Posts Tagged ‘Home Security’

Keeping Your Home Security System From Your Kids

Can your home security system withstand rough handling from your curious kids?  Learn the tips to keep it safe and functional.

Kids are naturally curious creatures. It’s just their way to learn and appreciate things and parents are actually more than happy to accommodate them. However, there are times when children’s active and healthy curiosity is not always appreciated, especially if they tend to damage items around the house. And your home security system may just be on their list. To keep it safe from kids’ curious minds AND hands, here are tips you can use:

Keep the home security system out of kids’ reach
In the hands of a curious two-year old, this system will survive, no matter how well-constructed it is. Little hands always have a way to get in between metal seams and around the tiniest screws. Pretty soon, settings on your home security system will mysteriously change or the system itself will begin to malfunction.

To keep kids’ curious minds and hands away from your home security system, have it installed at a location that is out of their reach. An active two-year-old, for example, will find it impossible to reach the gadget if it’s installed three to four feet above his reach. If it’s out of his eye level, this system may just remain safely ignored for several years.

Keep the home security system inside a cabinet
Most homeowners keep the main panel of their home security system inside a cabinet. Be careful in choosing the location for the panel and make sure it is out of reach of your kids. A sturdy wooden or steel cabinet equipped with a lock will keep curious hands and minds away. If you have older children, keep the keys to the cabinet in a place where they will not be found easily.

Familiarize them with the system
Kids are so curious they will tear or take apart things around the house just so they will understand how things work. By doing so, they often damage items, particularly electronics. In some cases, though, kids will often leave an item alone after they’ve familiarized themselves with it.

A good technique to try with older kids is to introduce them to the home security system while it is being installed. Explain what it is, how it works and why your home needs one. Once kids understand how important the system is, they will be less likely to try to take it apart or play with it.

Keep kids in mind when designing the layout for a more complicated home security system
Look for ‘kid-safe’ areas and nooks in the home where you wish your system installed. Get on your knees (crawl if you have to) so you can see the room from your child’s point of view. If you can see a component of your system and get to it from where you are, your child will, too. Try to plan the installation based on your kids’ limitations to minimize the risk that your tiny toddler will damage your expensive home security system.

PIR Sensor Alarm – the Technology Behind it

Mini Spy Cameras – Which One is for You?

If you want to keep your loved ones stay at home, you need to protect them from dangers within and without using mini spy cameras.

What are Mini Spy Cameras?
Mini spy cameras work just like any ordinary digital camera. They are, however, smaller and may make use of deceptive housing for covert operation. You can use them to monitor the activities of your newly hired nanny or have them activate at night to catch burglars, vandals, and trespassers in the act.

The Different Forms of Mini Spy Cameras
Mini spy cameras come in numerous guises. It’s important to familiarize yourself with all of them in order to use the most appropriate type for every situation.

Keychain Mini Spy Cameras
This type of camera is suitable for daily, on-the-go use. Having a keychain connected to your bag, mobile phone, or just having it inside your pocket at all times is nothing out of the ordinary. Little do they know, however, is that there’s a camera within it and which you can use to capture photographic evidence whenever and wherever it’s necessary.

Even more importantly, they’re simple and quick to operate and no one will have to know that you’ve taken photos if you wish your activities to remain a secret.

Clock Radio
Here’s a stationary mini spy camera that you can place anywhere your home. It will unobtrusively record video footage of the room it’s in and you may be able to configure it to transmit real-time footage to your email. If any emergency comes up, you’ll be able to know exactly when and where it took place and send for help immediately.

Pen Camera
Here’s another item that won’t look out of place if you have it inside your bag or clipped to your shirt pocket at all times. Just one click of this pen and you’ve taken the shot you wanted!

Wired or Wireless
Spy cameras come in wired or wireless systems. Wired systems are more affordable, easier to install, but harder to conceal. Wireless systems are more expensive and require configuration but offer advanced features.

Mini Air-Purifier
Another guise commonly used for mini spy cameras are air purifiers. If you’ve long been known as a health buff then having an air-purifier in your living room won’t raise eyebrows. Even better, air purifiers are not something you have to switch on or off so there are fewer chances of people dabbling with it and accidentally finding out what it’s all about.

