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.

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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.

Don’t miss out! Sign up for e-mail updates and get these posts delivered right you your inbox.

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

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Almost all home security scams happen when people are not using safety measures. While most burglaries happen while you are away from the home, that does not stop some burglars from taking advantage of you while you are home. Below are some examples of home security scams that people have fallen victim to in the past five years.

The Shreveport Times reported a home invasion story in March 2006. “Charlie Henry said some of the same intruders who invaded his home had stopped by a week ago to question him about where another person lived. Yesterday a woman came to the door alone asking for water. As soon as he let her in, the three men stormed into his house.” This scam involves using a seemingly innocent woman, which many people do not suspect to cause any harm to them.

In the New York Times, a sad story was shared in November 2007. A man, who was recently released for sexual assault from prison, saw a newspaper article with a picture of an 11 year old boy and made him his next target. “He gained the confidence of the family by claiming he was with the newspaper and was writing an article about the boy.” Simply claiming to be a newspaper reporter allowed him entrance in to the home. The boy was tragically assaulted and murdered by the man.

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A show aired on Oprah demonstrated the lack of home security sense a lot of people have, and how easily people can fall for home security scams. They set up a male staff member with a hidden camera posing as a police detective. He knocked doors of 100 different homes, showing them a fake police badge that had been typed on a type writer on normal white paper. Shockingly every single door invited him to come inside.

Some people choose to distract you to gain entrance into your home. The Norwich Evening News reported a story of a set of burglaries that took place when the homeowner got a panicked phone call telling them there was an emergency, such as an explosion down the street. While the homeowner went outside to investigate the explosion the burglar gained entrance inside their unlocked door.

A Louisville news station WAVE3-TV, reported a story about a man who was taken advantage of by burglars who knew his name. “They knocked on my door and called out my name. I wasn’t thinking anything about home security. I just unlocked the door. And that’s when they stuck a shotgun in my face.”

A gang of burglars in the United Kingdom used a crying child to break into homes. The Teeside Evening Gazette reported “Detectives are hunting a gang using a tearful boy and the tale of a lost hamster to breach the home security of pensioners. The cruel con involves the youngster knocking on victims’ doors then tearfully claiming his pet has wandered into their garden. While the householder helps the boy search for the phantom pet, the boy’s adult accomplice enters the property and rifles the house.”

These stories range from simple burglaries to assault and even murder. We do not share these stories to scare you, but rather to show you the importance of home safety. All of these scams could easily have been avoided had security measures been taken. Look for our next blog article where we will share tips on how to prevent these scams from happening to you.

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I have mentioned this before, but it is important to be repeated. Advertise that you have an alarm system. Alarm systems work great at deterring burglars away from your home.

No one wants to be the target of a burglary. No one wants to be threatened by criminals in their home. An alarm system is a security tool that is meant to ward off thieves to keep these types of situations from happening.

Why advertise, then, the security system? If the alarm system works so well in identifying break-ins, and the police are notified by your security company when the alarm goes off, why take the time to advertise it? What is the purpose if the security system will do just fine on its own?

alarm system

The answer is, to stop the break-in from happening in the first place. Of course the alarm system will be able to go off and alert people in the cases where individuals try to break in to a home. Advertising ahead of time that there is an alarm in your home to begin with will normally stop burglars from trying to enter your home.

Home security companies actually issue security signs and window decals for this purpose. Decals and signs are an effective deterrent and do a great job of letting the community know that you have a security network set up in your home. Burglars usually stake out the neighborhoods they are thinking of breaking in to, and a sign posted in the front yard is an easy warning sign for them to look out for.

Burglars do not want to get caught. They will easily pick homes that do not have security systems in place already. Why attempt to burglarize a home with home protection when they can easily break in to a home that does not have a home security system?

Decals are very simple and easy to install. Little effort or time needs to be used to place decals and signs around your home. They also are low cost, since they are provided by your security company when you sign up with them.

Decals should be placed in easy to see spots around your home. It is especially important to place them on windows near your front and back doors, and your front windows. The point of decals are to have them be seen, so take that in to consideration when placing them around your home.

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Everyone talks about the great need for security systems. It has been stated over and over again that the best security tool for your home’s protection is a security alarm. But how well do security systems work? Are they all they are cut out to be?

