs or easily accessible windows.
- Cancel any milk or newspaper deliveries.
- Cut the lawn before you go and trim back any plants that burglars could hide behind.
- Get a friend or neighbor to look after your home. They can collect your mail; mow your lawn and so on. This gives the impression that someone is living in your home. If you leave keys with a neighbor, don't label them with your address.
- Don't leave valuables, like your TV, hi-fi or video equipment, where people can see them through windows.
- Mark any valuable items with your postcode and house number using an 'invisible' pen that you can get from most hardware stores. If your property is stolen, this will help the police to provide them with better evidence to convict the people responsible.
- Make sure that you have up-to-date contents insurance.
- Do not put your home address on your luggage when you are traveling to your holiday destination.
- Lock the garage and shed with proper security locks, after putting all of your tools safely away so they cannot be used to break into your house. If you have to leave a ladder out, put it on its side and lock it to a secure fixture with a 'close shackle' padlock or heavy-duty chain.
- Finally, lock all outside doors and windows. If you have a burglar alarm, make sure it is set and that you have told the police who has the key.
- And just before you set off, it's worth spending a couple of minutes checking that you've done all you had to do and taken everything that you need with you.
Help from your neighbors
- It's also a good idea to get help from your neighbors. Ask them to keep an eye on your home while you're away.
- You could also ask them to collect mail left in the mailbox, sweep up leaves, and even mow the lawn and generally make the place look lived in.
- You can repay the favor by doing the same for them. Warn the neighbor who has your key not to put your surname, address, or even your house number on your keys in case they fall into the wrong hands.
- Is there a Neighborhood Watch program where you live? Your local police will tell you if there is a program in your area or help you set up one of your own. It could help you keep your home secure while you're away, and has many other crime prevention and community benefits.
*author:Robert Young*
- in daytime, this shows the house is empty. Think about getting automatic time switches to turn your lights on in the evening.
- Fit mortise locks or bolts to all outside doors, and locks to all downstairs or easily accessible windows.
- Cancel any milk or newspaper deliveries.
- Cut the lawn before you go and trim back any plants that burglars could hide behind.
- Get a friend or neighbor to look after your home. They can collect your mail; mow your lawn and so on. This gives the impression that someone is living in your home. If you leave keys with a neighbor, don't label them with your address.
- Don't leave valuables, like your TV, hi-fi or video equipment, where people can see them through windows.
- Mark any valuable items with your postcode and house number using an 'invisible' pen that you can get from most hardware stores. If your property is stolen, this will help the police to provide them with better evidence to convict the people responsible.
- Make sure that you have up-to-date contents insurance.
- Do not put your home address on your luggage when you are traveling to your holiday destination.
- Lock the garage and shed with proper security locks, after putting all of your tools safely away so they cannot be used to break into your house. If you have to leave a ladder out, put it on its side and lock it to a secure fixture with a 'close shackle' padlock or heavy-duty chain.
- Finally, lock all outside doors and windows. If you have a burglar alarm, make sure it is set and that you have told the police who has the key.
- And just before you set off, it's worth spending a couple of minutes checking that you've done all you had to do and taken everything that you need with you.
Help from your neighbors
- It's also a good idea to get help from your neighbors. Ask them to keep an eye on your home while you're away.
- You could also ask them to collect mail left in the mailbox, sweep up leaves, and even mow the lawn and generally make the place look lived in.
- You can repay the favor by doing the same for them. Warn the neighbor who has your key not to put your surname, address, or even your house number on your keys in case they fall into the wrong hands.
- Is there a Neighborhood Watch program where you live? Your local police will tell you if there is a program in your area or help you set up one of your own. It could help you keep your home secure while you're away, and has many other crime prevention and community benefits.
*author:Robert Young*
The Dangers of Fireplaces
The high cost of heating fuel and the fear of ballooning utility bills may temp you to use your home’s built-in fireplace as a supplementary heat source for your home.
There can be many problems with primarily ornamental type fireplaces that can put your home and family at risk. For occasional use these fireplaces may be safe enough, but continual heavy use can cause design and material problems to put your safety on the line.
Building functional, relatively safe masonry fireplaces or to a lesser degree, installing factory made fireboxes and stacks has become a lost art. Not every mason knows how to do it properly or for other reasons it is just not done properly.
Most experts agree that a fireplace wastes more energy that it supplies. A roaring fire can draw three to four hundred cubic feet of air per minute; this air has to come from outside the home to feed the fire. It may be warm in front of the fire but cold air entering the home through cracks or around door seals will more than offset any gain produced by the heat from the fireplace.
Continual or even occasional use of a fireplace builds up creosote on the chimney liner. This is especially true with a chimney built with commonly used clay flue liner tiles. Creosote comes out of the burning wood as a gas and then condenses on the relatively cool flue tiles as a tar like substance.
Over a period of time, quite a bit of creosote can build up coating the inside of the chimney with a combustible material. This combustible material only has to reach ignition temperature to become a roaring un-controllable blowtorch. A pro-longed fire in a fireplace may bring the flue temperature up enough to cause ignition…and let me tell you…I speak from personal experience, that chimney fires are no fun and will scare the ever-loving daylights out of you and possibly burn your house down.
Many fireplace potential problems are not visible and can’t be found no matter who inspects it…So take my advice and consider your fireplace un-safe for prolonged use. It is just not worth the risk.
*author:Jim McDonald*
There can be many problems with primarily ornamental type fireplaces that can put your home and family at risk. For occasional use these fireplaces may be safe enough, but continual heavy use can cause design and material problems to put your safety on the line.
Building functional, relatively safe masonry fireplaces or to a lesser degree, installing factory made fireboxes and stacks has become a lost art. Not every mason knows how to do it properly or for other reasons it is just not done properly.
Most experts agree that a fireplace wastes more energy that it supplies. A roaring fire can draw three to four hundred cubic feet of air per minute; this air has to come from outside the home to feed the fire. It may be warm in front of the fire but cold air entering the home through cracks or around door seals will more than offset any gain produced by the heat from the fireplace.
Continual or even occasional use of a fireplace builds up creosote on the chimney liner. This is especially true with a chimney built with commonly used clay flue liner tiles. Creosote comes out of the burning wood as a gas and then condenses on the relatively cool flue tiles as a tar like substance.
Over a period of time, quite a bit of creosote can build up coating the inside of the chimney with a combustible material. This combustible material only has to reach ignition temperature to become a roaring un-controllable blowtorch. A pro-longed fire in a fireplace may bring the flue temperature up enough to cause ignition…and let me tell you…I speak from personal experience, that chimney fires are no fun and will scare the ever-loving daylights out of you and possibly burn your house down.
Many fireplace potential problems are not visible and can’t be found no matter who inspects it…So take my advice and consider your fireplace un-safe for prolonged use. It is just not worth the risk.
*author:Jim McDonald*
Security in Todays World
There are many things in life that are worth protecting. Our children, our valuables, our resources and of course, ourselves. Only twenty years ago, if security was mentioned, you were speaking of protecting your home. And you were most likely discussing a security system, monitoring, watchdogs, firearms and cameras.
With the explosion of the personal computer, and the internet’s ease of access to information, security has now taken on additional roles. With over 605 million people online at any given moment worldwide, criminals are no longer bound by geographic location. Today’s cyber criminal can hack from the comfort of his home just by getting online.
There are software programs that do nothing but scan the internet for un-secure ports and open networks so that they can enter into those unprotected machines to access critical information. There are many users who know little about internet security and rely on their ISP to provide it for them.
To look deeper into this topic, let’s examine the qualities that make security both similar and different. With your home, you have a physical area that you can protect with fire and motion sensors, cameras, glass-break detectors and decals strategically placed to deter would-be thieves. For your computer, you protect a virtual space usually containing sensitive information relevant to your personal finances or key identity theft items such as family names and social security numbers.
To protect these resources, one must install software (anti-virus, port scanners, Trojan hunting software, firewalls) as one level of protection. You can also add another layer of security through a hardware firewall of connectivity to and from the internet or network.
Both home security and computer security have maintenance costs associated with them. Reliable home security will usually consist of a one-time fee to install the hardware in your home, and then an agreement to have 24-hour monitoring service for a given length of time. Computer security will consist of buying the software and then either a monthly or yearly subscription fee to receive the latest information and protection from internet threats.
One difference between the two are the methods of monitoring. While computer security is only responsive while the computer is active or online, home security monitoring is responsive at all times provided the system is properly armed.
Another distinction is the method of response. In home security, a human will respond by dispatching police, fire or EMS directly to your home or business site. On a computer, the response is when the software vendor becomes aware of the problem, creates a solution, and has an update available for download.
With the advances of technology, monthly fees for home security monitoring are reasonable for the service they provide. Be warned: not all monitoring companies have the same capabilities when it comes to quick response. That’s one reason why it’s a good idea to make sure that any security company you choose has a UL certification. This can be critical as it indicates that the security company has met stringent standards for management system compliance (such as a back up source of power).
The same methodology should apply for a security software provider. Just because they say they’re the best, doesn’t mean that they are. Due diligence is the user’s responsibility. Your information is too valuable to be taken lightly.
Both home security and cyber security are similar to having insurance. You have it, but you hope you never need it. And if you do need it, you want a company or vendor that has a history of excellent customer service.
There are those people who think that having a firearm is all they need for protection. While that may hold true in some form, a firearm won’t let you know if someone is trying to enter your home through the back door while you are sleeping and notify you or the authorities. Another common perception is that a watchdog will alert a homeowner to intrusion, but again, man’s best friend sleeps 10 to 12 hours a day and can’t notify the police.
There are some computer users who claim that they can detect a virus by the email that is sent with some obvious taglines meant for the user to open and infect the machine.
Not all viruses are in emails, although that is the most common form. They can also be uploaded to a website, or embedded in Java Applets or Active X controls.
