I’ve Got an Alarm and Good Locks So I’m All Set, Right?
Posted on 02. Feb, 2010 by admin in Uncategorized
One morning I ran out for just fifteen minutes and when I came home everything seemed fine. Then the burglar that had quietly broken in through a back entrance during those few minutes while I was out stepped into the hallway. The last thing I expected that day was to find myself staring down the barrel of a shotgun with a 6′4″ intruder yelling at me to “GET ON THE FLOOR!” I was lucky. I was only robbed, but I could have easily been shot and killed.
If You Could Avoid a Traumatic Event by Spending an Hour or Two with a Book, Would You?
The more time that passed after that day, the more angry I got at myself. Why? Because I realized I didn’t have to go through that horrible ordeal if I’d just taken a few hours to go through the Security Checklist items featured in Home Security Tips & Advice and followed the advice. I also later realized I wasn’t alone:
Most homes have serious security issues that could easily be fixed, but the residents usually don’t even realize there are problems that put them at risk.
This true story, unfortunately, is common these days. Thanks to the global economic downturn, burglary and other crimes are on the rise. According to the FBI, that’s true from the smallest towns to the biggest cities. Some see unprecedented crime levels just around the corner as the jobless become more desperate. The mortgage crisis, too, has left more and more homes unoccupied. These homes, with their unmowed lawns and empty interiors are attracting drug dealers and other criminals who don’t want a “real address” into otherwise good neighbourhoods. There is nowhere to run. You can only take a stand.
When society has problems, you have to ask yourself: Have you done everything you can to protect yourself, your loved ones and your property?
After my “close call,” I knew I had to do something. My first thoughts were to get a gun a dog and a better alarm system. There was a problem, though. I’m allergic to dogs, and my wife wasn’t comfortable with a loaded gun lying around (unloaded ones don’t help much against criminals!). I couldn’t really blame my alarm system — I didn’t even set it on the day I was robbed. I was stumped.
Why Spend Weeks Looking for Answers?
I needed to do some research. What I found (after days and days of searching) was that I couldn’t find a good, single source of information on home security. Most of the sites that came up on searches were selling products. Some of these sites contained some good information (some of it highly technical) but they were, nevertheless, designed to sell me a specific security product. All I wanted was unbiased information written in plain English. This is when Home Security Tips & Advice was born.
You can spend weeks and weeks looking for the best home security information, or you can be reading this book and making yourself safer within the hour.
Save yourself weeks and weeks of research by spending just a few hours with this 106 page e-book. Home Security Tips & Advice arms you with information. It gives you a practical guide to items you can take care of yourself, and walks you through all the “right” questions you need to ask salespeople before spending your hard-earned money on a security system. And, although dogs and guns can be great for security, they’re not practical for everyone. The book first focuses on how you can secure your home without taking these measures.
The Sad Facts About Believing You’re Safe
As I talked to experts after the crime, I learned that almost a third of illegal entries are unforced. A third! We’re not talking about skilled cat-burglars here. We’re talking about any drug addict, juvenile delinquent or thug who stumbles across an unlocked door or open window. The more secure folks believe they are, the more they let their guards down. The sad fact is that people don’t feel the need to do anything about home security until they find out ( the hard way) how wrong they were.
Most people approach security 180 degrees from how they should. They put off taking care of small home security items until AFTER they are crime victims.
I’ve Got an Alarm and Good Locks So I’m All Set, Right?
Wrong! Many folks buy an alarm system or dead bolt locks and figure that’s all they need to do. Dead bolt locks are great (if you’ve bought the right type, installed them correctly and there is no window near the door), but they do nothing to protect your windows. Alarm systems play an important role (assuming you always set them every time you leave the house and at night), but they rarely protect every door and window. Even if an alarm system calls for help, our fine law enforcement agencies are stretched pretty thin in some places and it may take awhile for help to arrive.
If you had to choose: Would you rather have an alarm warn you that a break-in is in progress, or would you rather prevent it altogether?
More importantly, alarms don’t make it harder for a thief to break in, they just make it riskier that they’ll be caught. Home Security Tips & Advice e-book covers all of these items and much more in a practical, easy-to-read approach, and walks you through how to accomplish the three goals: Make it harder AND riskier AND less rewarding for a criminal to break into your home.