The answer will depend on several factors. The most important factor is where you decide to get your security system from. Your security company has the most impact on whether or not your security system will be reliable or helpful in the protection of your home, depending on the system they use.

Most security systems on the market work well in protecting homes. They protect the home in case of burglaries and break-ins. They also are able to serve more than one function, such as alerting you of possible fires and gas leaks if you install fire and gas detectors.

security systems

Security systems are a wonderful deterrent to criminals. If a burglar knows your home has an alarm they usually avoid the home. Most people who know they have a good chance of being caught will avoid that route.

Security decals will be issued to you through your security company to advertise your alarm. Security decals have been proven to ward off possible intruders. They actually do such a good job that a lot of people try to scare off burglars by placing decals around their home even when they don’t have a security alarm.

If someone is brave enough to break in to your home a security alarm will help warn you of it. When an alarm goes off, your security company is instantly alerted. If you cannot be reached immediately, the police are notified of the break-in. The alarm drastically cuts down the time a burglar has to steal items from your home, and are much more likely to be caught.

Security alarms have less false alarms than before. Thanks to advancements in technology, home security alarms are more reliable than ever. Configurations can even be made to take in to account any pets in your home so they won’t accidentally set off the alarm when you have it set.

Alarm systems can protect your home against more than just break-ins. Most security companies give you the option to also install gas or fire alarms to warn you against fires or gas leaks. This can be a real asset to your family in case a fire ever broke out.

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We’ve all enjoyed the comforts of an open window or door on a breezy day. Having a cool breeze helps cool off a home with out the aid, and expense, of a cooling system. A lot of people enjoy it so much that they install a screen door just for this purpose.

Screen doors have their advantages. They allow you to enjoy the fresh air with out having to deal with flies and other bugs entering your home. They also can be fitted with a door lock for home protection.

Sadly, screen doors are not very secure. Even novice burglars can usually kick in a screen door with only a few kicks. If you are determined to buy a screen door, be sure you do some research and find the best screen doors that aid with home protection.

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First, do not fall immediately for a screen door that advertises it is a home security screen door. Many screens do not actually meet with the security industry’s standards set by the National Security Screens Association, or NSSA. To tell whether they are actually going to help with home protection or the opposite, rely on a few of these tips.

First, make sure the door is made out of sturdy material. The more flimsy the material, the easier a burglar or criminal will have kicking the door in. The best type of material is one that is tempered aluminum, or a metal that is strong and does not rust easily.

Another thing to watch out for is how many hinges are used with the door. Be sure there are at least three fixed hinges that cannot be removed. If the hinges are recessed, the better chance you will have that there won’t be a big enough gap between the door and the frame for a burglar to jimmy it open.

The screen of the door should be made of a strong material as well. A lot of screens can easily be cut through, so be sure the mesh is strong enough to withstand this type of assault. The strongest mesh grades are either 316 or 304.

You can also use a solid grill on your screen door, but it is only going to be a security measure for home protection if it is secured to the frame of the door. It is also important to make sure that the door has a good lock. Three point door locks are a good investment because it is very difficult to force open the door or rip the door from its hinges.

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It can sometimes be hard to know where we should invest our time, energy, and money. With today’s economy needs and wants are needing to be more clearly defined. A lot of people have begun to ask themselves “Are security systems really needed?”

The answer to that question depends on the level of priority you place your home and family’s safety. Do you wish to keep your home as safe as possible? Crime is one thing that will never disappear, unfortunately, so taking measures for your home security needs to be a priority. Whether you decide to use a security system to do this is up to you.

No one will know when or if their home will be robbed. Even if your home has never had problems in the past there is no guarantee that your home won’t be a target in the future. This could happen next week, next month or never.

Having a system in place for home protection is a wonderful preventative measure to keep break-ins from happening. Alarm systems reduce the chances you have of burglary happening to you. They are also handy in a lot of other ways, including warning police of break-ins, and warning you of any gas leaks or fires in the home.

alarm systems

The best option available to protect your home is to have a security alarm system. An alarm will give you added protection and is overwhelmingly the best security tool available now. It will also give you the peace of mind that your home is safe whether you are home or away.