Trojans, which can log all of the users keystrokes and sites visited, are secretly downloaded in the form of free games or free software, and are undetectable by anti-virus software. This is the preferred method of attack by a hacker on a machine. By not altering the performance of a machine (like a virus or worm does), the user blissfully continues to use their machine to make online purchases, and enter sensitive information, thinking they are secure, while the Trojan secretly records all of the information and will simply send all of the user’s information at designated intervals to the hacker.
Many times a decision about security measures for your home or computer is based on budgetary constraints. But always consider what it is that you are protecting and how much you would pay to get back whatever was stolen, lost or destroyed if an unfortunate event occurred in your life.
*author:Paul Bliss*
With the explosion of the personal computer, and the internet’s ease of access to information, security has now taken on additional roles. With over 605 million people online at any given moment worldwide, criminals are no longer bound by geographic location. Today’s cyber criminal can hack from the comfort of his home just by getting online.
There are software programs that do nothing but scan the internet for un-secure ports and open networks so that they can enter into those unprotected machines to access critical information. There are many users who know little about internet security and rely on their ISP to provide it for them.
To look deeper into this topic, let’s examine the qualities that make security both similar and different. With your home, you have a physical area that you can protect with fire and motion sensors, cameras, glass-break detectors and decals strategically placed to deter would-be thieves. For your computer, you protect a virtual space usually containing sensitive information relevant to your personal finances or key identity theft items such as family names and social security numbers.
To protect these resources, one must install software (anti-virus, port scanners, Trojan hunting software, firewalls) as one level of protection. You can also add another layer of security through a hardware firewall of connectivity to and from the internet or network.
Both home security and computer security have maintenance costs associated with them. Reliable home security will usually consist of a one-time fee to install the hardware in your home, and then an agreement to have 24-hour monitoring service for a given length of time. Computer security will consist of buying the software and then either a monthly or yearly subscription fee to receive the latest information and protection from internet threats.
One difference between the two are the methods of monitoring. While computer security is only responsive while the computer is active or online, home security monitoring is responsive at all times provided the system is properly armed.
Another distinction is the method of response. In home security, a human will respond by dispatching police, fire or EMS directly to your home or business site. On a computer, the response is when the software vendor becomes aware of the problem, creates a solution, and has an update available for download.
With the advances of technology, monthly fees for home security monitoring are reasonable for the service they provide. Be warned: not all monitoring companies have the same capabilities when it comes to quick response. That’s one reason why it’s a good idea to make sure that any security company you choose has a UL certification. This can be critical as it indicates that the security company has met stringent standards for management system compliance (such as a back up source of power).
The same methodology should apply for a security software provider. Just because they say they’re the best, doesn’t mean that they are. Due diligence is the user’s responsibility. Your information is too valuable to be taken lightly.
Both home security and cyber security are similar to having insurance. You have it, but you hope you never need it. And if you do need it, you want a company or vendor that has a history of excellent customer service.
There are those people who think that having a firearm is all they need for protection. While that may hold true in some form, a firearm won’t let you know if someone is trying to enter your home through the back door while you are sleeping and notify you or the authorities. Another common perception is that a watchdog will alert a homeowner to intrusion, but again, man’s best friend sleeps 10 to 12 hours a day and can’t notify the police.
There are some computer users who claim that they can detect a virus by the email that is sent with some obvious taglines meant for the user to open and infect the machine.
Not all viruses are in emails, although that is the most common form. They can also be uploaded to a website, or embedded in Java Applets or Active X controls.
Trojans, which can log all of the users keystrokes and sites visited, are secretly downloaded in the form of free games or free software, and are undetectable by anti-virus software. This is the preferred method of attack by a hacker on a machine. By not altering the performance of a machine (like a virus or worm does), the user blissfully continues to use their machine to make online purchases, and enter sensitive information, thinking they are secure, while the Trojan secretly records all of the information and will simply send all of the user’s information at designated intervals to the hacker.
Many times a decision about security measures for your home or computer is based on budgetary constraints. But always consider what it is that you are protecting and how much you would pay to get back whatever was stolen, lost or destroyed if an unfortunate event occurred in your life.
*author:Paul Bliss*
Poisons In The Home
As your baby starts to move around the house, it is extremely important that you protect her from the poisons routinely kept in the home. Here are some tips to help keep your child safe.
Go through what you have and throw out what you don’t need
Have an old box of lye around? You’re probably not ever going to use it, and it’s terribly dangerous, so get rid of it. Keep only the products you really use, so that there are fewer things to have to keep locked up.
Keep things locked up
Assemble all your cleaning supplies, and put them in locked cabinets. Don’t assume that putting them in a higher cabinet keeps your child safe. Sometimes babies seem to learn to climb overnight, so simply storing items on a higher shelf might not be enough.
Don’t store poisons in old food containers
Your baby will learn early on to recognize things like a juice container or baby food jar so don’t use empty ones to store hazardous products.
Throw empty containers away outside
Don’t put the empty bleach container in the kitchen trash can – rinse it and take it to the outside trash can immediately.
Check your plants
There are many common houseplants that are poisonous, including philodendron, English ivy, holly, mistletoe, and hyacinths, so it’s best to remove these or keep them well out of reach.
Some things you might not think of as poisonous
Your cosmetics, over the counter medicines, vitamins, and mothballs can all be poisonous, so keep these locked up or out of the way. Get used to reading labels, so that you can keep tabs on new things that come into the house.
If you’ve never had children before, keeping up with products that can be poisonous can be a challenge at first. But, take some time, preferably before the baby is born, to sort through your items and store them properly. Then, be diligent about buying the safest items you can. For instance, non-chlorine bleach is safer than chlorine. And, always look for child-proof caps on products you plan to buy.
Learn to substitute. Did you know you can use olive oil to polish furniture and vinegar to clean your hardwood floors? These kinds of substitutions can make your home safer, and give you fewer items to look up. And, finally, don’t forget to post your local poison control phone number right by the phone. It could save your child’s life.
*author:Sarah Veda*
Go through what you have and throw out what you don’t need
Have an old box of lye around? You’re probably not ever going to use it, and it’s terribly dangerous, so get rid of it. Keep only the products you really use, so that there are fewer things to have to keep locked up.
Keep things locked up
Assemble all your cleaning supplies, and put them in locked cabinets. Don’t assume that putting them in a higher cabinet keeps your child safe. Sometimes babies seem to learn to climb overnight, so simply storing items on a higher shelf might not be enough.
Don’t store poisons in old food containers
Your baby will learn early on to recognize things like a juice container or baby food jar so don’t use empty ones to store hazardous products.
Throw empty containers away outside
Don’t put the empty bleach container in the kitchen trash can – rinse it and take it to the outside trash can immediately.
Check your plants
There are many common houseplants that are poisonous, including philodendron, English ivy, holly, mistletoe, and hyacinths, so it’s best to remove these or keep them well out of reach.
Some things you might not think of as poisonous
Your cosmetics, over the counter medicines, vitamins, and mothballs can all be poisonous, so keep these locked up or out of the way. Get used to reading labels, so that you can keep tabs on new things that come into the house.
If you’ve never had children before, keeping up with products that can be poisonous can be a challenge at first. But, take some time, preferably before the baby is born, to sort through your items and store them properly. Then, be diligent about buying the safest items you can. For instance, non-chlorine bleach is safer than chlorine. And, always look for child-proof caps on products you plan to buy.
Learn to substitute. Did you know you can use olive oil to polish furniture and vinegar to clean your hardwood floors? These kinds of substitutions can make your home safer, and give you fewer items to look up. And, finally, don’t forget to post your local poison control phone number right by the phone. It could save your child’s life.
*author:Sarah Veda*
Motion Detector Technology
Motion detectors are in use all around us in both residential and commercial locations. There are many common uses for motion detectors that most people find convenient and helpful in very common, everyday situations, and there will be some new and innovative uses that we may see more and more of in the future.
Residential Uses
Residential consumers are putting the motion detector to a variety of uses. They can greatly enhance the exterior lighting to any home and add to the security once inside.
If your concern is coming home to a dark house and tripping on the steps, motion detector controlled floodlights can create well-lit paths lighting up your yard, driveway, sidewalk and steps. This makes for a safe path to welcome both you and your guests. Floodlights should be mounted high up on the wall to keep the light out of your eyes and to illuminate a wider area for increased security.
The same flood of light that walks you and your guests to your door safely will deter would-be-intruders. When the lights are triggered by motion this gives the impression that someone within the house is able to see and watch the burglar’s every movement.
Once inside, motion detectors placed in key areas can detect any violators and alert the proper authorities. Usually, one placed properly on the main floor and one on the lower level, if you have one, will serve as good traps. Stairways are often a good area to consider when placing the device, since you will be better able to prevent unauthorized passage from one floor to the next.
One innovative use in the home is to install an alarm or medical alert system that detects any health or safety issues with the elderly. Included is a motion detector that signals the central station operator can take control of the camera, assess the situation, and take action if needed.
As you have just learned, motion detectors have a wide variety of uses to suit many different needs of various users. Since motion detectors are so versatile and have so many uses, they provide feelings of safety and security for the average homeowner as well as a large commercial establishment.
Motion detectors have evolved a great deal over the last few years to incorporate more features that are useful to more people, and the development and expansion of motion detector technology and functions will continue to expand and grow to provide more ways to keep your home and businesses safe. What will they think of next?
*author:Boyd Norwood*
Residential Uses
Residential consumers are putting the motion detector to a variety of uses. They can greatly enhance the exterior lighting to any home and add to the security once inside.
If your concern is coming home to a dark house and tripping on the steps, motion detector controlled floodlights can create well-lit paths lighting up your yard, driveway, sidewalk and steps. This makes for a safe path to welcome both you and your guests. Floodlights should be mounted high up on the wall to keep the light out of your eyes and to illuminate a wider area for increased security.
The same flood of light that walks you and your guests to your door safely will deter would-be-intruders. When the lights are triggered by motion this gives the impression that someone within the house is able to see and watch the burglar’s every movement.
Once inside, motion detectors placed in key areas can detect any violators and alert the proper authorities. Usually, one placed properly on the main floor and one on the lower level, if you have one, will serve as good traps. Stairways are often a good area to consider when placing the device, since you will be better able to prevent unauthorized passage from one floor to the next.
