Home Security

Home Security has been the main concern of almost all citizens today. Americans experienced different stages of development in terms of home security. The age of night patrols have passed. Today is the age of computers and hi-tech facilities.

Wireless devices are commonly seen almost everywhere. Shoplifters are easily caught through built-in cameras. Cars are secured with alarms operated by remote controls. With this organized system of monitoring, would there be anyone who can squirt his way out of his evil intentions?

Anyone can stay relaxed and calm in the comfort of his own home without worrying about burglars, fire, flood and other such misfortunes. It’s now easy to secure all of your possessions and loved ones as you grasp the task of monitoring all of them, all at once, with the aid of an outside assistance –home security alarms.

Types of Home Security Alarms

Home security alarms works through the use of sensors that are linked with an outside station. Authorities located outside, immediately attend to their clients needs whenever an alarm signals an unwelcome incidence.

Magnetic window alarms help keep windows from intruders and unwanted creatures. It automatically shuts down windows whenever a bad entity tries to get into your room.

Door alarms, as the name implies, are used to detect unwanted guests entering. It uses a magnet that automatically closes and locks the doors. This allows you to leave open doors unattended.

Driveway sensors are those detectors placed either on driveways or backyards. It’s not only used to detect movements of incoming intruders but it also serves as a warning signal if your little ones are approaching hazardous areas in the backyard.

Pool alarms aid you to keep an eye on little children or any other visitors from drowning in your swimming pool.

Smoke alarms or fire alarms are normally placed inside the kitchen where there are possible incidents of fire caused by cooking on stoves and short circuits from plugged cooking appliances.

Gas detectors have been proven to save lives of people who suffer from carbon monoxide suffocation. Such alarms are used to sense accumulated carbon monoxide in the air.

Flood sensors facilitate detection of flood made by water pipe leaks as well as floods caused by storm.

Burglar alarms also make use of motion sensors that monitors the entry of thieves inside your house.

Medical alarms assist you to watch over loved ones who need appropriate medical attention.

Home security alarms are now affordable and simple to use. It’s good to install one in your house now to secure your family from further destruction.

Your home should be a place for refuge and safety. However, circumstances don’t always agree with what we expect. Unwanted visitors with bad intentions invade homes. As a result, households are threatened and some might have even lost confidence living in the security of their own homes.

How does one live without having to worry about such situations? The modern world of today have marketed several ways by which one can be rest assured of home safety. Technology has introduced certain innovations that guarantee every home ultimate protection from burglars, and some other bad creatures intended to harm.

These innovations are collectively known as home security systems. Here are examples of home security systems: home alarms, security cameras, motion sensors, personal security and medical alarms. Each was invented to perform different functions depending on the purpose of the user.

Studies have demonstrated that people who are known to use any of these home security systems have stated significant transformations in their lives.

One testimony of a father even stated that —having a burglar alarm at home kept them from their fears. They are no longer worried about intrusions, since they have police assistance anytime the siren rings.

In general, a home security system is set-up with a control panel, which is considered the intelligence or the brain of the whole system. It’s simple to use such that it functions as a central computer linked to several sensors that signal the entry of unwanted trespassers. The sensors can be randomly installed all throughout the house.

When a burglar comes in contact with the sensors, a siren signals the intrusion immediately connects with an outside station. The outside station is where the authorities are located.

How to Choose one that is Proven and Tested?

Companies, whose expertise is to safeguard homes and properties, are the ones who provide any type of home security system. Getting any of which, would imply long-lasting benefits to consumers. However, it is always important to consider the best quality to use.

Maybe you encounter installing a burglar alarm in your house that isn’t working or have failed to send signals to an outside station. If this happens, this would entail a higher cost of purchase, since aside from purchasing an expensive system, you have also experienced property loss. Even worse, you and your family’s lives were put at risk.

Always remember that the purpose of the system is to protect and not to put you in danger. You may use the Internet to shop around for the best deals and companies. Choose a company that offers regular signal testing.

Home safety has become unpredictable nowadays. Crime has been unexpectedly increasing. Burglars, rapists, and serial killers have threatened each and every American home.

As a resident, how are you going to respond to this devastating situation? Would you just sit around and not pay attention? In such upsetting circumstances, would you fight for justice? Aren’t you scared and bothered, thinking that your family might be the next victim?

The government has launched several programs, which have significantly reduced the occurrence of crime in the country. It’s true that cops are responsible for targeting criminals. But it doesn’t deny the fact that victims, such as neighborhoods, have also contributed to solve such problems.

Technology, in this case, has been one of the factors why people have valiantly faced dangerous situations like home invasions. These days have been so troubled such that protecting your own home would be considered as a main concern.

How can You Defend Yourself from Intruders?

There is a lot of self-defense mechanisms out there that can help fight criminals. You may want to use knives or guns. However, you should be equipped on how to properly use these for your protection.