Telespy Phone Security Device to Monitor Your Valuables

If you are in the market for a security monitoring device, you will be amazed by the telespy phone which is a very inexpensive and unassuming device. You would never believe that this slimline phone is also a sophisticated motion sensor activated alarm device which you can place in a vulnerable location and leave in the full knowledge that you are secure.

When we leave our home or office during the evenings or at weekends we often feel that it is vulnerable and should consider using a Telespy phone. This amazing device is set to trigger if anything larger than a typical 40 pound human being enters the room and just walks around. The device will automatically call a number that you have programmed in.

The Telespy phone will record any movement within the room up to a distance of 30 feet away. When you are setting it up, you need to monitor the green LED light which is provided for this purpose and when walking around the perimeter make sure that is still on. When you are done, the light will not alert anyone to its existence in future. One of the beauties of this device is that it is fully portable and you may carry it with you and use in your hotel room.

When an intruder enters your room he will not be alerted to the existence of the Telespy phone because it looks like a conventional unit. He will not realize that the phone will have called your number, allowing you to listen in to whatever is going on in the room for up to 30 seconds. Should this not be enough, the phone will re-arm itself and call you back with another 30 seconds of listening time. You should then decide whether to call the police or not.

The Telespy phone can be a great security device if you have a safe which you need to protect. Just place the phone near to the safe and should somebody enter the room it will automatically call your personal or cell phone. In this way, you may even be able to alert the authorities before somebody attempts to break into the safe.

For such a simple device, the Telespy phone is very sophisticated. It uses PIR, or “passive infrared technology” to sense any disruptions to a room’s unique heat signature through the use of radio wave technology. Should something be detected, it has a very sensitive microphone condenser to allow you to listen in.

Always consider the use of several layers of security if you have some significant valuables to protect, whether at home or at work. The Telespy phone could be a great and inexpensive option.

All you need to operate the Telespy phone is the availability of a conventional, landline telephone system. Just use the enclosed adapter and plug the device in and you should not arouse anyone’s suspicions.

What to Look for in a Garage Door Alarm

Left open or not, the garage door is one of the commonly used entry points of burglars. Protect your home by installing a garage door alarm.

Important Features of Garage Door Alarms
When shopping for garage door alarms, make sure that your product of choice comes with the features listed below.

Multiple Zone Monitoring
Since you’re buying an alarm in the first place, make the most out of it by choosing a device that’s capable of monitoring multiple zones. The more, the better, but if you have a budget to consider, make sure that at least your front and back doors are secured as well.

Visible and Audio Alerts
Alerts must be loud and immediately distinguishable if it monitors multiple zones. Alerts must also be visual especially if you have hearing-impaired individuals living with you.

The range of your alarm’s receiver is sure to affect the audio volume of its alert. Look for the widest range possible as this will allow you to install the receiver at any part of your home.

Interoperability with Other Security Devices
Even if you don’t think you need additional security devices, there’s no way to be certain that you won’t have any such need in the future. Thus, it’s best to choose a garage door alarm that can work with other security devices. If and when you do add a motion sensor or a water alert, you won’t have to replace your garage door alarm as they can be configured to work together.

Audio Options
Volume of your garage door alarm may be modified or completely switched off. It may also be temporarily muted if you need to leave your garage door open for any reason.

Adjustable Delay Timers
Many garage door alarms allow you to make use of delay timers. This is ideal if you don’t want to go to the trouble of having to switch the alarm on and off every time you leave or enter the garage. Length of delay may be adjusted from a few seconds to several minutes.

Power
The best garage door alarms are those that can be plugged to an electrical socket but are also equipped with backup battery power. When batteries are used, indicator lights will flash to let users know if the alarm is running low on power.

Control
Lastly, controls for garage door alarms must be secured with a password or security key switch.
If not, burglars with inside help can have the alarm switched off with no one the wiser.

4 of the Best Ways to Use Your Wireless Nanny Cams

Wireless nanny cams have proven their worth time and again.  But there are actually many uses to this device other than for observing and recording whether or not your child’s nanny is performing their duties properly.  With a little tweak and creativity, you could actually optimize the functions of the nanny cam.  Here are some of its best uses:

Monitor your child’s activities remotely
You’re probably more familiar with a nanny cam that uses a recording device.  While quite useful, it is only limited to showing you activities that occurred in the past.  You might appreciate that there are models of nanny cams that may be connected to a device or a third party service provider that will allow you to receive live feed.