One innovative use in the home is to install an alarm or medical alert system that detects any health or safety issues with the elderly. Included is a motion detector that signals the central station operator can take control of the camera, assess the situation, and take action if needed.
As you have just learned, motion detectors have a wide variety of uses to suit many different needs of various users. Since motion detectors are so versatile and have so many uses, they provide feelings of safety and security for the average homeowner as well as a large commercial establishment.
Motion detectors have evolved a great deal over the last few years to incorporate more features that are useful to more people, and the development and expansion of motion detector technology and functions will continue to expand and grow to provide more ways to keep your home and businesses safe. What will they think of next?
*author:Boyd Norwood*
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
How To Find And Install The Best Hurricane Windows
Hurricane windows were first developed in response to the disaster of Hurricane Andrew in South Florida in August of 1992. They are effective for protecting your home from high winds and flying debris. They can be installed during construction or added later as a home improvement project. The cost of these windows is comparable with other high quality windows.
Benefits of Hurricane Windows
Obviously, the biggest benefit is protecting your home form the wind and water during a powerful storm. Most damage done to homes during hurricanes occurs as a result of broken windows. Flying debris breaks the window and high pressure air enters the home. This high pressure air can either blow out the window on the opposite side of the home, or blow the roof right off your house.
Shutters are often used to protect windows. Other people board up the windows with plywood year after year. These are both expensive and labor intensive. Windows designed for hurricanes are always in place, ready to protect your home. These storms change course quickly and it will benefit you to be ready all the time. Some people can’t take shutters on or off the house, due to physical limitations. These windows eliminate the need for this extra work.
There are other benefits to these windows. They add a degree of security to your home. Because they are constructed to withstand enormous pressure, they are difficult to break into. The construction of the window and the method of attachment to the home make it hard for someone to enter your home. Many insurance companies offer a discount for this extra measure of security. Contact your agent to determine if a discount is available.
The film in the inner layer helps protect your home from ultraviolet rays. The UV rays of the sun can fade your carpets, curtains or furniture. In addition, the material helps reduce sound entering the home as well as sunlight.
Construction of Hurricane Windows
The windows are constructed of two layers of laminated glass. The glass has a strong, plastic film between the layers. In the event the window shatters, the film layer stays in place, protecting your home from wind damage and your carpet from the driving rain. The inner layer of the window varies according to the size and style of the window.
These products must go through rigorous testing to ensure their effectiveness. Impact test are conducted to simulate both small and large impacts that may occur during a storm. These tests simulate the flying debris that is typical in hurricanes.
These windows can generally withstand wind speeds of up to 130 miles per hour. They can withstand debris flying at these speeds as well. In addition to windows, the glass is available for sky lights and patio doors to protect the whole house.
Installation Procedures
Proper installation is essential for these windows. The best window in the world will not protect your home, if it isn’t installed correctly. The method of installation depends on the window and the materials used in the exterior of the home. In most cases, professional installation is required. Your warranty may be voided if an inexperienced person installs them incorrectly.
Benefits of Hurricane Windows
Obviously, the biggest benefit is protecting your home form the wind and water during a powerful storm. Most damage done to homes during hurricanes occurs as a result of broken windows. Flying debris breaks the window and high pressure air enters the home. This high pressure air can either blow out the window on the opposite side of the home, or blow the roof right off your house.
Shutters are often used to protect windows. Other people board up the windows with plywood year after year. These are both expensive and labor intensive. Windows designed for hurricanes are always in place, ready to protect your home. These storms change course quickly and it will benefit you to be ready all the time. Some people can’t take shutters on or off the house, due to physical limitations. These windows eliminate the need for this extra work.
There are other benefits to these windows. They add a degree of security to your home. Because they are constructed to withstand enormous pressure, they are difficult to break into. The construction of the window and the method of attachment to the home make it hard for someone to enter your home. Many insurance companies offer a discount for this extra measure of security. Contact your agent to determine if a discount is available.
The film in the inner layer helps protect your home from ultraviolet rays. The UV rays of the sun can fade your carpets, curtains or furniture. In addition, the material helps reduce sound entering the home as well as sunlight.
Construction of Hurricane Windows
The windows are constructed of two layers of laminated glass. The glass has a strong, plastic film between the layers. In the event the window shatters, the film layer stays in place, protecting your home from wind damage and your carpet from the driving rain. The inner layer of the window varies according to the size and style of the window.
These products must go through rigorous testing to ensure their effectiveness. Impact test are conducted to simulate both small and large impacts that may occur during a storm. These tests simulate the flying debris that is typical in hurricanes.
These windows can generally withstand wind speeds of up to 130 miles per hour. They can withstand debris flying at these speeds as well. In addition to windows, the glass is available for sky lights and patio doors to protect the whole house.
Installation Procedures
Proper installation is essential for these windows. The best window in the world will not protect your home, if it isn’t installed correctly. The method of installation depends on the window and the materials used in the exterior of the home. In most cases, professional installation is required. Your warranty may be voided if an inexperienced person installs them incorrectly.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Home Security Systems You Can Watch From Work
Do you know what’s going on in your home when you’re away at work? Do you have a reliable home security system that can relieve you of your worries and concerns when someone is breaking into your home when you’re away? If you already have a home security system in place, how reliable and steadfast is it? Has anyone ever broken into your home even with your current home security system in place? Do you know that you can now install a home security system that utilizes the Internet so that the home security system can actually alert you of unusual activities at home?
That’s how far the home security system technology has advanced.
If you’re still having one of those old home security systems that blares a siren whenever there’s an intruder, then you’re not doing the best you can to protect your home. How many times have you heard one of those sirens cut through the silence of the night and ignored it because the siren is turned off about a minute later? Intruders who break into homes know how to turn off the old types of home security systems and they can usually break through any of those home security systems easily.
With the advancement of technology, home security systems have developed into more than just an electronic alarm system that detects opened windows or doors. Conventional home security systems have sensors built into the home security units that detect interruption in the flow of electricity. Whenever the home security system detects the interruptions, it will either let out a deafening siren or activate strobe lights to attract attention.
But have you ever thought about this – what if others choose to ignore the sirens and lights?
What you really need is a home security system that will silently alert guards and you of the activities in the home. Combining the advancement of the technology used to create and develop home security systems together with the Internet, the home security system will silently send signals of the intrusion to a call center run by the home security company. It will also send a message to your cell phone or make a call using your telephone line to you to alert you of a possible break in. With the home security system’s silent method of alerting various parties, the intruder is not alerted but YOU are. Therefore, it will give the police and the relevant authorities enough time to act and catch the intruders in action.
In fact, the latest home security systems in the market today allow you to activate and deactivate your home security system via the Internet or through your phone. This is what I call a TOTAL convenience to home security systems.
*author:Dakota Caudilla*
That’s how far the home security system technology has advanced.
If you’re still having one of those old home security systems that blares a siren whenever there’s an intruder, then you’re not doing the best you can to protect your home. How many times have you heard one of those sirens cut through the silence of the night and ignored it because the siren is turned off about a minute later? Intruders who break into homes know how to turn off the old types of home security systems and they can usually break through any of those home security systems easily.
With the advancement of technology, home security systems have developed into more than just an electronic alarm system that detects opened windows or doors. Conventional home security systems have sensors built into the home security units that detect interruption in the flow of electricity. Whenever the home security system detects the interruptions, it will either let out a deafening siren or activate strobe lights to attract attention.
But have you ever thought about this – what if others choose to ignore the sirens and lights?
What you really need is a home security system that will silently alert guards and you of the activities in the home. Combining the advancement of the technology used to create and develop home security systems together with the Internet, the home security system will silently send signals of the intrusion to a call center run by the home security company. It will also send a message to your cell phone or make a call using your telephone line to you to alert you of a possible break in. With the home security system’s silent method of alerting various parties, the intruder is not alerted but YOU are. Therefore, it will give the police and the relevant authorities enough time to act and catch the intruders in action.
In fact, the latest home security systems in the market today allow you to activate and deactivate your home security system via the Internet or through your phone. This is what I call a TOTAL convenience to home security systems.
*author:Dakota Caudilla*
Home Security Systems Provide a Safe Environment for Family Members
There were 4 million household burglaries in the United States, nearly 500,000 resulted in bodily injury, and 20,000 resulted in homicides, frightening statistics. Additional statistics reveal that a home without a security system is three times as likely to be burglarized as compared to one which is equipped with a security system. These facts make it obvious that a home security system will reduce your chances of intrusion, and can protect your life and property. It is therefore necessary to conduct an extensive home security review, to determine the appropriate systems necessary to secure the safety of yourself, and home.
Several points should be kept in mind while conducting a home security review. Security needs should be a first consideration. While it may be obvious that you should be the best judge of security requirements, a security expert has the experience to evaluate your home for vulnerabilities that are not obvious to a layperson. After a full examination of your home, a security specialist will be able to make note of all soft spots, and suggest the kind of equipment necessary to strengthen these soft spots.
The next consideration is security monitoring. Security monitoring can be a sophisticated central monitoring service, or a simple home security system, cost and needs are the determining factors. The central monitoring services are ideal because they ensure that appropriate measures are taken whenever an intrusion is detected. A monitoring team that works from a central station verifies every suspicious activity the moment it receives an alert. While an ideal deterrent, this type of monitoring is relatively expensive, and subject to the experience and professionalism of the company. You must find out if the central monitoring station is certified by Underwriters Laboratory; that it has a power back up system that can run for 10 to 15 hours; that it is run by trained staff; that it alerts local authorities within seconds of receiving a security alert.
Less costly is a simple home security system consisting of a control panel, a couple of magnetic switches, a motion sensor or two, and an alarm device. This can be hard wired or wireless. The more advanced systems feature a video camera that can be monitored by family members. The biggest advantage of this system is that it scares away potential intruders. This may happen when an intruder sees a yard sign, a decal sign or any of the installed sensors or video cameras. There is a one-time installation charge, with no recurring expenses.