Pepper spray, in this case, is one of the safest ways of defense since it won’t cause death. It will only cause your opponent to stop from attacking, as his sight and breath are impaired. When this happens, it is advised that you immediately call the police for back up.

What is Pepper Spray?

People consider pepper sprays as one of the best buddies used for protection. It has been a very common possession, as it has been trusted to boost one’s confidence, whether indoors or outdoors.

Pepper sprays come in different forms. They may either be in the form of a key chain, pen, or just the typical ones sealed in canisters. It depends on the preferences of the user. Usually, pepper sprays sealed in cans are used in households.

It contains an oleoresin capsicum, which serves as its main active ingredient. This ingredient is made from a collection of Cayenne peppers, one of the spiciest peppers of the world.

How does it Work?

This kind of protective sprays causes eye, nose, throat, and lung inflammation. It should be handled with care such that it initiates momentary blindness, instant breathing impairment and severe skin burning sensation.

In some countries, pepper sprays are limited to the use of cops. However, as crime rate is increased, it has been accepted for home use, with the condition that –it should only be used on intruders.

If you want to keep your home safe but are put off by the cost of alarm systems, don’t despair. There are other devices you can use to keep your family and your property safe and secure and you don’t have to spend a lot. Here’s how:

Determine your vulnerable points
Before you set out to buy anything, check your house first. Go outside and look around, test your doors and windows for any weaknesses (old hinges, rusted locks, weak frames, etc.). Sometimes it’s as simple as replacing a few of your old hardware to keep your home safe.

Next, put yourself in the shoes of a potential thief. Imagine how you could enter your house unnoticed. Identify the most vulnerable points in your house - your front door, rear and patio doors and your windows. Another point of vulnerability is your garage or shed.

Install alarms
First things first. There ARE low-cost home security devices available on the market. These are usually the wireless systems which are easy to install and set up. Wireless systems are very popular because they provide the peace of mind that homeowners want at an affordable price.

You might also want to buy one of those small door-installed alarms that cost about $20 or less. Powered by cell batteries, once it’s turned on and the door is opened, the alarm emits a sharp warning to alert you. It’s cheap, unobtrusive and it works.

Bolts and locks
For doors and windows, you can install bolts and locks to reinforce an existing lock. As long as the bolt is solid and the hinges are properly screwed in place, you will have little worry.

If you have sliding doors that don’t have an anti-lift device, it would be a good idea to install one. Or, you could install two door locks – one on top and another at the bottom – to reinforce the hook lock.

The garage is a common point of entry for most burglars, so keep the door padlocked and the garage windows closed before you enter the house.

Keep the light on
Illuminate your porch, back door and garage. If you’re willing to spend a little, invest in dusk-to-dawn lighting powered by photoelectric cells. These save a lot of energy and will be cheaper to use than electric-powered lights.

Keep things thorny
If you don’t have a fence or wall, keep thorny plants and shrubs around. Plants like roses, holly and hawthorn have spiny leaves and thorny stems are great deterrents because they can produce punctures and tear at the skin. They not only provide you with security, they are also great ornamentals.

LaserShield is one of the pioneers of convenient, plug-and-go security systems in the world. They have developed some of the most convenient, easy to use and affordable security system products that are ideal not just for homes and dormitories, but also for offices and stores as well.Features
A LaserShield home security starter kit begins at about $200. This kit includes the master unit and the wireless detection units, along with a keychain remote. These are powered by a battery source and will send a signal to the master alarm unit if the battery power is low.

The wireless detection units or sensors use passive infrared and have a detection span of 110 degrees from the front and reaching over 35 feet. One detection unit can cover about 1100 sq.ft.

If the alarm is tripped, the unit emits a 105-decibel loud siren. The master unit gets its main power source from a standard AC outlet and has a back-up rechargeable battery in case of a power outage.

LaserShield alarms utilizes an existing telephone line to connect to a remote monitoring system. Monitoring for LaserShield’s security alarm system is provided by Rapid Response Monitoring, a licensed facility that has a certification from the U.S. Department of Defense.

The system also includes a panic button which can be activated at any time, whether the main system is armed or disarmed. The panic button can also be operated using the keychain remote.

Benefits of the LaserShield security system
LaserShield also boasts of the quickest response time in the industry and can begin a return contact after about 30 seconds after an alarm signal is received. The system is also equipped with alarm-reporting features which are triggered by a low battery signal, loss of power, phone line disconnection, a panic button activation and a cancel.

Another feature of the LaserShield security alarm unit that is worth getting is their ‘user call’ feature. This allows the homeowner to call his alarm system via telephone or cell phone and access the status of the system using a PIN. They can check the system remotely to see whether it the alarm feature is on or disabled.

They can also remotely activate microphones in the house to listen in on the occupants. A good feature to have if you have young children, babysitters, housesitters and pets.