Currently there are two systems being used with security alarms. Wired systems are the first version, and wireless systems are the second. Wired systems have cables that run through your home to connect with all the alarm sensors in your home.

Wireless systems are the superior method for alarm systems. Installing a wireless system is a lot easier than installing a wired system, and they are more reliable. Security professionals can install a wireless system within the hour, where before it use to take days.

Wireless systems also tend to be more advanced. Applications can now be used with them for added security measures. Some examples are wireless key remotes and phone applications.

Alarm systems are more reliable now than years past. There is a drastic decrease in false alarms that are happening. If you decide that an alarm system is needed for your home’s protection and family’s well-being, now is the time to get one. Alarm systems have never been so affordable.

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Home security has been around for a long time. In earlier times guards were set in place to protect wealthy members of society and political leaders. Homes were also surrounded and protected by moats and tall, impenetrable walls.

Fads with home security have come and gone in America. In the times of pioneers, guns were a popular protective device to keep families safe on the prairie. Guard dogs and barbed wire fences were other safety measures that were used by business owners to keep burglars at bay.

Since the mid 1900s police officers have used video surveillance methods to watch for popular sites of criminal activities. By the 1970s that surveillance technology was on the market for businesses and wealthy homeowners to use. With the help of videocassette tapes, owners were now able to record activities with their video cameras instead of just monitor the activities.

People soon came to realize what a great asset a video camera could be as far as business and home security went. Larger businesses and banks were the first to take advantage of videos for security purposes. It eventually moved on to become a popular home security measure.

Since the 1990s security cameras have made some great advances in helping keep homes protected. Videos now have much clearer images, have back up systems in place so burglars can’t simply turn off the electricity to dismantle them, and they are made smaller so they are not as easily spotted. They even come with night vision so they can record activities that happen in the dark.

Be careful with where you place cameras, however. Certain States have laws put in place to protect individual citizen’s privacy. Check with your State and city laws before you decide to install a secret camera, like a nanny camera, so you do not have to deal with legal issues later on.

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Home security alarm systems were introduced as a security measures in the 1980s. This mainly consisted of a loud alarm siren that would go off if someone tried to enter your home. These alarms were only ordered through a few, specific security providers.

Now there are many security companies that you can choose from, with a wide variety of safety services. Home security systems have already grown by replacing hardwired systems with wireless systems. Security companies monitor homes 24 hours a day and alert emergency personnel when there is a break in, and there are other advances that are being made each year.

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Go the extra mile when searching for a security company. There are many good security companies out there, but there are also plenty of bad ones in the mix. You can never be too careful with the company you choose with your home safety.

There are many things to watch out for when it comes to bad security companies. One of those things is customer service and how they treat their clients needs. Another warning sign is that they advertise they are using state-of-the-art technology and are in actually still using older home safety devices, such as wired systems instead of wireless systems.

Do your research before you sign up with a security company. Ask around to see what companies friends and neighbors recommend. Ask people you trust and compare the companies you are told.

home safety

Another way to find out how well a company does is by looking at their reviews. The Internet is a great place to find this kind of information out. However, understand that not all information posted may be accurate or truthful.

Some companies may try to pull scams by using false reviews. They may leave positive reviews on their own site, instead of their clients. Pretending to be their own clients can fool others in to thinking that they are a good company, while that may not actually be the case.

Also be careful about the types of reviews you read. Realize that just because there is negative comments about the company does not mean the company is automatically a bad choice. No company is perfect, and everyone has difference styles and tastes. Read the review and see if the things the person is unhappy about are things that matter to you or not.

Customer reviews are great for gauging how the company treat their clients. Experts can also give good reviews to help you guess how well established and reputable the security company is. Check out larger review sites online, such as epinions.com, for more accurate reviews.

You will be working closely with your security company. Choose your company wisely. Take advantage of others who have taken this road before you, and read their reviews to get a better feel for the company before you decide to sign with them.

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Spare keys can be very useful. They can be handy in case of emergencies, such as locking yourself out of your home or needing a plumber to come fix a busted pipe while you are at work. However, for home security you do not want to keep your keys in an easy to spot place.