While there are no guarantees, any home security system could scare away potential intruders. Any type of prevention will go along way to reduce the likelihood of a break in, or home assault by a stranger. Remember, the main objective of any home security system is to provide a safe environment for family members, and to limit the loss of property.
*author:Jay Stockman*
Several points should be kept in mind while conducting a home security review. Security needs should be a first consideration. While it may be obvious that you should be the best judge of security requirements, a security expert has the experience to evaluate your home for vulnerabilities that are not obvious to a layperson. After a full examination of your home, a security specialist will be able to make note of all soft spots, and suggest the kind of equipment necessary to strengthen these soft spots.
The next consideration is security monitoring. Security monitoring can be a sophisticated central monitoring service, or a simple home security system, cost and needs are the determining factors. The central monitoring services are ideal because they ensure that appropriate measures are taken whenever an intrusion is detected. A monitoring team that works from a central station verifies every suspicious activity the moment it receives an alert. While an ideal deterrent, this type of monitoring is relatively expensive, and subject to the experience and professionalism of the company. You must find out if the central monitoring station is certified by Underwriters Laboratory; that it has a power back up system that can run for 10 to 15 hours; that it is run by trained staff; that it alerts local authorities within seconds of receiving a security alert.
Less costly is a simple home security system consisting of a control panel, a couple of magnetic switches, a motion sensor or two, and an alarm device. This can be hard wired or wireless. The more advanced systems feature a video camera that can be monitored by family members. The biggest advantage of this system is that it scares away potential intruders. This may happen when an intruder sees a yard sign, a decal sign or any of the installed sensors or video cameras. There is a one-time installation charge, with no recurring expenses.
While there are no guarantees, any home security system could scare away potential intruders. Any type of prevention will go along way to reduce the likelihood of a break in, or home assault by a stranger. Remember, the main objective of any home security system is to provide a safe environment for family members, and to limit the loss of property.
*author:Jay Stockman*
Home Security System - A Step Beyond The Traditional Alarm System
Most people when considering their home or business security automatically think "Alarm System".
In reality though the alarm system, as sophisticated as it may be, is what the burglars are trained to deal with. It is part of their bag of skills to be able to neutralize most of the alarm systems commonly installed on residential and commercial properties.
Furthermore a high level of education doesn't guarantee that the individual will not use that knowledge illegally. Unfortunately there are burglars who have engineering degrees in electronic. Some of them are the very ones who design the alarm systems we use.
OK, they are a small percentage of the big bulk of the thief category, but they are out there and the more value is on your property, the higher the probability that a very skillful thief will notice you.
A better security approach is what I call the "war camp security".
Hopefully you never had to experience in first person how to secure an overnight camp in a war zone, but you have certainly watched a few war movies where this type of situation is more or less accurately described.
The crucial points are the following:
1. Create a perimeter which would alert you of the incoming intruders.
Possibly without alerting the intruders of the fact that you are aware of their "visit". On your property this can be accomplished with motion detectors and "hidden" peripheral security cameras with online remote monitoring, which by the way, nowadays have become quite affordable.
When activated the motion detector will trigger a telephone call to your cell-phone. You don't want the system to alert the authorities, not yet.
The trespasser may not be a burglar, it could be the mailman, your gardner, or it could simply be someone you know who is not aware of your absence and is coming for a surprise visit.As you receive the warning call you can grab your laptop or get online with any computer, go to the security company website, usually the same company which installed your remote monitoring security system, enter your username and password and "see" what is happening on your property.
If it looks like a burglar you can call the police. You will have the video recording to prove the suspect was behaving as a burglar. Additionally the images recorded may help identify the person.
By the way, none of your flood lights should be facing your hidden cameras. They should "look" , more or less, in the same direction. If the lights shine into the cameras the subject in the image will result having the dark side exposed to the camera, possibly compromising any attempt of identification.
2. Establish a first line of defense.
In war times this would be a various number of lethal traps but of course it is not legal during peace times. In our case the first line of defense is a passive one and it is comprised of very robust doors and windows. Don't forget to place the alarm company stickers on your doors and windows. You should also have a security camera in plain site right outside your front door. Many unsophisticated thieves would simply turn around and go look for an easier loot.
All your doors and windows, even the upstairs ones, need to be locked and connected to the alarm system. At this point, when the burglar has broken into your house, or business, it is time to alert the authorities, but not the intruder. Having the alarm activate a siren at this time is a very common mistake.
When the siren goes off the burglar knows that he has a few minutes before the police arrive. He may know where your precious things are. He might have been on your property before. If it is your house he could have been someone doing some work at the house. If it is your business it's even easier to snoop around just pretending to be a customer and survey the ground before hand.
The experienced burglar will know if he has enough time to get the loot and get away before the police arrives.
3. Establish your second line of defense.
Your remote monitoring security cameras are in every room but here is a trick. Use sets of two cameras at every observation point, one as it would be normally installed and the second one as a hidden camera. Nowadays wireless cameras can be very small and easy to conceal exactly because of the absence of wires.
4. ATTACK !!!
If your finances allow you to install some Home Automation you can actually engage the intruder with some psychological warfare.
Through your web interface you can turn on and off various appliances, lights, a tape recorder with a prerecorded message. You can let your imagination run wild and have fun inventing ways to surprise the intruder.
Here is something to remember though; you can not try to trap the intruder in your house and you can not cause any injury, not even put him to sleep releasing sleeping gas. There have been similar cases where the burglar has sued the property owner for putting his life in danger, and won the case.
A simple, and definitely cheaper way to distract the thief is by calling your home phone and when the answering machine picks up try to initiate a conversation, let the burglar know that you are watching and intend to propose a deal. The point of course is not to get to know him, and not even to scare him away, but simply to distract him and make him slow down so to give more time to the police, or the alarm company security guards, to reach the site.
You can also play with his intention to steal something of value and leave a misleading message.
Here is pretty good diversion; call pretending to be a friend of yours who has borrowed your Jaguar and leave a message saying that you are ten minutes away from the house, on your way to returning the car. Then ad that if you don't find anybody home you will leave the car keys under the door mat. What thief wouldn't be tempted to wait a few minutes and add a luxury car to his loot?
On the market there are several different type of devices with wireless transmitter which may be strategically placed so that when a certain item is moved the alarm will emit a very loud sound, so loud to impair the cognitive functioning of the offender brain. His first reaction will probably be to try to destroy the device, but if you have been careful to place it somehow out of reach, the intruder may be forced to abandon the room.
This type of devices can be connected to closet or cabinets doors, drawers or even directly to items like precious art pieces, jewellery boxes, big screen TV, safes. By the way, having a safe not secured to the wall or the floor is quite pointless. Unless the safe weights a ton the thief will simply carry it away and open it in the comfort of his own "workshop".
In conclusion, the traditional alarm system that sounds a siren when the burglar brakes in does not save you from being burglarized.
Think about it, how many times after hearing a home alarm going off in the neighborhood you have actually gone to check if the house was being burglarized? You might have looked out the window, or you might have stepped outside and looked down the street, but let's be honest, very few of us would actually go to the house and knock at the door.
The professional burglar knows that, and counts on it.
From the technological point of view that type of security system is a thing of the past. Nowadays with very little additional investment you can have motion detectors triggering several telephone calls and security cameras with online remote monitoring to check your property any time you want and record any unusual event.
This is the least security you need to have if you are serious about protecting your home or business.
On a less pressing note security cameras with online remote monitoring gives you the opportunity to make sure everything is all right any time you whish to do so, giving you peace of mind if you have kids, pets, cleaning service, baby sitter, gardner... you name it. It really is an investment which increase exponentially the eventuality of a much safer future for you and your family, and that is much more precious than any material possession.
*author:Mark Van Neem*
In reality though the alarm system, as sophisticated as it may be, is what the burglars are trained to deal with. It is part of their bag of skills to be able to neutralize most of the alarm systems commonly installed on residential and commercial properties.
Furthermore a high level of education doesn't guarantee that the individual will not use that knowledge illegally. Unfortunately there are burglars who have engineering degrees in electronic. Some of them are the very ones who design the alarm systems we use.
OK, they are a small percentage of the big bulk of the thief category, but they are out there and the more value is on your property, the higher the probability that a very skillful thief will notice you.
A better security approach is what I call the "war camp security".
Hopefully you never had to experience in first person how to secure an overnight camp in a war zone, but you have certainly watched a few war movies where this type of situation is more or less accurately described.
The crucial points are the following:
1. Create a perimeter which would alert you of the incoming intruders.
Possibly without alerting the intruders of the fact that you are aware of their "visit". On your property this can be accomplished with motion detectors and "hidden" peripheral security cameras with online remote monitoring, which by the way, nowadays have become quite affordable.
When activated the motion detector will trigger a telephone call to your cell-phone. You don't want the system to alert the authorities, not yet.
The trespasser may not be a burglar, it could be the mailman, your gardner, or it could simply be someone you know who is not aware of your absence and is coming for a surprise visit.As you receive the warning call you can grab your laptop or get online with any computer, go to the security company website, usually the same company which installed your remote monitoring security system, enter your username and password and "see" what is happening on your property.
If it looks like a burglar you can call the police. You will have the video recording to prove the suspect was behaving as a burglar. Additionally the images recorded may help identify the person.
By the way, none of your flood lights should be facing your hidden cameras. They should "look" , more or less, in the same direction. If the lights shine into the cameras the subject in the image will result having the dark side exposed to the camera, possibly compromising any attempt of identification.
2. Establish a first line of defense.
In war times this would be a various number of lethal traps but of course it is not legal during peace times. In our case the first line of defense is a passive one and it is comprised of very robust doors and windows. Don't forget to place the alarm company stickers on your doors and windows. You should also have a security camera in plain site right outside your front door. Many unsophisticated thieves would simply turn around and go look for an easier loot.
