Owning a Home Security System offers peace of mind in knowing your home is being monitored by a trained professional 24 hours a day.  In the even of an emergency, the local authorities are dispatched to respond to the signals being sent from the panel.  Depending on the department, a police district can receive up to a 92% false alarm rate on calls actually dispatched.  This number is astounding!

To encourage false alarm prevention many departments are fining customers for every occurrence.  Sometimes fines work on a three strikes and you are out policy, others allow one occurrence per year before they begin to charge.  However your department encourages false alarm prevention, the best option is to never have to find out, right?

Here are a few tips that will help you avoid the big pay out when it comes to false alarm charges.

1. Know how to use your Security System.
   • The best way to avoid mistakes is knowing how to use your alarm system thoroughly.  The installing technician should have left you with an owner’s manual or DVD.  You can also find these for free online and you should be able to obtain one by calling your service provider.
   • Call your security provider and ask questions.  Many of these companies have staff available who are trained in answering the questions you may have regarding your system.  No question is unimportant; no question is silly.
2. Test your alarm system frequently.
   • It’s always a good idea to test your Home Alarm System on a frequent basis.  About once a month is the recommended timeframe between tests.
   • REMEMBER to call your monitoring station to place your account on test BEFORE you begin to send signals.  This tip alone would be a major help in the fight against false alarms.
3. If you change your contact info, tell your service provider and Monitoring Station.
   • Security panels are innovative in many ways, But no matter how cool your panel is, it will not report a change in your contact information. Your monitoring station understands that people change their home and cell phones all of the time.  They will be more than happy to receive your call to update your contact information.
   • Remember if they can’t contact you, it’s a possible false alarm.
4. Keep your pets out of the areas covered by Motion Detectors.
   • Many motion detectors have what is called “Pet Immunity”.  This means, for the most part, the motion detector can ignore the movements of animals close to the ground provided they don’t jump on the furniture.
   • If your animal has a habit of climbing on the furniture, it’s always best to keep them out of the areas covered by the Motion detector.
5. Make sure all of your Door and Window Locks are secure when you arm your panel.
   • Whether you are arming your panel for the night or you are taking a night on the town it’s best to leave your home in the most secure setting as possible.  Locking the doors and windows add another layer of perimeter protection very useful in the protection of your home.  If it’s really hard to get in, your intruder will most likely look somewhere else.
   • Another practical application is protecting your home for the night.  Help avoid a false alarm by locking your doors at night.  Many false alarms are caused by people trying to accomplish a simple task like taking the trash out.  If you train yourself to disarm your panel every time you unlock your door, it will become a very good, and useful habit.

By following these simple suggestions you can help keep your local police where they need to be; that is responding to actual emergencies.  Not to mention when it comes time for your own home’s protection, you won’t be known as the customer who cried “ALARM!”

My neighbor stopped me in backyard garden this past week and asked me if I had been walking around in the backyard without a flashlight about 2 a.m. the previous night.  I answered that I hadn’t, and if I was in the back yard that late it would be with friends and family for a bon fire or some kind of activity like that.

He scratched his head and explained he was taking some trash out to his cans and noticed someone walking around in my yard.  With the full moon, he could see the silhouette of what he thought was a man with some kind of a hat on.  He yelled over to the mysterious character demanding they explain themselves.  Instead of answering, the person quickly ran past the side of the house and closed my fence on the way out.  I thanked him for being so thoughtful and alert and I began asking my family members (who live near my home) if they had been lurking.  Of course everyone reported to have been sleeping that night.

I feel confident knowing my security system is on and active while we are asleep but getting this news from my neighbor got me thinking that I need to take some added measures to support the security my Home Security System provides.

Here is what I came up with:

1. Update All of The Locks in Your Home

   • Many older homes allow the doors and window lock to age with them.  Many doors and windows lose their solid functionality with time and may require you to change the locks.
   • Good and sturdy door locks are relatively inexpensive and are easy to install.
   • It’s okay to use sticks or long objects in sliding doors and windows.  This makes it nearly impossible for someone to lift it off the track or force entry

2. Improve Your Property Visibility

   • Trim any shrubs, bushes, or trees that may be impeding the view from your home to the rest of your property.  Don’t give any “shady” characters a place to hide if they are casing your home.  If it looks difficult to take a peek they most likely won’t.

3. Never Hide Keys

   • If someone is watching your home, eventually they will notice if you have keys hidden around your property.  Hiding keys atop doorframes, under mats, and in the potted plant are NOT new concepts.  These are the hotspots for hidden keys any are most likely to be the first places to be checked.

4. Well Lit Perimeter

   

   • This is perfect for my situation.  You improve the security of your home by lighting up the perimeter and making it difficult for people to be sneaking around your property at night.  If you are concerned about the light bill, be sure to check out your local hardware store and mount motion detecting light sensors.  If someone is moving around the detector will pick it up and provide a path of en”light”enment to the intruder. LOL

5. Own a Home Security System

   • Whereas a home security system won’t guarantee someone won’t break into your home, it greatly reduces the chance your home will be broken into, and greatly enhances the possibility the intruder may be apprehended.

Owning a Monitored Home Security System gives you the peace of mind knowing someone good is watching your home even if someone with bad intentions is watching your home also.

This week certainly got me thinking, and I’m definitely going to be following my own advice in supporting my homes security system.  Remember criminals are usually looking for the quick and easy rewards.  Taking all of these steps makes it difficult to become a target.

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Do you have some easy tips to add security to your home? Please feel free to comment below.

It’s Springtime!

Springtime has to be one of the most exciting times of the year.  Winter starts to melt away while the mercury on the thermometer once again begins to rise.  We begin to prepare for the coming year with renewed ambition and for many of us, that includes Spring-cleaning.

So, as you are cleaning out your closets and garages, remember that now is also a great time to test your Home Security System.  Below is a checklist of recommended tasks that will help strengthen the Security of Your Home.