To find out more about their systems, go to www.lasershield.net and check out the different possible combinations of home security devices you can use. Units are also available nationwide at Home Depot, CostCo, K-Mart, Sears, Montgomery Ward, Skymall and Comp USA.

Turn on the lights
Start with the exterior of your house. If you have a garden or lawn, you might want to install some lighting to illuminate the area. You might also like to do the same for your front porch or rear door and garage. If you like, buy lighting powered by photoelectric cells for a cheaper alternative.

Doors and windows
Assuming you don’t have an alarm system in place, fortify your entry/exit points — your doors and windows. Make sure there are proper locks in place and if necessary, you might want to install double locks and bolts. Double locks are also recommended for patio doors, especially if yours are the sliding type. You might also want to install patio or rear doors with an anti-lift device.

Large glass panels for doors are quite vulnerable to burglars because they are easy to break. You might want to replace these with laminated glass, or install a metal or steel grill as a security device. If your doors are made of wooden panels, they should at least be of good quality plywood.

Install alarms
Alarms are one of the best choices especially for condominiums and apartment homes. One of the most popular alarms are audible-only systems which emit a loud bell or siren if triggered, while some alert a central monitoring company who will inform the police if the alarm is set off.

There are three main types of alarms: the hard-wired system, the wireless and the hybrid. The hard-wired system is probably the most expensive type and is best installed during the construction of the house. The wireless system is the most popular among do-it-yourselves because they are easier to install. Wireless alarms often use infrared, acoustic or dual-technology sensors. Hybrids combine the best features of both the hard-wired and the wireless systems.

Be organized
Keep your work and garden tools and ladders away from sight, preferably in the shed or garage. Don’t let a thief use your stuff against you, so make sure you don’t leave things lying around.

Be careful where you place your keys, especially the spare. Avoid obvious areas like under the mat or on top of the door frame. Thieves will likely check these places. If you lose your keys, replace your locks immediately.

Keeping your home safe is mostly common sense. Don’t give any burglar the opportunity to enter your property. Know where you are most vulnerable and reinforce these areas or secure them with locks and bolts. Keeping your home safe not only means keeping your valuables intact, it also means protecting your life.

If you’re planning to set up your own home security alarm system, then you’ve probably chosen a wireless system. Unlike hard-wired systems, wireless security alarms are easier and quite cheaper to set up. You won’t need to install several feet of wires just to set one in place.

Another advantage of wireless systems is that you don’t need to connect one to a phone line. Older systems were easily disabled once a thief cuts off the phone connection. Newer wireless models can stand on their own with or without a phone connection, as long as they are linked to a power source.

Setting up your alarm system
The alarm system is made up of the control panel and the sensors. The control panel is like the main computer. It receives signals from the sensor/s that are installed in key places around the house. If an intruder passes a sensor, it will send a signal to the control or base unit and this will trigger an alarm.

An audible-only alarm system will sound an alert right then and there, usually a loud bell or siren, to alert the homeowners of the presence of an intruder. A remotely-monitored system that is connected to a central monitoring company will send an alarm to the company who will then alert the police once it’s determined that the alarm is real.

First, choose a location for your control panel. Place it in a recessed area where it isn’t readily noticeable or in a closet. The control panel connects to AC outlet for power source. Once you turn the control panel on, most models will beep once and a small light will turn on.

Next, find a location for your security keypads. Depending on your needs and budget, you could have more than one keypad. These are commonly installed near entrances where they are easily accessible to you.

Locate the placement of your sensors. Sensors are equipped with PIR (passive infrared) detectors and will trip the central alarm if an intruder passes by. Locate these sensors near entrances and windows, or in places where they are out of sight. Most units are battery-powered and some models are designed to blend in with other home decors. If wall-mounted, they could be screwed in place before activation.

If your alarm is remotely-monitored, you will have to set up an account with a central monitoring company. Once you paid your monthly or annual fee, your home alarm system will be activated. If your system is audible-only, you only need to install it, turn it on and let it do its job.

If you live in an area with a very low crime rate and a high level of neighborhood support, lucky you. You probably don’t lose sleep at night worrying about burglars and vandals. Unfortunately, for everyone else, home security is a top concern especially if they live in the cities or in high-risk areas.

Most crimes are done by opportunistic people, therefore it is very important that you don’t provide them with a reason to attack you or your property. Methods and devices used to maintain home security range from the simple and cheap to the high-tech and costly. Here are a few common but effective ways:

Make sure your locks are secure
It’s not enough to have bolts, locks and chain locks in place. Make sure these can actually keep your doors closed if you want to keep them that way. Cheap chain links, for example, will give with a few strong kicks. Buy ones with thicker chains, heavy-gauge metals and screws that are longer than ½ inches to secure the lock on the door and frame.