All your doors and windows, even the upstairs ones, need to be locked and connected to the alarm system. At this point, when the burglar has broken into your house, or business, it is time to alert the authorities, but not the intruder. Having the alarm activate a siren at this time is a very common mistake.
When the siren goes off the burglar knows that he has a few minutes before the police arrive. He may know where your precious things are. He might have been on your property before. If it is your house he could have been someone doing some work at the house. If it is your business it's even easier to snoop around just pretending to be a customer and survey the ground before hand.
The experienced burglar will know if he has enough time to get the loot and get away before the police arrives.
3. Establish your second line of defense.
Your remote monitoring security cameras are in every room but here is a trick. Use sets of two cameras at every observation point, one as it would be normally installed and the second one as a hidden camera. Nowadays wireless cameras can be very small and easy to conceal exactly because of the absence of wires.
4. ATTACK !!!
If your finances allow you to install some Home Automation you can actually engage the intruder with some psychological warfare.
Through your web interface you can turn on and off various appliances, lights, a tape recorder with a prerecorded message. You can let your imagination run wild and have fun inventing ways to surprise the intruder.
Here is something to remember though; you can not try to trap the intruder in your house and you can not cause any injury, not even put him to sleep releasing sleeping gas. There have been similar cases where the burglar has sued the property owner for putting his life in danger, and won the case.
A simple, and definitely cheaper way to distract the thief is by calling your home phone and when the answering machine picks up try to initiate a conversation, let the burglar know that you are watching and intend to propose a deal. The point of course is not to get to know him, and not even to scare him away, but simply to distract him and make him slow down so to give more time to the police, or the alarm company security guards, to reach the site.
You can also play with his intention to steal something of value and leave a misleading message.
Here is pretty good diversion; call pretending to be a friend of yours who has borrowed your Jaguar and leave a message saying that you are ten minutes away from the house, on your way to returning the car. Then ad that if you don't find anybody home you will leave the car keys under the door mat. What thief wouldn't be tempted to wait a few minutes and add a luxury car to his loot?
On the market there are several different type of devices with wireless transmitter which may be strategically placed so that when a certain item is moved the alarm will emit a very loud sound, so loud to impair the cognitive functioning of the offender brain. His first reaction will probably be to try to destroy the device, but if you have been careful to place it somehow out of reach, the intruder may be forced to abandon the room.
This type of devices can be connected to closet or cabinets doors, drawers or even directly to items like precious art pieces, jewellery boxes, big screen TV, safes. By the way, having a safe not secured to the wall or the floor is quite pointless. Unless the safe weights a ton the thief will simply carry it away and open it in the comfort of his own "workshop".
In conclusion, the traditional alarm system that sounds a siren when the burglar brakes in does not save you from being burglarized.
Think about it, how many times after hearing a home alarm going off in the neighborhood you have actually gone to check if the house was being burglarized? You might have looked out the window, or you might have stepped outside and looked down the street, but let's be honest, very few of us would actually go to the house and knock at the door.
The professional burglar knows that, and counts on it.
From the technological point of view that type of security system is a thing of the past. Nowadays with very little additional investment you can have motion detectors triggering several telephone calls and security cameras with online remote monitoring to check your property any time you want and record any unusual event.
This is the least security you need to have if you are serious about protecting your home or business.
On a less pressing note security cameras with online remote monitoring gives you the opportunity to make sure everything is all right any time you whish to do so, giving you peace of mind if you have kids, pets, cleaning service, baby sitter, gardner... you name it. It really is an investment which increase exponentially the eventuality of a much safer future for you and your family, and that is much more precious than any material possession.
*author:Mark Van Neem*
Home Security: Your Yard Is The First Line Of Defence
You may not believe it but most burglars do not plan their break ins. They are crimes of opportunity. They pick what appears to be a simple target. If they see a greater risk than they anticipated, they move onto a safer target. Therefore the more effort you take to keep your home from seeming to be a simple target, the safer you will be.
A multilayer structure is the best way to approach arranging your home security, and the first layer is the landscaping and other features of your yard.
Landscaping and Yard Security.
A few simple changes to your landscaping can help to protect your home from would be burglars. They are looking for a home they can get into and out of quickly; the more time they spend in your home the more chance of getting caught. Their best target is a home surrounded by tall hedges and shrubs, which restricts visibility from the street and your neighbours' houses.
Trim your shrubbery and trees so that your doors and windows can be seen by neighbors, and from the street, by forgoing a little privacy you will not be providing a hiding place for a burglar. If you have more than one floor, prune trees away from upper floor windows to prevent an intruder using them as a ladder, also make sure any trellises won't provide a convenient ladder to gain entry to the upper floors.
All planting close to the sidewalk, driveways, doors or gates, should be kept low say no more than two feet in height. As you move further away from the sidewalk you can increase the height but keep it down to no more than four feet.
Any plant under the window should be kept below the windowsill.
Trees should have their lower branches trimmed to at least seven feet off the ground.
Be sure to keep your lawn trimmed; an uncut lawn will indicate to a potential burglar that you have been away from your home for some time.
By placing gravel on the ground under windows you will be warned if someone walks on it, this can be a useful psychological deterrent. Remember not to have any large rocks or stones near glass windows or doors. There's no point in providing a burglar with his tools!
Plant spiny (thorny) plants along fences and under windows, and on border fences, roses are ideal. Protecting your home with spiny plants is as good as using barbed wire, and it looks a lot better too.
Street Numbers.
Make sure your house number can be seen easily from the street. This can save time for the police and emergency services if they need to find your home.
It is best to use numbers made of reflective materials, or alternatively black on white, they should be at least six inches high to facilitate visibility from the street. Keep the number clean and trim any plants, so it can be seen. The number should be illuminated and near the front door or the garage entrance.
Limiting Access to Yards and Store Rooms:
The main thing burglars are looking for is an obstruction free and speedy exit. Fences will stop burglars from carrying away your larger processions, if the gates are locked. Gates should be locked at all times! Make sure that any ladders and tools are stored in a garage or a storage shed, and these should be locked when not in use. To increase security chain your ladder to the wall of the garage when it is not being used.
The idea is to use the landscaping to control access to your property. Proper fencing hedges etc. create barriers that will make a potential burglar feel uncomfortable as they approach your home, but will not prevent a neighbour or passer by from seeing any unusual activity.
I will be covering additional steps you can take to improve your home security in the next article in this series.
*author:Roger Overanout*
A multilayer structure is the best way to approach arranging your home security, and the first layer is the landscaping and other features of your yard.
Landscaping and Yard Security.
A few simple changes to your landscaping can help to protect your home from would be burglars. They are looking for a home they can get into and out of quickly; the more time they spend in your home the more chance of getting caught. Their best target is a home surrounded by tall hedges and shrubs, which restricts visibility from the street and your neighbours' houses.
Trim your shrubbery and trees so that your doors and windows can be seen by neighbors, and from the street, by forgoing a little privacy you will not be providing a hiding place for a burglar. If you have more than one floor, prune trees away from upper floor windows to prevent an intruder using them as a ladder, also make sure any trellises won't provide a convenient ladder to gain entry to the upper floors.
All planting close to the sidewalk, driveways, doors or gates, should be kept low say no more than two feet in height. As you move further away from the sidewalk you can increase the height but keep it down to no more than four feet.
Any plant under the window should be kept below the windowsill.
Trees should have their lower branches trimmed to at least seven feet off the ground.
Be sure to keep your lawn trimmed; an uncut lawn will indicate to a potential burglar that you have been away from your home for some time.
By placing gravel on the ground under windows you will be warned if someone walks on it, this can be a useful psychological deterrent. Remember not to have any large rocks or stones near glass windows or doors. There's no point in providing a burglar with his tools!
Plant spiny (thorny) plants along fences and under windows, and on border fences, roses are ideal. Protecting your home with spiny plants is as good as using barbed wire, and it looks a lot better too.
Street Numbers.
Make sure your house number can be seen easily from the street. This can save time for the police and emergency services if they need to find your home.
It is best to use numbers made of reflective materials, or alternatively black on white, they should be at least six inches high to facilitate visibility from the street. Keep the number clean and trim any plants, so it can be seen. The number should be illuminated and near the front door or the garage entrance.
Limiting Access to Yards and Store Rooms:
The main thing burglars are looking for is an obstruction free and speedy exit. Fences will stop burglars from carrying away your larger processions, if the gates are locked. Gates should be locked at all times! Make sure that any ladders and tools are stored in a garage or a storage shed, and these should be locked when not in use. To increase security chain your ladder to the wall of the garage when it is not being used.
The idea is to use the landscaping to control access to your property. Proper fencing hedges etc. create barriers that will make a potential burglar feel uncomfortable as they approach your home, but will not prevent a neighbour or passer by from seeing any unusual activity.
I will be covering additional steps you can take to improve your home security in the next article in this series.
*author:Roger Overanout*
Home Security: How to Defend Your Home When You Are Away
Is your home going to be empty for several days while you go on vacation? That's when your home or apartment is most vulnerable to break-ins.
Here are several specific things you can do to ensure your home stays safe even when you are away.
* The best defense for your home is to have a house sitter. There's no getting around it. A house where someone is staying is almost always safer than a house that's empty. See if you can get a trusted friend or relative to stay at home while you are away.
* Stop your mail delivery and newspaper delivery for the entire time you are away. An overflowing mailbox or piles of newspaper advertises that no one's home. Alternatively, get a neighbor to collect them regularly.
* Similarly, if you keep a garden or have potted plants that are visible, get someone to come in regularly and maintain them. Wilted and dying plants are another signal that the house is uninhabited. At the very least, move the potted plants out of sight.
* Put lights as well as TV / radio on timers. Put lights on timers in multiple rooms. Try to create a natural-looking sequence for the lights. Set the timer to turn on the living room lights at sunset. Later on, at your regular bedtime, set it to switch off the living room lights and turn on the bedroom lights at around the same time.
If you regularly turn on the TV at 8:00 pm and it remains switched on till 11:00 pm, set the timer accordingly. Quite often, even if the lights are on, the absence of the bluish glow from the TV can give away the fact that no one's really home.