1. Test All of Your Sensors

• It is recommended that you test your Home Security System at least once a month.  Hopefully, if you haven’t already been doing this you can work it into your monthly routine.
• Start by calling your Monitoring Station and place the account on test.  You will need your verification information so be sure to have that ready for them.
• Once your account is on test, arm the system to its maximum setting.  For the two most popular systems we work with, this would be Away for Honeywell systems, and Doors/Windows, and Motions for G.E. systems.
• Open and close all windows and doors which have sensors attached to them.
• If you have Motion Detectors wait 5 minutes after arming to walk in front of them as they have a three-minute sleep mode.
• You can test the Smoke Detectors by pressing the test button and holding it for about 15 seconds.
• Test your Keyfob panics by pressing the Panic button for Honeywell Keyfobs, and pressing the lock and unlock together for G.E. Keyfobs. (This is also true for WallFobs)
• Medical Pendants should also be included if you have them included in your equipments list.  Simply press the button(s) on the pendant to activate the alarm.
• Glassbreak Sensors can be a little trickier as they require the sound of glass breaking.  Testing glassbreaks can be accomplished by: aggressively shaking your keys in front of the module, clapping your hands directly in front of the sensor, or even making the glass breaking sound effect with your mouth really close to the sensor.  I know it seems silly but it works! LOL

2. General Dusting

• The performance of your Home Security System is most effective when all of the sensors are properly clean and cared for.  Be sure to take some time and do some general clean up of the security sensors.
• The first step as always is to place the account on test.
• Remember whenever dealing with electronics it is wise to disconnect the power source.  This will not only protect you from shock, but will also help protect the sensor.
• Gently dust the tops of all the sensors on the walls.  If needed, use a lightly damp cloth (water) and wipe the dust from the sensor tops.
• When cleaning a Photo-Electric Smoke Detector I’ve always used a vacuum hose to remove the dust particles from the chamber.  Be sure to read the manufacturer’s suggested cleaning methods for the most effective results.
• Dust off your Motion Detector and be sure to be careful around the lens.  Scratching the lens is uncommon, but if scratching occurs it could reduce performance, so be careful.  Read the manufacturer’s suggested cleaning methods for the most effective results.

I hope this helps answer some questions about simple security system maintenance.  I really look forward to this coming spring and summer seasons.

Do you have a Spring Cleaning tip that you’d like to share? Please feel free to comment below.

Do you remember the thrill of owning your first bike?  I remember waking up that Christmas morning and seeing a whole row of bicycles in the livingroom, one bicycle for each of my brothers and sister.   I remember feeling a sense of freedom and excitement as I rode that bike for the first time.  I now had control of my destiny.  I could ride anywhere; virtually go anywhere I wanted, when I wanted.   I felt so grown up for the first time in my life.  It is an experience that I can’t wait to share with my children when they become old enough to ride a bike.

I remember my father taking the time teach us the rules of bike safety.  Each bike came with a helmet and a personal lesson with my father about how to care for and maintain it.  He taught us how to fix the chain if it ever fell off, how to adjust the breaks, and even how to patch a punctured tire.  One thing my father stressed was making sure we wore our helmets when we rode and if we needed to leave the bike for any length of time, secure it to something solid.  Chain the bicycle through the frame and a tire to bike racks, trees, street signs, essentially anything that was a permanent fixture.

Years later, I’m now the father, and the big purchase came when we decided to buy a home for our family.  I remember experiencing similar feelings of freedom, control, and being so grown up.  I think back to the care I took with my bicycle and drew the parallel that it was up to me to mow the lawn, fix the roof and trim the bushes.  It is also my responsibility to make sure that my home has the proper Home Security required to keep my family safe.  I was sure to check that all the doors and windows had locks and the flood lamps were working properly, but somehow I felt that it wasn’t enough.

I decided that what my home needed was a Security System, but what exactly did I need to secure my home?  Now, it’s no secret; I work for a Security System Company.  That is important to know, because for years I have been custom designing security systems for customer’s homes across the nation.  I’ve installed for every kind of demographic.  From multi-million dollar homes to less affluent communities, I’ve optimized the Security Coverage and always felt comfortable with the coverage designs.  Now, however, I had to think about the design for my family.

When designing a Custom Security System for the needs of any home, it is important to take two major subjects into consideration.

1. Secure The Perimeter
   • The perimeter of your home is the first barrier separating you from the rest of the world.  The most common entry and exit points are the doors.  Doors and windows can be covered by sensors specifically designed for the action of doors and windows.  There are other sensor upgrades available, but this is the basic concept; secure your perimeter.
2. Secure The Interior
   • Nothing secures the interior of a home better than a motion detector.  Designed with small pets and animals in mind, a well-placed motion detector can greatly enhance the security of you home by limiting the interior movement of an intruder.

With both of these areas covered by the proper sensors, and the sensors communicating with a Security System Panel that reports to a monitoring station, I now have the peace of mind knowing that my home is completely secure.

By designing my system this way, I am able to secure the core of my home.  If I relying solely on the door and window locks for the complete security of my home, I create a false sense of security.  This is similar to making the decision of how to chain my bike to the rack or only chaining the tire.  By chaining the frame I can secure the core and therefore my entire bike.  Anything less just simply wouldn’t cut it.  I couldn’t leave the security of my home in the hands of locks alone; it is my family inside.

Through this Blog I hope to be able to share with you the important tips and tricks to Home Security maintenance and allow you the opportunity to get to know your home security provider.

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Do you have any home security tips you’d like to share?  Please comment below.

Crime rates are rising. It is no wonder that many of us our nervous about our home security. Security systems are rising in popularity for a number of reasons.

Security systems protect both your family and your home from harm. Everyone wants their homes to be a refuge they can go to. Owning a home security system helps you achieve this.

We sometimes live with a false sense of security. Homes with out security systems will quickly find themselves targets to property crimes. Security systems give your home a much higher chance of not being burglarized, and keeps your family members out of harms way.

Concern for the safety of your family is only natural. It is understandable that many people want to protect their property. Alarm systems make this more possible.

Burglaries can happen at any time of the day. It usually happens during the day when they know you are at work or away from home. Your home can still be broken in to while you are inside, which makes you and your family vulnerable.

Having an alarm system allows your home to be safe any time of the day. Your home will be monitored by a security company at all times. This can be a good reassurance to your home security when you know that if a serious threat does arise someone will be there to alert professional emergency help.

If a burglar knows your home has a home alarm, they often stay away. If they decide to take the risk, once the alarm sounds more often than not the burglar decides to not stick around for the police. When someone breaks in to your home, an alarm also warns you of it so you can take the necessary precautions you know to get your family out of harms way.

There are a lot of benefits involved with using alarm systems. Being able to live in a secure home will allow your home to be the refuge you hope it to be. Install an alarm system today.

