Home Security System

Homeland Security Equipment - Gas Masks

2010-05-29T01:27:00.001+07:00

Homeland security is the number one goal for the United States Government and it should be goal for all the citizens. The deadly attacks on Sept. 11 and the recent London bombings have highlighted the importance of safety and security and emergency preparedness throughout the world. The homeland security threat level has been raised to elevated status by Texas homeland security department. As per the Texas homeland security department the elevated level is defined as:

There is a significant risk of terrorist attacks. In addition to the actions recommended under lower threat levels, agencies should consider:

• Increasing surveillance of critical infrastructure and significant locations.
• Coordinating emergency plans as appropriate with nearby jurisdictions.
• Assessing and disseminating information and warnings as appropriate.

Emergency preparedness was discussed elaborately on National Public Radio (NBR) and was emphasized that safety equipment like gas masks need to be procured by every citizen of the United States and be prepared for any disaster from future terrorist attacks. They also mentioned that it is time for people to consider these warnings seriously and an action plan to safeguard themselves and their loved ones need to be formulated.

There are a number of products available on the market to protect you and your family from unexpected attacks on your safety, including products like gas masks that could be specified as Homeland Security equipment. Whether you are facing an intrusion of your privacy or a terrorist attack directed at your workplace, there are products available from fire safety equipment, gas masks to surveillance equipment which can provide an extra layer of protection. Even when your home may be insured against damage, insurance will not protect your health in the event of a fire. Even though you may never need to reach for the fire extinguisher, it is always safer to have it on hand in the event of an emergency.

Gas masks can provide you safety in the event of a breach of homeland security, such as a chemical or biological attack. They can also be used in industrial and agricultural environments in which there are a large number of airborne pollutants. When you need protection for both your eyes and respiratory system, consider the gas masks which has been approved by the EU and NATO as a personal protection device.

There are surveillance equipment like video surveillance equipment which would help guard your premises and aid you further in improving your safety and security. You may also look into audio surveillance equipment such as our phone line analyzer to ensure that your data transfers and conversations are protected. Homeland Security and the related products can help you take action to ensure your safety and that of your loved ones.

How A Wireless Burglar Alarm System Works

2010-02-26T19:30:00.001+07:00

Wireless security alarm systems are ideal for installation in a home that wasn't wired for an alarm system when it was built. Motion sensors, door contacts and window contacts can all be wireless, and not need to be hardwired back to the main control panel. Even the control keypad can be wireless.

The various wireless components use RF (radio waves) to transmit their signals back to the main control panel. The only real disadvantage compared to wired systems is that the wireless components run on batteries, which will need to be replaced once in a while.

These batteries generally last for years, however, and many alarm companies offer service and maintenance plans that will cover the replacement batteries and the installation of them.

The most common wireless alarm components are the following:

Control Panel

This is essentially the "brains" of the alarm system. It's usually mounted somewhere out of the way, like a closet or the basement. It monitors the signals from all the wireless components, and triggers the alarm (and a call to the monitoring station if the system is monitored) if any of the sensors detect an intrusion.

Keypad

The keypad is used to arm and disarm the system, as well as change various settings. It's usually located somewhere near the entrance door for easy access.

Magnetic Switches

These contacts are used to monitor windows and doors. They're made up of a switch that attaches to the window or door and a magnet that is mounted on the frame. If the switch and magnet are separated (the window or door is opened or broken) it will trigger the alarm.

Motion Sensors

Motion sensors can be mounted in large rooms or areas like hallways. They will detect motion - and in some cases body heat - and trigger the alarm if it is out of the acceptable range.

Video Cameras

Wireless security cameras can send a video feed back to a monitor and/or a VCR in the house. They can be used to monitor outside areas that are not very visible from the street, as well as a way of seeing who is at the door before opening it.

Remote Keys

Remote keys are much like the remotes you get with car alarms. They can be used from a distance to arm or disarm the alarm, as well as things like turning lights on or off or unlocking doors.

How Does A Motion Detector Work?

2009-09-04T21:59:00.001+07:00

An alarm system is a great way to provide extra protection for your home. There are plenty of options available for you to ensure your home’s safety. So don’t take chances. Protect your family with a home security system that will safeguard your most precious valuables, and the people you love.

What are they?

Motion detectors spot the movement in areas covered by the security sensors. Motion detectors transmit high frequency radio wave signals. They give a warning that someone is entering into your home.

Different kinds of motion detectors & how they work:

Infrared Sensors:

Motion detectors use infrared light to detect heat changes, i.e. when a person moves across this light it detects them with the help of the infrared sensors. If a person moves in the range of the motion sensors, the alarm is activated. Infrared sensors are cheaper than microwave sensors and ultrasonic sensors. Infrared sensors are generally smaller and very reliable.

Vibration Sensors:

It detects a person through vibration. Many car alarms have this feature to alert the owner that something has bumped into their car.

Photoelectric Sensors:

Some motion detection systems use lasers and photoelectric beams. The laser is shot across to the other side of the room or doorway. If the laser is interrupted the unit's alarm signal is activated.

Ultrasonic sensors :

They use a frequency around 30kHz. The transmitter bounces the waves of walls, furniture, windows and ceilings and when the room has stabilized, the alarm is armed.

Acoustic Sensors:

They can detect the energy produced by any kind of sound, including breaking glass. In the case of breaking glass from window intrusions, the pattern of the sound emitted is detected.

How Does A Fire Alarm System Work?

2009-08-09T18:28:00.001+07:00

A fire alarm system alerts people in the building of a possible fire. They help protect those inside by notifying them that they need to evacuate for safety. Most fire alarm systems will also automatically notify the nearest emergency personnel so they can take care of the fire.

Fire alarms can be triggered by smoke detectors, heat detectors, or manually. They are generally set to detect levels of smoke or heat that may indicate a fire. There is a loud bell that sounds to alert those in the building. This may also come with lights that blink in case of someone who is hearing impaired. There are many models of fire alarm systems on the market. Research for which one is best can be done on the Internet or by doing a search in your local area for manufacturers. Many fire alarm systems come bundled with intruder alert systems for maximum safety and protection of your home.

There are two costs to a system. The cost of the equipment can either be purchased or leased. The system will need to be installed which may also add a one-time fee. Systems start at approximately $20.00 for basic models and range up to $2,000.00 for more sophisticated models. For home use, a basic system with monitoring is usually sufficient. These will range anywhere from $100.00 to $300.00.

Because the system will alert the local fire department, there is also a monitoring fee generally paid monthly. These are typically inexpensive and cost approximately $30.00 per month. The one time expense of the equipment, installation, and the regular payments for monitoring are a valuable investment. Considering the costs associated with fire damage or the tragedies of losing a life in a fire, the investment is well worth it.

It is important to know what to do in case the alarm goes off. Fire drills are helpful in ensuring everyone in the family knows what to do. Practice this at least annually. If there is a small fire, one person should be in charge of using a fire extinguisher while the others leave the area. For a larger fire, everyone should immediately evacuate the premises and gather at a predetermined location. Once everyone is there, a count should be taken to ensure everyone is out safely.

A fire alarm system should be tested annually to ensure it is working properly. Notify the fire department of this before testing so they do not come out needlessly. False alarms are often charged to the consumer to account for the time wasted. A fire alarm system is a valuable investment. It can help provide safety and security to your family and home.

How Does A Motion Detector Work?

2009-08-06T21:38:00.001+07:00

How Does A Security System Work?

2009-07-30T18:33:00.001+07:00

Protecting your family and your possessions is important to most people. A home security system may minimize the risk of having a burglar enter your home. Studies show that criminals will avoid risky ventures and will generally stay away from homes where there is some type of security device. Most thieves case the neighborhood to determine which homes are easiest to break into and will target those before risking getting caught by disarming an alarm system. Even if a thief does access your home they are likely to leave quickly (thus taking less and minimizing damage) when an alarm is sounding.

A security system consists of a key pad, usually located near the entrance of the home and alarms that will sound when there is an alert. You arm the alarm by pushing a button. If you are leaving home, you will have a few seconds to leave before the alarm is fully functioning. If re-entering, you will have a few seconds to disarm the alarm by entering a pass code.

A security system works by a variety of different means or a combination of them. Contacts placed on doors and windows will detect when they are opened. When you are not in the home, use of motion sensors can be helpful. Your home should not have activity when you are gone, so any motion detected will signal an alarm because it is assumed there is activity where there should not be any. Glass breakage detectors will sound if an intruder forcibly breaks a window or door in your home.

A combination of these sensors is recommended for maximum protection and security. Motion sensors alone may not provide adequate security and only work after someone has already entered the premises. These may also get triggered by active pets, causing a false alarm. Most alarm systems will allow you to remove this option when you are inside the house so anyone awakening during the night will not accidentally set off the system. Another good feature to have is a panic setting. These will allow you to immediately set the alarm off in case of an intruder. A special code is often assigned for cases of kidnapping or forced entry. If a criminal forces you to disarm the alarm, you can put in the special code. This will send a silent alarm to the police, alerting them of a possible hostage incident. No alarm will sound but police will be dispatched.

For maximum security, monitored alarms should be used. This will alert police when the alarm sounds. Generally a callback will be made to determine if there is an actual problem before dispatching authorities. If nobody answers or the secret word that was assigned is not used, police will then be dispatched to investigate. Monitoring is done on a monthly basis for a small fee. It also usually requires an annual permit that can be obtained inexpensively. False alarms where police are dispatched may be charged to the customer for needlessly sending out authorities, so be sure to call the monitoring company if there is a false alarm.

Using a home security system will provide comfort to the family. Knowing you, your family, and your possessions are secure from theft and break-ins is invaluable. Security systems are inexpensive yet provide a valuable sense of security.

How Home Security Monitoring Works

2009-07-30T18:32:00.003+07:00

Home security monitoring does not mean that there will be 24 hour a day surveillance of your home to ensure that your home is protected from a burglar. At least it does not mean that in a literal sense but home security monitoring does provide you and your family 24 hour a day protection from burglars and in some cases, even fire. The level of protection that you receive will depend on the complexity of your home security system and the capabilities of the security provider you have chosen. The one thing in home security monitoring that is relatively similar no matter which provider or system you choose is the sequence of events that occur while the security system is in use. This article will provide a brief synopsis of how home security monitoring works.

Just about every home security monitoring system is activated as the first step in the process. Usually the homeowner pushes a button or series of buttons on the keypad to turn on the security system. This sends the message that the security system should trigger if it is breached in any way. Once this happens the various components of the home security system are activated. This may include access contacts, motion detectors, security cameras and any other components of the home security monitoring system. These components remain activated until the homeowner returns home and deactivates the home security monitoring system. Again, this is usually accomplished by typing in a series of numbers in the keypad.

If there is a breach of security, the home security monitoring system will begin a sequence of events. In most cases the first event, upon detecting an intruder, is to sound a warning alarm. This is usually a low level alarm and the intent of sounding this alarm is to allow the home owner the opportunity to deactivate the alarm when they return home. The homeowner usually has approximately 30 seconds to deactivate the alarm before the home security alarm system takes the next step.

If the alarm is not deactivated two things happen simultaneously in the home security monitoring system. A loud alarm is sounded and a message is sent to the monitoring station that there has been a breach of security in the home security monitoring system. This message reaches personnel at a 24 hour per day monitoring station who respond to this message. The first response is to contact the homeowner to determine whether or not the home security monitoring system has been breached or it was a false alarm. If the homeowner does not respond to the home security monitoring personnel and supply them with a security password, the staff will contact the local police department and send them to your address.

Home security monitoring is a precise service that has a clear path of action. Most home security monitoring companies react and proceed in a very similar fashion when a security system in their network is breached. While each home security monitoring company may have differences they all generally work in the same way.

How Internet Predators Select Their Victims

2009-07-30T18:32:00.001+07:00

The average pedophile will victimize between 50-150 children before he comes to the attention of law enforcement. A large and growing number of predators have gravitated towards the internet, reasoning that browsing the personal profiles children themselves post on instant message services and anonymously lurking in chat rooms is less risky and more effective than hanging around playgrounds and schoolyards. The number of predators using the internet to groom children for future exploitation rises every month.