* Ask a neighbor to drop into your house regularly, if you don't have a house sitter. Windows being opened and closed, curtains being worked and so on are signs that someone is home.
* If you live in a rented home or apartment, you may want to notify your landlord that you will be away. In fact, some lease agreements stipulate that you must inform them if you are going away. Some landlords like to keep an eye on an empty house, even if they don't enter it.
* If you have an alarm system installed, make sure the house sitter knows how to operate it.
* Leave your contact details with the house sitter and/or neighbor. Whoever is checking on the house should know who they should call if there is a problem.
*author:Joe Timbers*
Here are several specific things you can do to ensure your home stays safe even when you are away.
* The best defense for your home is to have a house sitter. There's no getting around it. A house where someone is staying is almost always safer than a house that's empty. See if you can get a trusted friend or relative to stay at home while you are away.
* Stop your mail delivery and newspaper delivery for the entire time you are away. An overflowing mailbox or piles of newspaper advertises that no one's home. Alternatively, get a neighbor to collect them regularly.
* Similarly, if you keep a garden or have potted plants that are visible, get someone to come in regularly and maintain them. Wilted and dying plants are another signal that the house is uninhabited. At the very least, move the potted plants out of sight.
* Put lights as well as TV / radio on timers. Put lights on timers in multiple rooms. Try to create a natural-looking sequence for the lights. Set the timer to turn on the living room lights at sunset. Later on, at your regular bedtime, set it to switch off the living room lights and turn on the bedroom lights at around the same time.
If you regularly turn on the TV at 8:00 pm and it remains switched on till 11:00 pm, set the timer accordingly. Quite often, even if the lights are on, the absence of the bluish glow from the TV can give away the fact that no one's really home.
* Ask a neighbor to drop into your house regularly, if you don't have a house sitter. Windows being opened and closed, curtains being worked and so on are signs that someone is home.
* If you live in a rented home or apartment, you may want to notify your landlord that you will be away. In fact, some lease agreements stipulate that you must inform them if you are going away. Some landlords like to keep an eye on an empty house, even if they don't enter it.
* If you have an alarm system installed, make sure the house sitter knows how to operate it.
* Leave your contact details with the house sitter and/or neighbor. Whoever is checking on the house should know who they should call if there is a problem.
*author:Joe Timbers*
Home Safety Tips: Arm Yourself Against The Threat Of A Break-In
In 1999, Statistics Canada reported that there were approximately 92,485 break and enters reported to police, however, some of these crimes remained unreported. Property crime losses ranged from little or nothing of value to materials costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Unfortunately, burglars can do much more than steal your possessions. They can commit rape, robbery, and assault if they are surprised by someone coming home or pick a home that is occupied.
"If you have been a victim of a burglary, chances are that you will be vulnerable to a burglary a second time," explained Patrice De Luca, V.P. of Marketing and Business Development for Protectron Security Systems. "The burglar will know how easy it was the first time they targeted your home. This experience will forever change your life. However, for a small amount of time and money you can make your home more secure and reduce your chances of being a victim."
According to De Luca, many burglars will spend no longer than 60 seconds trying to break into a home. That's why good locks and good neighbors who watch out for each other are big deterrents to burglars.
De Luca also suggests these following tips:
• Thieves don't like bright lights. Install outside lights and keep them on at night.
• Keep your yard clean. Prune back shrubbery so it doesn't hide doors or windows. Cut back tree limbs that a thief could use to climb to an upper-level window.
• A high percentage of burglaries involve the theft of newly purchased items, such as, new electronic equipment, computers and TVs. "Thieves are always on the lookout for homes with big cardboard boxes at the curb highlighting new purchases," added De Luca. "It's important to eliminate or break up these boxes into unrecognizable pieces not to advertise new purchases to the neighborhood." Also, don't leave valuables in sight through windows, where they will tempt burglars.
• If you travel, create the illusion that you're at home by getting some timers that will turn lights on and off in different areas of your house throughout the evening. Lights burning 24 hours a day signal an empty house.
• Leave shades, blinds, and curtains in normal positions. Don't let your mail pile up, call the post office to stop delivery or have a neighbor pick it up.
• Alarms can be a good investment, especially if you have many valuables in your home, or live in an isolated area or one with a history of break-ins.
• Alarm systems are an effective deterrent. Nine out of ten convicted burglars agree they'd avoid a house protected by an alarm system.
• Security system decals and signs are also an effective deterrent.
• Make sure your security system includes a loud inside alarm, detectors at all exterior doors, and motion sensors in the master bedroom and main living areas. For more information on home security visit www.protectron.com.
Unfortunately, burglars can do much more than steal your possessions. They can commit rape, robbery, and assault if they are surprised by someone coming home or pick a home that is occupied.
"If you have been a victim of a burglary, chances are that you will be vulnerable to a burglary a second time," explained Patrice De Luca, V.P. of Marketing and Business Development for Protectron Security Systems. "The burglar will know how easy it was the first time they targeted your home. This experience will forever change your life. However, for a small amount of time and money you can make your home more secure and reduce your chances of being a victim."
According to De Luca, many burglars will spend no longer than 60 seconds trying to break into a home. That's why good locks and good neighbors who watch out for each other are big deterrents to burglars.
De Luca also suggests these following tips:
• Thieves don't like bright lights. Install outside lights and keep them on at night.
• Keep your yard clean. Prune back shrubbery so it doesn't hide doors or windows. Cut back tree limbs that a thief could use to climb to an upper-level window.
• A high percentage of burglaries involve the theft of newly purchased items, such as, new electronic equipment, computers and TVs. "Thieves are always on the lookout for homes with big cardboard boxes at the curb highlighting new purchases," added De Luca. "It's important to eliminate or break up these boxes into unrecognizable pieces not to advertise new purchases to the neighborhood." Also, don't leave valuables in sight through windows, where they will tempt burglars.
• If you travel, create the illusion that you're at home by getting some timers that will turn lights on and off in different areas of your house throughout the evening. Lights burning 24 hours a day signal an empty house.
• Leave shades, blinds, and curtains in normal positions. Don't let your mail pile up, call the post office to stop delivery or have a neighbor pick it up.
• Alarms can be a good investment, especially if you have many valuables in your home, or live in an isolated area or one with a history of break-ins.
• Alarm systems are an effective deterrent. Nine out of ten convicted burglars agree they'd avoid a house protected by an alarm system.
• Security system decals and signs are also an effective deterrent.
• Make sure your security system includes a loud inside alarm, detectors at all exterior doors, and motion sensors in the master bedroom and main living areas. For more information on home security visit www.protectron.com.
Home Safety for Your Children
Providing a safe environment for your child is one of the most important factors in how they will grow up. Ensuring your children are safe at all times can be a very difficult task but it is important to do your best to ensure they live in an environment where they feel secure. There are many safety devices and techniques you can use in your home which will help to ensure that nothing bad will happen to your children. Although being overbearing and overprotective with your children can create negative effects as they get older, not protecting your children enough can lead to even bigger problems.
If you want to learn easy and effective ways to keep your children safe you have come to the right place. This article will outline some of the most effective devices used in providing safety for your children. The following are some of the pieces of safety equipment you may want to consider:
• Baby Monitors – When babies are very young there will be times when you cannot watch them 24-7 to ensure they are okay. When they are sleeping a baby monitor allows you to be in a different place but hear everything that is going on where they are sleeping. This way, if anything goes wrong you will know right away.
• Stair Gates – Stair gates are very important for children who have just learned to crawl and walk. Children are unaware of the impact of falling down the stairs and they can be severely hurt if this situation does occur. These gates will not allow children to go down the stairs which will in turn decrease the likeliness of related injuries.
• Outlet Covers – Outlet covers are very important when it comes to the safety of your children. Children have such small fingers that when touching a socket or outlet can get stuck or potentially electrocute your child. These are very cheap items and can go a long way in preventing injuries in the home.
• Corner Cushioning – Also known as corner covers these are small cushioned devices which are designed to go overtop of the corners of furniture. When children are running around it is not uncommon for them to fall and if they were to land on the corner of a table (or other piece of furniture) they could potentially be very injured. These take a few seconds to assemble and are very effective in keeping your children safe when running around the house.
• Door and Cupboard Protectors – These are important devices, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. These are items which are designed to make it impossible for children to open doors or cupboards. When you have products like cleaners, detergents or other items which can be potentially toxic or poisonous to children it is important to keep them as far away from them as possible. These are very effective in doing so.
These are just a few of the things you can do to keep your children safe. It is important to take all the appropriate measures to ensure your children are safe. The little things you do can mean all the difference in the world.
*author:Jack Nelson*
If you want to learn easy and effective ways to keep your children safe you have come to the right place. This article will outline some of the most effective devices used in providing safety for your children. The following are some of the pieces of safety equipment you may want to consider:
• Baby Monitors – When babies are very young there will be times when you cannot watch them 24-7 to ensure they are okay. When they are sleeping a baby monitor allows you to be in a different place but hear everything that is going on where they are sleeping. This way, if anything goes wrong you will know right away.
• Stair Gates – Stair gates are very important for children who have just learned to crawl and walk. Children are unaware of the impact of falling down the stairs and they can be severely hurt if this situation does occur. These gates will not allow children to go down the stairs which will in turn decrease the likeliness of related injuries.
• Outlet Covers – Outlet covers are very important when it comes to the safety of your children. Children have such small fingers that when touching a socket or outlet can get stuck or potentially electrocute your child. These are very cheap items and can go a long way in preventing injuries in the home.
• Corner Cushioning – Also known as corner covers these are small cushioned devices which are designed to go overtop of the corners of furniture. When children are running around it is not uncommon for them to fall and if they were to land on the corner of a table (or other piece of furniture) they could potentially be very injured. These take a few seconds to assemble and are very effective in keeping your children safe when running around the house.
• Door and Cupboard Protectors – These are important devices, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. These are items which are designed to make it impossible for children to open doors or cupboards. When you have products like cleaners, detergents or other items which can be potentially toxic or poisonous to children it is important to keep them as far away from them as possible. These are very effective in doing so.