Home security alarm systems are a great security measure for any women. Women who live alone especially have an important need for sound home security. Safety in numbers is not just a popular saying. Single women are targets to unruly characters.

Single women need to take home security very seriously. She will need to take steps to increase her home security by making herself less of a target. For different methods that can be used to give off the facade that you are not alone in your home, refer to our previous article regarding home security for women who live alone.

The world wide web allows anyone around the world to access your information. That is why women should be extra careful about the information they list online. Never list your phone numbers or address on the Internet.

Self defense classes can be another good option. They can come in handy in case you are attacked and need to protect yourself. They also teach you great safety principles to keep you from being a victim in the first place.

It is important to never give out personal information to anyone you have met online. Online dating and chatting can be very dangerous. If you do decide to take the risk and meet them, be sure you meet up somewhere public where a lot of other people will be.

When you go to meet with someone you have met online ask one of your friends to tag along with you. Also, have another family member or friend call you at least once during your date to check up on you. The phone call will let your date know that someone else knows where you are, who you were with, and when you were planning on getting home.

If you know of other women who are living alone, watch out for each other. Having a buddy system adds extra safety. If you are going out for a run, run together, etc.

Professional security measures such as alarm systems will go a long way to keep your home safe. Using extra safety precautions will not only help you make smart choices with your home security, but also your personal safety as well. Be sure to use other security measures around your home, such as strong locks, outdoor lighting, and alarm systems.

Gas detector alarm systems do a great job with protecting your family and home from harm. Gas leaks can cause very dangerous situations. They are a danger to your home, and especially to all the family members in the home.

Gas leaks can be fatal if not caught quick enough. Natural gas is nearly impossible to detect. It naturally is odorless, and there is no way to tell if a gas leak has occurred.

To help protect against incidents happening, gas companies put a strong smell in their gas so individuals can recognize there is a gas leak. While this has helped many people, smell alone is not a good enough protection against every situation. Other safety precautions should be taken to ensure your safety in case of a leak.

Gas detectors can be bought with a home alarm system, or separately. In either instance, be sure to only have a skilled electrician or security professional install it. You want to make sure that it is installed properly.

Gas detector alarm systems have different levels of sensitivity to gas leaks. The alarms use lower explosive limit, or LEL, to decide the level of the alarm’s sensitivity to gas. The higher the LEL, the less sensitive the alarm will be.

Normally the more sensitive the alarm the better. However, if you do not want the alarm to go off every time you light a match then it is best to find one with the right degree of sensitivity. Place the detector near your gas lines where they need to be the most sensitive.

If the alarm does go off, leave your home immediately. Do not risk sticking around your home. Let your security company take care of calling for help if the gas detector alarm system goes off.

Take safety precautions with your home by installing a working gas detector alarm system. A gas leak is very dangerous. It can be lethal if breathed in by family members, and is a serious concern to your home since it can cause a fire to start, or even an explosion. Take precautions now to keep your home and family safe.

Home security needs to be a priority for your family and your home. It can keep you safe against vandalism, burglary, and other crimes. Homes are major targets to this type of crime, so advertising your home security measures can be very beneficial.

A way to advertise that you have a security alarm system is to use yard signs. Yard signs are a security measure you can take to alert potential thieves that your home is installed with a home security system. Yard signs are a good way to advertise your system, since they can be placed in easy to see spots.

Security signs can be a good asset to your home security. They are the first thing a thief will see when they case out your home. Security signs can quickly convince a thief to choose another home – one without a home security alarm.

Security yard signs do a good job with warding off thieves and burglars. They do such a good job, in fact, that some people choose to put security signs on their lawn with out actually owning an alarm system. They bank on the fact that an intruder would rather skip their house rather than risk getting caught if an alarm goes off when they break in to the home.

Home alarm systems have been proven to scare off potential thieves. However, home security alarms are irreplaceable when it comes to home safety. Security alarms protect your home 24 hours a day and alert emergency personnel in case of break ins, while a yard sign cannot.

It is essential for the security sins to be placed in the right spot. They are there to advertise your alarm system. Don’t place them in hard to see spots, or they will be in-effective.

Good places to put your yard signs are at all the exterior doors, flower beds, and on your garage door. Of course you can place larger yard signs on your front lawn, though this could be too tacky for some people. It is a good idea to place a sign by your front gate or curb next to your driveway when you have longer or winding driveways.

Be careful what type of security sign you put in your front lawn. If it is not a real one, it will do the opposite of what you are hoping. Thieves can quickly identify fake signs, so make sure you use the ones your security company provides with your system so they are credible.

So you’ve decided to buy an alarm system. If statistics are anything close to correct, you’ve made a wise decision. As far as home protection goes, there’s really nothing better out there than a security system to give you peace of mind. Now that you’ve found an alarm company, designed a security system for your home, and had the equipment installed, it’s important to go over some ideas that can make using and maintaining your security system as easy as possible.

Choosing a password for your security system is both essential and, according to some, an art. Choose a password that’s easy for everyone in your immediate family to remember but hard enough for an intruder to figure out. Once you’ve chosen a password, make sure all your family members know it, and make sure anyone else with access to your home knows it as well. They’ll need it if your alarm is ever triggered.

Once you’ve chosen a password for your alarm, it’s time to make sure your alarm settings are customized to what you and your family need and want. This includes making sure your entry and exit delays are up to snuff. You don’t want to your security system sounding off if you’re not fleet of foot.

An important part to owning a home security system is maintaining the security equipment. If you decided to purchase a wireless alarm, maintenance is a relatively easy task. You won’t need to replace the batteries on the individual sensors for a number of years, but you need to make sure you test your security system monthly to make sure that it’s working.

Buying a security system is only half the battle. Maintaining your security system and making sure your alarm system is working how you want it, when you want it to is just as important. Taking additional steps with your home security system means you’ll have great home protection for years to come.

Making the decision to purchase an alarm system is a good one. In fact, more and more people across America are choosing to purchase and install monitored home security systems. Security systems themselves are becoming more affordable while home security technology is advancing. While alarms have advanced from simple wired sirens to fully integrated solutions (both wired and unwired) that are becoming more and more adept at home protection.