How do internet predators select their victims? Here are some important factors:

* Almost by definition, internet predators favor children who have regular (and private) access to a computer. Most victims live in suburban or rural areas while relatively few live in inner cities.
* Internet predators gravitate towards children who are online for lengthy periods of time each day, and usually at the same time of day. Predators seek children whose schedules mesh with their own, children who are online most days during a consistent time frame. Think about it… predators have little chance to groom a child for future exploitation if that child is rarely online or is online at various times of the day. Children who do not have a lot of activities outside of school tend to be online longer and at the same times of day compared to those children who have lots of activities. These children are more often targeted by internet predators.
* Internet predators prefer children who have instant message accounts. Although some predators use email, many prefer communicating with their victims through instant messages. Predators know that while emails are saved automatically and have to be manually deleted, instant messages tend to evaporate into the ether once the instant message window is closed. Parents can keep a permanent record of instant message conversations by installing instant message monitoring software on their children’s computers. PCSentinel Software ( www.pcsentinelsoftware.com ) is one vendor of such software.
* Internet predators search out children who will speak to them. Again this seems self-evident, but predators are forced to pass over children who refuse to communicate with strangers they have not met offline. Teach your children never to communicate online with someone they have not met offline.
* Internet predators search out children who are vulnerable and lonely, sheltered and naive. Predators seek to develop a relationship with their targets, often posing as children or teenagers themselves, and then use that relationship to initiate sexual discussion and activity or lure the child into an offline meeting.
* Internet predators are all the more emboldened if they find out a child is from a single parent family, having trouble at school or with the law, or has been experimenting with drugs, alcohol or sexual activity.
* Internet predators search out children who post personal profiles on the internet, especially those that provide name, age, photos, gender, physical description, telephone number, address, etc.
* Internet predators favor targets who own webcams or digital cameras. Predators often coerce children into using these devices to send images of themselves to the predator. If a child does not own a camera, predators sometimes send one to their targets for the purpose of photographing themselves.
* To be successful, internet predators require children who will not terminate the relationship at the first suggestion of sexual activity. Even if a vulnerable child with few friends is uncomfortable with sexual talk, they will sometimes put up with the unpleasantness of the conversation for fear of losing their new “friend”.
* Internet predators seem to favor victims between the ages of 12-15. These are the ages where children are discovering their own sexuality and independence, and also the ages where they are most likely to be conned into meeting with a stranger without telling their parents. Younger and older children are also solicited, but as a whole tend to be harder targets.

How safe are your possessions?

2009-07-30T18:31:00.000+07:00

One of our basic needs is to protect our goods and valuables. How many times have we wondered: is it safe to keep my jewels or money at home? Will my kids be in danger of shooting themselves if I buy myself a gun? Will I get bankrupt if a fire starts by any chance in my office?

The need for safes appeared shortly after humankind discovered money, gold and other valuables. Until 1820 they helped only against theft, but starting in the 1840s they were designed, by using so called Wilder technology, to protect effectively against fire. The burglar resisting safe was first patented in 1835 by Chubb Safes (it is believed that they were already producing them for almost 20 years).

There is a whole highly developed industry behind safes: they are usually made of metal, are designed to be fire and environmentaly resistant and are using high tech electronics, laser-cut doors or memory recall capabilities. One of the world's largest home security providers is Sentry Safes. They offer high quality at competitive prices and in more than 70 years of being on the market they have remained faithful to the founder’s beliefs: quality, affordability and innovation.

The safes generally have two main destinations - for home or office use - and can be classified in three main types:

1) Burglary Safes – they offer protection against theft, but very little against fire. Usually they have solid metal walls and a heavy door resistant to a drilling, cutting or prying attack. Hardened resistant metals are often used to slow down attempts to break in to this safe.

2) Fire Safes – usually they are made of a thin metal double wall and have a fire-resistant insulating material between the walls. They have a minimum level of security, because they are designed to protect (especially papers) against fire. They have to maintain an internal temperature of below 200 degrees C (the point at which documents will be destroyed) .The safes provide the fire protection for either 30, 60, 90 or 120 minutes. Similar to them, but a bit more effective, there are the “Data Safes” which maintain less than 52 degrees C (the point at which data media is destroyed) and also protect against high humidity, electro magnetic contamination, etc.

3) Fire / Burglary Safes - They are generally multi-purpose safes and offer good protection both against thefts and fire. They are designed like a burglary safe, but have a secondary wall inside, which contains insulation (the material that helps maintaining a low temperature).

Usually home safes are used to prevent stealing or destruction of our family's property: money, papers like receipts, contracts, personal and financial documents, jewels and sometimes other things which can be irreplaceable: photos, videos. For good protection of these valuables we need Fire/Burglary Safes. Usually, these safes are located in the floor or in the walls.

The wall safes demand a special framing and it is better to place them as low as possible because, in the event of a fire, the temperature is lower at ground level. They are very practical for those of us who value their possessions, but don't want to keep them in a bank. They are easy to install and access and they do not require special modifications of the interior or the design of the house.

When we don't have enough money to buy a professional safe it is always better to remember about diversion safes! They don't look like the typical steel safe and, although they have no protection against fire, they can discourage a potential burglar, who hasn't got the time to search the whole house.
We can use as diversion safe containers for soda pop, canned fruit, home cleaners, or even books. They have removable tops or bottoms so that we can put our goods in them, weight so that they appear normal when handled and most important, they are quite cheap compared to a normal safe.
We also don't have to forget that a gun safe is the most effective way of preventing a tragic accident at home! Usually they are made of steel and the size is according to the size of the gun you want to secure. The bigger the safe is, the more it costs. But although it will cost an extra amount of money, it's better to remember that we should diminish the risks by keeping the guns safe.
When buying a safe we have to think of its destination, how accessible it is, how many options we can get for the amount of money that we are willing to pay and how it is rated (what is its level of security against thefts, destruction). The best thing would be to hire a company that can monitor and protect your house/office and values. But when this is too expensive, safes are the next best option.

How Safe Is Your Building? Alert System Can Save Lives

2009-07-29T19:48:00.000+07:00

Bombs. Armed intruders. Fires. These are real events that can threaten your safety, even your life, in the building where you work.

Experts agree that if you know what's going on and what actions to take, you have a good chance of escaping a dangerous situation. However, distributing speedy and accurate emergency information to building occupants, police officers, firefighters and emergency medical professionals is a constant challenge for building owners and managers.

In pursuit of workable, cost-effective solutions, the security industry is taking note of a new emergency alert approach known as the Immediate Response Information System, or IRIS. Activated through a special Web page or toll-free number, IRIS can reach thousands of people in a matter of seconds through the contact methods people use the most, such as home and cell phones, e-mail, digital pagers, PDAs and fax machines.

With IRIS, a uniform message, in both voice and text formats, reaches building managers, occupants and emergency responders. When it encounters busy lines or no answer, IRIS continues to redial until it makes contact. Recipients can pre-select any of 10 different language preferences.

This state-of-the-art alert system also sends important yet non-emergency information to building occupants alerting them of adverse weather conditions, building maintenance plans or changes in parking restrictions, for example. IRIS distributes these paperless messages quickly and verifies their receipt.

IRIS requires no hardware, software or system installation for setup. In the event of an emergency, people designated to send the messages can access the service from any phone or Internet-connected computer from a safe location.

How To Buy A Spy Camera In 3 Easy Steps

2009-07-26T17:03:00.002+07:00

I bet you are frustrated by the lack of information about spy cameras available on the internet. I sure was. There seams like there are just a few big companies who have blown their entire advertising budget to make a big splash. (This includes the X10 camera of the late 90s fame). Spy cameras can come in very handy to anyone who wants one (provided, of course, that they aren't used for nefarious activities). Spy cameras have tons of legitimate uses, and can come in especially useful for home security measures.
Here's how I use the internet to shop for a new spy camera.

1) Use multiple search engines to do your shopping. Just because something is featured on Yahoo doesn't mean that it is featured on Google and vice versa. A lot of the time, advertising bidders are very different on Yahoo and Google for the same keywords. Search different search engines to see different vendors selling on different sites.

2) Use specific shopping search engines like Froogle. Froogle is great because it allows the shopper to select among multiple different vendors who are selling similar products. Froogle is a shopping specific search engine that you can use specifically for your shopping needs. I've used Froogle on multiple occasions to compare and contrast the different product I'm looking for. If you can think it up, it's probably on Froogle somewhere. Spy cameras are certainly no exception.

3) Learn about the ins and outs of spy cameras. Spy cameras come in as many different forms as flavors of ice creams. You can find spy cameras that are basically disposable and spy camera systems that can cost over $1000. Learn all about them and the mistakes that people make when buying them. Points 1 and 2 above definitely can help you make a decision, however getting the real knowledge is what you will use to ensure that you get the best deal possible. Learn all about spy cameras and save yourself a bundle.

How to choose a Home Security Camera

2009-07-26T17:03:00.001+07:00

Surveillance cameras are being used every where these days, all the malls and almost all stores and small shops have installed surveillance cams to stop thefts and burglaries. You must have probably heard of the net of cams in the Las Vegas casinos, yes without cameras the surveillance staff won’t be 1/10th as effective.

Taking the cue from the commercial segment many companies introduced home security camera a few years back, but, back then only the rich could afford the expensive home security camera systems. However, nowadays with development of technology, as home security camera is getting cheaper more and more people are able to afford them. Yes, today even a $30 cam can be turned into a home security camera, it’s no more a rich only option.

When selecting a home security camera, make sure it can take clear pictures in the radius you want to set it up. Systems like analogue closed circuit television may run cheap but it’s not worth the money. It saves recorded coverage to tapes which are not only expensive in the long run but will also take up a lot of space.

With the advent of internet and like I said earlier, development of technology, we have cheap yet good quality home security camera available that send live feeds to the internet and save coverage at a secured location. You can either watch the feds live or browse through the saved data at any point of time. Install two-three home security camera in a room depending on how big the room is and you can watch what is going on in your house from 5 miles or 5,000 miles away.

For those on a very tight budget, there are the fake home security camera which are very much like the original ones and some even swivel on their axis like the original ones but this strategy is only effective in preventing the crime rather than catching the crime.

However, if you aren’t on a budget you should go for tiny cams which can be hidden behind or within objects and are hard to find. These cams when combined with the right software can give you the perfect home security camera system. On the other hand if you want to make it clear to the burglars that your house is not a good choice, install a large cam, a must do for people installing fake cameras, at a location where it can easily be seen.

How to Choose Guard Dogs for Home Security

2009-07-26T17:02:00.002+07:00

There are various burglary alarms and home surveillance systems available, designed to help you protect your home. Although they are good in their own rights, nothing compares to an old fashioned guard dog. Guard dogs have been used for generations – to help people protect their homes and their belongings.

For many years, guard dogs have helped to scare off burglars and thieves. Although most have gotten used to dogs now days, nothing fends off a thief more than a vicious dog grabbing his ankle and clamping down. Almost all guard dogs have serious bites and can seriously injure a burglar. Guard dogs are trained to protect one’s home – and they will do so no matter what.

When you get a guard dog, you should always make sure that you let him know who is safe to be around your home. You don’t want the dog to be vicious towards everyone, as friends and family are certainly allowed to be around your home. Most guard dogs are left outside of the home, with some deciding to keep them indoors. Indoor dogs are great, as they will instantly catch a burglar the second he decides to break into your home.

If you plan to keep your guard dog indoors, you should always have a supply of food and water available, as he will be there when you aren’t. You will also need to give him access to an outdoor area as well, so he can use the bathroom. A fenced in yard is an ideal place for a guard dog to go outside, as he can come and go as he pleases. Sometimes, a burglar will try and sneak around the back entrance – which is where giving a guard dog outside access can really come in handyBefore buying the dog, you should always carefully research the species and where you plan to get your dog from. Police dogs or dogs that have been trained for protection are ideal, as they already know how to defend things. Dobermans and Pit Bulls are great for protection as well, simply because they are well known for being very vicious.

If you carefully research your options and get your guard dog from a reliable source, you shouldn’t have much of anything to worry about. You should never get your dog from a lesser known or poor source, as the dog may be poorly trained or not in good health. A guard dog can be a great addition to any home – providing you get a dog in good health and more than capable to fend of burglars.

How To Choose The Right Home Security System

2009-07-26T17:02:00.001+07:00

Depending on the money you have and the neighborhood you are living in, you have probably wondered how to choose the right home security system. This is indeed a tough question and hopefully by the end of this small guide you will at least have a hint.

The first step to choosing the right home security system is to put yourself in the role of a villain. Look at your home with some evil eyes. Where would you make your entry point - through the window, the back door, or the basement perhaps? Imagine the most probable route that a thief might choose. This will help you establish the weak points in the security system. One of the best ways to ward off potential burglars is simply to place alarm signs and decals on the premises. These will make the potential burglar think twice about attempting a break-in.