Home Security Advice When Selling Your Home
Posted on 24. Jan, 2010 by admin in Uncategorized
When you decide to sell your home, and it’s going to be vacant, you may be thinking of installing an home security alarm system. But before you do, you have to make sure you understand a few things. For starters, the secret code won’t be a secret for long. Whether it’s published on the MLS, or given to all potential buyer’s agents via phone or email, the secret will be out.
Alarms provide protection while your home is vacant or not. But you have to remember that the alarm can actually become a nuisance when instructions aren’t followed, whether it’s the instruction on the listing page stating that the buyer’s agent should call beforehand for the code (and they don’t) or if the step-by-step instructions hanging on the wall directly next to the alarm seem to be written in some other language.
To avoid these mishaps, selling agents can opt to show the house by appointment only, since too many times buyers agents don’t call for the code and the proper authorities are contacted, the alarm company is contacted and eventually the selling agent is contacted. But there are other options too. That’s why you have to decide whether or not the alarm system is actually a good idea.
Here are some tips you can utilize if you don’t want the hassles of an alarm system:
Again, these are just some ideas to help you get through the joys of home selling, with hopefully, less stress. Alarm systems are a great way to secure your home, however sometimes they’re more of a hassle than a luxury.
Aspects In The Selection Of A Home Alarm Security Company
Posted on 20. Jan, 2010 by admin in Uncategorized
The choice of a home alarm security company is not one to be taken lightly by a homeowner. There are a multitude of choices in the home alarm security companies and the choice of one will be a long-term choice. There are several factors to consider in a home alarm security company, the length of time in business and its long-term staying power, the compatibility of their products with other companies products, can the systems be monitored by all monitoring companies and does the home alarm security company have a range of products to customize your basic system. The terms home security alarm system and a home burglar alarm security system are often used interchangeably and are the same thing.
Factors in Choosing a Home Alarm Security Company
The first factor is the length of time in business and the home alarm security company’s long-term staying power. You are spending a considerable sum of money to get a home alarm security system in place, you need a company that produces reputable products and warranties them for a period of time. If the company is a fly-by-night company the warranty you get will be unenforceable and you may have to repurchase a new system if something goes wrong.
The second factor is the compatibility of the home alarm security company’s products with other company’s products of a similar nature. While your company may have the best system for you today, your needs may change and technology changes may provide new choices in the future. You want to be able to add features created by other companies to your system, which will be impossible if the entire system is proprietary and will not function with other manufactures products.
The third factor in choosing a home alarm security company is can the systems be monitored by all monitoring companies and/or monitored by the homeowner. While you may not currently choose to have monitoring by a system, you do want to be sure that the option is there in the eventuality that you change you mind at a later date.
The fourth and final factor is, does the home alarm security company have a range of products to customize your basic system. No one’s homes are exactly alike because each home has different security needs based on the people who live there. You want a home alarm security company that offers you a range of options and products to make the system best work for you.
How to Avoid The Home Alarm System That Intruders Can Disarm In Seconds
Posted on 19. Jan, 2010 by admin in Uncategorized
Many people have a false sense of security because they do not understand a home alarm system’s main security function.There are several things you will need to understand & consider prior to choosing the most appropriate alarm system for your home & family.If you already have a security system installed, the information below should help you understand if any additional electronic or physical security measures are needed. Many people do not realize what the true security function is for home alarm systems & they end up relying way to heavily & solely upon them. The most important function of all home alarm systems with all its components & detection sensors is to help safeguard your home & family as your second line of defence. Your first & most important line of defence is the implementation of all physical security measures that are needed to increase the security of your home’s perimeter.It is incredible the number of people that have invested a large amount of money in a home alarm system & completely overlook the most basic physical security measures. Most people get a better feeling of security & peace of mind when they have a home alarm system installed in their home. Without the implementation of the most basic physical security measures, this heightened feeling of security will undoubtedly be a false sense of security. To establish a true sense of security, you need to ensure the implementation of all physical security measures. You need to make certain that all windows & exterior doors (& their frames) are all structurally sound with secure locks for all windows & high quality deadbolt locks for all exterior doors.Increasing the security of your home’s perimeter also includes ensuring you have adequate exterior security lighting. You also want to trim back any trees, bushes & shrubbery that may help hide an intruder’s