Buying and installing a home security system is only one step to protecting your home. Every home security company whether they sell you the equipment, or in some cases give you the equipment for free, will also give you some handy materials that can keep your home safer in addition to your new home security system. The home security yard sign and decals that your security company includes with every home alarm are worth their weight in gold.

Home security yard signs and window decals are not only free, they’re extremely valuable when protecting your home. Sure, having a home security system with great monitoring is probably the ultimate protection for your home, often the value of home security can be measured in the small details.

Make sure you place your alarm yard sign in your yard where it is easily visible to any would-be intruder. Many home security companies now include lighted yard signs with each alarm. Lighted yard signs are usually powered by a solar energy so you never have to replace batteries or worry about upkeep. Also make sure you place your window decals on the lower level windows where intruders can have easy access to your home.

Yard signs and window decals are a great edition to any home security system. Properly placed, they can boost your home protection and make sure you get your money’s worth out of your home security system.

Women who live by themselves are very vulnerable. They can easily become the victims of stalking, robberies, and even rape. It is essential for these women that live by themselves to take proper precautions for their safety.

Single women should take extra steps to make themselves less of a target to these types of crimes. It is important that they make it hard for any criminals to enter their home. Physical barriers and alarm systems are a few safety measures they can take for their home’s security.

Home security starts with making smart decisions. A woman living in an apartment on the bottom floor, for example, will be much more of target than one on the top floor. Criminals are more likely to be heard on an upper story and can break in easier on the bottom floor.

New locks should be installed in all windows and doors. If you have a sliding glass door you can keep it secure by placing a stick in the track so that no one from the outside can open the door. Deadbolt locking systems need to be installed on all entrance doors.

It is also a good idea to keep your curtains drawn so you don’t draw the attention of outsiders. If you don’t like having your curtains drawn, try using tinted windows instead. That way you can easily see outside your windows, but people outside cannot easily see you.

Home security alarm systems are the best home safety measure you can take. Security systems are essential if you want to prevent intruders from breaking in to your home easily. Home security systems not only prevent crimes from happening, but they also alert emergency personnel immediately if someone does decide to enter your home.

Home security system accessories can come in handy for single women. There can be panic buttons placed around key points of your home. This can be a very nice feature to keep you safe from home invasion or sexual assault.

There are other needed steps that a single women should do to keep herself from being targeted by criminals. It is important to be educated on safety measures and to make it appear that they are not by themselves in their apartment. Don’t take unneeded risks. Talk to a security company today.

When you leave your home on vacation there are many worries that crop up about the safety of your home while you are away. Uninhabited homes are higher targets for burglaries and vandalism. Vacationing can be a little intimidating in regards to your home’s protection, but leaving a vacation home you don’t stay in often can be even more nerve-wracking.

One option to keep track of the security and home protection of your vacation home is to install video surveillance cameras. Surveillance cameras can be installed inside and outside your home. There are three main surveillance cameras: hardwired system, stand alone, and Wireless IP cameras.

Hardwired systems use wires to communicate with different devices to record the coming and goings of your vacation home. These recordings can be saved on a DVR for you to view the next time you visit your vacation home. They can also use the Internet to transmit videos for you to monitor through the convenience of your home computer or laptop.

Hardwired systems can be programmed to record 100% of the time you are away. If recording the videos on a DVR, however, it is important to replace the videos often so that the recordings on the DVR don’t record over a previously used video. Sending the videos through the Internet can be a nice, convenient option, but some people choose to use a DVR to cut on Internet cost.

Stand alone cameras are usually stuck in a specific area of your home. They are usually set with motion activated cameras so they only record when their motion sensor goes off. Recordings are usually placed on the camera’s SD card, though they can also be programmed to record on a DVR.

Wireless IP cameras use IP Internet networks for monitoring. They rely on a high speed Internet. The Internet connection provides a live feed option. Many people enjoy the option of knowing that their home was still safe as they were watching the video.

The IP network relies on both indoor and outdoor windows for surveillance. Videos aren’t specifically limited, but can be placed anywhere around theproperty. Wireless IP cameras can be set to go off on a timer, or through motion sensors.

Don’t let fear about your vacation home’s safety ruin your day. Vacation home protection is achievable. Speak with a professional security company to learn what security options are available for your home.

It can be hard to take security seriously if we have never witnessed a crime. We can live in a false sense of security for a long time. This will quickly change, however, when we come home one night to find our place ransacked and thrashed because of a burglary.

Home safety should be a priority, even if you haven’t personally been taken advantage by a thief. There is no formula to expect which home will be targeted next. There are many ways to protect your home to prevent a burglary from happening, so take matters in to your own hands now to make sure you don’t become the next victim of a burglar.

Preventing home invasion can be done in a variety of ways, but the ultimate way is to install a good alarm system. A security alarm system can keep your home protected at all times of the day. It will alert personnel if your home does get broken in to, and local police can be on the scene in such a short time that thieves will have a hard time getting away with many valuables, if any.

If you live in an apartment, security can be a little hard to figure out. Since you don’t own the property you have no way of keeping track of everyone who has access to your building. Crime and burglary can happen relatively easy in apartment complexes because people don’t tend to question the comings and goings of individuals as much as people would in a neighborhood.

The best option to keep your family and properties safe is with an alarm system. A lot of people understand the need for an alarm system, but choose not to get them. The two main complaints seem to stem from the concern that a security alarm will cost too much, or be too much of a hassle to install.

The truth is that alarm systems now come with wireless systems. This makes installation very easy to do, and will not take up a lot of your time. Wireless systems are a perfect solution for apartments because of their convenience and reliability.

Many security companies will also cater the security system to meet your needs. If you don’t have the need of a full blown home security alarm system, they may offer your a beginning starter kits. These starter kits usually consist of a few motion sensor alarms that work great for apartments with only on door entrance and a few windows.Starter kits can be upgraded when your finances and circumstances allow.

Wireless systems are easy to install in apartments, and they are also just as easy to uninstall. Another perk is that many security companies don’t charge a moving fee when moving wireless systems. This can be an advantage for clients who want the benefit of home security, but are unsure how permanent their residence will be.

Home security needs to encompass every part connected to your home, not just the main establishment. A lot of people don’t realize that burglars also enter garages and basements to steal items, just as often as they do the main floors of your home. Basement security should be considered a part of your home security.

Basements are usually dark and a little bit scary, but thieves thrive on this type of environment. Basements can be easy to access, and are not rooms that are often inhabited. Just because a room is not used doesn’t mean other people won’t find use of it.