These are just a few of the things you can do to keep your children safe. It is important to take all the appropriate measures to ensure your children are safe. The little things you do can mean all the difference in the world.
*author:Jack Nelson*
Home Insurance And Hurricane Preparations
The violent winds, rains and storm damage from hurricanes can devastate communities and cause billions of dollars worth of destruction. The losses from hurricanes this year alone have surpassed that from almost any other natural disaster in years. The risk to your home and possessions can be enormous and you really should be considering insurance cover for hurricane damage if you live in any area that is exposed to the risk of hurricane. As well as insurance cover however, there are other steps you can be taking to prepare for, and minimize the damage to your property and risk to your family that hurricanes pose.
Since the Atlantic hurricane season begins in June and continues through till the end of November, there is a significant proportion of the year during which you should be prepared in some way for hurricane threats. Some of the preparations below will be required by insurance policies, others will not but are still helpful to you and your family. Some of them may even be able to bring down your insurance policy price as the insurance company recognize that you are safer than you otherwise would be and are therefore less likely to be making a claim.
Be Prepared!
First of all you should be familiar with the terms of your insurance policy and any disaster preparedness and response plans they have. These will help you in the case that disaster does strike or you find yourself in need of making a claim.
If you think you may need to evacuate your area, you should contact the appropriate authorities before hand to know what those requirements will be. You should have a plan formulated in advance and if there are shelters nearby you should know where they are and how to get to them.
Keep supplies such as food, water, gasoline, portable radios and batteries stored somewhere safe so they will be available to you in the emergency. Several flashlights with extra batteries should be included. Copies of important identification and insurance documentation would also be useful in certain situations to speed up applications in the event that wide spread devastation occurs. Medical supplies such as aspirin and aspirin free painkillers, antacid, bandages, gauze and disinfectant are also useful.
While insurance is a very important step you should be taking to protect your possessions and family in the event of disaster, there are many other steps you can take to prepare for the situation also.
*author:Joseph Kenny*
Since the Atlantic hurricane season begins in June and continues through till the end of November, there is a significant proportion of the year during which you should be prepared in some way for hurricane threats. Some of the preparations below will be required by insurance policies, others will not but are still helpful to you and your family. Some of them may even be able to bring down your insurance policy price as the insurance company recognize that you are safer than you otherwise would be and are therefore less likely to be making a claim.
Be Prepared!
First of all you should be familiar with the terms of your insurance policy and any disaster preparedness and response plans they have. These will help you in the case that disaster does strike or you find yourself in need of making a claim.
If you think you may need to evacuate your area, you should contact the appropriate authorities before hand to know what those requirements will be. You should have a plan formulated in advance and if there are shelters nearby you should know where they are and how to get to them.
Keep supplies such as food, water, gasoline, portable radios and batteries stored somewhere safe so they will be available to you in the emergency. Several flashlights with extra batteries should be included. Copies of important identification and insurance documentation would also be useful in certain situations to speed up applications in the event that wide spread devastation occurs. Medical supplies such as aspirin and aspirin free painkillers, antacid, bandages, gauze and disinfectant are also useful.
While insurance is a very important step you should be taking to protect your possessions and family in the event of disaster, there are many other steps you can take to prepare for the situation also.
*author:Joseph Kenny*
Flood Insurance
Flood insurance is not included in basic home owner's insurance!
Interestingly enough, one of the worst natural disasters that could possibly affect your home is not included under most normal home owner's insurance policies. As a result, flood insurance is one of the most important pieces of extra insurance that you could possibly get for your home. If you are worried that you might possibly live within range of some sort of flooding, then you should make sure that you get flood insurance as soon as possible. It doesn't matter if you have never had any floods during your time living where you are - it's always possible to have too much rainfall and for the flooding to reach record levels.
Of course, however, if you live high on a hill, then you will probably not need much flood insurance - but you should be careful of other problems that can come with living on a hill, including the possibility of mudslides.
In any case, flood insurance is generally not included with most regular home owner's insurance. This is possibly because most homes are not located in regions or areas that flood. Since it only takes one flood to ruin a home, however, you should probably try to get some flood insurance.
Keep in mind that depending on where you live and what kind of a home you have, your rates for flood insurance can vary wildly. Areas that are likely to have floods will generally have higher rates due to the fact that it is more likely that the insurance company will have to pay out. If you live in a location where floods are unlikely, but still possible, you will probably be able to get lower rates for your flood insurance. Another factor that will affect how much your insurance is involves the quality and condition of your home. If your home is worth a lot of money, then you will pay more for insurance than you would if it would be relatively cheap to replace.
Even if it is unlikely that your home will flood, you should still think about getting flood insurance. In some cases, you can ad it to the home owner's insurance that you already have. In other cases, however, it might be better for you to go to a different insurance company that offers cheap flood insurance. You can find flood insurance companies by checking online.
*author:Jakob Jelling*
Interestingly enough, one of the worst natural disasters that could possibly affect your home is not included under most normal home owner's insurance policies. As a result, flood insurance is one of the most important pieces of extra insurance that you could possibly get for your home. If you are worried that you might possibly live within range of some sort of flooding, then you should make sure that you get flood insurance as soon as possible. It doesn't matter if you have never had any floods during your time living where you are - it's always possible to have too much rainfall and for the flooding to reach record levels.
Of course, however, if you live high on a hill, then you will probably not need much flood insurance - but you should be careful of other problems that can come with living on a hill, including the possibility of mudslides.
In any case, flood insurance is generally not included with most regular home owner's insurance. This is possibly because most homes are not located in regions or areas that flood. Since it only takes one flood to ruin a home, however, you should probably try to get some flood insurance.
Keep in mind that depending on where you live and what kind of a home you have, your rates for flood insurance can vary wildly. Areas that are likely to have floods will generally have higher rates due to the fact that it is more likely that the insurance company will have to pay out. If you live in a location where floods are unlikely, but still possible, you will probably be able to get lower rates for your flood insurance. Another factor that will affect how much your insurance is involves the quality and condition of your home. If your home is worth a lot of money, then you will pay more for insurance than you would if it would be relatively cheap to replace.
Even if it is unlikely that your home will flood, you should still think about getting flood insurance. In some cases, you can ad it to the home owner's insurance that you already have. In other cases, however, it might be better for you to go to a different insurance company that offers cheap flood insurance. You can find flood insurance companies by checking online.
*author:Jakob Jelling*
Fireplace Safety Tips
Each and every year, destructive fires are started due to unsafe or improper use. Fires can be prevented, so long as certain safety precautions are taken. By following these tips, you can keep your family and your home safe from the dangers of fire.
Always be sure that the area near your fireplace is free from debris and clutter. A fireplace can be a warm and inviting place to be, but it can also pose serious danger. Make every effort to keep newspaper, kindling, and firewood away from burning embers. Always use a fireplace screen to prevent those burning embers from leaping out of the fireplace.
You should also inspect your chimney on an annual basis. Over the summer months, a bird may have decided to nest in your chimney. That nest could prevent the smoke from exiting your home. The nest could possibly catch fire, or it might cause your home to fill with smoke. Either way, it is not an ideal situation. Creosote is a flammable material that will build up in your chimney over time, so you will also need to have it cleaned every year or so.
Another thing to be mindful of is the amount of wood you are burning at any given time. A fire can grow out of control quite easily and the more wood you use, the more heat and flames will be produced. Do not overload your fireplace. Be extra careful not to burn anything other than wood are a manufactured fire log.
Newspapers or garbage are very dangerous when burned in a fireplace. Think smart.
Just in case, always keep a fire extinguisher close at hand. A fire can get out of control very fast, and you may not have time to go looking for a fire extinguisher when you need one most. Also, ensure that your home is equipped with smoke alarms. If your smoke alarms are powered by batteries, be sure to change them every few months. Ideally, they should be hard-wired into the electrical system of your home.
Never, under any circumstances, leave your fire unattended. Always keep your children away from the fire, and explain to them the danger that it poses. You can even visit your local fire hall to obtain a video on fire safety that is geared towards children. Make sure that you do not go to bed unless the fire has burned out. By following these simple tips, you and your family can get cozy in front of the fireplace for years to come.
Always be sure that the area near your fireplace is free from debris and clutter. A fireplace can be a warm and inviting place to be, but it can also pose serious danger. Make every effort to keep newspaper, kindling, and firewood away from burning embers. Always use a fireplace screen to prevent those burning embers from leaping out of the fireplace.
You should also inspect your chimney on an annual basis. Over the summer months, a bird may have decided to nest in your chimney. That nest could prevent the smoke from exiting your home. The nest could possibly catch fire, or it might cause your home to fill with smoke. Either way, it is not an ideal situation. Creosote is a flammable material that will build up in your chimney over time, so you will also need to have it cleaned every year or so.
Another thing to be mindful of is the amount of wood you are burning at any given time. A fire can grow out of control quite easily and the more wood you use, the more heat and flames will be produced. Do not overload your fireplace. Be extra careful not to burn anything other than wood are a manufactured fire log.
Newspapers or garbage are very dangerous when burned in a fireplace. Think smart.
Just in case, always keep a fire extinguisher close at hand. A fire can get out of control very fast, and you may not have time to go looking for a fire extinguisher when you need one most. Also, ensure that your home is equipped with smoke alarms. If your smoke alarms are powered by batteries, be sure to change them every few months. Ideally, they should be hard-wired into the electrical system of your home.
Never, under any circumstances, leave your fire unattended. Always keep your children away from the fire, and explain to them the danger that it poses. You can even visit your local fire hall to obtain a video on fire safety that is geared towards children. Make sure that you do not go to bed unless the fire has burned out. By following these simple tips, you and your family can get cozy in front of the fireplace for years to come.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
CCTV Cameras—Reduce the Risk of Crime
CCTV Cameras are among the most effective ways to reduce crime in your business or home, and there are a number of places to purchase CCTV equipment, even if you’re on a budget. Here are some things to look for when you’re shopping for CCTV cameras that will help you save time and money, as well as help you to better to protect your property.