A good strategy to provide a relatively cheap, yet effective home security system is to leave a seemingly unguarded path. Typically the villain will choose it. This area should be guarded in a more subtle way. For example, if you leave a backdoor “unprotected” you could install a motion detector that emits a loud sound when activated. The key here is to leave the potential thief a way out, so you avoid confrontation and possible personal endangerment. The typical scenario would involve him almost feeling that he succeeded and then right before the entry point he would have a very nasty surprise which will make him run away in a panic.

Unfortunately though, the above strategy might not always work. This is why additional security installations should be installed. Depending on the budget you have available, you can choose from quite a large array of alternatives. These can involve the installation of security cameras, door alarms, glass break detectors and even photoelectric beams. No matter what your choice is, you should never leave anything to chance. Thieves do not always follow the easiest path. If they are skilled in detecting home security systems and overriding them, you might be in for some real trouble. The trick lies in setting up redundant home security installations to make them feel overwhelmed and not so sure about their success.

These are just a few general guidelines to determine how to choose the right home security system. Depending on your specific circumstances and the specifics of the area you are living in, you might feel that the security measures must be tightened or relaxed. Regardless of the condition, you must always be prepared for the worst. The fact remains, crime is on the rise and there are no signals that this trend will decrease. If you are still unsure about what security systems to choose, let a security expert help you by doing a detailed evaluation of your needs. After all, your family and home are much too important to leave to chance.

How to Find the Best Home Security Products

2009-07-26T17:01:00.002+07:00

As more and more people are getting aware of the importance of securing their houses by using the various home security products different companies are launching new home security products everyday. It’s a new market, yet the number of options available in each category of home security products can be overwhelming for the starters. Well, here is some good news, this article was written just for you and it summarizes some of the best home security products which you could use to make your house a safer place and reduce chance of burglaries and break-ins.

The best, and sometimes most effective home security products in preventing burglary, is just a signboard saying that your house is protected by this and that securitization system. Such a strategy is not effective in catching the criminal but researchers found it to be very effecting in preventing a crime in the first place. Most of the home security products generally come with such a signboard but they are mostly small or may not be visible in the background of your house, so you might consider buying one specially customized for your house. A similar product is the dummy camera for those on a tight budget. Installing a dummy camera on a very visible location outside your house might discourage the burglars right away as they might not want to risk entering your camera protected property.

Preventive measures are good for “preventing” but sometimes the preventive home security products aren’t just good enough so you’ll need some actual home security products to completely safe guard your house. Alarms and cameras are the most commonly used home security product today, the two can be used separately or together for enhanced safety. Alarms generally go off when someone tries to force entry through windows or doors, make sound and try to attract your neighbor’s attention, while some can be linked with an alarm monitoring system which can notify the authorities after a routine check for accidental alarm.

For those who can afford high end products and need additional safety there are home security products like talking devices, master control panel, sensors, motion detectors, key pads, back up power supply for the home security products and so on.

How To Get Rid Of Raccoons

2009-07-26T17:01:00.001+07:00

Many of you know that raccoons are known to adapt very easily to a changing environment that is why many people have problems with the damages caused by these creatures. Raccoons have inherited a bad habit: they vandalize garbage cans, fish ponds and also your very own kitchen pantry due to the fact that many houses ( especially in United States ) have a pet door which for a raccoons is like an invitation.

Besides this, raccoons invade attics, chimneys, porches and other similar locations, not to mention that the cities and suburbs offer these creatures a developed underground roadway system for those intelligent animals who use these storm sewers. These raccoons not only invade your privacy but also they cause damage, for example, they can get into crops or just by simply occupying your chimney they make annoying little sounds that eventually will drive you crazy.

The first thing you should do is to find out if you are truly having problems with raccoons because many people have the tendency to affirm that raccoons are the one’s to blame for the damages but in reality, the one’s who should be blamed for causing these problems are dogs, cats or other “friendly” animals.

If you don’t have the possibility to observe these animals directly the best thing you could do is to identify their tracks. In order to do this you should use the following : flour, nontoxic powders and also cornstarch, these will help you to check out footprints on hard surfaces. A useful tip : raccoons which use chimneys or attics usually begin to make noise when it is getting darker and they stop doing this in the morning, when the sun makes its appearance. The sounds that raccoons make when they are moving can help you detect them more easily. Also, if you hear purring noises then you should know that young cubs are present. Usually, you will hear these noises when their mother comes back to the den.

A wise thing you could do if you have problems with raccoons is simply wait; in other words, many of the problems made by raccoons ( for example: occupation of a building ) resolve themselves within a few weeks or if you are lucky, in a few days. If cubs are also causing you problems then you should know that they won’t leave your attic until they are nine weeks of age because until then, they can’t take care of themselves so they won’t venture in an unknown environment where they will be helpless.

When it comes down to chimneys and attics if yours is uncapped then raccoons will probably use it for denning but also for giving birth and raising cubs. If you assume that after a while they will leave, the best thing you should is that you might try using some harassment techniques so that you could “hurry” their departure. Also, you might as well leave the attic lights on or place a radio tuned to a talk-show and leave it a high volume.

Once you are certain that you got rid of all the raccoons, the first thing you should do is install an approved chimney cap so that in the future, raccoons won’t be able to invade your privacy. A very important note is that you shouldn’t use fire or smoke to make the animals come out of the chimneys because by doing so, you will most likely kill the youngsters as they aren’t able to evade on their own.

When it comes down to yards and gardens, in order to discourage garbage vandalizing you should place cans at the curb when the day of garbage pick-up has arrived. Another thing you could do is that you should secure the lids using bungee cords or weights. Don’t forget that raccoons are often attracted by birdseed and suet and they usually cause a lot of damage to garden fruits and also vegetable gardens , especially corn and grapes. Garden vandalizing will often occur when the foods are ready to be picked so you should be more attentive during those periods.

All in all, raccoons can cause a lot of problems so some safety precautions should be taken in order to avoid these problems which can become very annoying if ignored for a longer period of time.

How to keep your home safe when you are away

2009-07-26T17:00:00.000+07:00

We all want to make sure that our homes are protected and safe while we are away for the day or for any extended period of time. There is no way to know for sure if something is going to happen while we are gone. The only thing that we can do is prepared for out homes to stay safe while we are not there. There are a few things that we can do in order to provide safety for our homes.

One way is to tell our neighbors that we trust about not being home. It is very important that we only tell the neighbors that we have trust in and that we know about being gone. We have to be confident enough that they will look out for our home and take care of it while we are away. Tell them to check on the pets and plants while you are gone as well. This will make it look like someone is their taking care of things. They can also gather the mail and the newspaper everyday as well. This will keep potential prey thinking someone is home.

You can also tell the local police department if you are going away for an extended period of time. Tell them the dates that you will be gone and ask them to patrol the home every once in a while. This is good especially if you live in a secured area.

You always want to make sure that the doors and the windows are always locked when you leave to go anywhere. Do not make it easy for an intruder to get inside your home. Keep things secure and well protected with good quality locks that will be tough for anyone to pass by.

You will also want to make sure that everything is secure inside the home too. If you are just leaving for the day, make sure that lights are off and anything electrical if turned off as well. If you are leaving for a few days, you may want to turn the water main off in the home as well as the hot water heater too. This will protect your home from an unexpected breaks or leaks that can occur at any given time. You do not want to come home to the surprise of having a flood in your home.

Check all doors in your house that lead to the outside or into a garage. These should be metal or solid wood and at least 1.75” thick. Be sure door frames are secure and cannot be taken apart easily. Make sure doors fit into frames without gaps. Even with strong locks, good burglars can get into your house if your doors or doorframes are weak.

How to Keep Your Home Secure Without Spending a Dime

2009-07-26T16:59:00.002+07:00

Your home is your castle, and your family your greatest asset, so you want to keep everything safe. But if you've priced home security systems lately, you might have felt your bank book cringe.

I'm not going to tell you not to buy an alarm system, but if you're not at a point where you can invest thousands of dollars, and you just want to do a few things to make your home safer, this article is for you.
I'm going to give you a list of tips you can use to make your home safer without spending any money.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that burglars are lazy. Like most people, they want the highest reward with the least possible risk and effort. The more challenging you can make your house appear, the more likely the burglar is to pass on by and pick on somebody else (or--let's hope--go away altogether). So, how do you make your home appear secure without screeching alarms, video surveillance cameras, barbed wire fences, and a yard full of Dobermans?

Here are your tips:
Trim shrubs back from doors and walkways (this ensures would-be thieves don't have any shadowy nooks to hide in).

Lock your storage shed and don't leave tools out in the yard (burglars can use ladders, shovels, etc. to gain access to your home).

Keep the lawn mowed and the exterior of the house maintained (a downtrodden appearance can suggest you are away from home a lot or that you just don't care enough to worry about your house).

Plant thorny shrubs beneath first-story windows (if you wouldn't want to climb through a tangle of thorns to reach an open window, chances are a burglar won't either).

If an outdoor light burns out, change it right away.
Don't display your valuables conspicuously (i.e. huge plasma TV on a living room wall that is visible from the street), as this only tempts thieves.

When you make new purchases (such as said plasma TV), don't leave the boxes by the curb to announce your valuable acquisitions--break boxes down and stuff them in your recycling bin.

Don't store house keys under the doormat, a rock, etc. (thieves are wise to all the tricks--if you always lose your keys, consider a fingerprint activated lock instead).

Keep tree branches trimmed back from windows and your roof.
Make sure the garage doors are sturdy (no loose panels or damaged corners), especially if the garage is attached to the house.

Check your garage door opener if you haven't changed it from the factory setting. There's usually a row of 10-12 switches. If all except one is pointing the same direction, the combination is easy to break (the thief has a 1 in 10 or 1 in 12 chance of getting it).

Always shut and lock your doors when you leave the house.
Hopefully these tips will help you make your home less of a target. Remember, home security is as much a matter of employing common sense as it is a bunch of expensive gadgets and gizmos.

How to Make Your Apartment Safe

2009-07-26T16:59:00.001+07:00

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.

How To Save Money When Buying A New Home Security System

2009-07-26T16:58:00.002+07:00

I am sure that if you’ve decided to purchase a home security system, by now you must be utterly confused. The prices seem to vary a lot even for the very same device. This guide complements our guide called “How to Choose the Right Home Security System” and will help you make the right decision based on your needs.

If you are an average homeowner, then I strongly recommend purchasing a security kit. These offer the standard protection against common intruders and have proved their effectiveness time and time again. In the security systems industry, it is not the systems themselves that cost a lot but rather the customization. Just like buying a ready-made bicycle, it is far cheaper to buy it as-is than to select the individual components you want the bicycle to have and have everything put together. Security kits excel in providing a reliable standard for a do-it-yourselfer. Because these systems involve the bundling of multiple systems, you can expect a hefty discount. Who said that security must be expensive? The security kits demolish this myth and allow do-it-yourselfers to install and have a quality home security system.

There is another way of cutting back costs. I am introducing this method in this guide precisely because at some time you will no doubt feel attracted by it. I am talking here about the price leverage you will get from choosing a lesser known brand (or no-name brand) instead of a more well-known brand. This is not something I recommend. Those companies with strong brands have invested heavily in building up their reputation through well-made products.. What you have here is a distinctive difference in quality. So if you plan on buying a cheaper system from a no-name brand which manufactures its products in South East Asia… I strongly advise against it. In the long-term you will realize that the money saved wasn’t worth it. Why save a couple of dollars only to have a false sense of security? It is far better to invest a little extra now than to risk your home, the safety of your family as well as your own when intruders break-in later.

But perhaps the single, most effective method of deciding what security measures are appropriate and cost effective for your home or business is to hire a security consultant. Believe me when I tell you that the money spent on their services will actually help you cut down costs, either by suggesting the right and appropriate security installations or by detailing the weaknesses in the system. It is more than a low price that you should aim for; your goal should be to obtain an effective security system.

I hope that this guide to saving money on a home security system has put you on the right track. Remember that you must strive to achieve a balance of maximum benefits and protection while keeping the costs at a minimum.

How To Secure Your Home With Surveillance Cameras

2009-07-26T16:58:00.001+07:00

Securing your home in case of emergencies such as thieves and other intruders is a good idea, no matter whether you live in a stand alone home or an apartment. One of the easiest ways to protect your premises is to use surveillance cameras, strategically placed around your home based on the amount of space you have. These systems can be purchased with as many cameras as you might need, and are available in wireless or wired formats.

For most home surveillance equipment users, wireless models will be the way to go. They are easy to hook up and easy to mount, and you will cut down on the amount of floor space used by tangle-prone wires. The signal for wireless cameras will be sent to a receiver, which will be hooked up to whatever equipment you are using to monitor the premises.