All windows that are used for your basement need to be secured. Replace all older window models. A lot of older basement windows will be flimsy, making them easy for a thief to break.

Fit every window with a window lock. Locks need to be placed on the inside of a sturdy window frame. Be sure to teach your children how to undo all window locks in case of an emergency, like a fire.

An alarm system needs to incorporate your basement. Be sure that there are window alarms on your basement windows as well. An alarm system only works to alert you where their sensors are actually placed.

Deter burglars from choosing your basement or home by alerting them of your working alarm system. Place window decals on your basement windows in case they don’t see the ones on the main story windows. Yard signs are another way to advertise that you have an alarm system.

Make it harder for thieves to reach the basement by including barrier methods on the outside of your home. Thieves will think twice of crawling through thorny rosebushes or cacti plants. Don’t try to use trees or tall bushes as a barrier method, because thieves are likely to use them to hide behind.

Protect every area of your home. Remember that your basement needs to be secured just as much as any other room of your home. Your home security will depend on it.

Your children’s safety is always a main priority. It is important to let your children branch out and gain more independence as they age, but safety should always be considered. Their safety should never be neglected.

The choice to allow children to stay home on their own is a difficult one. The age is different for each parent. Once the choice has been made, however, it is still equally important to provide adequate security solutions for your child since he will no longer be chaperoned.

An awesome choice for leaving your children alone is to install a home security alarm system. It provides great protection and is a great preventative measure to keep burglars at bay. More and more families are installing home security alarm systems in their home each year because of their safety features.

When you are not able to physically be home with your child, and alarm system is. Security systems monitor your home 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Your child is constantly being monitored and watched.

Professional security companies can help you know the best security system to use. Find a company that is family friendly. It is important that they work with the fact that you have children, instead of against it.

All older children should know how to use the alarm system. Your professional security company should take the time to explain to all of your family how to properly access the system. Emergencies can happen at any time, so it is important that all members be prepared ahead of time and know how to properly use the alarm system.

You can protect your children further by installing other security measures. Be sure that your home has fire and smoke detectors in place in case of a fire. Another great idea is to install a carbon monoxide detector in case of gas leaks.

Children should also be taught safety rules. Remind them the tale-tell information, such as proper behavior that strangers and acquaintances should have towards them, or to always check the peephole before opening the door. These things may seem mundane to you, but they are important to your children’s safety.

Security systems are needed now more than any other time in history. Homes in particular are getting hounded a lot with property crimes and burglaries. Our society is constantly being attacked by crime and security risks.

Security systems can help you reach your hope for home safety. Everyone hopes for a home that is safe to raise a family. While this goal can be achieved, there are still many things that need to be done in order for this to happen.

Statistically, 4 homes get broken in to somewhere in America every minute. People are still in need of good home security. If you aren’t prepared for a burglary you are risking your home, valuables, and family’s safety.

Some burglars choose to creep in to a home during the night. This can be a serious threat to your family if your family is already asleep at the time. Burglaries happen most often during the day, but there are still times when night-time burglaries happen.

If someone does try to break in to your home, an alarm system is activated and they will most likely make a run for it. Security alarm systems really help out during nighttime burglaries. More often than not alarm systems frighten burglars away.

An alarm gives you more advanced time to wake up and react to a home invasion, so you can get to your children before a thief does. Your home is constantly being monitored by your security company in case of moments like these. If an alarm goes off, it will alert you of a break in so you can be aware of the intruder, and the alarm will also notify your security company and the local police of the intruder that entered your property.

Feeling secure can take a long time to come back if you are a victim of a burglary or home invasion. Families that have experienced home invasion live in fear of it happening again. A security system can prevent families from having these negative feelings.

There are great advantages for installing security systems in your home. Less families would be at risk if they simply took this one tip of security advice. Breaking and entering is still happening a lot, and it is mostly to homes that are not fitted with security systems.

Technology seems to be advancing quickly. This technology comes in handy with home security. One such technology is being able to lock your home with out having to have a key.

Awkward moments constantly happen when trying to juggle items in our arms and trying to find our keys and unlock doors. We’ve all experienced struggling moments trying to gain entrance to our homes, only to not find our keys right away because our hands are full or the keys are lost inside a bag. Being able to lock your home without having to find a key can be very advantageous.

A biometric technology makes it possible to lock homes and unlock homes with out the use of a key. You don’t even need to remember a password. You simply swipe your finger, getting your fingerprint scanned, and then the lock releases if it is the right fingerprint.

Biometric home security is relatively easy to install. Most systems replace the dead-bolt security lock system that is already on your door. They also have the advantage of not needing wiring done, since they normally operate with AA batteries.

The biometric system normally uses the first person who scans their fingerprint as the administrator of the system. The administrator has the capability to decide who else can be added to the system, such as a spouse, children, family, and trusted friends. All changes to this home security locking system need to be cleared by the administrator first.

Another advantage of the home security biometric system is that it cannot be copied or passed along, the way a key would. This system only allows approved fingerprint entrance in to the home. A fingerprint is unique to everyone, and cannot be duplicated the way a key could be by a locksmith.

After a fingerprint is scanned and the person is added to the system, the administrator can determine the access amount he or she can have inside the home. The biometric system can mark a user’s access as always, never, or limited. Limited access will ask for specific dates that are set, and times, that they can have access to the home.

Home security is very important for every home. A biometric system is just one way to protect your home and the convenience. There is also back-up suggestions for the system, such as allowing multiple fingers to be scanned in in case of injury, or having a back-up key available in case the system is down for a little while.

Valentine’s Day is a wonderful holiday. It is a time to show your love to a significant other, usually through a loving gift. Instead of choosing to give her the usual flowers and candy this holiday, consider getting her a more unique Valentine’s Day gift.

Try choosing a gift that really shows how much you care about them. Giving a gift of home safety or security can really show how much you care about them. It is a touching thought that you would like to keep them safe from harm.

Your gift receiver will definitely know how much you care by thinking about their safety with their gift. The gift of home safety is a unique idea that your significant other will benefit from. Show that you care about their personal safety by choosing to give the gift of safety this Valentine’s Day.

You can sign your lady friend up for some self-defense classes. Show her that you want her to stay safe while she’s not with you. This is a considerate gift that shows that her safety is a priority to you.