Replace old hooks, hinges and locks and regularly check them for damage or rust. You might also want to replace damaged or weak door or window frames and broken glass panes.

See them before they see you
Install a peep hole or a door viewer with a wide radius, preferably one that will let you see at least 180 degrees on both sides. Choose one that has a peephole cover so no one can look in on you anytime.

Keep your stuff in their places
If you use tools and ladders during the day, make sure to put them back in their place in your shed or garage at the end of the day. If you have latticework or trellises next to your house, make sure they are made of weak materials that won’t hold the weight of a grown person.

Use technology
If you are willing to spend more for your home security, invest in security systems like alarms, sensors and video cameras. You could use one of these to reinforce your locks and bolts and provide extra deterrence. If you have these in place, regularly check them for accuracy and replace batteries if necessary.

Maintaining home security will require both common sense and constant vigilance on your part. You can’t leave the safety of your life and that of your family to chance, so make sure you have home security measures in place. Their tag price shouldn’t be your concern, but their efficacy should be. Use what you can to keep your home secure and leave the worrying to the burglars.

Home security is one great priority in these days when danger just seems to pop out of nowhere. Fortunately there are many people who have devoted much of their work into keeping other people safe and secure. There are the police forces, security agencies, the bureaus of investigations, and private companies that provide people with ways of protecting themselves. A prime example of such companies is Honeywell, one of the leaders in home security products, who have served people for many generations.

Honeywell traces its roots back to the year 1885 when Albert Butz, an inventor, patented his design for an alarm and a furnace regulator. Thus the Butz Thermo-Electric Regulator company was born and was later renamed into Electric heat Regulator Co. and finally to Minneapolis Heat Regulator Co., providing people with security from excessive heating and accidental fires. Less than two decades later, Mark Honeywell, an engineer formed his Honeywell Heating Specialty Co., which specialized in heat generators for hot water. The two companies merged in 1927 to form the Minneapolis-Honeywell Regulator Co, to provide people with the best protection from excessive heating.

After developing other products like the thermostat, jeweled clocks, gyroscopes, among many others Honeywell would continue its venture into the other known aspects of home security. In 1957, Minneapolis-Honeywell Regulator Co. bought an alarm and fire detection firm, which would start off its long and continued service of providing security for homeowners. The black and red sticker bearing the label “Protected by Honeywell” would soon be displayed in millions of home windows all over North America to signify that the house is equipped with Honeywell home security system.

Now, Honeywell’s home security line is unsurpassed. Among is most prized products are its sensor-alarm line which includes motion sensors, photoelectric beams, special application sensors, glass breakage detectors, sounders and strobes, door and window contacts, hold up switches, and other home security accessories. These ensure that no intruder breaks into the home through any possible entry point.

Honeywell is also a leader in remote alarm communications and video security system. Its great array of products include internet-capable alarm systems, cellular phone-connection capabilities, cellular fire radios, remote video security cameras, digital alarm receivers, among many others. These ensure that homeowners would immediately be alerted if something suspicious happens in their houses even if they are miles away.

Honeywell has existed as a company of great service for several decades. With the great offerings that Honeywell can give, people can be given peace of mind whether they are in or out of their homes.

Security is indeed of great importance these days when one can’t simply predict the dangers that suddenly in people’s lives. Such is why people are taking so many precautionary steps to ensure that their homes aren’t vulnerable to intrusion by installing alarms systems or video security circuits. However, a lot of people overlook one particular feature of the house that can be a possible entry point for intruders – the windows, and this is why people should consider getting home security window bars.

A window is basically a hole in a wall through which the light from outside, and sometimes air, can pass through. Windows were created so that people inside their homes or buildings would be able to see outside or let light and air in. In the past, windows were just bare holes, that allowed anything to pass through without control but eventually people were able to put translucent and transparent coverings in their windows to protect them from draft, insects, and small animals. However, such coverings were sometimes not enough to keep intruders away and thus people saw the need for something that would bar trespassers.

To serve this purpose, innovative people invented security window bars to protect their homes from prowling intruders. By installing home security window bars, people aren’t only protected from rain, draft, and insects, they are also protected from other people who have malicious intentions.

A window security bar allows people to lock closed windows or secure partially opened windows. This is a supplementary theft deterrent mechanism. People don’t always want to have their windows shut because there are times that they have to let fresh air in. But this doesn’t mean that they would also open themselves to the possibility of intrusion because with a window security bar, windows can be opened just enough to let air in, while still restricting people from getting in through them.

Normally, when setting up home security systems, people prioritize detection by means of alarms and sensors. However, the main point of home security is to keep intruders out and not just to be aware of them when they are already inside the home. What is the use of a security system if its only function is to tell you that a burglar or a serial killer has already went inside your home. What you really want is to keep these bad people out.

When combined with a good alarm and detection system, a home security window bar can increase your protection and safety.