Hide-a-keys were a smart invention, but they are overused now. Hide-a-rocks can quickly be searched for by burglars since they are a popular device. Hiding keys in pots, above doors, and under mats are also easily spotted by thieves and risk your home security.

home security

One option available now is the lock box. This box lets you place the key in the box, and secure it with a combination lock. It is a very small box, which allows you to hide it more effectively.

Lock boxes can be made to fit one key, or up to five. There are a variety of styles and colors to choose from, which allow you to place them in different areas of your home effectively. It is best to keep them hidden if possible, instead of in an easy to see place.

Lock boxes can be mounted to your home as an additional home security measure. This can be a handy option since it ensures that a burglar can’t walk off with it and spend time trying to break it open. Wall-mounted systems can be hidden in hidden places around your property.

Lock boxes can also be designed to be electronic. Electronic key boxes allow you to change the codes after someone uses it. It also keeps track electronically every time the box is open, telling you the date and time it was used.

Key boxes have locks on them. Usually it is a combination lock, which can be handy. If you need to let someone use the key box, you can easily change the combination so they can’t use it again.

If you are worried about copies being made of your keys use bonded keys. These “do-not-duplicate” keys made it so that only you can get duplicate sets of the keys. Try a brand such as Medeco. They are more pricey, but are good home security keys.

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A lot of us have been there. We start dating someone who we think is cute, funny and charming and in a short amount of time realize that our boyfriend is actually the opposite. Controlling boyfriends can be dangerous and abusive, and it is important to get out of this type of relationship while we can.

Breaking things off with a boyfriend who is controlling can be a scary prospect. This is especially true for someone who perhaps has already been physically, emotionally, or even sexually abused by a controlling boyfriend. That is why is is important to keep safety measures in place to protect you from getting hurt by him again.

The first step in breaking things off with a boyfriend is to let your friends help you and support you. Ask them to come over to your home when you decide to break things off. This will not only protect you from physical harm at the moment, but will let him know that you have a support system in place so he better not try to pull any funny business during the break up.

Once you have broken up with him, continue to have friends around. Remember home security measures. Change all of the locks he may have keys for. If he was controlling, there is a chance that he may have made copies of your keys. To be safe, change any locks with keys.

Next, if you do not already have one, install a home security alarm system. Security alarm systems monitor the activities of your home. If he does ever try to gain entrance with out your permission, your security company will be alerted immediately when the alarm system is triggered.

Other types of alarm systems can be put in place to give you an additional security level. Panic buttons can also be placed around your home. Many single women place panic buttons in their bedroom next to their bed. That way, if they are ever scared the alarm company can send in reinforcements.

Most of the time, if the boyfriend knows you are serious about breaking things off he will leave you alone. Having strong friends and influences in your life make it much harder for them to stick around. When you isolate yourself from others, that is when it is incredibly hard to keep him away from you.

If he will not leave you alone, do not try to take the matter in to your own hands. Instead, ask for the police to get involved. You can press charges and get restraining orders to keep your boyfriend from coming back to bother you.

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Have you ever watched a show and thought how unrealistic it was? I am not talking about the made up vampire sitcoms, or old re-runs of family shows. I am talking about most shows total lack of home security measures.

Does this scenario sound familiar? The show opens up to one of the main characters sitting on a couch, watching TV or reading a book. Within a few moments the front door is opened by a good friend who has stopped by to visit with them.

home protection

This exchange may seem harmless, but to a trained security expert it makes me squirm a little. First of all there are thousands of people who watch the show every week who are affected by its contents. Things that are shown on that show may have a lasting appeal. Anyone remember the hundreds of women who went and got a “Rachel” cut? That’s what I am talking about.

While I understand that TV shows are meant to entertain people, it can be hard to not be somewhat saddened by the total disregard for home security on many of these episodes. Home security measures can really help keep your home or apartment safe from possible harm. While home security does not necessarily mean you have to lock down your entire home, keeping the door locked is a safety measure that should be instilled in our minds.

Lets look a little closer at a specific TV show. Lets consider the once popular sitcom Friends and see how they would handle the threat of burglary, assault, and other property and personal crimes. Think back on the show and try to remember any home security measures that Monica made for her apartment? Or even Chandler and Joey, for that matter.