If you don’t already have one, present your loved one with a home security alarm system. They are more affordable now than ever, and can be a wonderful gift option. Instead of splurging on a dinner and 2 hour movie, improve your home security that will keep her safe for years to come.

Home security alarm systems are a great option for everyone. They work in homes, apartments, or businesses. A home security alarm system is a gift that keeps on giving with home safety.

Another great option, if you already have an alarm system in place, is to get an alarm system accessory. They can be a great security gift to keep your personal and home safety in check. Buy your wife a phone accessory so she can monitor the kids while she’s out running errands, or buy your husband a medical pendant if he has medical conditions.

A carbon monoxide detector is another thoughtful gift. Carbon monoxide can be lethal, so it is important to take precautions. A carbon monoxide detector works similar to a smoke detector. It receives a signal if there are any gas leaks in your home and the alarm goes off to let you know of the problem before it is too late.

We often hear of the many things that are done to child-proof a home. Responsible parents child-proof their home to keep their children safe from potential dangers inside the home. The safety of children need to be a priority for parents.

The same hold true for pet-owners. Pets are also a very important part of the family and should be taken care of in safety measures as well. Pet-proofing your home is also important to keep pets from harm from inside your home.

Pet-proofing your home does not need to take up a lot of your time or energy. Start with something small, such as picking up items off the floor. Pets like to chew on things, so keeping smaller items off the floor can reduce choking hazards for your pet.

Research which plants are poisonous for pets to ingest. Some examples that many pet-owners need to be aware of are poinsettias during the winter time, daffodils, or geraniums. All of these plants can harm your animal if ingested, so don’t keep these plants where animals might eat them.

As mentioned before, animals like to chew and lick things. Because of this, it is important to cover all electrical outlets and chords. If an animal decides to lick or chew on these items it has the possibility of severely harming them.

Also, installing a reliable home alarm system can add an extra home safety measure. Home safety is a priority for your family and can keep your pet safe as well. Be careful when choosing your alarm system, however, to make sure that your pet won’t set off the alarm when it is turned on.

Many of the older systems have a reputation for false alarms happening because of house pets, but newer systems have advanced to factor in pets. Motion sensors can now be equipped to detect the different between pets and humans who may break in the home. Security systems are a good idea to keep your pets safe if someone tries to break in to your home.

Take extra home safety measures to keep your pets and family safe. These simple home safety tips can keep your pet healthy and safe. Start pet-proofing your home today to keep your pets secure inside your home.

Older members of society have a need to be very careful while they are living alone. Their older age tends to make them a higher target to burglars. Elderly members of society can use the extra protection and security that comes with a home security system.

Home security systems provide the ultimate safety measure for older people. Many of the older generation tend to have a hard time with technology, however. Because of this, it is important for older people to find a customer friendly security company that will take the time to show them how to properly use the system.

Home security alarm systems use technology to keep the home safe, but they can be catered towards the needs of older people as well. As people age there is a much higher chance of injuries happening. A security alarm system can be very beneficial in case of any serious slips or falls.

The reason is because security companies monitor your home 24 hours a day. If an older person falls and hurt themselves they can get help through their alarm company. Older people have a higher chance of having strokes and heart attacks as well, and may need immediate emergency attention in these cases.

Many alarm companies offer hand held accessories that elderly people can use to alert the security company of any emergencies. If an accident does happen all the older person needs to do is press a button on their key-chain or cell phone. That button will send a signal to the security company, who can take emergency action to get help to their home.

Home security alarm systems are good to keep the elderly safe too. Many thieves feel that elderly people are easy targets for burglary. The reason is that older people can’t give a lot of physical resistance to break-ins.

Security systems keep older people from being taken advantage of. Security alarm decals can be placed around their property to advertise that their home is guarded by an alarm. Most burglars, if they know an alarm is in place, won’t want to deal with that form of protection.

If the alarm does go off because of a break in, their security alarm company will be alerted immediately. If the company can’t immediately get in contact with the owners, local police will be alerted of the break in. Elderly people can also choose to have their children or neighbors alerted if an alarm goes off so they can get quickly to the scene in case of an emergency.

Unfortunately, not every apartment complex comes with enough parking spaces to accommodate all the tenants vehicles. It’s easy to recognize ways to keep your home safe, but what about your car when you have to park it in the street? Here are some tips for limiting the opportunity of your car being a target or car theft.

1. Lock up: It may seem like an obvious tip, but surprisingly many people forget to do this. Don’t walk away from your vehicle without making sure that it is completely locked and all windows are closed and secure. Even if you are only “running in for a minute”, never leave your car without locking it first.

2. Set your car alarm: Not all car alarms turn on automatically. Some cars require you to switch on a switch, sometimes located underneath the steering wheel. Key-less entry remotes sometimes also require you to press the lock button more than once to set the alarm.

3. Park in Well lit areas: It is much easier for a car thief to be spotted attempting to break in to a car where others can see your car. Try parking in an area that is light, such as under a lamppost or near stop lights. Where you park your car will dramatically lower your chance of a break-in.

4. Use physical deterrents: Steering wheel locks make it impossible for a thief to leave with your car, even if they are able to get it to start. Having a lock on the steering wheel works similar to the way a safety gate works. It is a physical deterrent to discourage people from trying to break in to your car.

5. Remove your valuables: Don’t leave your valuables in your car, especially where someone can see them. Remove the temptation that visible valuables can be for a car thief. It is also a good idea to not leave valuables in your car, even if they aren’t visible, in case your car does get broken in to.

6. Parallel Park: Thieves might try to roll your vehicle away to a more secluded area where they can start your car. Parking between two other cars can make it hard for a thief to do this unnoticed. Parallel parking is a good deterrent to car thieves.

7. Leave a spare key with a neighbor or friend: If you have more than one car, or if you need to leave for a business trip, it might be a good idea to leave the spare keys with someone you trust. Weather can be unpredictable, and sometimes cars on the street may need to be moved for snow plow removal. In case you can’t make it home, a neighbor or friend can move the car for you so you don’t have to worry about getting your car towed.

If you are thinking about installing a barbed wire fence along your property, consider your other options first. Home security is very important, and you will want to take action to make your home more secure. That is why it is important to cover all your options, such as comparing whether barbed wire fences or security alarms will keep criminals at bay best.