presence. These physical security measures make up your first & most important line of defence & they really need to be implemented before a home alarm system is even considered. As important as it is to look after all physical security measures first, a good secure home is best protected by using a combination of physical & electronic security measures working together.Inadequate Alarm System Coverage Greatly Increases The False Sense Of Security That Many Families Are Receiving!As mentioned above, many families are receiving a false sense of security because they are relying so heavily on the security coverage they believe their home alarm system provides them. This false sense of security is greatly increased for many of these families when they do not realize how inadequate the security coverage their alarm system really provides.Without understanding what components & detection sensors are required, many people rely on an alarm system package that is provided & installed by an alarm monitoring company. Unfortunately most alarm system packages will not provide an appropriate level of protection without adding additional detection sensors to adequately cover all points of entry into the home.Most wireless alarm packages seem to only contain 2 or 3 magnetic switch sensors (window & door sensors) & motion sensors are installed as the only detection devices to protect all ground level windows. This does not provide an adequate level of protection as motion detectors are interior backup detection devices only. The problem with using motion sensors to protect the perimeter of your home is an intruder will actually have to get inside your home before he/she is able to trigger an alarm condition. In using the system at night or anytime during the day when the home is occupied the electronic security coverage will go from low to almost nonexistent. Motion sensors safe guarding the home’s windows will have to be shut down so any activity in the home does not trigger a false alarm.Some Monitoring Companies Are Installing Alarm System Control Panels In The Worst Place Possible!Some installers that work for alarm monitoring companies are installing wireless control panels right inside the entrance door in many of their customer’s homes. This significantly weakens the security protection that an alarm system should provide, as an intruder can disable the system from triggering an alarm condition in a matter of seconds by having easy & direct access to the panel. Any security professional will tell you that it is extremely important that both wireless & hardwired control panels are installed in an obscure area. If the only keypad in an alarm package is built into the same housing as the system’s control panel, you will need to get an additional keypad.Control Panels That Have The System’s Sounding Device & Keypad Built Into The Same Unit Should Never Be Used To Safe Guard Your Home & Family!There are some wireless alarm systems that have both a sounding device & a keypad built into the same unit as the system’s control panel. The design of these 3-in-1 units is totally inappropriate to provide anyone’s home with an adequate level of security protection. They were not designed with the end user in mind as they only benefit they seem to provide is to help an alarm installer reduce the amount of time it would take to setup an alarm system in someone’s home. The control panel should NEVER be located out in the open & a sounding device should NEVER be located in the same obscure area as the control panel.
How to Install a Wireless Home Alarm System By Yourself
Posted on 16. Jan, 2010 by admin in Uncategorized
Installing a home security system can be carried out by most do-it-yourself enthusiasts. There is primarily a choice of two types of security system: hard wired and wireless. Hard wired system involves three times as much work and a lot more expense as cabling needs to be purchased, walls need channelling etc…. A hard wired installation should only really be attempted by someone with electrical wiring experience.
On the other hand, the installation of a wireless alarm system is so straightforward, the average DIY’er should be able to complete it. The advancement in wireless technology has meant that a reliable system can be now purchased for very little cost, packed with features and functionality.
So how do you install a wireless home alarm system? The first stage is planning and this must be done with pencil and paper. Sketch out a brief floor plan layout of your property and mark on where you would like protection in your home. These will be the final location of the wireless sensors whose job it is to detect the presence of the intruder. Decide where the main control box is best placed. Ideally you will want this close to your main exit/entry door so you can arm/disarm the unit. However, most wireless alarm systems are provided with wireless key fobs so the control unit could be installed in a cupboard, out of sight as you will not need direct access to the control panel keypad. The control panel will need a power supply so locate it close to a power point. If you are having monitored security then a cable will need to be run to your phone line socket.
Next, consider the installation of the siren/bell box and be sure to fix it high enough that a burglar could not tamper with it. You could decide not to have a siren at all, if you have monitored security. With this configuration, in the event of a burglary the monitoring company would be silently called and send help on its way to hopefully catch the burglars in the act.
You will need to install wireless sensors to your external doors and windows next. Usually a magnetic sensor is used. When the door or window is closed the circuit is made but on opening the door or window the circuit will be broken thus triggering the alarm. For the door which is the main entry/exit, you will want to program the system with a time delay to allow getting in and out of the property when arming and disarming.