How many cameras you buy will depend, of course, on the size of your home or if you have anything of particular value in a specific room. If you want maximum security, you will want to mount cameras on the entrances to your living space, including the windows, as well as the garage and driveway, at a minimum. Additional rooms containing valuable equipment or pieces of furniture should also have a mounted camera for added security.

All the security cameras in the world are useless, of course, without a monitoring system. You need to decide if your security camera system is to be utilized in the prevention of theft or to assist in the recovery of property. Most thieves and other criminals will be deterred by the mere sight of a camera on the premises, despite movie depictions of crack shot take-outs of security cameras. The mere presence of the camera, then may serve to protect your home.

If maximum security is what you require, then you or someone you know will need to be monitoring your system throughout the day. Larger homes of wealthy families may be able to employ security guards around the clock, but for most of us the purpose of the surveillance equipment will be to aid in recovery. Make sure that your monitoring equipment is always on and that you either reset the tape manually or have the system set to reset itself.

Home surveillance equipment can do nothing to prevent loss of property on its own. Without proper utilization and monitoring, your surveillance equipment is only a drain on your resources. Take the time to install your cameras properly, checking the angel to make sure they cover all of the points of entry or objects you want watched to a high degree in terms of parameters. Cameras which track motion or otherwise can swing to encompass a wide area are great options, although they may give the location of the camera away. Again, however, it is important to remember that most ne’er do wells will be deterred from their sinister purposes towards your property by simply being aware that the cameras are there.

How well are your valuables protected from fire?

2009-07-26T16:57:00.002+07:00

Whether you are a business tycoon or a reasonably rich person with a kitty of valuable possessions, you sure do not want them destroyed by a fire or stolen by someone who probably does not value them as much as you do. On the other hand, what you want to protect may not be your hobby but official documents, jewelry and the like.

In both of the above cases, some means or another probably already protects your valuables. However if you have decided on buying a safe to protect your valuables from fire because you think your prized possessions have increased in number and value then read on to get an idea of the options available to you.

You also have to keep in mind that no amount of protection can last indefinitely. What this means is in the event of a fire in your home or office there is a certain period during which a safe can keep your valuables from being destroyed in the fire!

Heat Intensity in a Fire
Now when you go searching for a safe one thing to keep in mind are the fire ratings of the safe. Do not be fooled by claims of safes that are expensive because they provide protection at very high temperatures.

Average house-fire temperatures are in the range of 1200°C, so if the sales person claims to give better protection at higher temperatures he is probably telling you the specification of the heat resistant lining of the safe or the temperature range of fire endurance tests that safes are put through!

Protection Ratings
Protection ratings are nothing but the temperature and time for which the safe will provide safety in the event of a disaster. The general ratings are 1200 degrees for 20 minutes to 1700 degrees for 1 hour. More expensive cement fire safes can provide up to a 2-hour rating however, they weigh twice as much as the normal home or office safe.

Basic safe types according to their location

Wall safes
These are embedded into a wall preferably into a thick wall to avoid the safe from protruding out at the other end of the wall, which obviously will make it visible! And if it is imperative that you install your safe into a thinner wall then you can install it so that there is a cabinet on the other end hence concealing the safe.

Floor safes
These as the name suggests are installed into the floor of your home or office.
Now unless these are installed in your den or basement they are in danger of falling through the floor once the floor material has collapsed due to fire.

Therefore, the ideal place to install your safe would be at the lowest point in your home and the most exterior, not only because it is less likely to fall through but also because the intensity of heat during a house fire is less concentrated in this area.

Size of the safe
The size of the safe you want to buy will depend on the number of valuables that you want to store and their collective size. You also have to consider future possessions and collectibles because a safe is not something you will buy repeatedly as your collection increases. It is also not economical to buy one all the time meaning safes are quite an expensive commodity owing to the fact that they are made to protect your valuables that are important to you!

Another point to consider while deciding the size is its location in your home! I mean if you do not have enough space to accommodate a big safe it does not make sense buying a one that big right! Moreover, if you have decided on installing it in the bedroom or family room it cannot be too large lest it spoil the interiors! For a big safe the garage or basement is good place.

Thickness of the safe
By the term thickness of the safe, it means the thickness of the safe walls. The sizes available are from 14 gauge thick steel to ¼-inch steel thickness. Now the thickness again depends on you. In the event of a fire, it is not the thickness of the steel but the quality of the fire protection lining that is important because that is what will protect your documents and other valuables from being charred!

Certifications in the UK
Certification of a product by national and international standards gives the customer the satisfaction that what they are buying ensures high quality and reliability.

Some European standards that safe manufacturers adhere to are as follows

Serial numbering by the ECB•S – for the identification of manufacturers and the prevention of unauthorized use as well as they are in accordance with ISO 9000 (EN ISO 9000).

EN-1047-1 and VDMA 24991Means that the safe is tested against fire according to the European standard EN-1047-1. Thereby today’s and future demands for fire protection is achieved. It is the most complete test with production control, certification, drop test, remaining heat etc.

Fire protection P = for paper documents Means that the safe is tested to protect all paper based documents against fire. The end temperature must not exceed 175ºC. The fire class is stated in 60P, 90P alt. 120P which means that the contents in the safe remains intact in 60, 90 alt. 120 minutes.

Fire class DIS = for all types of data media
Means that the safe is tested to protect the most heat sensitive data media in a fire. The end temperature must not exceed 55ºC. The fire class is stated as S60DIS alt. S120DIS and means that the contents in the safe remains intact in 60 alt. 120 minutes.

Warranty
Another important factor to consider is the warranty on your safe in case it is damaged in the event of a fire or break-in. You will not wish to spend more money on buying a brand new safe after incurring so much loss!

Most safe manufacturers provide warranties in the event of a disaster; however, this excludes the freight costs. However if your safe is insured you can claim the freight charges from your insurance company, for which you will have to get in touch with your insurance firm.

Therefore, when you go safe shopping if you have at least some idea of what you are looking for you can expect to get a good deal on protecting your valuables!

How You Should Prepare Your House For A Hurricane

2009-07-26T16:57:00.001+07:00

Preparing your house for a hurricane is very important, and it does not need to be a difficult task when done properly. Most of the things that are important for protecting your home can be done in advance so you have everything you need when a storm comes your way.

The most important thing to have for any home is window protection. Windows are the weakness of any structure, but they do provide the light that is necessary for everyday living. Plywood is the easiest way to cover any basic window. It is inexpensive and easy to store away. You can simply nail it to the outside of your house to cover any windows, however there are many other ways to ensure protection in fierce winds. You can install brackets for holding the plywood. The brackets screwed into the structure to insure ample strength and they offer a quicker way to secure your house in an emergency.

Another great option to protect your home is with storm shades. They are a strong metal shade that rolls down over a window to protect it. They can easily be added to any existing home or be built into the exterior walls of a home under construction. They can be raised and lowered manually or be controlled by a electric motor. Either way, they are both just as effective against storm damage.

They have become the standard window protection for any waterfront home because of the constant ocean winds. The storm shutters are not very cosmetically appealing, but when they are installed with new construction homes, the appearance is minimized. Many condo structures include them when they are constructed because they offer such great protection. Besides just storm protection, the shutters offer great heat and light protection. Shutters can be automated to close during the day so that your home receives less sun exposure. This will keep summer electric bills at a lower cost as well as offering criminal protection during the day. When shades are closed at night they also offer the criminal protection and will block the morning sun in any room desired. Storm shutters are common in many countries for their versatile uses, and are becoming more popular in the United States every year.

Identify theft. What is it and how do you protect yourself from it?

2009-07-26T16:56:00.001+07:00

What is identity theft?

Identity theft is when a person steals personal information, such as the name, address, birth date, Social Security number or mother's maiden name from another person in order to commit fraud. The thief then uses this information to impersonate the victim and take over their financial identity.

With a relatively small amount of information criminal can taking over banking, insurance or investment accounts, open new bank accounts, purchase automobiles, apply for loans and credit cards, receive Social Security benefits, rent apartments, and even establish utility and phone company services, all under the stolen identity.

How do identity thieves get personal information?

While there is much in the media about internet based identity theft, there are lots of ways your personal information can be stolen, many of them much easier than internet theft.

-Stealing your wallet, purse, or checkbook.
-Removing mail from your mailbox, both incoming or outgoing.
-Going through your trash to find statements and receipts.
-Phishing - Obtaining information by email scams or fraudulent websites.
-Hacking – Illegally gaining access to a computer where personal information is stored.
-Social Engineering- Simply tricking the victim into giving out personal information

Who is an identity thief?

Contrary to what many people think, identity thieves are not always sinister villains looking for victims. In fact, many studies show that a significant portion of identity theft actually occurs by people the victim knows and trusts.

-Opportunity criminals who ‘chance’ upon your personal information
-Organized criminals who actively seek victims
-Husbands and wives who use their spouse's information to open accounts to take money
-Roommates
-A person you meet at a party who has lots of questions about your personal life
-Parents who use a child’s identity
-Children who use a parent’s identity
-Housekeepers, contractors or others who have access to your home

How do I protect myself from identity theft?

By taking a few precautions you can limit the opportunity for an identity thief to steal your personal information.

Safeguard and protect your personal information

-Don’t carry important documents such as Social Security cards, passports, or birth certificates in your purse or wallet. Keep important documents in a safe place at home or in a safe deposit box at the bank. Only carry them when you need them.
-Shred any receipts, financial statements, documents, or bank statements, including credit card bills, before disposing of them.
Immediately report lost or stolen checks immediately to your bank or other financial institution.
-Immediately report lost or stolen debit or credit cards.
-Always store checks in a safe place including cancelled ones. Ask your bank if they will store your checks instead of returning them in the mail.
-Store any account numbers in a safe place and don’t write down passwords for internet sites that contain personal information such as internet banking sites.
-Reconcile your banking statements regularly and consider using your bank’s internet banking service to monitor your accounts regularly. Studies show that identify theft is caught quicker and is less costly by victims who use check their accounts regularly.
-Remove mail from your mailbox as soon after delivery as possible. When mailing bills and credit card payments, take them to a post office or place them in a secure, official U.S. Postal Service collection box.
-Consider using an internet banking service to pay bills since even if there is a loss your bank may be obligated to refund your losses. Be sure to check your bank’s terms and conditions.
-Promptly notify your bank and other creditors when you move or change your phone number or email address.
-Contact creditors if your regular bills do not arrive when expected.

Don’t give away your personal information

Careless conversations can be the best source of identity theft. Make sure you don't make yourself a victim by giving away your confidential information.

- Don't give out personal information, such as your Social Security number or account numbers, over the telephone unless you initiated the call and you know with whom you are dealing.
-If you receive any telephone calls asking for personal information don’t give out personal information until you can verify to the call is legitimate. A good way to do this is to call the customer service number printed on your statement.
-Confirm why personal information is needed before giving it out and even then only give out what is absolutely necessary.
-Register your home and cell phone numbers with the Federal Do Not Call Registry to reduce some unsolicited calls.

Review your credit report regularly

Your credit report shows most accounts and balances opened using your information. Accounts that you can’t recognize or that have unexplained balances could be signs that your identity has been stolen.

-Review your credit report from the three major agencies at least annually to confirm there were no unauthorized credit inquiries made or accounts opened in your name.
-Consider using one of the credit report monitoring services offered by the major credit reporting agencies.
-In the US you are eligible for a free copy of your credit report under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACT Act). The FACT Act requires the three major credit reporting agencies to provide consumers with a free copy of their own credit report each year.

To obtain a free credit report contact:
Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta , GA 30348-5281
1-877-322-8228

What do I do if I think I am a victim of Identity Theft?

-Immediately contact the fraud division of the credit reporting agencies and request that a "fraud alert" be placed in your file. Ask that no new credit be granted without your approval.
-Notify the Social Security Administration by calling 1-800-772-1213.
-Notify all of your creditors of the fraud.
-File a report with your local law enforcement authority.
-Report the fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-438-4338. The FTC is the clearinghouse for identity theft complaints. They provide information to help resolve financial problems that result from identity theft.
-The FTC provides an ID Theft Affidavit which you should complete as soon as possible after you become aware of the fraud. Completing this affidavit can help protect you from responsibility for fraudulent charges on your accounts.
-Keep detailed records of all events once you determine that your identity has been stolen. Include names, telephone numbers, and the date and time you made contact with individuals or companies requesting assistance in recovering your good name.

While no one can be completely safe from Identity theft, simply taking the time to safeguard your information reduce that likelihood. You can also significantly reduce the amount of time and money you spend to recover your identity if you are prepared before you become a victim.

