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Vacations And Home Security

Nothing is more stressful, disappointing, or downright sickening than returning home from a hard-earned vacation – only to find that your home had been robbed.  Burglary is a common thing these days, with burglary around the home occurring quite frequently.  When you go on a vacation, you shouldn’t have to worry about the condition of your home and your things.  Your vacation should be relaxing, without having to worry about anything.  If you plan ahead before you go on your vacation – you can help to minimize the risks of anything going wrong.

One way to fend off burglars is by hiring a house sitter.  A house sitter is one of the best ways to get rid of any type of trouble as well.  All you need to do is find someone who will swing by your house a few times a day, check on things, and turn the lights on at night.  If you have animals at your house, you may want to hire a house sitter to care for your animals as well as your home.  In most cases, peace of mind is worth any price.  If you decide to hire a house sitter, you should always make sure that you choose someone reliable who you can trust while you are away.

In the event that you are unable to get a house sitter, you should strive to make it appear as if someone is living in your home.  To be on the safe side, you can have a neighbor whom you trust keep an eye on your home.  Whoever you choose to watch your property should have a number to contact you with in case something goes wrong.

You can buy various timers and such that will make it appear as if people are in your home.  Radio timers and light timers can go a long way in making criminals believe someone is at your house.  You’ll also want to consider your lawn before you leave as well.  If the grass is too high, people will wonder if anyone is home.  You should always cut it before you leave, and have someone else cut it for you if you are going to be gone for more than a week.

You’ll also want someone to pick up your mail as well.  If the mail starts to pile up in your box, criminals will know that you aren’t home.  Even though you may not be on vacation for long, you should always make sure that your door is locked and that you leave the spare key with someone whom you trust who can keep an eye on things for you.

When that individual comes by your home to check on things, they should be sure to turn the lights and television on in the evening.  You should also make sure that your trusted person knows to check on the interior of your home, and look for anything out of the ordinary.  If something is wrong, that person shouldn’t hesitate to contact the police.  A broken widow, door, or furniture out of place is the first sign that something is wrong. 

Vacations are something we all need to take.  Vacations are supposed to be fun and relaxing, with no worries about anything else.  If you take the necessary steps before you leave, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about. Whether it’s a friend or family member stopping by to check on things or a house sitter that you’ve hired – peace of mind goes a long way in helping you make the most of your very important vacation.

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For The Home, Home Security

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Theft Proofing Your Mailbox

Although most people only think about their home and property when dealing with home security, the mailbox is equally as important.  On a daily basis, there is a lot of personal information that goes through your mailbox.  Even though burglary is a concern, identity theft is just as big of a concern as well.  Most people don’t even think about theft proofing their mailboxes, which easily explains the increase in identity theft over the years.  Almost all mailboxes can be easily broken into, giving thieves instant access to personal information.

Even though there are many mailbox designs in the United States, most of them are outdated in terms of security.  They may perform their duties of receiving mail quite well, although they normally don’t offer the security needed to protect people from identity theft.  These days, identity theft is a common thing – simply because people don’t do a better job with protecting their mailbox.

Each and every day we all get personal information delivered to us by mail.  In some cases, we get credit card offers or bills that contain our personal information.  Although we don’t think anything about it, most of us head out to our mailbox, collect the mail, and then go back in our houses.  All it takes is a thief to beat you to the mailbox, just a couple of minutes.  Once the thief has collected a few pieces of your mail, he can easily use your personal information to charge credit cards and other bad things using your identity.

To protect yourself against identity theft you should always include your mailbox in your plans for home security.  The mailbox is very important, and should always be protected.  If you have a traditional mailbox now, you should get rid of it immediately.  As a replacement, you should look into a safe and secure mailbox.  The ideal types are those made of solid steel.  The top of the box should be accessible to the mailman, allowing him to put the mail in without a problem.  The bottom side of the mailbox however, should only be accessed via key.  Mailboxes that require a key to get into will protect you from identity theft – as the thief simply won’t have access to your mail.

