Home Improvement

Is home security vital? Well, if you have already been burgled then you know the answer to that. So many people reckon that home security is something they must do, but don’t really get around to doing anything about it. By not taking action and addressing your home security weaknesses you are running a huge risk. TV’s, hi-fi’s and games machines can easily be replaced but can you really afford to lose all of your personal possessions, precious heirlooms and sentimental items of value and importance? The following are the many ways that you can improve your home security and give peace of mind that your home is properly protected.

Burglar Alarm Systems This should be the first home improvement you must make if you want to increase your home security. Alarm systems generally consist of a control panel, siren and a variety of sensors to trigger a burglar intrusion. There is a choice of hard wired or wireless type systems. Wireless systems are a very well loved choice as they are cheap and easy to install although sensors require a regular battery change. Technology has improved somewhat and they are less prone to fake alerts nowadays. Hard wired systems are generally more permanent and more stable and used in professional installations. They have higher install costs and there will be a lot of disruption during installation.

Monitored Home Security Monitored home security is when your home burglar alarm system is connected to a alarm monitoring company and their job is to watch over your home 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If your alarm is triggered they will send out help to help with your emergency, be it police, fire or ambulance. They will charge a small monthly fee but you may find that by having monitored home security your insurance premium may drop – thus offsetting the monitoring costs.

Security Cameras Closed Circuit Television or CCTV is a well loved method to visually and sometimes audibly, monitor and record activity directly outside your property. There are simple, inexpensive systems that simply send a signal to your TV or a monitor for you to view. Or there are more sophisticated systems that can record images and video digitally from many security cameras that may be monitoring your property. The digital images can sometimes be viewed remotely, all around the world via the internet. There are many choices of camera. Again, security cameras can be both hard wired and wireless, color or black and white and some even operate in the dark via infrared.

External Security Lighting External security lighting is one of the cheapest – yet effective – home security improvements you can make. The burglar does not want to be seen when breaking into a property so external lighting will be sure to place him off. It is recommended to buy the security lighting with an attached PIR motion sensor this will switch on immediately when movement is detected.

Deadbolts Locks For Securing Doors Deadbolt locks provide an additional security obstacle for your external doors and will make it nigh on impossible for the burglar to get into your property via the protected door. These days biometrics are becoming well loved offering keyless locks with gadgets such as fingerprint readers to allow the door to be opened.

Driveway Monitors A driveway monitor will detect the entry of someone onto your land giving you an early warning of someone’s presence. It could be an expected visitor, friend or neighbour, but it could equally be an unwanted intruder.

Security Window Bars Security window bars provide both a visual and physical deterrent to a burglar making them reckon twice about breaking into a property. A burglar does not want to draw attention to himself when breaking into a property and also wants to be very quick to enter the property. By installing window bars you will slow him down and he will make noise when trying to remove the window bars. This should be enough for him to go on, even before he has attempted a break-in.

These are just a few of the many ways to prevent to burglar entering your property and making off with your property and valuables.

Many home owners are stumped when it comes to taking the appropriate approach to home security matters in general.  Many people are simply uninformed or misinformed on the topic, and expect that it will be perfectly fine and acceptable for them to rely nearly exclusively on their security technology and their security monitoring service to secure their home against any and all threats.  Though relying on such factors is okay up to a certain point—especially considering the fact that security technologies are more robust and efficient today than ever, and furthermore considering that monitoring services from leading companies today offer more benefits than ever before as well—it is simply not acceptable for a home owner to place all their faith in these two areas when it comes to ensuring real home security.  To the contrary, it is necessary to diversify one’s security plot and to take a comprehensive, balanced approach to security matters in general…the alternative to doing so could end up being tragic for you, your family and your property, so don’t even reckon about it!

The beginning of a balanced home security plot always demands research and investigation, with no exceptions.  Becoming an informed home owner is quite naturally the start of becoming a more conscious and safe home owner, as is only to be expected.  But what exactly is it that people need to be concerning themselves with here, what is it that home owners need to be studying and researching?  Everything, quite simply.  To start with, it’s a excellent thought to research what the latest trends are in the area of security technologies: what kinds of new gadgets have appeared on the market, and specifically what their capabilities and what their limitations are.  This last point is quite vital as it sheds light on the fact that home owners can’t rely exclusively on technology as if it were infallible; all technology has its limitations and knowing just what they are will allow home owners to use that technology in the best, most suitable manner possible.  Then again, this isn’t the only area of research that a home owner will need to pay attention to.  In addition, it is vital to take a thorough and objective look at exactly what the reputations of different home security companies are and what the reasons for those reputations are.  Knowing what constitutes a top-rate, solid security provider will be a small nugget of knowledge that could end up having an enormous impact on your level of security at home (and which could very well lead you to change your current subscription to a better company, should the need to do so become evident).