Aubrey Jones is President and founder of Riverbank Consulting, Inc. Since 1996 he has worked to protect internet banking clients for one of the top US financial institutions.

Insurance In The Form Of A Swimming Pool Safety Fence

2009-07-26T16:55:00.002+07:00

Have you installed a swimming pool safety fence or are you going to employ full time lifeguards to supervise your children in the pool this summer? Think of how many kids converge on your home when the weather heats up and how easy it is to court danger and consider the level of peace of mind you want for yourself and your family. A swimming pool safety fence is the only answer.

What could possibly go wrong?

Without a swimming pool safety fence, you leave yourself wide open for a list of realities that you could face. Drowning is the second highest cause of accidental injury-related deaths in children aged fourteen or younger. In the few seconds it takes to turn hamburgers on the barbecue or dash inside for more cold drinks, a child can die. You may or may not hear a splash, but even if you do, it could possibly be too late.

All water activities should be placed behind your swimming pool safety fence. Spas, Jacuzzis, wading pools and buckets are best kept out of harm’s way.

Homeowners’ liability insurance protects you from the legal ramifications of an accident, but a swimming pool safety fence will protect everyone who is invited to your home from becoming a victim of drowning.

Is a fence enough?

Perhaps; perhaps not. It depends on the layout of your yard, the accessibility of the yard from inside the house, whether there are rocks, tables or chairs that can be climbed on to facilitate entry over the fence, and any number of other elements. A swimming pool safety fence should be at least five feet high, and should not be climbable. No opening should be more than four inches wide, so that children cannot squeeze through. Audible alarms can be installed so that you will hear if someone is entering through the gate. The closures on self-closing and self-latching gates and doors around the pool must be situated beyond a child’s reach and all gates should open outward. You can even install pool safety covers for added protection. Having a phone connected near the pool is another way of ensuring help is never far away. You might also like to erect a sign displaying CPR techniques, and point it out to all who use the pool.

When all’s said and done, a swimming pool safety fence is the best physical protection you can provide against child drowning, but adequate supervision is also a must. As a swimming pool owner, it is your responsibility to provide a safe, healthy environment for your own family and for people who come into contact with the pool. Be vigilant for everyone’s sake.

Intruder Alarms Don't Worry Burglars!

2009-07-26T16:55:00.001+07:00

Professional Burglars claim an intruder Alarm does not put them of.

A recent survey has found that intruder alarms do not present any difficulty to professional burglars; the reason is because homeowners often forget to set the intruder alarm or fails to lock their doors and windows properly. Despite the many improvements in home security systems if homeowners fail to use them properly there is little benefit achieved.

Almost half of the persistent burglars interviewed for a recent survey said they believed home security has improved over the last 10 years but they also felt that the improvements would not be enough to stop them breaking in. Only 20% of those surveyed said that a good security system was the most common reason they abandoned an attempted break-in, 40% said being disturbed by the homeowner was the main cause of them giving up a break-in attempt and 40% of those surveyed said they would be put off if there was a noisy dog on the premises.

67% of those surveyed said they always followed the same pattern of searching a house once they are broken in, normally starting in the main bedroom, because this is the usual place that valuables are hidden, they then cover the remaining bedrooms and the main living room, this has proved to be the most efficient way of finding valuable possessions. One interesting fact that emerged from research conducted with burglars currently serving jail sentences was that they consider children's rooms to be the least profitable to search.

The average time that a housebreaking takes is as little as 20 minutes, the average age in which the first burglary was committed was 13, and two thirds of burglars prefer to work alone. Almost all professional burglars go out with the intention of committing an offence, that is to say it is planned rather than opportunistic though obviously if a ripe target presents itself they will take that opportunity to steal.

The main motivation to commit housebreaking is as one would expect money, over 80% of those surveyed cited this as their major motivation, they would search for a suitable target judging the potential value of that home by the type of car on the drive, any obviously valuable items that can be seen through the windows, the amount of cover that was provided by such things as fences or trees, the presence of an intruder alarm or dog, and signs of owner occupation.

It should be noted that most of those surveyed said that even though they were not put off by an intruder alarm they would normally move on to an easier target if one was available, also one has to take into consideration the bravado of the people being surveyed, do remember they were all convicted burglars serving time in prison at the time of the survey.

Is a Dummy Home Security Camera Economical?

2009-07-26T16:54:00.000+07:00

A home security camera is one way to protect your home against would be burglars. A home security camera system is essentially one or more small cameras that are mounted, usually, on the exterior of your home to deter would be burglars. A home security camera typically works in conjunction with a home security system. In many cases the home security camera is activated by motion and can swivel to begin filming in the direction in which motion is detected. The home security camera will transmit the images that it views to a monitor where it can be viewed and recorded. Purchasing a home security camera for several locations on your property and the monitoring and recording equipment can be quite expensive. A home security camera has been proven to be an effective burglary deterrent and for these reasons some homeowners opt for a dummy home security camera to deter burglars without the high price of a real home security camera.

The question, however, is whether or not a dummy home security camera can really be an effective way to protect your home from burglary. There really is no simple answer to this question. A dummy home security camera that is very convincing and can be difficult to distinguish from a real home security camera might be effective. The more the dummy camera looks like the real thing, the more likely it is to fool burglars. The problem with this is that the more realistic the dummy security camera looks, the more expensive it will be. The price may still be lower than a real camera but it may be close enough in price that a real home security camera might be a better option. There are many dummy home security cameras that can be purchased for very little money but when the price is lower so is the quality of the replication. A dummy home security camera that is clearly a fake will not be effective when it comes to deterring burglars.

For many determining whether or not a dummy security camera is an economical choices has more to do with effectiveness than it does with finances. A dummy security camera may certainly be an affordable home security option but if is not effective, it will turn out be very costly. A real home security camera will more than pay for itself if it prevents you from losing valuable or irreplaceable pieces of property. A real home security camera not only acts as a burglary deterrent but in the event that the burglars do enter your property, a real security camera can record valuable evidence that might be useful in regaining your property.

Is CCTV Video Equipment useful?

2009-07-25T00:46:00.001+07:00

CCTV Video Equipment (other wise known as Closed Circuit Television) has been used for the purpose of security surveillance for many years. CCTV Video Equipment differs from broadcast TV equipment as that every part is linked by cables or other direct means. Closed Circuit Television is used by security teams most often where there is a high need for extra security measures. Most all banks, airports and many apartment complexes incorporate CCTV Video Equipment into their security programs.

CCTV Video Equipment was originally developed to help strengthen security in banks however lately there has been some debate over privacy issues with the usage of Closed Circuit Television. As technology has advanced CCTV Video Equipment has become quite simple and inexpensive to use making it a popular choice for home security and for use in surveillance by many private investigators.

The United Kingdom worked in developing CCTV Video Equipment systems as a result of terrorist bombings in the 1970's and 1980's. Today in England there are Closed Circuit TV equipment in many bus stations, public areas and apartment buildings. CCTV Video Equipment used in the United Kingdom has shown to have reduced the amount of crime in parking lots and also crimes against taxi drivers.

The usage of CCTV Video Equipment in the United States in much less common then in the United Kingdom as it's use tends to bring strong opposition because of privacy issues.

While some say that the use of CCTV Video Equipment does help to deter crimes from happening, CCTV Video Equipment's most notable use is in the identification and prosecution of the criminals that are perpetrating the crimes.

Closed Circuit TV has aided in the capture and prosecution of notable terrorist bombers and child abductors. Utilizing CCTV Video Equipment to track the whereabouts of abducted children has become quite commonplace with law enforcement agencies today.

CCTV Video Equipment has also helped keep many law enforcement agencies in check. For instance Closed Circuit TV aided an dismissing some of the claims made by British police when Jean Charles de Menezes, who police officials claimed was responsible for bombing a London subway, was shot to death by police officers.

CCTV Video Equipment is also proving to be useful on the roadways of both the United Kingdom and the United States. Closed Circuit Television can be used to monitor areas of possible traffic congestion and detect when an accident happens. They can also be used to identify and apprehend those breaking traffic laws such as speeding.

While there has been some strong opposition against the overuse and misuse of CCTV Video Equipment systems, Closed Circuit TV has proven in many cases to be a very useful tool in assisting with keeping individuals safe and helping to apprehend those who commit crimes against others.

http://www.ssnt.com

Is Your Burglar Alarm Accredited?

2009-07-25T00:45:00.000+07:00

HAS YOUR BURGLAR ALARM ACCREDITED BY LAW?

Due to safety precautions it is mandatory that every alarm installed in your house is registered with FARS. Before the system is placed into service you must check for the following accreditation,
• NSI (National Security Inspectorate)
• NACOSS (National Approval Council for Security Systems)
• ICON (an approval scheme run by NSI)
• SSAIB (Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board)
Registration
A non-refundable $30.00 registration fee must be paid with each initial registration. A separate registration must be obtained for each alarm user and/or location. Registrations must be renewed on a biennial (2 year) basis at a cost of $10.00. Failure to renew when required will result in no “free” false alarms and the imposition of an additional $100 charge for every false alarm.

False alarm
The main reason for the burglar alarm to be accredited by the government is because of false alarms. Each year the Oakland Police Department receives more than 30,000 false alarms! On average, each response to alarms involves two police officers and takes up to thirty minutes-costing the City in excess of 1.4 million, annually. This is equal to 14 full-time police officers responding only to false alarms.

The burglar alarm ordinance
• Authorizes permit fees (waived for alarm users age 65 and older)
• Authorizes fines and penalties for defective or misused alarm systems
• Requires alarm companies to play a greater role in how customers use and maintain their alarm systems.

Paying for your permit

What ever type of alarm you use it should be accredited by the government. If you have an alarm system that is functional and is activated, the alarm ordinance requires you to obtain a valid alarm user permit. Please remember, if you do not have a permit and the Police Department is dispatched to your location for a false alarm, you will may be subjected to a $250 fine.

Is Your Home Security System Protecting You

2009-07-23T23:31:00.000+07:00

Home Security Systems

Monitoring your home security system has never been easier but there are several things you need to consider before committing yourself to a long term monitoring agreement with any alarm company.

Alarm companies don’t make the majority of their profit from selling security systems; it comes from accumulating a large base of alarm-monitoring contracts. If fact, these monitoring contracts are so profitable that they are frequently bought and sold like mortgage notes.

Tip #1
Ask if they are an authorized alarm dealer or represent a marketing company.
Marketing companies have learned to flood a market with fantastic offers on security systems with the sole purpose of selling the contracts at a profit. They often use any sub-contractor available, which can lead to poor customer service once the marketing company leaves town.

Once you find a reputable alarm company, ask them to come out to your home and give you a quote. You’ll find that most will quote you a basic security system at a reasonable price. These basic security systems generally include a control panel, keypad, motion detector, a couple of door contacts, inside siren, a yard sign and warning decals.

Tip #2
Make sure the equipment can be monitored by any alarm company, not by just the one selling it to you. If they use proprietary security equipment, you could be left in a bind should you become dissatisfied with their service for any reason. Ademco, DSC, & Caddx are well known manufacturers and can be monitored by any one.

Some companies offer a low installation charge of $99.00 or will give you a “FREE” security system. Many do so if you put a security sign in your yard for advertising purposes and commit to a long-term alarm-monitoring contract.

Since the installation charge doesn’t cover the true cost of the equipment and labor, you are charged a substantial monthly fee to recoup their investment. These “deals” or equipment leases aren’t necessarily bad but make it hard to evaluate the true cost to you over time.

Kids and Guns

2009-07-21T11:20:00.000+07:00

As a firearm instructor, you might not believe how many times I hear from someone that they would like to own a gun, but their spouse will not allow it because they have kids in the house. On a grand scale, I understand and agree with the REASONING behind this feeling. It’s a parent’s job to keep their children safe, and no one wants to bring something into the home that is dangerous to their child.

However, while I agree with wanting to keep children safe from harm, I must disagree with the blanket thought that guns in the home are by themselves inherently dangerous. With proper education, storage, and supervision, firearms are no more dangerous than any other tool. I am not in the habit of making broad demands on how others should act. Generally, I teach options and tell the reasons for using each of those options. I can tell you how I deal with this issue of guns in my home with my child and hopefully give prospective to other parents who question guns in the home.