Installing a barbed wire fence can cause potential legal issues. You can be liable for any injuries sustained by your fence. Serious legal ramifications can happen if someone gets injured because of your fence.

Security alarm systems, on the other hand, are not harmful. They aren’t a risky investment. Security alarms are family friendly, so you don’t need to worry about legal issues because no one can get injured because of it.

Barbed wire fences aren’t usually used for security. They are usually installed to prevent livestock from escaping. Only very rarely are they used for residential security, and even then only as a temporary solution in the most dangerous places.

Security alarms are better for home protection. Barbed wire fences are easy to spot to ward off criminals, but security alarm systems can also be advertised to deter criminals. One way is through signs and decals.

Security alarms can also be monitored, while a barbed wire fence can’t. If your home does get broken in to, emergency personnel will be instantly notified. A barbed wire fence can’t add that type of protection once it gets bi-passed.

Barbed wire is also hard to install. Because it can cause serious injury, it needs to be carefully placed and with a lot of precaution. Security alarms, however, are now wireless so they are very easy to install.

Choosing a security alarm system over barbed wire fencing is the best choice. It is less dangerous, easier to install, and can alert authorities if there is a break in. If you would like more information on choosing the right security system for your home you can find that article here.

Bodyguards can be used for personal protection, or as security guards for your home security. Some of these bodyguards have become well known for their bravery or because of their Hollywood Star clients.Here is our top list of popular bodyguards, found both in reality and entertainment.

1. John Creasy- The movie “Man on Fire” made this bodyguard famous. Creasy, played by Denzel Washington, is an ex-CIA officer who reluctantly agrees to bodyguard a young girl. When the girl is kidnapped, Creasy shows off his skills by tracking down the culprits and doing his best to get the girl home in one piece.

2. Michael Clarke Duncan – One of Hollywood’s tallest and well-built actors, Duncan worked as a bouncer for Chicago clubs before he made it big. Now this bodyguard has been nominated for an Oscar and has appeared in a number of movies. With his size, it is no wonder that someone would choose him to work as a bodyguard.

3. Avi Korein – The owner of Screen International Security Services. Korein began his career as a bodyguard working as a bouncer. He has since went on to establish a successful bodyguard service for many Hollywood stars in L.A.

4. Mr. T – “I pity the fool”. Mr. T. is a very recognizable public figure. It may be surprising to know that this man once was a bodyguard for Muhammad Ali, Michael Jackson, Bruce Lee, and Diana Ross before he made it famous.

5.”Big Coco” – Big Coco’s real name is Cory Smith. Big Coco has been made famous by protecting some of Hollywood’s big star clients. These clients include the likes of “Prince”, Gladys Knight, and Natalie Cole.

6. The Imperial Royal Guard – Who can forget the elite guard of the Star Wars Universe? The Imperial Royal Guard were charged with the protection of Emperor Palpatine. The dark villain was almost never seen without being accompanied by these red-hooded body guards. While they have no speaking roles in the movies, their presence definitely made an impact for many Star Wars fans and continuing works of fiction.

7. Elijah Shaw- Elijiah Shaw has been made famous through his Bodyguard agency. He is the CEO of Icon Services Corporation who work for many famous Hollywood stars and recording artists. Shaw initiated the ISC Safety Net Program, a program that provides free bodyguard services for domestic abuse victims.

Bodyguards do a great job protecting people. They work as a protective and preventative security measure to keep people safe. If you are interested in hiring a bodyguard here are some tips to help you find the right one for you.

Begin your search by looking for bodyguard agencies. While individuals do provide bodyguard services, agencies will usually have more options and have actual professionals to choose from. An Agency’s business relies on how well their employees do, so you are also more often to find the best types of bodyguards there.

Government agencies can also provide bodyguards. Check with your local government agencies to see if they have any retired, veteran officers who are interested in working as a bodyguard. Government organizations can be an excellent source of bodyguards because the bodyguards are also trained in combat, and are now retired from the government.

Contact the agencies you have narrowed down. If you are able, the best way to contact them is in person so you can see how efficient the agency runs. If you don’t have the privilege of going in person you can also contact them by phone or many of them allow you to through emails or questionnaires.

Find out what their customer’s are saying about their service. Before you hire them ask them for a reference list that you can contact. If you know of anyone who has used the company for bodyguard protection ask them whether they recommend going with them.

You can also find customer reviews online. Simply put in the bodyguard agency’s name in the search engine of your choice and there may be customer review websites that discuss the pros and cons of the company. If you notice a trend of bad reviews you may want to reconsider your choice.

Ask them a lot of questions when you contact them. Find out as much information you can about the training they’ve received and why they feel they are qualified as a bodyguard. You can also ask the company how the bodyguards are chosen, and what other special skills their employees have.

Consider hiring a bodyguard if you believe your family or home need more protection. Start with a broad search of companies and narrow your choices down once you interview with them. You will be able to find a good bodyguard before you know it.

Our personal safety and happiness depend on the level of security we feel both within and outside the home. We’ve all experienced those tense moments of fear, wondering if that sound we heard in the kitchen at 2:00AM was really the cat, or something else? To get that needed sense of ease all of us need to even function, you might consider upping the levels of security in your home and personal life.

A bodyguard might be the option you are looking for. They are so much more than just a security guard. Though you might not have thought about hiring a bodyguard before, here are some reasons why you might start giving it some serious consideration.

1. They receive training in tactical, combat, firearms, and even first aid. If you’re ever in a jam, having someone like this with you could really save your life. Safety tactics are a bodyguard’s specialty.

2. Part of a bodyguard’s job description is to know the best paths to take you and your family on to keep you safe. Bodyguards always have their eye on safety routes. The good ones will even let you know which parts of town you should avoid.

3. Bodyguards keep you safe from burglars. They prevent opportunists from taking advantage of you. Physical harm isn’t the only thing that bodyguards protect you from.

4. The versatility of talents that bodyguards have might be a real asset to you in more ways than you realize. Some may act as a driver or butler while also doubling as your guardian. Bodyguards can fill two needs at once should they choose.

5. They will monitor not only the security of your home, but your vehicle, as well. They can see faults or potential weak spots in your security. Some exits or entrances of your home may require additional video surveillance, and the bodyguard will be able to tell you which ones.