Finally, home owners need to learn exactly where they fit into a comprehensive, balanced home security plot.  Learning from reliable sources exactly what kinds of habits and chores around the house will boost security and which will bog security levels down is very vital, and will teach home owners to behave and act more intelligently around their homes.

Home security does matter to you when you are concerned with yourself. Some people overtly gossip about this matter, while others do not react. Last night in a party I heard some ladies were talking about an attack, which occurred some days ago in their locality. They were talking about a home, which was vandalized, when nobody was there inside. They were not sure whether a security system was installed at that home, but they started discussing about home alarms as one of the ladies got them installed at her newly-built apartment recently. Some of them were even discussing about the benefits of home alarm. But from their discussions I found some misconceptions that they have developed regarding security systems. These mistakes are commonly committed by the average American home owner in the process of attempting to secure their homes. They require security training and education program, which we promote to deliver you through this article.

There are many things to keep in mind during your quest to strengthen security parameters for your home. From choosing security providers to installing proper security gadgets, one needs to be careful. Most importantly, people need to avoid becoming the victims of stagnating security myths and have a lack of knowledge and information regarding security systems and gadgets. Here we point out the common mistakes that usually home owners have and we offer solutions to get rid of those blunders. The mistakes have been place in the form of questions that people generally have in their mind.

1. Are video surveillance systems meant for only business?

There is often a misconception regarding video surveillance systems that they are usually meant for business. But this is incorrect. Video surveillance systems enable the owner to keep record of the activities during its operation. Generally burglars despise to be taped and that means that the mere advertisement of video equipment on home windows and doors can serve as a deterrent to crimes. Moreover the video recordings can serve as an evident in the court of law, which will be followed by getting a compensation of the property losses, as a result of burglary incident. Even if the crime does not take place; the video of a given event will help teach the home owner about the security weaknesses of their home, so that they can feel the importance or the need of security systems.

2. Does home security mean alarm systems?

Most of the home owners feel that home security means an alarm system. But this seems to be incorrect. Security does not only mean that you are endangered to burglar threats; there can be other threats too such as fire, flood, emissions of carbon monoxide and extreme cold weather.  All of these factors can place you in danger or incur property hurts. Modern home security devices include more than just a burglar alarm and present other components in the package such as fire or smoke alarms, emissions of carbon monoxide detectors as well as freeze and water sensors to let you know when the natural elements are putting their home at risk.

3. Does my home security plot is all about my house and my family?

Once again this is a incorrect thought. The best possible security plot for your home is to contemplate the security needs of your community around you, as it should be your interest not only to keep the threats in the other side but to keep them out of your domain. Awareness in your community is the most effective form of plotting to stay secured.

Home security is a booming industry, growing a small more every year, especially as crime has continued to increase in more recent years due to a failing economy and a wavering job market. Last year, Americans spent .2 billion on security products like alarms and motion-detecting sensors as well as monitoring services. For what? Many Americans complain that their home security providers don’t live up to their promises. In some metropolitan areas, subscribers also complain that emergency response times have slowed, which is estimated to be the result of the nearly 80 percent fake alarm rate and the low priority burglaries often take in such crime-ridden areas. So what’s the point of having home security, especially if you live in a safer area?

There are several. Many providers, like ADT, offer free home security systems for subscribing to their monitoring services and they provide substantial discounts on home insurance policies. Depending on your insurer, you could reduce your premium by up to 20%, the largest discount offered. Some people report savings of up to several hundred dollars, easily offsetting the cost of home security monitoring. A security system can also save you some serious cash in the event of a burglary. According to the Electronic Security Association, homes without such systems experience losses of over ,000 per instance, while homes with security systems in place usually incur losses just over ,000.

Beyond the monetary benefit, there are also additional benefits to your neighborhood, your children and oddly enough, the efficiency of your parenting. A study released by the School of Criminal Justice at Rutgers University last year concluded that security systems protected entire neighborhoods, not just the homes they serve. The four-year study found that break-ins decreased as the density of alarms within a residential area increased. It works as nearly the reverse of the Broken Windows theory. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the theory, it asserts that when small problems like graffiti, broken windows and litter are ignored by a community, the overall decline of the community is imminent. People disregard, abandon or stay away from it. Similarly, when people implement home security in their homes, small by small the neighborhood responds in the same way and the level of security in the area increases, keeping burglars at bay.

Having a home alarm also reduces your likelihood of leaving a window open, one of the most common ways burglars gain access to a home. Central control panels monitor doors as they open and close, signaling which part of the house was entered or exited. Advanced systems can also monitor your garage door, another common point of entry for those hunting for an easy target.