When I was growing up, my parents were not anti-gun, but they were anti-me-having-a-gun. There were guns in my home. My dad was a law enforcement officer and as such always had at least one handgun in the home. My father subscribed to the “old school” policy on kids and guns. Dad said, “Boy, I’ve got a gun in that closet, and if I ever catch you playing with it, you’ll wish you hadn’t”. Well, being the bright child I was, I figured that meant as long as I applied my gun handling skills I learned on TV to keep me from accidentally firing the gun, and I put it back EXACTLY as I found it, I could pose in the mirror in my gunfighter stance whenever I was alone in the house. Luckily I never fired the pistol into the mirror or myself. As I got older, dad did take me out shooting once or twice. We even went hunting once, but they never let me have my own gun so I always had that curiosity.

I imagine that even if there were no guns in my home and if my parents forbid me to even mention guns, I would find someone to let me see one (It happened just like that with a motorcycle, but since mom still doesn’t know about that, we won’t get into details…). The above two examples are the first two of the three most common attitudes parents that I have spoke with have toward children and guns. I subscribe to the third.

In my house we have a smart and independent 7 year old girl. She thinks for herself and is not afraid to abandon what she has been told, if she thinks she knows better. What I have to do first is keep her from being able to access the firearms if she chooses to disregard my gun rules, This is not foolproof. Kids have an uncanny ability to find what they are looking for. I am sure at some point in her life she will find the gun safe keys.

For the second step, we have taught her the NRA’s Eddie Eagle gun safe rules. This strategy was to teach the child what to do if they find a gun. The rules are simple and effective. Eddie Eagle says if the child sees a gun they should: stop, don’t touch, leave the area, and tell an adult. These rules are particularly important, as over 50% of American households have firearms. If she is visiting a friend’s house, we do not want her to try to tell another child not to play with a gun, as that might cause that child to point the gun at our child in order to tease her. We want her safely away from any unsecured gun, not to act like she is in charge of it.

The last thing we do is take away her curiosity. My wife and I took her to the range, and she watched her momma shoot a pistol. I sat with our child and explained to her about guns and answered all her questions. This did not work too well because even with hearing protection, my child thought the handguns were too loud. She did not want to be around them. We then got her a BB rifle. We let her shoot it when she asks to, but she doesn’t really like it very much. Furthermore we don’t force her, but she knows if she wants to shoot, she can as long as she asks and her mother or I take her.

This works well for us. We keep the guns in a locked safe and the ammo locked in a separate room (this does not include our personal carry firearms; they are kept out of reach but not locked up, as they are considered to always be in use.). We taught our child firearm safety rules, particularly what to do if they encounter a gun outside the home. Lastly, we took away her curiosity by exposing her to firearms and what they can do and allowing her the privilege to own her very own BB rifle that she can use when supervised. As she gets older, we plan on increasing her exposure to firearms, but at this point we think she is only ready for the basics.

As the parent, you are the best judge of what your child is ready for. This is only a guideline for when your child asks about guns for the first time. For us, it was when my wife told me to look out the window, and our little girl was on the porch with a red rubber training pistol in one hand, a rubber training knife in the other, and yelling “Pay attention! I am trying to give you a class!” to the family dog. My wife told me I created a monster. It was pretty cute though and served to reinforce in my mind the responsibilities I have toward being a positive role model. If I am unsafe in my attitude toward guns, I can be sure my kid will take notice.

Keeping Your Home Secure While On Vacation

2009-07-21T11:18:00.000+07:00

Imagine returning from your holiday to find your windows broken, your cars and possessions stolen and your pets gone. Your space has been violated.

Relax it shouldn't be necessary to answer that because with the proper preparation you can discourage intruders and have a carefree vacation.

Worry shouldn't be on the agenda when you are vacationing. Your holiday is a treat that should be enjoyed without stressing about the safety of your home. By planning ahead you minimize your risk of something going wrong while you are gone.

Depending on how long you will be gone there are a few common sense things you can do for your home, pets and possessions.

Discourage thieves by getting a house sitter. This is the best way to ward off trouble. If you know someone who will regularly stop by your house - water your plants and turn on the lights you are lucky. If you have animals you might want to think about hiring a house sitter for while you are away. This way your pets are properly cared for and your home is safer. Peace of mind is worth some extra money. If you are going to hire a house sitter - make sure you use reliable and trustworthy service! Ask around.

If you can't get a house sitter the goal is to make your house look lived in. It's a good idea to have a trusted neighbor to look after your home. Someone who can keep an eye on your property and who has a contact number for you should anything go wrong.

There are all kinds of timers you can buy that make it seem like there are people in your house. Light timers and radio timers can be very effective in deterring criminals.

Think about the state of your lawn before you leave. Overgrown grass is a loud signal that there is nobody home.

If you are going to be gone long enough for your post to pile up make an arrangement with a neighbor to pick it up - a pile of unopened mail is an obvious signal to criminals that nobody is home.

Even if you aren't going away for a long time there are some things that you need to do every time you leave the house.
- Always lock your door and leave a key with someone to check on your home while you are gone.

- Turn on the radio/TV and leave some lights on

- Do not leave your spare key under the doormat or in any of the equally obvious hiding places. Rather give a copy to someone else and don't have a spare key anywhere in your garden while you are home. If you MUST hide your key on the property be creative! That blue rock in the backyard under the tree behind the shed is a better/safer bet.

-Develop a reciprocal relationship with your neighbors. Watch their houses when they are away; keep your eyes and ears open for strange happenings and ask them to do the same for you. Group0 together and form a neighborhood watch of some sort
.
If you follow these tips you can be sure your chances are good that you will return to a secure house. If something has happened while you were out; here are some signs to look for

- Broken windows or door should be a major alert that something is wrong. Don't go inside! Call the police and have them check the property.

- If you think you have been broken into don't touch anything; you want to keep the scene preserved for investigation.

Keep Your Home Safe With Covert Hidden Cameras

2009-07-21T11:15:00.002+07:00

Do you have a wall phone located in your home or office? Do you also need the protection of covert hidden cameras? Now you can combine the convenience of a wall phone with the security of a covert hidden camera. These great innovations come wired, which allows the phone to be an actual working phone or wireless, which is then a nonfunctional phone, but just a working camera, and since the camera is pointed out the front of the phone, the camera has a solid view of most rooms.

What if you don’t have a wall phone in your room, or don’t particularly want one, there is another way to covertly keep the activities in the room on camera. You can purchase an attractive wall clock that looks great anywhere you place it. It is fully functional as both a camera and a clock and the camera is completely hidden from view. The best part is that if you need this system to be wireless, that isn’t a problem, and they come with an eight channel scroll selectable receiver that allows versatility in your wireless application.

Okay, so you have an industrial plant and you need security but a wall clock or wall telephone will just stick out like a sore thumb. Your solution can be covert hidden cameras located in a utility box. Who pays attention or thinks twice about utility boxes? With one of these weatherproof, easy to install units, you would have a tiny, hidden, pinhole lens camera that would give you crystal clear video for up to a 700 foot range, and the receiver plugs into a VCR or monitor for easy viewing. Before you know it, you’ll know exactly what’s happening on the premises day or night.

Keep Your Home Safe With Covert Hidden Cameras

2009-07-21T11:15:00.001+07:00

Keep Your Home Safe With Covert Hidden Cameras

2009-07-21T11:15:00.000+07:00

Keep Your Home Safe From Electrical Hazards

2009-07-21T11:14:00.002+07:00

Your home is a safe haven from the world, a place to relax and unwind with family and friends. Unfortunately, hidden dangers may be lurking behind the walls that threaten your safety and that of your loved ones. That's why it's a good time to find out just how safe your home is from electrical hazards.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, there's plenty of reason for concern: Nearly 32,000 fires in the home were caused by faulty house wiring or damaged wiring devices each year between 1999 and 2002. However, there is something you can do to safeguard your home from dangerous electrical hazards. The Leviton Institute recommends that with May being National Electrical Safety Month, homeowners conduct an inspection of their home and outdoor areas as part of their regular spring-cleaning projects.

First, make sure pool pumps, hot tubs and outdoor appliances that require electricity are plugged into GFCI-protected outlets with weatherproof covers. Ground fault circuit interruptors safeguard you and your loved ones from dangerous electrical shock. GFCIs detect when current is leaking from an electrical circuit to ground and automatically shut off the power at the receptacle. They have saved thousands of lives since their introduction in 1972. When choosing a GFCI, it's important to ensure the device is stamped with the UL logo.

In addition, kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, or any other place around the house that has a water source within six feet of the receptacle needs GFCI protection. Check all outlets and switches for cracks, broken parts or loose-fitting plugs. Replace defective devices immediately, as well as those that feel hot to the touch. You should also inspect all power cords and extension cords: Those showing signs of cracking, fraying or obvious wear should be replaced immediately. Never run extensions under rugs, carpets or furniture where damage can hide.

Make sure outlets are not overloaded. Most household outlets are typically rated around 15-20 amps. Plugging too many appliances into one outlet can exceed that rating and create a fire or shock hazard.

When you use an extension cord, always plug the appliance into the extension cord first before plugging the extension cord into the outlet.

Keep Burglars Out With A Home Security System

2009-07-21T11:14:00.001+07:00

A home security system doesn't just keep your home and property safe, it also provides peace of mind. Statistics show that your home is three times more likely to be broken into if you have no security system.

Basic home security systems are made up of the control pad, a motion sensor (or possible several), a few magnetic switches on doors and windows and of course an alarm. The switches and motions sensors can be either wired or wireless.

More advanced systems may include video cameras and centralized monitoring by the alarm company. Monitoring gives you an extra level of security because you'll have trained personnel keeping track of your security system.

One of the main advantages of having a home security system is its deterrant factor. If a potential thief sees the yard sign or sticker saying that your house is protected, or if the alarm is activated while they are attempting to break in, they'll be less likely to go through with it.

Being the lowlifes that they are, they're more likely to look for the path of least resistance and will find a home that doesn't have protection instead.

There are 5 major components that almost every security system should include:

1. Control Panel

This is the control system for the alarm - the "brains" behind it. This is usually installed somewhere like the basement or in a closet, as it isn't necessary to access it very often.

2. Keypad

The keypad is normally installed somewhere relatively close to the main entrance to the house. It lets you arm and disarm the alarm, as well as control the various other components.

3. Magnetic contacts

These contacts are installed on doors and windows and will sound the alarm if the contact is broken when the alarm system is armed.

4. Sensors

Motion sensors are the most common but there are also body heat sensors available. Again, if the system is armed these sensors will sound the alarm if there is any motion (or heat) detected.

5. Alarm

This is usually a loud siren or clanger and may include flashing lights for even more attention.

Is Your Home Security System Protecting You

2009-07-21T11:13:00.001+07:00

home security,security,home protection,protecting your home. Home Security Systems

Monitoring your home security system has never been easier but there are several things you need to consider before committing yourself to a long term monitoring agreement with any alarm company.

Alarm companies don’t make the majority of their profit from selling security systems; it comes from accumulating a large base of alarm-monitoring contracts. If fact, these monitoring contracts are so profitable that they are frequently bought and sold like mortgage notes.

Tip #1
Ask if they are an authorized alarm dealer or represent a marketing company.
Marketing companies have learned to flood a market with fantastic offers on security systems with the sole purpose of selling the contracts at a profit. They often use any sub-contractor available, which can lead to poor customer service once the marketing company leaves town.

Once you find a reputable alarm company, ask them to come out to your home and give you a quote. You’ll find that most will quote you a basic security system at a reasonable price. These basic security systems generally include a control panel, keypad, motion detector, a couple of door contacts, inside siren, a yard sign and warning decals.

Tip #2
Make sure the equipment can be monitored by any alarm company, not by just the one selling it to you. If they use proprietary security equipment, you could be left in a bind should you become dissatisfied with their service for any reason. Ademco, DSC, & Caddx are well known manufacturers and can be monitored by any one.

Some companies offer a low installation charge of $99.00 or will give you a “FREE” security system. Many do so if you put a security sign in your yard for advertising purposes and commit to a long-term alarm-monitoring contract.

Since the installation charge doesn’t cover the true cost of the equipment and labor, you are charged a substantial monthly fee to recoup their investment. These “deals” or equipment leases aren’t necessarily bad but make it hard to evaluate the true cost to you over time.

Is Your Burglar Alarm Accredited?

2009-07-21T11:12:00.000+07:00

Is CCTV Video Equipment useful?

2009-07-21T11:11:00.000+07:00

Is a Dummy Home Security Camera Economical?

