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.
Categories: Home Security Tags: fake TV, home safety
Apartment Guide: Tips in Keeping Your Apartment Secure
If you’ve been checking out the headlines recently, you will definitely go paranoid when it comes to your home security. But what if you live in an apartment in a strange neighborhood? How do you keep yourself and your family safe? Here are some simple tips on how you can keep your little apartment safe from burglars, thieves, or just about any name you’d give to people with nothing good to do with your life or theirs:
1. Lock in your safety
Yes, it’s just as simple as changing your locks immediately when you first move into an apartment. The apartment’s old tenants might still be able to have access to the old locks and rid you of your valuables.
2. Install wireless alarms
If you haven’t used an alarm system before, one of the trendiest nowadays are those that you can install easily – particularly wireless alarm systems. Choose from these various types of wireless home alarm systems
3. Use cheap home security gadgets
Although wireless alarm systems can be included in this set, there are other cool security devices that you can add to make your apartment a lot safer. You can use a Fake TV, a book safe, a door brace, and a motion sensor phone. Take your pick!
4. Befriend your neighbors
You don’t just benefit from your neighbors when you run out of sugar or other supplies, they can help you in keeping your apartment secure as well. If they find someone suspicious checking out your apartment, if you’re in good terms with them, they’ll be your best bet in helping you by calling the police.
Now what about your own tips in keeping your apartment safe? Please feel free to share them.
Categories: Cool Gadgets, Home Security Tags: apartment security, cheap security gadgets, fake TV, neighbors, wireless alarms