First of all, you need to choose a CCTV camera that has both a wide range and a quality lens, so that you can see what’s going on no matter which part of the property you’re on, and you’ll be able to spot any suspicious people or activity right away.
Next, make sure that your CCTV camera is compact and is easily rotated. This way, the camera is not easily seen by intruders or customers, and the ability for the camera to rotate quickly and effectively will give you a total view of who comes in and out of your business or home. The Voltek Wireless CCTV camera is a great choice for this reason, and we also offer a number of great new product to compliment this camera.
It’s also a good idea to make sure that the CCTV equipment you purchase works well with the way that your property is set up in terms of how many enclosed walkways there are, whether or not there are open spaces throughout the office space or home, and how many rooms are usually occupied on the property. This will help you to determine how large of a camera you should purchase, and you may also want to purchase wireless CCTV equipment to eliminate the look of cables and plugs across the walls of your property.
Other equipment you’ll want to purchase in addition to the actual CCTV camera include a sign that you can post in front of your door or window on your property, which will let both potential criminals and customers know that the property is under surveillance. You’ll also want to make sure that you have a CCTV monitor that is hooked up to the camera, so that you can make sure that your property is safe, no matter where you are in your home or office. The monitors are available in both color and black and white, so you have the option of purchasing the monitors that are most affordable for you. If you’re just starting your business, or are switching alarm systems or moving into a new home or business building, you may also want to look into purchasing a dummy camera for a short period of time. The dummy cameras look very realistic, and you can use it to give the illusion of security on your property until you install a new CCTV camera. You may also want to look into the audio cameras we have to offer, such as the new Wireless Microcam Audio CCTV camera, so that you can hear what’s going on in your property as well as see it.
The shape of your camera will also play a big part in how well hidden the camera is, and how secure you can keep your home or business. Many times, if a surveillance camera is very obvious or large, criminals will immediately try to destroy the camera before stealing merchandise or money, or otherwise damaging the property. If a CCTV camera is well hidden, it will be difficult for burglars to find the camera, and it is much more likely that you will catch the trespassing on tape accurately. A discreet camera will also make customers or others in your home feel safer. So, small cameras, dome-shaped cameras, and even submergible cameras are a good idea if you want to add a little extra security to your home or business.
First of all, you need to choose a CCTV camera that has both a wide range and a quality lens, so that you can see what’s going on no matter which part of the property you’re on, and you’ll be able to spot any suspicious people or activity right away.
Next, make sure that your CCTV camera is compact and is easily rotated. This way, the camera is not easily seen by intruders or customers, and the ability for the camera to rotate quickly and effectively will give you a total view of who comes in and out of your business or home. The Voltek Wireless CCTV camera is a great choice for this reason, and we also offer a number of great new product to compliment this camera.
It’s also a good idea to make sure that the CCTV equipment you purchase works well with the way that your property is set up in terms of how many enclosed walkways there are, whether or not there are open spaces throughout the office space or home, and how many rooms are usually occupied on the property. This will help you to determine how large of a camera you should purchase, and you may also want to purchase wireless CCTV equipment to eliminate the look of cables and plugs across the walls of your property.
Other equipment you’ll want to purchase in addition to the actual CCTV camera include a sign that you can post in front of your door or window on your property, which will let both potential criminals and customers know that the property is under surveillance. You’ll also want to make sure that you have a CCTV monitor that is hooked up to the camera, so that you can make sure that your property is safe, no matter where you are in your home or office. The monitors are available in both color and black and white, so you have the option of purchasing the monitors that are most affordable for you. If you’re just starting your business, or are switching alarm systems or moving into a new home or business building, you may also want to look into purchasing a dummy camera for a short period of time. The dummy cameras look very realistic, and you can use it to give the illusion of security on your property until you install a new CCTV camera. You may also want to look into the audio cameras we have to offer, such as the new Wireless Microcam Audio CCTV camera, so that you can hear what’s going on in your property as well as see it.
The shape of your camera will also play a big part in how well hidden the camera is, and how secure you can keep your home or business. Many times, if a surveillance camera is very obvious or large, criminals will immediately try to destroy the camera before stealing merchandise or money, or otherwise damaging the property. If a CCTV camera is well hidden, it will be difficult for burglars to find the camera, and it is much more likely that you will catch the trespassing on tape accurately. A discreet camera will also make customers or others in your home feel safer. So, small cameras, dome-shaped cameras, and even submergible cameras are a good idea if you want to add a little extra security to your home or business.
A New Perspective on Home Security
It was a struggle in the early years of the security alarm industry for the public to recognize the need for protection & monitoring with police notification against criminal break in and home invasion.
Gradually over a period of 45 years security systems became recognized & accepted finally reaching the point of being included in virtually all types of businesses & new residential construction as well as existing homes.
Since 1920 when the industry began in New York to present day the industry could easily boast about being a multi-billion dollar endeavor continuing to grow at paramount proportions.
The ensuing years revealed that there was an extremely large segment of the public that did not have a security system. The reasons varied. Some did not want to take on the burden of ongoing monthly monitoring expenses for police notification as well as servicing. Many did not want unsightly wiring throughout their homes while others could not tolerate the common annoyance of false alarm panic disturbing the household & the neighborhood thereby causing penalties and fines by the local authorities. Simply put many could just not afford it.
It became apparent that since there was no physical sign of a security system visible on the outside that the criminal could not tell if a home or business did actually have a security system.
The foremost objective is a DETERRENT before an invasion attempt is ever made.
It has been historically proven that those homes and businesses who display the presence of an alarm system from the outside have far less attempts or none at all than those who have no security indication. Industry experience documents these facts and are supported by the U.S. Department of Justice and Uniform Crime Reports.
*author:Jill Ostrow*
Gradually over a period of 45 years security systems became recognized & accepted finally reaching the point of being included in virtually all types of businesses & new residential construction as well as existing homes.
Since 1920 when the industry began in New York to present day the industry could easily boast about being a multi-billion dollar endeavor continuing to grow at paramount proportions.
The ensuing years revealed that there was an extremely large segment of the public that did not have a security system. The reasons varied. Some did not want to take on the burden of ongoing monthly monitoring expenses for police notification as well as servicing. Many did not want unsightly wiring throughout their homes while others could not tolerate the common annoyance of false alarm panic disturbing the household & the neighborhood thereby causing penalties and fines by the local authorities. Simply put many could just not afford it.
It became apparent that since there was no physical sign of a security system visible on the outside that the criminal could not tell if a home or business did actually have a security system.
The foremost objective is a DETERRENT before an invasion attempt is ever made.
It has been historically proven that those homes and businesses who display the presence of an alarm system from the outside have far less attempts or none at all than those who have no security indication. Industry experience documents these facts and are supported by the U.S. Department of Justice and Uniform Crime Reports.
*author:Jill Ostrow*
Home Security Systems Do Not Discriminate In Katrina Aftermath!
Only a few weeks ago, most people never gave much thought about having a security system for their home or business. But, after the looting and violence during and after Hurricane Katrina, sales have grown tremendously. Electronic Home and Business Security sales around the country are estimated to be around $28 billion per year. That number is estimated to increase by nearly 20% by the end of 2005.
While the whole subject of looting has become a touchy (and even political) issue for most people, which is largely due to the medias portrayal of the situation, security systems show no discrimination to an individuals race, social status, age, or gender. They also do not subscribe to any political parties or even listen to talk radio.
But, home and business security systems continue to play a large role in the rebuilding of homes and businesses in the devastated communities along the Gulf Coast. More homeowners and business owners than ever are planning on installing security systems ranging in sophistication. Kathy Lott, a home owner in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, said, "I've never given it much thought before, but after watching all the looting and fighting on tv, I figured it was worth a hundred dollars just to have the security it provides."
Although much of the spotlight has been on the local power and phone companies, local and online security retailers are busy trying to meet the demands of recent inquiries in the aftermath of Katrina. Gaston Collins, owner of Home Security Superstore and online at WWW.Best-Home-Security.com, says that he has had more orders in the last 2 weeks, than the whole Christmas season last year.
"Because of the long re-building process for the damaged communities, we're not expecting business to slow down until probably next spring, which is good news for us. We'll probably need to hire a few more people on top of the two we hired this week," he says. "As long as guys like Rush Limbaugh and other people in the media continue to push the subject of looting and violence, I'm sure we'll continue to see an increase in sales," says Gaston.
So it seems as though preparing for a disaster has consisted of gathering food, water, and batteries in the past - It will now include installing and checking your security system.
*author:Gaston Collins*
While the whole subject of looting has become a touchy (and even political) issue for most people, which is largely due to the medias portrayal of the situation, security systems show no discrimination to an individuals race, social status, age, or gender. They also do not subscribe to any political parties or even listen to talk radio.
But, home and business security systems continue to play a large role in the rebuilding of homes and businesses in the devastated communities along the Gulf Coast. More homeowners and business owners than ever are planning on installing security systems ranging in sophistication. Kathy Lott, a home owner in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, said, "I've never given it much thought before, but after watching all the looting and fighting on tv, I figured it was worth a hundred dollars just to have the security it provides."
Although much of the spotlight has been on the local power and phone companies, local and online security retailers are busy trying to meet the demands of recent inquiries in the aftermath of Katrina. Gaston Collins, owner of Home Security Superstore and online at WWW.Best-Home-Security.com, says that he has had more orders in the last 2 weeks, than the whole Christmas season last year.
"Because of the long re-building process for the damaged communities, we're not expecting business to slow down until probably next spring, which is good news for us. We'll probably need to hire a few more people on top of the two we hired this week," he says. "As long as guys like Rush Limbaugh and other people in the media continue to push the subject of looting and violence, I'm sure we'll continue to see an increase in sales," says Gaston.
So it seems as though preparing for a disaster has consisted of gathering food, water, and batteries in the past - It will now include installing and checking your security system.
*author:Gaston Collins*
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