2009-07-21T11:10:00.000+07:00

Low Voltage Landscape Lighting

2009-07-20T17:08:00.003+07:00

Landscape lighting is a rising trend for most home owners wanting to illuminate their homes at night time. Landscape lighting is better described as painting with light and is about beautifying all that is natural or man made in a landscaped setting around the home. Landscape lighting is no longer a luxury item for the average to up market neighborhood. Landscape lighting is most effective when used in limited, subtle ways. If designed correctly it can be an extension of your home décor and can extend the use of outdoor spaces to the home while providing safety, atmosphere and space definition. It can also be most effective is hiding unwanted features such as trash cans or compost bins. Landscape lighting is used to bring trees and scrubs to life at night and extenuate features around your home that are not visible or obvious during the day time. If used correctly low level lighting can be used to illuminate pathways and stairs for safety and security. Landscape lighting allows you to enjoy your garden and exterior amenities of your home even after the sun has set.

Security
Landscape lighting is one of the best security systems you can install. Landscape lighting can be used as a deterrent to residential crime. Correct proportions of landscape lighting surrounding your home, has been shown to minimize crimes by as much as fifty percent. Landscape lighting has two great uses to aid in the security of your home. The lighting can intimidate possible intruders to avoid trespassing on to your property. Should this fail, the illuminated areas will also make it possible for you or your neighbor’s to see any intruders as they trespass.

Safety
Typically low voltage lighting systems are used for landscape lighting around the home. The preferred light fittings used to create landscape lighting, are low voltage, weather resistant fixtures. The low voltage used reduces the risk of electrocution if live wiring or terminals are touched. Also if power supply transformers are used to reduce the voltage, then they also isolate the low voltage system from the mains voltage which increases safety.

Not just the Garden
Although landscape lighting brings your garden and exterior amenities to life at night time, facade or feature lighting to the exterior of your home should also be considered. If the landscaping has been done correctly it should compliment the house properly during the day. Why not extend the landscape lighting to the exterior surfaces of the home as well.
Narrow beamed lighting that highlights sharp features and wide angled flood lighting to pick up flat surfaces are preferred. These two simple methods create pools of light and shadows that will transform a house that may be uninteresting during the day, and make it come to life at night.
Installation
Low voltage landscape lighting is easy to install even if you've never done any electrical installations before. The easiest are prewired lighting systems. These are low voltage light fittings that come completely prewired and ready to install, with weather proof transformers, sealed connectors and pre-installed lamps. All you need to do is place each light fitting that is connected to a string of wire, where you want it, connect the transformer to the mains voltage and turn it on. It’s that simple.
Separately wired low voltage light fittings and transformers should only be installed by persons that have the experience to do so. It is recommended that these installations should be carried out by a qualified electrician.
Remember that during the installation it is desirable to include a timer or a daylight sensor so that the lighting is automatically switched off during daylight hours.
Normally landscape lighting is added after the landscaping has been completed. With this in mind it would be a good idea to lay conduits or ducts into your garden. This would minimize any trench digging when it came time to run your low voltage wiring. Map out where you think you will want your light fittings and lay conduits or ducts to suit.

Design
Once the layout of the landscape has been established, it is very important to plan the placement of your landscape lighting. Lighting can focus on aspects in your landscape which are special to you, such as garden art, a water feature, or an unusual planting. Create a point of interest by highlighting a particular tree, shrub, or architectural aspect of you landscape with a flood light placed at ground level and focused upward. Combinations of light and shadow can create dramatic effects in complete contrast to the daylight scene. Lighting around pools can create a nice mirroring effect off the water or create a tropical feel. Lighting can hide obvious landscape problems while accentuating positive features. Landscape lighting design is very similar to the design of the landscape itself.
Most landscape architects will include a lighting scheme with their design.

Budget
Low voltage landscape lighting is often a do-it-yourself project and there are many options to suit your budget. Landscape lighting is also more affordable than ever coming in dozens of styles at a wide range of prices. Although it is tempting to purchase the cheaper incandescent lighting systems, in the long run the compact fluorescent options are better. Incandescent lamps will last for between 750 to 1000 hours. Halogens will last for 3500 to 5000 hours. But fluorescent lamps will last for as much as 10,000 hours. Because low voltage fluorescent light fittings have a lower power consumption than incandescent or halogens this makes them more desirable. Fluorescent light fittings also last longer than any other light fitting because they do not get as hot.

Solar Lighting
An alternative to low voltage lighting are solar lights. Solar landscape lighting stores energy captured during the day and then when it becomes dark enough, the outside lighting switches on automatically and stay on all night until they run out of battery power. A very good point is that solar lighting dose not use any wiring or external power source Unfortunately the disadvantages of solar lighting is that they give out very low levels of lighting and this gets dimmer as the night goes on.

Listening Devices for the Telephone

2009-07-20T17:08:00.001+07:00

If you are one of those people who need to use listening devices for your telephone, there are many different ones to choose from. It does not matter what the reason is, whether you are doing it for covert operations in police work, making sure that your employees are not running up lots of long distance charges on your business phone, keeping track of who is using your business phone for lots of personal phone calls, or just keeping a record of important information that is received over the telephone.

One of the greatest listening devices made for this purpose is the thirty-four hour, no battery drain, and telephone recorder. You heard it right – no battery drain. And it does not matter where you may need to use these particular listening devices, whether it is a pay phone, a hotel, digital, or universal cell, this unit comes with a recording interface that works in all of those applications. Once this listening device is connected, it will automatically turn on the minute the receiver is lifted.

And because it runs for a full twelve hours of actual telephone conversation on a single set of “AAA” batteries, it is perfect for situations where A/C power access is limited or nonexistent. But when there is a wall plug available, there is an optional AC adaptor that you can use with this unit as well. With the no battery drain, you do not have to worry about using up precious battery time while the unit is resting, waiting for the next conversation to record. The VOR recording completely eliminates gaps in the recording.

Let's look at locks

2009-07-20T17:07:00.003+07:00

History

From the beginning of humankind people have felt the urge to protect what they possess. They start by covering the entrance of their caves with stones; later they hid their gold and jewels in the ground.

Then they discovered locks. These were first made of wood and rope. They served the purpose well, although they were not so nicely designed. There is a lot of historical proof which certifies the use of locks long before we could imagine. Even in the Bible (Old Testament, Books of Judges) we have frequent mention of locks and keys.

Types

In modern society we have keys and locks for everything: the house, the office, the car, the bike. We even have more than one key for the same building; keys and locks are so much a part of our daily routine that we don't take them into consideration (or maybe we do that only when the ring of keys is too heavy to be placed in our pockets).

But we do give a lot of thought when we have to pick the type of lock or the type of key. Basically we are talking about mechanical locks (based on mechanical activation of the keys) electro-mechanical locks (can be both mechanical or electrical activated, but usually the key is replaced with numbered buttons that have to be pressed) and electrical locks (activated by a card key that has a particular code, programmed to be read by a card reader which is controlled by an automated central or a local processor).

How to pick the lock?

It is not as complicated as we think, but also not as easy as it appears in a lot of movies. Some say that this requires both art and science. We have to have a good knowledge of the lock mechanism and, some practice.

Firstly we insert a tension wrench in the lock (a screwdriver for example) and, with a slight pressure, turn the plug (the lock cylinder) like the proper key would have done (we have to figure out what is the normal direction for the key to be turned). It will help create a small place between the lock pins (placed inside the lock). Then we have to insert a lock pick in order to lift them up (like the proper key will do when inserted in the lock). Doing this and continuing to apply pressure on the tension wrench we will hear a slight click (made by the pins when they fall in the right position) and the lock will be unlocked.

For unsophisticated locks we can use a metal hair pin as a lock pick. But professional locksmiths need an adequate pick tools kit. Basically this contains a tension wrench (they have different shapes and sizes) and several picks(long pieces of metal which are curved up at one end). Some can use an electrical pick gun (contains long pieces of metal and when they vibrate push the pins up and unlock the lock).

Re keying lock

The process of re keying is quite simple (takes couple of minutes) and it shouldn't be confused with the process of replacing a lock. Actually it consists of disassembling the lock cylinder and replacing all the old lock pins with new ones, to match the new key. Then the cylinder is reinstalled in the lock!

When for example a member of the family loses the house key we can assume that a burglar has it. We should immediately re key the house lock to prevent a potential theft. It doesn't cost a lot in time and money, but it can spare us a big stress. The same procedure is advisable when moving into a new house/apartment.

The better the lock is, the harder it will be for a burglar to break in!

Light Up With Covert Hidden Cameras

2009-07-20T17:07:00.001+07:00

If you are looking for an inconspicuous way to protect your business with covert hidden cameras, then you may want to consider the emergency light camera. You see them everywhere in businesses. Or do you? Actually you probably don’t pay much attention to them unless the power has gone out and the emergency lights have come on to light your way. These great little covert hidden cameras even automatically switch from color to black and white in low light situations, and have a line of site range of one thousand feet.

But let’s say that you would like to have covert hidden cameras, disguised as a light in an outdoor environment. An emergency light might look a little out of place outside. That is when you would want to get the wireless floodlight camera instead. These totally undetectable covert hidden camera surveillance systems will work like a charm for both businesses and personal homes. Everybody has floodlights right?

But these beauties not only work for floodlights, they can even be used in any ceiling light fixture. And installation is so easy; it is as simple as screwing in a light bulb, literally. Then all you need to do is plug the decoder, which comes included with the system, into any AC outlet and connect it to a TV or VCR. You will be watching your live surveillance immediately; it takes less than a minute to install.

The covert hidden cameras in these lights operate off the existing wiring in your home, office, place of business, or even a vacation home. There are no wires, no fuss, no muss, and it is so portable so you can use the same camera at more than one site.

Locking Doors Still Best Bet Against Burglaries

2009-07-20T17:06:00.000+07:00

Not so long ago, people did not feel the need to lock their doors or windows. But times have changed, and so has the need to use locks for protection.

According to the National Crime Prevention Council, most individuals do not have the proper lock security. Only half of Americans have dead-bolt locks on all of the entry doors to their homes and nearly one in five have none at all.

The National Crime Prevention Council recommends checking and updating old locks on all doors and windows and replacing them with ones that provide protection from keys being duplicated without your knowledge, such as Medeco Security Locks. In addition, it advises you to make sure your locks have a long enough bolt so that the door cannot be pried open.

Installing quality locks is the first line of defense against home burglaries since they can protect you against physical attack. Other steps can be taken to increase your security, as well. Here are some tips from the National Crime Prevention Council.

* Use your locks. Even the best locks can't protect you if you don't use them.

* Do some yard work. Trim hedges and bushes so thieves can't hide out.

* Know your neighbors. Neighbors who look out for each other are among the best, and least expensive, defenses against neighborhood crime.

* Secure your spare. Leave your spare key with a trusted neighbor. Never hide it on the property. Burglars have more experience looking for keys than you do hiding them.

* Let there be light. Make sure all outside entrances - front, back and side - have good lighting so burglars can't easily hide.

* Stop mail and paper deliveries. A pile of newspapers in the driveway is a clear sign to a thief that you're away from home.

Options In Effective Intrusion Detection

2009-07-20T17:05:00.003+07:00

If you think of intrusion detection as you would for intrusions into your home, you will find that once someone ‘breaks in’ they have destroyed much of your hard work, both physically and emotionally. They have done damage and invaded your space. Effectively detecting whether or not these ‘break ins’ are happening is very important for your business. Effective intrusion detection can protect confidentiality, integrity and availability resources.

You have two choices here. You can go with manual intrusion detection or automated. In manual, you will need to perform searches to exam log files or look for other signs that someone has gotten in. But, with automated intrusion detection, the system will take care of the work for you allowing for a more complete exam as well as one that can be counted on and done on a timely basis. They can be host based or network based. Automated systems are generally called IDS’s.

When something is found by the IDS, it will alert you that a possible intrusion has occurred. This can be done through sending an email alert, by logging relevant information or even by contacting via mobile phone or pager. It will be up to you to determine what has happened and how it happened though. Usually, intrusion detection does not prevent intrusion, nor does it fix any problems that arise due to it. But, effective intrusion detection is still necessary and relying on an automated system will make sure you are up to date as needed.

There are also many information portals now devoted to the subject and we recommend reading about it at one of these. Try googling for “intrusion detection” and you will be surprised by the abundance of information on the subject. Alternatively you may try looking on Yahoo, MSN or even a decent directory site, all are good sources of this information.

Outdoor Landscape Lighting as a Security System

2009-07-20T17:05:00.001+07:00

Outdoor landscape lighting can be a very decorative addition to any garden. But what about the additional benefits of the security and safety that it can also provide.

Security
Outdoor landscape lighting is one of the best security systems you can install. Landscape lighting can be used as a deterrent to residential crime. Correct proportions of outdoor landscape lighting surrounding your home, has been shown to minimize crimes by as much as fifty percent. Landscape lighting has two great uses to aid in the security of your home. The lighting can intimidate possible intruders to avoid trespassing on to your property. Should this fail, the illuminated areas will also make it possible for you or your neighbor’s to see any intruders as they trespass.