You can find secure mailboxes at a local hardware or department store, even online.  There are very affordable these days and will go a long way in protecting you for identity theft.  Mailboxes that are constructed from solid steel are nearly impossible to break into, yet they will open easily for you to check your mail with the lock and key system.  The next time you go out to the mailbox to check your mail – you should think twice about your safety and theft proof your mailbox to protect yourself and your loved ones from identity theft.

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Wireless Alarms For Your Driveway

Those of you who want to protect your home from possible annoyances and intrusions, never miss out on a home delivery, or always be aware of someone coming up your driveway – should invest in a wireless driveway alarm.  There are a variety of different styles, with each one offering you a truly unique and innovative way to keep up with what’s going on around your property.

You can get either wireless or handheld models, which vary in detection ranges, from the average 1,000 feet for small driveways to the larger driveways which span 2 miles or more.  Some models will warn you of visitors with tones, while others use prerecorded messages.  The more advanced models on the other hand, well you communicate with visitors through the use of an intercom system, which you install at the end of your driveway.

All types of wireless driveway alarms feature a receiver and a transmitter.  Any presence in your driveway is detected by the transmitter, normally through infrared equipment, which notifies you through the receiver.  Most models will allow you to speak through the receiver, transmitting your voice through the transmitter.  If a solicitor or burglary is trying to visit your home, your voice is normally all it takes to turn them around in the other direction.

Even though the technical name is “wireless driveway alarm”, there are several uses for this technology.  You can install the equipment in your yard, out of plain view, or even use the system as an intercom for anyone who pulls up to your gate.  You can also install the system on your roof, or just use it strategically around your property.  There are several uses for wireless systems, although the intention is to alert you when there is any type of human presence or movement on your property.

When you set up your wireless driveway system, you should always place it somewhere where it isn’t easy to see.  You don’t want someone who visits your property to have plain view of your equipment, as it can easily give you away.  Instead, you want to make sure that you are alert of any visitors, yet they aren’t aware that you are using any type of alarms.

Depending on how much money you have to spend, the systems that you can choose from will vary.  There are simple wireless driveway alarms out there, yet there are also systems that can do just about anything you want.  If you live in a suburban area, you may want to go with a standard wireless alarm.  Standard alarms are best for this type of neighborhood, as they are easy to install and will immediately alert you whenever there is presence on your property.  Another great thing about these types of systems is the fact that you can act immediately without having to physically be in touch with the receiver.

All in all, wireless driveway alarms are a great security measure for anyone who owns a home and wants to protect themselves from unwanted visitors.  You can get a slew of features as well, depending on the type of alarm that you select.  You can install most alarms yourself, although the more advanced models will require professional installation.  The self installation types will come with instructions as well, so you won’t encounter any problems.  Even if you’ve never used them before – wireless driveway alarms are a great investment that will alert you anytime someone decides to visit your property.

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Making A Safe Room

The safe room, which is also known as a panic room, is a secure location within a home or building that is designed to provide safety for families during terrorist attacks, nature, burglaries, or other types of threats.  A safe room is an ideal investment for any home owner, although the more fortified rooms with heavy security are normally found in the homes of rich people.  Those that have a lot of money really have no budget – therefore they can easily spend thousands on making their safe room the best place to go in the event of an emergency.

For most of us, a safe room is a location that family members can run to and hide, or call for help in an emergency situation.  You don’t really need to go all out and put steel walls and a steel door in the room, although you do need a fortified door that opens outward with fortified walls.  You can have a door constructed of wood or other material, although the key should be a material that is very hard to break through.  No matter what type of door you choose, the door jamb should be steel, to prevent the door from being kicked in.

It’s almost important that your safe room doesn’t contain any windows.  Windows can provide entry for burglars, which is something you obviously don’t want.  You should also make sure that you keep a phone in the room, along with water, first aid kits, food, and any type of defensive weapons that you can get.  It’s also a good idea to keep medical supplies in the safe room as well, just in case you need them.

No matter how hard you may try, it’s impossible to predict how long you will be locked in your safe room when an emergency happens.  Therefore, you should always think about ventilation, lighting, and even hygiene.  Being locked in a room for several days or possibly even weeks can affect your hygiene, which is why you should keep proper hygiene supplies in your room at all times.