The answer is, almost always nothing. The friends were constantly going in and out of each others apartments with no locks or alarm systems in place. This is pretty unbelievable for apartments in New York City, when at the time New York had a very high crime rate.

Why do shows, like Friends, choose to disregard home safety tactics? Timing. I don’t believe that the writers of the show really believe that the characters of Friends would live in an apartment with out some added security measures, especially the wound up Monica. The truth is, the sitcoms do not have enough time to waste writing about the characters locking and unlocking doors, setting on alarm systems or turning off smoke alarm systems.

Just because TV does not often show safety measures in your home does not mean you need to follow their example. Keep your home protected by contacting security professionals to install a top-of-the-line wireless security alarm, or up to date locks for your home. Utilize smart safety measures for your home and you will not be disappointed.

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Home safety is important at any time of life. Just because you are living in an apartment and going to college does not mean you should forget basic home safety skills. Here are a few suggestions on ways to improve your personal and home safety while at school.

Home safety starts by following your instincts. If you do not feel right about something, or feel it is not safe, it probably isn’t. Don’t go there. There is safety in numbers, which is why dorm mates are important. Don’t go to parties or activities alone.

Be aware of possible dating scenarios that can happen. Be smart about the people you date. Be aware that alcohol and other drugs can allow you to be taken advantage of. Never leave your drink unattended because of “date rape drugs”.

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If you are on a date, let a friend or roommate know. Tell them where you are planning on going, with whom, and when you are expected to come back. They could even give you a call midway through the date to check up on your safety if needs be. This is especially true on first dates.

Basic home safety knowledge are also important in apartments. Lock your doors and windows when you leave and when you go to sleep. If you have older locks, ask your landlord to replace them with a good quality lock to keep your safe.

Be careful of places where potential attackers or burglars could hide. Keep outside lights on so you can easily see outside before you open the door and walk out. Peep holes in your door are also a good idea.

Don’t get in to cars with strangers, nor offer a ride to a stranger. Keep your car door locked and the car alarm turned on when you leave it. Only park in well lit areas.

Lastly, be smart in your choice with sororities or fraternities that you join. Use good judgement. Avoid the type of groups that will expect your to do dangerous or illegal initiations.

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Home burglaries, property crimes and business invasions are continuing to happen frequently. Thousands to millions of dollars are continuing to be stolen by burglars in businesses and homes around the nation. Crime statistics show that crime is still on the rise.

A lot more people are installing home security systems in their homes, and business security systems in their businesses than ever before. People have started to fight back against these home attacks. When your home is a target, having your home monitored by security professionals is an easy choice to make.

There are a variety of types of security systems that can be used to protect your home or business. Many people like what a video alarm surveillance system offers. They offer many advantages to the owner of the home or business.

It is important to use the right type of camera at your location. There are many different types of video surveillance that you can choose from. Wireless cameras, Mini spy cameras, and night vision cameras are a few examples of the cameras that can be used.

Home Safety

When you are picking out your camera take in to effect the size of the area you will be surveying and the lighting that will be available. You will need a different camera at your front entrance of your home, for example, than one you would use in a convenience store. When you have installed your video make sure to advertise that you are recording their actions.

Letting people know that they are on camera can deter them from doing criminal activities. This will not, however, guarantee that nothing bad can happen. Video surveillance systems can record their doings, but with out an alarm security system your home or business security will do little to stop them in the act.

Modern technology allows your home or business to be on alert for any break-ins. Glass break sensors can detect when a window is broken. Security systems use movement sensors to instantly activate the second someone passes in front of them.

Security professionals can meet with you to discuss ways to protect your business or home. They are best able to help you come up with a security plan. They also have the best information regarding the types of security and surveillance technology that is available.

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You can protect your home from burglary and home invasion in a variety of ways. The best way is to use a working security system. Security systems have a lot of parts that connect with each other and work with one another.

Security systems use the home protection tools such as home alarm systems, smoke and heat detectors, and gas detectors. Security systems also have an alarm system known as a glass break detector. The alarm listens for the sound that shattered glass makes to alert you of a break in.

Glass detectors can also be called audio discriminators. They tune in to the specific sound frequency that glass makes. When the glass breaks, the specific sound frequency is heard by the alarm and it goes off.