Finally refer to your floor plan layout again to decide where the internal sensors will be situated. You will want to detect human movement and the most common type of wireless sensor to achieve this is the PIR movement detector. These are simply screwed to the wall at your planned location and introduced as a new sensor to the alarm system, so that the control panel can accept a signal from the device.
There are additional sensors that can be added if desired such as smoke alarm detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. These are thoroughly recommended purely for your own safety – they could save your families life.
The beauty of a wireless system is that it can be added to at a later date with very little expense and time. Whereas a hard wired system would require channelling of walls, lifting of floorboards and skirtings, a wireless system can be expanded within minutes, simply by screwing the sensor to the wall and adding it into the control panel.
5 Things Besides Installing a Home Alarm System That Increase Your Safety
Posted on 14. Jan, 2010 by admin in Uncategorized
A lot of people are working with more limited means as of lately, thanks to recent economic events. During tough times, it can be a difficult task to figure out exactly what is worth investing in and what needs to be cut from a household budget, and sometimes the things that end up getting cut are things that are actually quite important.For homeowners who are worried about their safety and security, there are a number of simple steps to take around the house to decrease the likelihood that your home will be targeted. While there is no absolute way to make sure that you will never be the victim of a robbery, there are simple steps that one can take to greatly reduce their odds.Since times are a little bit tougher, it is worth noting that all of these suggestions exclude the installation of any sort of home alarm system. While an alarm is the most effective tool in avoiding potentially damaging burglaries, the effectiveness of these techniques has been proven high, and security experts often recommend these steps in conjunction with an alarm. 5. Don’t advertise your wealth. Even if your house isn’t packed with valuable items, it sure will look that way if you put out a box advertising a new computer or large-screen television for the garbageman to take away. No matter what the products, if they’re worth something, don’t put their packaging on the curb for anyone to see. Break down the boxes. Likewise, if it’s a clear view into your living room, don’t have the most expensive items within eyesight of the street. Learning to keep things out of plain view is a quick way to make your house one of the ones that burglars cruising a neighborhood don’t put on their to-do list.4. Make your home look occupied. This is the number one step for most houses when it comes to home security. If you can leave lights on, different ones each day in different parts of the house, and take other steps to make it look occupied, your chances of getting robbed are significantly lower, as no one wants to take their chances of breaking into a home where someone is hanging out. If you have some sort of timer system for your inside or outside lights, that is also an excellent way to make it appear that people are coming and going at all hours.3. Trim those shrubs. It might sound a little simple-minded, but criminals are smart, and one of the first things they look for is available cover. If you trim your shrubbery, there are less spots for a robber to hide, making his job more difficult.2. Know your neighbors. It might be home security you’re after, but a neighborhood watch can be a hugely beneficial tool in protecting not just your home, but the whole neighborhood. If you’re going out of town, let a trusted neighbor know, and ask them to keep an eye on your house. That way, someone can call the police, even if you’re in the next state. Likewise, neighbors often notice suspicious behavior or activity that you might miss. Communicating with them is crucial. 1. Lock it all up. It might sound obvious, but lock every single door and window if you want to make sure that your home security is at the highest possible level. Don’t shut the garage door but forget to lock the window, or worse yet, forget to lock the door that leads from the garage into your house. Nothing makes breaking in to a home easier than not actually having to force your way in, so don’t allow a robber that opportunity.