The reason why most people invest in a safe room is burglars, as they present a real threat.  No matter where you live, or how nice the neighborhood may be, a burglary can happen at any given time.  When a burglary happens, the last thing you want to try to do is to reason with the burglars, or attempt to cooperate with them.

When you have a safe room, you can take your family there.  You should always make sure that everyone in your family knows where the safe room is located and how to use it.  If you have children, you should teach them about the room and how important it is.  The room should never be used for recreation purposes or for children to play in.  Instead, it should only be used in case of an emergency or a place for you and your family to hide.

If you have a safe room or just interested in one, you should always make sure that you keep the proper supplies on hand, just in case.  When you finally do use the safe room, you should always make sure that you keep the keys to open the room inside, so no one else can get in.  While you are in the room you can call the local authorities, then wait inside your safe room until they get to your house and the problem is solved.  Never, under any circumstances should you come out of your safe room before the police arrive.  If a burglary is taking place, you will only make the situation worse.

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Achieving Safety With A Burglar Alarm

Years ago, home burglar alarms were only found with rich homes.  These days however, the prices have dropped and they are becoming more common with homes of average folk.  A lot of people who invest in burglar systems go for the do it yourself systems.  They can be wired or wireless, setting off an alarm when an intruder attempts to break in or when they are moving around inside of your house.

With home burglar alarms, there are two types – open and closed circuit.  Open circuit systems work by setting off an alarm when the circuit closes.  When a window or a door is opened, the circuit is immediately completed and the alarm goes off.  Closed circuit systems work the opposite way.  When a window or door is opened, the circuit is broken – also setting off the alarm.

Another, more sophisticated option, are motion sensors.  Motion sensors sense any type of motion within a certain radius to the censor.  Once it has sensed any motion, it sends a signal out to the control panel that will analyze it and see if the movement is considered suspicious.  If the movement is indeed considered suspicious, it will react to the way you have it set up and inform the proper authorities or sound the alarm.

Motion sensors can also be adjusted as well.  You can adjust them for things such as pets walking around or any other activity that is common with your home that wouldn’t signify a burglary taking place. Motion sensor alarms are very common these days, and one of the best ways to keep your home safe from a burglar – and give you peace of mind in knowing that you are protected.

Normally, it’s a good idea to use motion sensors and magnetic switches with your burglar alarm setup.  Magnetic switches will protect doors and windows while the motion sensors will help to protect larger rooms, such as living rooms and hallways.  The combination of the two is never a bad idea – and will go a long way in protecting your home.

Another available option that you have is a security camera.  Video cameras are also common these days, and can be mounted in very strategic areas throughout the parameter of your home.  They will pick up images in the area they are mounted, which will be displayed on the monitor.  You can also record the video to a videotape as well, making it an ideal choice for anyone who wants to keep track of the information that the camera picks up.

You can also get a burglar system from a home security company as well.  Most companies monitor their systems remotely, and always have someone in the office to look after the system.  Once the alarm is set off, the company will immediately inform the local police or send their own security personnel out to your home.  This way, night or day, no matter where you go, your home will always be protected.

Investing in a burglary system of any type is always a smart investment.  You have several different to choose from, depending on your needs.  If you’ve been worried about your home and the things you keep inside your home, you should invest in a burglary system.  They will help you keep peace of mind, and know that you are protected.  They don’t cost that much either, which makes them an even better investment.  If you own a home – you shouldn’t hesitate to invest in a burglary system.

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Have a Home You Can Feel Safe In

Whether or not the world is getting more dangerous is debatable. However, the safety of your family should always be an issue of concern, and rightly so. Whether you’ve recently experienced a break in or are just anxious about leaving your children home alone, there are many things you can do to improve security around the house. While nothing is completely fool proof or guaranteed, making a few changes can go a long way in deterring would-be troublemakers and give you some peace of mind.