As you can tell, there are many reasons why a bodyguard might come in handy. To keep you safe from any danger, though, make sure you use more than just one form of security protection. While locks are a must in your home, your home will be less a target of burglary if you have a home security system, as well. The same holds true with bodyguards. Taking additional precautions, like putting bullet-proof glass in your car, will also help a bodyguard’s success.

Bodyguards have helped to protect others from harm for ages. They have been proven to provide great personal and home security to clients throughout the World’s history. Here are a few well known bodyguard organizations that have played an important role in history.

Praetorian Guard: Some of the oldest bodyguards in history, the Praetorian guard served as personal bodyguards to Rome’s Emperors. They eventually became ruthless and corrupt a few centuries after they were created. Emperor Constantine put an end to their role as bodyguards in 300 AD.

United States Secret Service

Schutzstaffel: The SS were members that protected Adolf Hitler during his reign. It started as an 8 man bodyguard team sworn to protect the fuhrer, and at the height of Nazi Germany expanded to nearly 1 million members. This “Shield Squadron” were responsible for almost all the heinous crimes that occurred by Germans during World War II.

National Security Guard (NSG): Known as the bodyguards of India. These guards protect the VIPS from potential harm, but also rescue hostages and handle other threats. They are often referred to as the “Black Cats” because of their black uniforms they wear.

Special Republican Guard (SRG): The SRG were Saddam Husein’s personal bodyguards. These guard members were responsible for crushing any form of rebellion that rose against the President of Saudi Arabia. The bodyguards were hand picked and usually came from clans that were loyal to Hussein’s regime, and were disbanded in May 2003.

Swiss Guard: Created in 1480, the Swiss Guard were used as bodyguards to King Louis XI. They have continued to guard European courts since then. At the present the Swiss Guard are personal body guards to the Pope and other important Vatican officials.

Royalty, Specialist, and Diplomatic Protection Departments: Guards who specialize in protecting diplomats, royalty, and other high ranking officials in the United Kingdom. Each department has specific people that they are designed to protect, including the Prime Ministers and other political families. Royalty protection includes guarding royal buildings for added home protection, as well as guarding the personal members of the Royal family.

Safety precautions need to be taken when a gun is stored in your home. Guns can be very dangerous, especially for younger children who don’t know what they can do. Take extra precautions to reduce the risk of injury or death by your firearm being shot.

It is important to keep your firearms stored and locked away. There are plenty of options to store your guns. Find one that meets the approved guidelines and that is in the price range you are hoping for.

Never assume a firearm is unloaded. It is best to treat a gun like it does have ammunition in it. Accidents happen routinely because someone believes a gun is unloaded and they test it out.

Don’t pull the trigger on firearms. Again, always assume the firearm is loaded. Never point the muzzle toward anyone and always place the safety on.

Disassemble your gun if you can before you store it. That way you can keep the parts separated and there is even less chance of a gun being loaded and shot. Ammunition can also be stored in a separate location than your firearm for the same reason.

There are locks you can actually place on your gun for protection.
Locks usually need to be secured around the trigger guard. If locks are removed by force they usually ruin the gun, making it unusable.

Locks do not always work, however. Locks are meant to add to safety precautions. Locks make it hard to fire a gun, but sometimes they can malfunction and a gun can still be loaded and shot with the locked trigger.

Educate your children on gun safety. Explain to them why they shouldn’t ever handle a gun, especially without being properly trained first. Children need to be supervised very closely whenever the gun is not stored and locked away.

Pool safety is usually on the top of the priority list for most pool owners. Pool fences are the safest equipment for keeping unchaperoned children from harm. There are other pool safety measures that can be performed for pool security, but the fence is the most universal protection.

If you are considering a pool fence there are certain advantages that they can perform. The first and foremost reason to install a swimming fence is as a safety precaution. A fence will prevent children from tripping, falling, or drowning in the swimming pool.

A swimming fence also is nice even if you don’t have small children yourself. If you ever entertain families it will keep your guest’s smaller children from coming to any harm. Having a fence helps with any liability you may have if any child accidentally wanders near your swimming pool.

Installing a pool fence also gives you the advantage if you ever choose to sell your home. The type of fence you choose will determine whether the installation will be easy or harder to install. Some fences will require professionals to install, while others you can do yourself.

There are a lot of different options to choose from with pool fences. It is a good idea to choose a fence that is tall enough that younger children can’t climb over. Your fence can be made as fancy or simple as you would like.

You may need to install a pool fence by law. Some States actually require you to place a fence around your pool. Not installing a pool fence may result in a fine, so check with your City and State regulations.

Having a pool in your yard comes with certain responsibilities. Your pool fence is an extra security measure for the protection of those that might be harmed otherwise. Find the perfect pool fence for you to keep those around you safe.

Pool gates are meant to keep people out of your pool, but you should also take other precautions for pool safety. A pool fence won’t guarantee that no one will get inside your pool. Check out our previous article about pool safety for some extra tips about pool safety.

The best way to protect yourself and your home from harm is take precautions to prevent grease fires from starting. Grease fires are known for happening quickly and spreading just as fast. They can spread even faster when people don’t know how to put them out correctly.

Most oil is not meant to be cooked at really high temperatures. Heat up all oil slowly. Oil has the possibility for bursting in to flames if heated too quickly at too high a temperature.

Be careful that your working area is clear before you heat your oil. Be sure that everything is moved out of the way before cooking with oil. If something is placed too close to a stovetop it can start a fire, which then can be made worse when it ignites with the grease in the pan.

Don’t dump food into oil that is already hot. Place food into oil slowly and carefully. Heated oil splatters enough on its own, so plopping food right in can cause more spurts of oil and can cause burns.

Accidents can happen quickly, especially with oil. Don’t ever leave heating oil unattended. Even leaving the kitchen for a moment can result in a dangerous situation.

If you use a deep fryer, don’t place the chord in a place where it can be snagged. You wouldn’t want the contents of the fryer to spill out on to items or people. Be careful where you place the chord.

Make preparations in case a grease fire does happen. Oven mitts and the correct sized lid for your pan should always be out when cooking with oil. If a grease fire does start, the oven mitts will protect your hands and the lid will stop the fire from getting worse.

Be sure that it is the proper sized lid. The lid is meant to squall the fire because it won’t have oxygen for the fire to continue. Once the lid is over the fire, you can use your oven mitts to turn off the burner. Don’t try to turn it off before this.