How Home Alarm Systems are Saving Lives
Posted on 13. Jan, 2010 by admin in Uncategorized
It’s easy to think about a home alarm system and shrug off the notion that your home needs one. If you already live in a closed community, safe neighborhood, or sleepy town, then probably you’re chances of suffering a break-in are lower than those living in high-risk areas or situations. However, don’t let the word alarm fool you into believing these systems are only useful against intruders. The world is an unpredictable place, and in even the safest of homes the occupants may suffer an accident like a fall, have a medical emergency, or be the victim of a house fire. In cases like that time is of the essence, and with every passing second the chances of rescue and even survival decrease. It’s great to know that there are emergency numbers to call, and everyone should be aware of them and know how to use them. However, it is not uncommon for the police, or emergency hotlines to put callers on hold due to a high call volume. In these situations a home alarm system may be the place to turn.For anyone who has witnessed an accident, theft, or medical emergency and been the one to make the call to an emergency service, it is a scary, high pressure experience that will not soon be forgotten. With the adrenaline already flowing it can be scary still when experiencing a wait time to notify operators of a genuine emergency. Although it’s not possible to have an expert to talk to at the touch of a button everywhere you go, why not have that kind of peace of mind while at home? Whether it’s a wall unit, or a small wearable unit, home alarm systems today are connected to a 24/7 help center where in an emergency situation it’s easy to summon the authorities. The person faced with the emergency can maintain contact, and is not required to reach, find and dial the phone. With the amount of uncertainty around help rushing to them, it may be too late by the time someone realizes what’s happened. Another thing to think about is that in emergency situations, communication is not always possible. An example is in the case of a fire in the home. With thick smoke filling the air a loved one may be sleeping, or be knocked unconscious, and never be given a chance to notify authorities. With fire and carbon monoxide protection available with home security systems, security representatives may be aware of the situation in your home before you are. Even better, they will have all the details of your emergency contacts so that upon notifying authorities of the dire situation, loved ones will also be warned or alerted of the danger, and updated on the situation. A smoke alarm or carbon monoxide detector is a great way to warn that there is smoke, but does little to help a person who is trapped and unable to call for help. At the end of the day it’s always best to know that your family is in good hands. There will always be moments in life where things go wrong, so it’s best to be prepared.
Choosing the Best Home Alarm System For Your Home and Family
Posted on 13. Jan, 2010 by admin in Uncategorized
In today’s strange and unpredictable world, one thing that’s always nice is knowing that you have a safe and secure house to come home to. But in difficult economic times, it’s more important than ever to take extra measures to protect your home and make sure that it’s not a target for any sort of robbery or crime. When times get tough, it’s difficult to tell if even the nicest neighborhood will be effected, since people are desperate and trying to make ends meet.Thankfully, figuring out the best home alarm system is a simple endeavor. Most companies will offer you walk-throughs where they provide estimates, though if it seems a little fishy to trust the company themselves with telling you what you need, local police and fire departments also offer simple fact sheets that let you know what they–and the security companies–are looking for when they decide the sort of home security system that would best serve your home. Another option is to have your insurance company do a walk-through, as they also have experts trained to pay attention to this sort of thing.One of the biggest misconceptions about home security systems is that there is only one kind, and that the one kind is inevitably expensive. That’s simply not the case, and it’s very easy to find a system that provides the specific services needed for your home. If you don’t have young children or older relatives, for example, there’s no need for the additional health monitoring option, and if your home doesn’t have that many windows, it’s not going to cost as much to put motion detectors by the ones that do exist. Having a home alarm system doesn’t mean breaking the bank, and there are many affordable options to choose from that work just as hard.When the installation process is underway, be sure to pay attention to what it is that makes the system work. It’s going to require maintenance done by professionals, but if you know what to look out for, you can make sure that it’s always in tip-top condition. Find out what parts require batteries, and how often you need to change them. If there’s a motion-activated light system in place, especially outside, be sure that the bulbs you choose are the ones that last the longest without needing to be changed. Little details like that can have your home alarm system working smoothly and efficiently for years to come.Also make sure that every single member of the family understands how the system works, how to turn it on and turn it off, and where the panels are. Choose a password easy for your family members to remember, but difficult for outsiders to figure out, and make sure that the alarm panels are placed at doors you actually use frequently, in case there’s ever a false alarm and you have to rush to the panel before the police are dispatched. Making sure to include the entire family in the installation process of your home alarm system makes it a lot more likely that the system will be used properly. That’s a huge part of its effectiveness, too. So if you’re on the fence on home security, consider this: your home is more than just an investment, and in times where your own economic future might be uncertain, the last thing you need on top of everything else is the devastating blow of being robbed. Invest in a way to protect your home for your happiness and your future.
How to Choose a Home Alarm System
Posted on 12. Jan, 2010 by admin in Uncategorized
For many first-time homeowners, the days following their move bring a number of questions that they have likely never needed to consider in the past. Some of the most important amongst these new questions are those pertaining to home security, as they address not only the protection of the largest investment that most people will ever make, their home, but more importantly, the family that inhabits the home. One of the first considerations of homeowners contemplating home security is the installation of a home alarm system, which in itself can be a complicated process. However, by following a few easy steps, homeowners can quickly identify the home security system that best fits their needs.