Beyond actual security, alarm systems provide a variety of services, some are rather unexpected. One of the primary benefits of home security systems is that they help many Americans with the toughest job in the world, parenting. Remember those days when you used to sneak out of the second tale window, quietly crawl along the roof past your parents’ window and scale down the lattice into the freedom of the night? With a home security system your kids will never get away with it, ever. That’s because an armed system screeches when a window is slid open and won’t let you arm it in the first place when a window is left open. I was both unfortunate and fortunate enough to have parents who implemented a home security system as a way to keep tabs on my free spirit. They heard when I came in and they heard when I came out. I couldn’t even pretend that I made my curfew because even when the system was unarmed, it still beeped when I opened the door (or window), one hour after curfew. Ever-advancing systems are even allowing parents to keep alarmed locks on liquor and gun cabinets and affordable video surveillance lets parents see beyond closed doors.

As criminals continually reckon up new and outrageous ways to stay “profitable,” alarm and security monitoring companies are doing the same. The most successful providers are the ones with the most effective equipment and monitoring practices, so stick with the leaders when going the home security route.

Home security should be a top priority for everyone who owns or rents a home or apartment. A excellent proactive home security plot goes a long way toward making your house a home. Burglary and home invasion crimes are at all time highs. Criminals look for easy targets, by doing your homework you can drastically decrease the chances of having your home victimized.

One of the best ways to ensure that you’ve got your home covered is to complete a home security survey. A home security survey is an brilliant tool to help you determine the areas of your home that you need to focus on. After completing the survey, pay close attention to the areas that you answered ‘no’. Home security surveys are available via most local or state law enforcement agencies. For your convenience we appended a comprehensive survey below.

Take time to complete the survey below. For each question, simply answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’. An answer of ‘no’ should be a call to action. Thanks to the Charlottesville, VA Police Department for providing such a comprehensive home security survey.

Exterior Door Safety

All doors are locked at night and every time we leave the house – even if it’s just for a few minutes.
Exterior doors are solid hardwood or metal-clad (not hollow).
Doors have peepholes installed at levels that all family members can utilize.
If you have glass panels in your doors, they should be reinforced or shatter proof.
All doors should have a sturdy deadbolt lock installed into the frame.
Do not keep spare keys under the doormat or hidden anywhere outside your home.

Garage and Sliding Doors

The door leading from the attached garage to the house is solid wood or metal-clad and protected with a quality keyed door lock and deadbolt.
The overhead garage door has a lock so that we do not rely solely on the automatic door opener to provide security.
Garage doors are all locked when leaving the house.
The sliding glass door has a strong, working key lock.
A dowel or a pin to secure a glass door has been installed to prevent the door from being shoved aside or lifted off the track.
The sliding door is locked every night and each time we leave the house.

Protecting Windows

Every window in the house has a working key lock or is securely pinned.
Buy a wireless home security system complete with motion and door/window senors
Windows are always locked, even when they are opened a few inches for ventilation.

Outdoor Security

Shrubs and bushes are trimmed so there is no place for someone to hide.
There are no dark areas around our house, garage, or yard at night that would hide prowlers.
Every outside door has a bright, working light to illuminate visitors.
Floodlights are used appropriately to ensure effective illumination.
Outdoor lights are on in the evening – whether someone is at home or not or a photocell or motion-sensitive lighting system has been installed.
Our house number is clearly showed so police and other emergency vehicles can find the house quickly.

Security When Away From Home

At least two light timers have been set to turn the lights on and off in a logical sequence, when we are away from home for an extended time period.
The motion detector or other alarm system (if we have one) has been activated when we leave home.
Mail and newspaper deliveries have been stopped or arrangements for a neighbor/ friend to pick them up have been made when we go away from home for a period of time.
A neighbor has been questioned to tend the yard and watch our home when we are away.

Outdoor Valuables and Personal Property

Gate latches, garage doors, and shed doors are all locked with high – security, laminated padlocks.
Gate latches, garage doors, and shed doors are locked after every use.
Grills, lawn mowers, and other valuables are stored in a locked garage or shed, or if left out in the open, are hidden from view with a tarp and securely locked to a stationary point.
Every bicycle is secured with a U-bar lock or quality padlock and chain.
Bikes are always locked, even if we leave them for just a minute.
Firearms are stored unloaded and locked in storage boxes and secured with trigger guard locks.
Valuable items, such as televisions, stereos, and computers have been inscribed with identifying number.
Our home inventory is up-to-date and includes pictures. A complete copy is kept somewhere out of the house