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Archive for the ‘Home Security’ Category

The bad news is that crime statistics, death, injuries, home intrusions, and loss of property continue to rise.  It is hard to believe, but according to FBI statistics a burglary occurs every 15 seconds in the United States.

The good news is that there has never been a time when such a variety of quality security equipment has been available, and at such affordable prices.  Let’s fight back!

When talking about home security equipment, one size does not fit all.  Security equipment must be tailored to meet the particular needs of each house or company.  One may need entry detection, while another needs camera surveillance, and another may need motion-detection floodlights.  Let us look at some of the many choices available.

Home Security  Systems are either wired or wireless .  For a renter, a wireless system is the logical choice, as the installation does little if any damage to the premises.  And, the system can be taken when the renter moves.  Wired is the system of choice in an owned residence, but it has its pros and cons.  Because wires are run from every protected point to the alarm control panel, holes must be drilled and wires fastened.  However, when done by a professional company, the work is done with care and is mostly concealed.  Labor is the main contributor to the high cost of a wired system.  At today’s labor rates, several technicians working in your house for a week can run up quite a bill.  A money saving tip here is do-it-yourself.  If you have the basic knowledge to fix a lamp cord, you can read the wiring diagrams and install a wired system at a budget cost.  Your car, motorcycle, camper, or boat on trailer, can also be connected to the security system.  Many types of motion detectors are available, some even “pet friendly”.  Regardless of wired or wireless, ultimately either system can sound a local alarm, connect to a monitoring station, call your mobile phone, or be custom tailored to meet the exact needs of the user.

Surveillance Cameras – Like home security systems, cameras come in two types, wired or wireless.  When the door bell rings, how comforting to see who is at the front door.  Now, even low cost systems can view multiple points, and display all cameras on just one split screen monitor.  Camera products change rapidly, offering more and more features at lower and lower prices.  One of the best recent offerings is an outdoor motion-activated floodlight and color camera combination.  It does not get any better than that!  Disturbing statistics show that we cannot always trust persons in our house, like the baby-sitter or a serviceman.  A wireless hidden camera provides an ideal solution for this case. It is, in fact, one of the most popular home security items.  Other uses for an indoor camera include keeping watch on your prized possessions, and of course keeping watch over your baby.

Home Automation – Here is an area of products you will want to look at while security shopping.  The evolution of security products has blended into a new category of home automation products.  We have traveled well beyond the wireless garage door opener.  Your home computer can now be used to control appliances, lighting, cameras, store camera video files, check on your home, turn on and off your security lighting and even your sprinkler system!

There are special dangers involved with apartment living. This is because you live so close to many other people. Their actions can jeopardize your safety and so it’s very important for you to be aware of what you must do to safeguard yourself, your family and your possessions.

Fire Safety . . .

Fire is perhaps the greatest danger in apartment buildings. With so many units joined together, it doesn’t take long for fire to spread from one to another. The following guidelines are critical to your safety:
• Install smoke detectors in the kitchen, all bedrooms, the laundry area and hallways. You must test them every month and replace the batteries every 6 months. They won’t do you any good if they aren’t in working order.
• Keep fire extinguishers handy in the kitchen, laundry area and near your outside grill.
• Develop an escape plan. This plan should include two ways of exiting – in most cases, this will probably include the main door and either a window or door wall. If you live on a higher floor and don’t have access to a fire escape, purchase a rope ladder to use for exiting from windows or a balcony. Practice your escape plan regularly so each member of your family knows exactly what to do in case of fire.
• Never use an elevator during a fire.
• Never park in front of fire hydrants or in fire lanes and make sure your guests don’t either.

General Safety . . .

Fire isn’t the only danger in an apartment building. You must also be aware of hazards that can exist no matter where you live and take precautions to prevent them.
• Install a carbon monoxide detector.
• Install screen guards or window stops and doorstops on your patio door to protect your children from falling.
• Keep your apartment and building number near the telephone so your family or babysitter can access it in case of an emergency. Remember that memories can fail during emergencies.
• Make certain your apartment number is clearly marked on your door.
• Be sure that each person in your family knows how to dial 911.

Protecting from Intruders . . .

There are many people coming and going in an apartment complex. Criminals count on this anonymity. That makes it very important to get to know the other tenants. When you do, not only are you better able to identify someone who doesn’t belong, it also makes it more likely that tenants will look out for one another.
• Consider forming an “apartment watch”. This is similar to a neighborhood watch but confined to your apartment complex. If a group of tenants is on the alert for suspicious behavior, they can prevent many problems from arising.
• Install quality deadbolt locks on your door and place a wooden rod or steel brace on sliding doors. One caution about deadbolt locks – don’t purchase those that require a key. In an emergency, you won’t have time to search for the key.
• Make sure your landlord has installed good lighting in all stairways, hallways, and common areas like the laundry room.
• Make sure that if your building has a common entry, the entry door locks so that only tenants can enter. Never open that door for strangers.

If you follow these guidelines, practice good common sense, and are alert to what’s going on around you, your apartment will provide a safe home for you and your family.