This can be very useful for parents or guardians who are frequently away from their loved ones for long periods of time.  With a wireless nanny cam, they can still view and monitor the activities at home even from a remote location such as the office.

Catch perpetrators in the act
A wireless nanny cam is essentially a hidden camera.  Small, easy to hide and rather effortless to install, it can be used to help record evidence of a crime or a potential violation.  Where to use?  The possibilities are endless: the warehouse or supplies office to monitor any pilferage, the entrance hallway to observe who goes in and out of a building, the kitchen to find out if anybody is playing with the pie ingredients, the backyard to find out who or what rummages through the trash at night, or as in the case of a Franklin woman who lost money to theft several times, catch an unlikely suspect in the act of stealing.

Observe and record elusive wildlife
If you have a wireless nanny cam, don’t just limit it to activities in the house.  It can also be used to observe animals from a distance in the absence of more appropriate equipment.  The only drawback is that wireless nanny cams are not exactly designed for outdoors use, so a few modifications may be required.  But given the specs that come in a regular nanny cam, though, it should suffice for this type of function.

And yes, your basic nanny cam will work nicely to find out what your pets are up to behind your back.

Monitor employee behavior or activities
The use of surveillance equipment at the office has been known to lower employee motivation but it works to the benefit of the employer or business establishment.  Wireless nanny cams can be utilized in certain locations at the office, plant or warehouse to check on people’s activities and record their productivity.

For small shops or home-based businesses, the wireless nanny cam can also be a cheaper alternative to fully-equipped security equipment.  They are also easy to install and generally do not require a significant amount of maintenance.

Hidden Cameras Should Be Used to Protect and Not to Abuse

Hidden cameras are generally considered as ideal gadgets for surveillance — they’re unobtrusive, easy to carry and install and can be quite effective for monitoring and recording activities.  They have been used to catch a variety of law breakers, ranging from thieves and shoplifters to drug dealers and philandering spouses.  Unfortunately, these very characteristics also make hidden cams prone to misuse.  Due to their availability, many people forget that hidden cams are meant to be used to protect and not to abuse.

Legal implications of hidden cam abuse
Before deciding to use hidden cameras, there are certain restrictions you have to keep in mind.  Hidden cameras are considered legal provided they are:

- used to monitor and record activities that may be detrimental to general health and safety of persons concerned
- used with permission from a legal authority
- used to monitor and record activities performed in publicly accessible areas, if the hidden cam is to be used in a home or establishment

If used to monitor the nanny, cleaning lady or the mailman, for example, the hidden cam may only be installed in an area where no privacy issues may be raised.  They cannot be used in areas such as the bathroom, locker room, toilet, hotel room or even the bedroom of the concerned party.  These rooms are areas of the house where people will require personal privacy, so unless express consent is given, no hidden cam should be placed there.  Without the other party’s permission, installing a hidden cam where it could violate privacy rights will be considered abuse.

There are also laws that require the consent of at least one party to use the hidden camera, something that most states require.  There are also states that require consent of all parties, so you might have to inform people that cameras are in place.  You may not choose to inform them where these gadgets are located.

Need audio?  Check if it’s legal
There is also the concern of using hidden cams that record audio.  There are laws at the state and federal levels that protect against illegal wiretapping and eavesdropping.  Should you decide to include an audio function with your hidden camera, make sure you do not violate anyone else’s rights.

The bottomline: hidden cams are supposed to be used to deter, prevent or at least provide evidence of illegal activity in order to protect.  They should not be used as an abusive form of surveillance, such as when they become instruments of malicious spying or blackmail.

Using a Home Alarm System? Avoid Making These Mistakes and Keep Your Home Safe

Yes, it comes with a user guide and the technician who helped install it probably explained the details of its proper use and operation.  However, a home alarm system can still cause some confusion in many homeowners.  Confusion that can sometimes lead to unfortunate mistakes that render the system useless, cause damage to its most critical parts or even void its warranty.  Here’s how you can avoid making mistakes in using a home alarm system of your own:

Understand what you need in a home alarm system
Overestimating or underestimating your home’s security needs is probably the first mistake that people make in using a home alarm system.  Most people just simply decide they need a security system and then go out and buy one that: a) offer the cheapest deal;   b) seems simple enough to install and use or c) so advanced that it could keep out even the whole Ocean’s Eleven gang.

