How NOT to Use a Fake TV: Mistakes You Can Avoid
One of the most effective ways to deter a crime is by using a gadget that imitates the functions and behavior of the real thing. One such example is the fake TV — a tool that many homeowners rely upon to prevent burglars from finding their homes attractive. A fake TV is designed to imitate the lights of a real TV, complete with the flickering lights and constant changing of colors. This makes it appear that a TV is turned on and that someone is at home, effectively discouraging a possible burglary. But when you’re only faking it, you’re sometimes vulnerable to mistakes. Here are tips on how NOT to use a fake TV so you can keep your home safe and secure:
Do NOT keep the lights on where the fake TV is
The fake TV has a built-in sensor that triggers a switch to turn on the device when the light is low. The efficacy of this device rests on the eventuality that the sun will go down and it will get dark. If the lights in the room remain to illuminate the area, the sensor will not work.
Do NOT locate the TV where it could be seen (and determined fake) by a person outside the house. The point of using a fake TV is to simulate human presence or occupancy in the home. If someone from the outside sees that the light display is from a simple device, they will know for sure that no one is at home.
Determine a good location in the house, such as a second floor room or the den where the fake device cannot readily be seen. The light coming from it is usually powerful enough to fill the whole room, much as a real TV would. Better yet, check the effects from outside the home in the dark. That way, you’ll see what an outsider would see.
Store the fake TV when not in use
If you’re at home and expect visitors, unplug the fake TV and store it in a cabinet. You don’t want a friend or guest to discover that you’re using one of these. While you could probably trust most of your visitors, it only takes a careless mention to someone else that you are indeed using a fake TV to make your home that much more vulnerable to a burglar. If you’ll be home for long periods of time, keep the fake TV where no one else can see it.
NEVER tell anyone you’re using a fake TV
Other than family members, you should never, ever inform anyone that you’re using a fake TV. There’s no telling how and when word could get around that your home may not always be occupied even if it looks as if it is. There’s just no reason why you should announce to the world that you’re only faking it.
Tags: fake TV, home safety