Security systems use glass break detectors as an additional security measure. They work well with motion detector alarm systems. You can use glass break monitors near windows and glass doors.

glass break detector

Glass detectors can be put in different areas of your home. It is best to place them in an area with a lot of windows, since they cover a 35 foot radius. Living rooms are a popular choice to place them.

Two types of glass break detectors can usually be found. Single technology is the alarm that listens for any sign of glass breaking. Duel technology also listens for breaking glass, but also listens for the point of impact on glass before it shatters.

Single technology listens specifically for splintering wood and breaking glass. If the sound of glass breaking happens, the alarm goes off and your company is alerted immediately. The drawback with this type of system is that any breaking glass can set the alarm off, even if someone shatters a cup in the kitchen.

Duel technology takes the system one step further to reduce the chances of false alarms going off. They listen for a thud, or point of impact, against the glass before it breaks. This makes it easier for the alarm to know whether someone is trying to break in to your home with a crowbar, for example, and the sound of wine glasses hitting one another.

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Home security uses a lot of different security measures to keep your home its safest. It does not rely on only one thing. A home security fence is just one of many security measures you can take to keep your home safer.

A home security electric fence is used in all places of the world. It can be a very reliable security measure. It works well to keep intruders out of the home.

The electric fence can be a good choice for security. It has many different uses. The most popular use is to prevent burglars and intruders from entering your home.

It is an effective tool. It works very well with stone walls that are placed all the way around your home. That way it is a double threat because the intruder has to deal with climbing your stone wall, as well as receiving instant electric shocks at the same time.

Home security electric fences should not be used in neighborhoods. There is a risk that the fence may cause harm to a local resident. Security fences are best for homes that are not in close proximity to other homes.

Electric fences are also good at protecting people from other sources of harm. People that break in and steal items from your home are not the only possible threat you might have. There is still a chance that intruders will want to inflict harm on your family as well, so an electric fence protects against that as well.

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Electric fences are also used to keep animals from wandering on to your property. This security measure is usually to keep your family members and safe from larger, wild animals such as bears or moose. For this reason it is usually used for homes and cabins located near forests.

Remember, if you do decide to use an electric fence, to place signs around warning of the electric fence. There is a lot of danger with electrical fences. Protect yourself and others by advertising the danger involved along the fence and walls, and make sure all signs can easily be seen and read.

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The safety of your home and family should be a main priority in your life. Being prepared for fires can help protect your family from harm in case a fire does break out. Now is the perfect time to plan a fire escape plan.

Remember that practice makes perfect. Let children know the best exits for every room in your home and regularly remind them. A fire can engulf your home in only a few short moments, so make sure everyone in the home knows the quickest and safest ways to exit the home.

Teach more than one exit for your fire escape. It is important to have different ways you can escape in case one exit is blocked by the fire. For example, you can teach your family the best way is to exit through the front and back doors, but if that exit is cut off to use a window.
Help them know the best way to exit a window. Actually take the time to unlock the windows and show younger children how to unhook window screens. This will help them know exactly what steps need to be performed in case of an emergency, and they will be able to make a quicker exit.

Ladders that you may use for a fire escape should be approved by the UL, or Underwriters Laboratory. That means they are up to date with safety standards. Most apartments buildings are required by law to provide fire escapes from upper stories.

Be sure that everyone in the home knows that if a fire does break out in your home it is best to leave the home quickly. Don’t waste your precious moments trying to remove valuables from your home. If a fire can’t be put out by a fire extinguisher then leave your home without delay.

Owning a fire-proof safe may be a good choice if you are worried about items getting ruined by a fire. Safes are becoming more and more popular the last few years. You can also store pictures and copies of documents with your 72 hour kit that you can grab quickly on your way out.

When teaching your family how to escape during a fire make sure to designate a special meeting place outside your home. Children will need to stay close by so you know their location. It is also a good idea to teach younger children not to be afraid of firefighters.

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Burglars don’t like unwanted attention. That is why it is so important to keep your home both being and appearing safe to deter burglars. Having secure windows make it much harder for burglars to have access to your home.

This article focuses on window safety. To begin, search all the windows of your home and check how easy they are to lock or open. This helps you understand how easily a potential burglar will be able to gain entry in to your home.