The first step when considering available home alarm systems is for homeowners to familiarize themselves with the basic components of a standard security system. Generally speaking, a control panel, contacts for all external doors and windows and a siren or alarm are the absolute basics. Additionally, motion detectors, glass break sensors, security cameras, and additional security keypads, including those that include panic alarms are all important components to research.
Having familiarized themselves with the basic features available in home security systems, homeowners should walk the perimeter of their home, putting themselves in the shoes of a would-be burglar. This will likely expose easy entry points such as external doors in disrepair, or those hidden from the view of neighbors or the street, as well as areas that need additional lighting. Homeowners should also pay close attention to windows, especially those low to the ground and those that could be accessed by way of climbing on the outside of a home or by overhanging tree branches. Any problem areas found in this exercise should be secured, whether by way of motion sensors, glass break sensors, or additional lighting.
Armed with some basic information about home alarm systems and a general idea of the problem areas of a house, homeowners are ready to contact a few home security companies. Many will offer a risk assessment of their own, which homeowners can compare with the assessment that they already performed, and should provide some additional input on types of systems to consider. With this in mind, homeowners can request an estimate for the type of alarm system that they have deemed most appropriate, and begin to compare quotes.
When comparing quotes, it is also a good idea to request some references, which most home security companies should be able to easily provide. Some important questions include those regarding the accuracy of their quote, how the service has been, if the contracts were clearly explained, and what their response time was like if the references have had a break-in. Homeowners should also do a little research on the equipment listed in the quote.
After comparing the quotes, chatting with references, and finishing their research, homeowners should be ready to make a decision. Having followed these easy steps, homeowners will know that they have done everything they could to ensure that their home and their family have the best home security system for their new home.
Making the Most of Your Home Alarm System
Posted on 11. Jan, 2010 by admin in Uncategorized
A huge concern for many in the United States is the issue of security. Whether it’s a family worrying about their child’s safety at school or an adult child checking in with neighbors who live near an elderly parent, safety concerns are one of the most pressing issues time and time again for many Americans. That is why many homes across the country have some form or another of an alarm system installed. Unfortunately, in many households around the country, people have a security system in place that isn’t being maximized to its full potential. The most common concern is those households where no one ever bothers to set the alarm. A system cannot function if the alarm is not armed! Whether it’s for a long weekend away from the house or just while you’re out at dinner, getting in the habit of setting the alarm makes a household many times more likely to lose less in a break-in. After all, something cannot be a deterrent if it is not even being used in the first place. So always remember to set the alarm when leaving the house.Another mistake that households make is assuming that whoever the head of the house is will be the person in charge of the alarm every time. This is simply not the case. Anyone who has a key to the house and can arrive home alone, from teenagers to older relatives, should be skilled in the art of arming and disarming the home alarm system. Make sure to stress for teenagers the importance of keeping the pin code a secret that stays in the family. You don’t want your child’s friends knowing the code to the house, as it is a piece of privileged information. The less people that know the code, the better a house’s chances of not getting robbed. Another important factor to remember when thinking about a security system of any kind is the need for maintenance. Sometimes, it’s difficult to even tell if a system is not performing up to the level that it should be, because there is no simple way to gauge if there are dead batteries or if something isn’t quite as on as it should be. In addition to making sure to schedule regular maintenance and check-ups for the system, make plans that will help the system to last. If you have a motion-activated outdoor lighting system, for example, put in bulbs that will last a long time and require fewer yearly replacements. Likewise, it is helpful for one’s budget and safety to learn which parts of the home alarm system can be serviced without the help of a professional. If the alarm box has batteries that can be charged by someone who is not a technician, find out where and how to do this, and what kind of batteries improve the system’s life. Always firmly shut doors and windows, so that any sort of open or close auditory cue that the system has can function to its best. If a door wasn’t securely shut, the system will not provide an alert noise if it is opened again.Being sure to oversee one’s security system is the best way not just to improve its effectiveness, but also to increase its lifespan. A system that is well cared for will not only do a better job than one that is not, but it will also last significantly longer, too.