Trim hedges and shrubbery away from walkways, windows and doors so that the path is visible and no intruders can hide in the landscaping. Install motion detector lights that will flood the area with light upon your arrival or other movement.

Install a wide-angled peephole in your door so that your family can see who is at the door before you answer it. Pair this with a quality door (solid wood is the safest) on a good frame with a decent lock. Invest in door and window braces for other potential entry points in the house.

Get a dog – although they won’t deter all thieves, they still have the potential to scare someone off or alert your neighbors. And don’t forget the “Beware of Dog” signs, which might be useful even if there’s no dog to actually beware of. A monitored alarm system can also be a great deterrent. Post visible signs warning that the house is alarmed, even if you can’t afford the real thing.

Varying your schedule can deter thieves who might be watching the house. Using timers to turn lights on and off can give the impression that someone is home. These are also useful when going away for longer periods of time. Setting your radio or television on timers may also give the impression of inhabitants, discouraging thieves.

Also, if you are going away for a while, cancel the newspaper delivery and ask a trusted friend to pick up the mail. If you’ll be away in the winter, arrange for snow removal while you’re gone. If you’re leaving for an extended period in the summer have someone mow your lawn. Don’t tell strangers about your trip out of town, but do let your neighbors know so that they can keep an eye on your house. Developing a friendly rapport with the neighbors can help with security – when you know who lives in the neighborhood you’re more likely to notice suspicious behavior. Arrange to keep your spare key on the neighbor’s property instead of your own.

Don’t give thieves any incentives: when you buy new appliances or electronics, don’t leave your boxes at the curb for all eyes to see. Break them down and recycle them.

Keep valuables out of sight – don’t leave your tools or mountain bikes lying around the yard where thieves might pick them up or be attracted to see what else you’ve got. Tools can also be used to break into your home, so be sure to keep your shed locked.

Find a good spot to hide your valuables inside your house. A fire safe box may protect your loot from fire, but many of the locks are easily breakable. Safes should be built in to a wall or other structure, well hidden and kept locked. It’s also a good idea to list and photograph all your possessions as a record for your insurance company. In the event of a break in, this will help simplify your insurance claim.

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How Home Video Surveillance Works

When they were first introduced, video surveillance systems were mostly used with medium to large businesses.  These days however, they are becoming more and more common in homes.  Video surveillance security systems are also known as Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) and are used to monitor certain areas around the home and help to protect it from burglars and thieves.

The monitor is a key aspect to the video surveillance setup.  The monitor will feed the video from the cameras that make up the system.  The monitors are normally black and white and feature a higher resolution than that of a standard television set.  Monitors vary in size and resolution, although the standard resolution is between 500 and 1000 lines.

Cameras are also important.  When setting up the home video surveillance system, the cameras are placed strategically around the outside of the home, in the most vulnerable areas.  They should be set up in areas where they are nearly impossible to see.  The cameras are always working, sending the video transmissions to the monitors on a frequent basis.

Coaxial cables are also a must have for video surveillance systems.  The coaxial cables are what transfers the video signals from the camera to the monitor.  The cables are available in a variety of sizes.  You can find them at a local electronics store in your area. Your home video surveillance system will come with coaxial cables, although you may need more depending on where you plan to set the cameras up at.

Home video surveillance systems also use switchers.  Switchers allow you to run multiple camera feeds to one monitor.  Normally, a switcher will cycle through feeds unless it detects movement going on around a camera.  When the switcher detects any type of movement, it will automatically lock in to the camera that has detected the movement.

There are some video surveillance systems that you can get for the home that make full use of VCRs.  These systems will use the VCR to record any live video feed that you program.  This can come in handy if you travel a lot, as the VCR can capture a break in as it happens.  If you end up going to court or to the police, you can use the video tape as evidence.  VCRs can catch burglars in the act – especially if you set the camera up to a location that is hard to see.

By utilizing the combination of a monitor and video camera, home video surveillance systems can easily catch burglaries and break-ins.  They are very affordable these days, and used in thousands of homes throughout North America.  If you’ve been looking for the ideal way to protect your home – a home video surveillance system is something you should look into immediately.

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