Once you have searched your home, write down any improvements you should make in regards to your window. If you have older locks it is a good idea to replace the original locks. Newer locks are more reliable and will be able to secure your window better.

Windows should have locks on them to keep burglars out. Windows are made out of glass that can break, however, regardless of a lock. While most burglars would rather avoid breaking a window, there is no guarantee breaking a window won’t happen during a burglary.

As mentioned before, burglars don’t like attention. The sound of breaking glass tends to travel, so neighbors and people passing by are more likely to notice a break in. For this reason most burglars try to avoid breaking windows during a robbery.

If you are worried about someone breaking your window you can install high security glass or polycarbonate. That way burglars would be unable to break through the window. Regardless of the type of glass you have with your window, be sure that your window is properly locked for the security of your home.

You could also choose to install bars outside your home’s windows. Bars are good for warding off potential thieves, and keep burglars from easily gaining entry to your home. However, bars aren’t the safest form of security since they prove to be unsafe during fires and other emergencies.

Every home shouldn’t rely on a sole security measure. While having locks on windows, or doors for that matter, are great investments for security they will be that much more effective with another security measure, such as a home security alarm system. One can never be too safe when it comes to the protection of one’s home and family.

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Having a good lock on a window or door is very important for home security. While not every burglar will enter your home the same way, a good lock will help against all types of burglars. A sturdy lock stop thieves in their tracks, and deter professionals from continuing their assault against your home.

Most burglaries happen either because entrance wasn’t locked or the lock was flimsy enough that the burglar was able to force their way inside. Even the most sturdy of locks can be kicked in if they are not installed properly. Take the time to make sure that your doors and windows have sturdy, and properly installed locks.

The best type of lock for the entrances of your home are deadbolts. They need to be placed in sturdy, solid wood or metal doors. Be sure that they are installed at least three inches inside your door so they are the most effective.

If you notice you don’t have the most sturdy lock, there are some steps you can take to rectify the situation. You can replace the lock with a newer model, or strengthen it to help the performance of your lock. If you notice a flimsy lock in your door you can replace the metal plate that is mounted in the door jamb.

You can also strengthen the lock by replacing the screws of your lock. Take out tiny screws and replace them with longer ones. They should be at least 3 inches long to provide the most resistance.

Professional thieves have more advanced equipment than simply using their leg to kick down a door. They use special equipment to undo the bolts of your door and use special tools to pick your lock. So you may be wondering, are there locks that work best against professional thieves?

It may be surprising, but electronic locks have proven to be just as effective as normal deadbolt locks. And normal deadbolts can be installed for half the price. Unfortunately only very advanced, high security locks hold up against advanced professional assaults.

For this reason, it is important to do more for your home security than simply fortifying the locks of your home. Take extra security measures for the protection of your home. Having a working, well monitored security alarm system will add to the safety of your home.

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It can be hard to choose the right security company. Making a poor choice can affect the safety of your family and home. Take the time to research various security companies ahead of time so you choose the perfect company to suit your needs.

To help you decide what type of services you may need have someone come to your home to asses your security needs. Most professional security companies will do this free of charge, though you can also pay for an outside company to asses your security needs as well. They will be able to tell you what areas of your home need more security.

Once you know the type of security you need, compile a list of security companies in your area. Don’t simply choose the first company that has the system you want. It’s best to compare the strengths and weaknesses of each company before deciding on one.

Know which security systems are best. If you know which equipment is currently on the top of the line you are less likely to go with a company that has outdated, older systems. This is another reason why comparing companies is such a good idea.

For example, currently the best alarm systems you will find are wireless systems. Wireless systems are reliable and easy to install and are also safer than wired systems because burglars don’t have wires to cut. If a company is still installing wired systems it is a red flag that they may not have the most security technology.

Make sure the company has good customer service. Ask neighbors and friend what security companies they use and if they are happy with them. You can also look up consumer reviews online.

Check that the security company
is properly licensed, and their technicians are properly trained. Make sure the company has the proper qualifications. It’s also important that your alarm company has advanced equipment and continue to add new technology to their systems.

The safety of your home and family depends on how reliable your security company is. That is why it is so important to research the company before you sign with them. Don’t risk your safety by randomly choosing an alarm company.

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