The key to ensuring that you get a home alarm system that not only keeps your home safe but also gives you value is to find out first what type of security needs you have.  Your security concerns are unique, so try to consider these issues first prior to purchase and usage.

Know what you’re buying
There is nothing more perplexing than a homeowner that expects more than what his system could give.  Home alarm systems come in different designs and configurations to fit a homeowner’s unique needs.  When using a home alarm system, learn about its features and functions and find out what it can and cannot do.  Do not expect your alarm to work at 20 feet if it can only detect intrusion from 10 feet away.  Determine its strengths and vulnerabilities so you have a better understanding how it works and how to use it.

Follow instructions
There are certain limitations to each home alarm system in terms of:

- choice of location for installation
- performance in relation to certain factors such as weather and general environment
- the homeowners themselves

Although the manufacturer will probably give you tips on how to install and run the home alarm system properly, you do have to follow the instructions it came with.

Recognize a malfunction if and when it occurs
Home alarm systems can and will malfunction, usually due to wear and tear.  Check your system periodically and have it maintained by an authorized technician to ensure that it works.  Remember that a malfunction can make your system vulnerable, so it pays to be observant.

Respect your agreement with the manufacturer or security company
Another common mistake to avoid when using a home alarm system is to perform your own repairs during the warranty period.  By tinkering with the device, you effectively void the warranty it came with.

Tips for Guaranteed Home Security between Friendly Neighbors

If you’ve got great relations with your next door neighbor, the holidays are the best time to take advantage of them. While you’re out shopping or visiting friends and relatives, a little help from your friendly neighbors can go a long way in ensuring the security of your home.

Double Check Locks
If you are putting your home on temporary lockdown while you’re away, your neighbors can walk over from time to time and ascertain that every door and window is the way you left it: sealed tightly shut with no way in or out unless somebody intends to trespass.

Keep an Eye on Possible Intruders
All they need to do is twitch their curtains once in a while just to see if there are any suspicious individuals lurking around with the intentions of breaking-in. If they do spot some dubious characters in the proximity of your home, would they be so kind as to call the police and report said suspicious activity?

The Neighborhood Watch
Thanks to 911 and CSI, neighborhood watches are rarely put into action. A lot of people aren’t even aware of what they are. But if you want additional safety and security for your home while you’re away then you and your friends in the area can start your very own neighborhood watch.

Neighborhood watches divide people into several groups. Each group takes on a certain shift wherein they go around the neighborhood and using their presence to discourage any acts of crime. Neighborhood watches are not generally licensed to carry firearms but they can carry baseball bats if they want to and really, it’s all about how you wielding and not what you’re wielding, isn’t it?

Watch Out for Other Threats
When you mention the words “security” and “home” in one sentence, you usually think about external dangers like break-ins, robberies, and maybe occasional vandalism. Threats, however, can start from within as well and it would be nice if your neighbors can keep an eye on lights and any other electrical appliance that might have been accidentally left on too long or any object or situation that could start a fire.

Delegate
Last but not the least, if you’re expecting some visitors to come and go while you’re away, you could entrust the important responsibility of activating and deactivating the security system of your home.

Of course, remember that all these boil down to a watch-my-back-and-I’ll-watch-yours agreement. Your neighbors will be more eager to help you out if you can promise the same thing for them!

wireless home security system image

Book Safe: Really Smart Way to Keep Your Belongings Safe

There are those who are into safety vaults that are so obvious, that even those who don’t have any intentions of stealing get curious about their content. While there are those who prefer diversion safes – no, not all of those who use these types of less attention-catching safety containers are paranoids. Some think that they’re clever and fun – a nice way to surprise your bookworm friends or girlfriend! But whatever might be your motivation in using diversion safes, particularly a book safe -whatever rocks your boat, right?

No, not only old English houses can have book safes, you can have one in your modern pad, too. So how do book safes work? Really smart homeowners who would to protect their precious belongings would be raving about the ingenuity of these diversion safes. There are book safes that are made from real books -mostly these are hardback books with centers that are hollowed out where you can store your valuables. Lined with velvet material, the interior is deep enough so that jewelry and some cash will fit in these book safes. So how do you use such safety product? You simply have to flip a few pages and open the lid and then you can put your valuables inside it. Just close it and display it in your shelf. Now if you have a big library, please remember which book is this so you don’t get tired checking all of your books.

A book safe is also one great gift idea, don’t you think?

book safe image