Archive for the ‘Security’ Category
Protecting your family and your possessions is important to most people. A home security system may minimize the risk of having a burglar enter your home. Studies show that criminals will avoid risky ventures and will generally stay away from homes where there is some type of security device. Most thieves case the neighborhood to determine which homes are easiest to break into and will target those before risking getting caught by disarming an alarm system. Even if a thief does access your home they are likely to leave quickly (thus taking less and minimizing damage) when an alarm is sounding.
A security system consists of a key pad, usually located near the entrance of the home and alarms that will sound when there is an alert. You arm the alarm by pushing a button. If you are leaving home, you will have a few seconds to leave before the alarm is fully functioning. If re-entering, you will have a few seconds to disarm the alarm by entering a pass code.
A security system works by a variety of different means or a combination of them. Contacts placed on doors and windows will detect when they are opened. When you are not in the home, use of motion sensors can be helpful. Your home should not have activity when you are gone, so any motion detected will signal an alarm because it is assumed there is activity where there should not be any. Glass breakage detectors will sound if an intruder forcibly breaks a window or door in your home.
A combination of these sensors is recommended for maximum protection and security. Motion sensors alone may not provide adequate security and only work after someone has already entered the premises. These may also get triggered by active pets, causing a false alarm. Most alarm systems will allow you to remove this option when you are inside the house so anyone awakening during the night will not accidentally set off the system. Another good feature to have is a panic setting. These will allow you to immediately set the alarm off in case of an intruder. A special code is often assigned for cases of kidnapping or forced entry. If a criminal forces you to disarm the alarm, you can put in the special code. This will send a silent alarm to the police, alerting them of a possible hostage incident. No alarm will sound but police will be dispatched.
For maximum security, monitored alarms should be used. This will alert police when the alarm sounds. Generally a callback will be made to determine if there is an actual problem before dispatching authorities. If nobody answers or the secret word that was assigned is not used, police will then be dispatched to investigate. Monitoring is done on a monthly basis for a small fee. It also usually requires an annual permit that can be obtained inexpensively. False alarms where police are dispatched may be charged to the customer for needlessly sending out authorities, so be sure to call the monitoring company if there is a false alarm.
Using a home security system will provide comfort to the family. Knowing you, your family, and your possessions are secure from theft and break-ins is invaluable. Security systems are inexpensive yet provide a valuable sense of security.
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Before departing for your much earned holiday be wise and review your home security.
The latest figures from the FBI show a burglary occurs every 15.4 seconds in the USA. The majority of these break ins take place when the householder is away from the home.
A great number of these burglaries could be prevented by beefing up your home security and installing a home security system.
The installation of a home security alarm, and home security surveillance cameras is one of the most common and effective ways to improve the security of your home instantly.
Many of these home security products also have the option of home security monitoring. But the installation of these devices does not guarantee you immunity, other steps and precautions need to taken to improve you overall security.
Some of the less expensive options available include installing motion sensor lighting around the perimeter of your home.
As well as the external security there is a great deal that can be done inside the home to improve security. Check all locks on doors and windows replace any defective locks.
Patio sliding doors offer the opportunist thief just what they are looking for easy access , the reason is usually poor maintenance or security (broken lock) don’t get caught out this way thinking it will never happen, it does and it will.
Take these steps to make your sliding door even more secure consider installing a blocking device such as a “Charlie bar” or some other type of track blocker to prevent the door from sliding open.
At the very least you should block the track with a steel rod or wooden dowel to prevent any movement.
Where possible use a home safe to store any valuables include such items as keys to outbuildings, garages, other vehicles and any other device that requires a key.
You should also hide any personal documents and identity information in your home safe as well.
If you don’t have a home safe consider using a post office vault especially if you live in a high crime area.
Giving the impression someone is at home is a great way to dissuade a burglar and is key to improving home security. This can be achieved by using timers in various rooms to switch lights an appliances off and on at differing times of the day. Be smart though and apply this tactic to more than one room in your house.
Other security measures include stopping your mail and paper deliveries. If you have two vehicles leave one parked on your driveway or ask a neighbor to park in your driveway whilst you are away.
Leave a key with a trusted neighbor or relative and ask them to check your home periodically. Switch off any answering machine don’t be tempted to leave a message saying you are on vacation.
Ensure all outbuildings are secure, making sure any tools in your garage that could be used to gain access are under lock and key.
No matter what steps and security measures you take your home will never be 100% secure.
But the harder you make it for a burglar to gain entry the stronger your home security will be.