As well as lighting an intruder visually, they will also create shadows. At night when vision is limited a moving shadow is easy to see. Even though you probably won’t clearly make out the intruder in the darkness, your eye will be drawn to the movement straight away which will put you on alert immediately.

When designing your outdoor landscape lighting it is a good idea to light the pathways separately as to lighting individual garden features. This can be done using separate wiring circuits. To save power the feature lighting can be turned off very late at night, say after 1.30 am and the pathway lighting can remain on for safety and security.
Also remember when wiring your outdoor landscape lighting, make sure to bury the wiring. It is common for intruders to see this wiring an cut it knowing that it will blow the lighting fuse which will turn off all of your lights.

Safety
Typically low voltage lighting systems are used for outdoor landscape lighting around the home. The preferred light fittings used to create outdoor landscape lighting, are low voltage, weather resistant fixtures. The low voltage used reduces the risk of electrocution if live wiring or terminals are touched. Also if power supply transformers are used to reduce the voltage, then they also isolate the low voltage system from the mains voltage which increases safety.

Low voltage lighting outdoor systems around the home garden also use low wattage lamps. These do not heat up as much as the larger sized lamps commonly used inside the home. The risk of burning anyone is reduced. Also the risk of burning and damaging plants by the directed light is also greatly reduced.

Maintenance
Always check your low voltage outdoor landscape lighting regularly. Say once every week. Lamps eventually burn out and require replacement regularly. Another problem is that plants outgrow their original shape and form and you will need to re-aim the lighting again to suit. The neighbor’s cat or dog may also knock your lighting over if it is loosely installed.

Multiple Camera Hidden Digital Video Recorders

2009-07-20T17:04:00.003+07:00

Crime is on the rise or so it seems. Whether you are operating your own business or just want to insure the safety of your own home, you may want to think long and hard about using hidden digital video recorders to keep an eye on things. If your business or home is fairly large, you know that you may need to have several hidden digital video recorders operating all at the same time. Fortunately, there are several models of hidden digital video recorders that can operate numerous security cameras all at the same time.

One unit in particular, allows you to connect up to eight cameras and has eight alarm inputs. The great part is that all eight cameras can be viewed on one monitor, so you don’t have to go broke building a wall of monitors to handle the job. Once an alarm goes off, the switcher will lock onto the camera covering the area where the alarm went off. And if more than one alarm sounds, it will switch automatically between the affected areas. You can also manually excluded unaffected cameras or lock the affected cameras so that you have a constant view of the trouble spot.

There is also a nine camera version of these hidden digital video recorders that allows you to change setting from one, two, four or eight camera viewing, too. The system adjusts to your needs regardless of how many hidden digital video recorders you are using. Then if you need to expand your system, you don’t have to worry about purchasing another system, you are ready to go for up to nine cameras.

Mistakes In Home Safety

2009-07-20T17:04:00.001+07:00

We all want to feel more secure in our homes, especially in terms of protecting ourselves and our loved ones from harm and in preventing the loss or damage to our personal property. There are several areas in which people invest to make themselves feel more secure in their homes, but in doing so there are also several glaring mistakes that are made. Here are some of the areas in which home owners frequently trip up win the effort to feel secure.

The worst mistake that any home owner can make in protecting their homes is to feel overconfident in the measures they have put into place. Most of us cannot afford the time or the money it takes to install a foolproof security system, and only commercial properties with a vested interest would want to attempt this anyway. Therefore, any measures undertaken to secure a home will come with their limitations. Many security measures can act as prevention only in the deterrence of the entry of an unwanted person onto your property. Home security cameras are a good example here; if a potential thief sees a camera scanning your property, the odds are very good that he will not attempt foul play. However, in the case of a very determined or professional criminal, a camera may do nothing to dissuade him from entry. In this event, the camera will serve no better purpose than to record events as they happen in order to allow for the authorities to better track the criminal down after the event, they will do nothing to actually protect your property. So do not be too secure in your electronic installments; even home alarm systems may not always deter thieves (actually, if you go for a home alarm it is better to use the silent variety, as the criminal will not realize that help is on the way).

In the event that a criminal enters your property while you are still there, do not remind them that you have cameras or that you have seen their faces. It could lead to far worse circumstances. It is best not to act belligerent, but instead remember that once the person leaves you will be in control and the odds are good that they will be caught. The best method is co-operation.

One of the biggest mistakes in home security that people make is purchasing a gun for that purpose. More people are hurt or wounded because of guns in the home for security than are hurt while attempting to carry out a crime in the home of a firearms owner. Safe storage of your firearm dictates that it be stored unloaded and far away from any ammunition, especially if there are children in the home. Such a measure will render the fact that you have a firearm in your nightstand drawer useless in the event that someone breaks in. In addition, many criminals are familiar with firearms, much more so than the average home owner. Threatening a criminal with a firearm will likely worsen the situation, and not help you out.

Outdoor Security – System Design

2009-07-20T17:03:00.000+07:00

Outdoor security systems are of particular importance at outdoor sporting events such as baseball games, soccer fields as well as schools, airports, companies and homes. Here are some new developments in outdoor security technology so you can relax and enjoy the game in safety.

Deterrent Properties - Outdoor Security

Outdoor security relies on the deterrent properties of the fence or other outdoor security apparatus to detect and block entry of unauthorized people, vehicles and animals, etc. Today, the issue of outdoor security is of major importance to everyone whether we like it or not and the outdoor security is a serious and lucrative business.

Complete Perimeter Security - Outdoor Security

Among the latest developments in outdoor security is a line of taut wire perimeter intrusion detection systems. The unique component in this outdoor security system is a fence combined with a sophisticated intrusion detection system. If someone or something tries to enter the restricted outdoor security zone, the system will sound the alarm at the outdoor security system headquarters

Analog Sensors - Outdoor Security

While the technical aspects are secret, outdoor security systems based on self-balancing analog sensors are used extensively to monitor fences worldwide. An attempt to invade the outdoor security safe area is recorded on the analog sensors and analyzed before sounding the alarm. These outdoor security systems are based on highly sensitive analog sensors for detecting possible intrusions along with a very low false alarm rate. There is so much at stake in outdoor security for airports, stadiums and public events – and the first and best line of defense is the outdoor security provided by these analog sensors.

False Alarms - Outdoor Security

If outdoor security was not such a serious issue, false alarms would be quite humorous such rain, snow, hail, shifting soil, and the odd fox looking for a hen. The accepted rate for outdoor security false alarms is about one alarm per kilometer of fence in a three month period. There are also outdoor security systems based on this technology for home owners. Look out your window at the shifting weather, vehicles and people zipping by your house. Are you safe? For peace of mind, check out cost effective outdoor security systems to protect you and your loved ones.

Purifying the Air With Covert Hidden Cameras

2009-07-20T16:46:00.001+07:00

In today’s modern society, spying and protecting your premises has become an art form. There are so many different devices that have been developed to hide covert hidden cameras that without a bug detector, it would seem nearly impossible to find them all. Even the most mundane devices can actually contain covert hidden cameras.

For example, you can purchase covert hidden cameras that have been placed inside of an air filter. Once type of model is a fully functional plug and play surveillance system that has the camera inside is virtually undetectable by the naked eye. It even comes with extra filters.

But for the ultimate air purifier with covert hidden cameras, you definitely want the one that is not only self-contained, but motion activated and is capable of recording up to 20,000 images. This gem not only purifies the air but because it is also a DVR, you don’t have to worry about transmitting the images you record all over the neighborhood. And it’s hassle free and easy to use.

Simply “arm” your camera using a convenient remote control as soon as motion is detected, the camera will begin to record images until fifteen seconds after all motion stops. And playing the images back is also a breeze. Simply disarm the unit, remove the postage stamp size MMC card and pop it into the reader, which connects to your laptop or desktop computer through the USB port. And depending upon the size MMC card you choose, you can record up to 3,000 images, 12,000 images, or even more.

Providing You With Effective Technologies And Ways To Fight Privacy Theft

2009-07-20T16:45:00.004+07:00

Identity theft is fast rising up on the list of crimes being committed in the US. Last year’s identity theft statistics state that almost 9.5 million Americans became victims of privacy theft, collectively suffering a loss of almost five billion dollars. Anybody can become a victim of privacy theft and in a day and age where information is already easily available, it is extremely important that you take all kinds of precautions to prevent identity theft.

Identity theft prevention is extremely important if you do not want to be defrauded and you should take special care never to disclose your bank account numbers, credit card numbers and social security number to anybody apart from authorized people. Giving such information over the phone to different callers is a complete no no and it is advised that you unsubscribe from unsolicited promotional calls. Giving away pin numbers is a big mistake and so is letting people stand behind while you operate your ATM or credit card.

The internet and your computer is the place where most people succumb to identity theft nowadays. In order to prevent identity theft, use good quality anti virus and anti spy ware software on your computer. Do not respond to any mails that ask for personal information, even if the mail comes from your own bank or company. This could be a phishing attempt and no reputable company is asking for personal information through emails nowadays. Always sign out properly whenever you sign in at a site. Make sure that you shop only at trusted online stores. Do not keep your personal information like your bank account details and passwords on your computer’s hard disk drive. As far as passwords are concerned, please spend some time devising a secure password since it might end up saving you a lot of time, money and hassles later on. Remember that passwords derived out of date of births, names and social security numbers are no passwords at all.

Most people do not discover that their identity has been stolen till it is too late. In fact, on an average, people got to know that their identities were stolen only after an year or so. Since identity thieves generally use your personal information to get money through your bank account or credit card one way or the other, it is extremely important that you check your bank and credit statements thoroughly and inform your credit card company or bank ASAP in case you see any discrepancies. Checking your credit report regularly is a good way of checking for identity theft since your credit history reveals all your transactions.

Report identity theft the moment you have any doubts that someone has access to your personal information or is misusing it. Inform your banks, credit card companies, all three credit bureaus and register a complaint with both the FTC and the local police. Do not delay reporting a loss of credit cards, ATM cards, debit cards and social security cards also, since even a slight delay can lead to severe losses in these cases.

Protecting Your Family From Violence

2009-07-20T16:45:00.003+07:00

It may seem surprising to some but an excellent way to protect yourself and your family from violence may be to watch more movies and TV. Here's why:

A key media organization is helping various TV shows and movies to depict the realities of such issues as health, drugs, mental illness, diabetes, sun safety, crime and guns.

For example, among the safety suggestions urged for gun owners are:

• Learn the characteristics of your firearm.

• Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.

• Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.

• Keep your finger off the trigger.

• Never rely on a mechanical safety.

• Keep the gun unloaded and the action open until you're ready to shoot.

• Know your target and what's behind it.

• Use only the correct ammunition for your firearm.

• Know what to do in case of a misfire.

• Wear protective ear and eye equipment.

• Keep the firearm free of obstructions.

• Don't modify your firearm.

• Do not mix guns with alcohol, over-the-counter, prescription or illegal drugs; or fatigue.

The organization points out that most people have an impression of gun violence that is not always accurate. In fact, research suggests the presence of a gun in the home increases the risk of a homicide by three times and a suicide by five times. Studies suggest a gun in the home is more likely to be used against the owner or owner's family, than as self-defense against an intruder.

The group encourages script-writers to show gun violence realistically and to challenge the popular myths and misconceptions, perhaps with real life examples, current events, statistics and examples of gun safety and injury prevention measures. The next time you turn on the TV or go to the movies, watch for whether this advice has been followed.

Protecting Your Family From Fire Hazards In Your Home

2009-07-20T16:45:00.001+07:00

The Home Safety Council reports that fires and burns are the third leading cause of home injury in the United States. The sad fact is, much of the time, these fires could have been prevented. Many homeowners have fire alarm systems and - while the fire alarms are effective
in notifying you and your monitoring company of a fire in progress - the alarms don't prevent fires.

Don't put yourself and your family at unnecessary risk. If you know where the primary trouble spots for fire are, you can do a room-by-room assessment and make any needed changes before you and your family become victims.

Most people focus on the kitchen when it comes to fire safety. They make sure their fire alarm systems include smoke and fire detectors in the kitchen as well as fire extinguishers. Most people already know they should:

· never leave the kitchen while cooking

· never wear loose clothing around burners or gas flames

· always carefully watch splattering oils during frying

· never have paper, plastic or other flammables near burners

However, the majority of homeowners stop there. Unfortunately, we all have fire hazards throughout our homes. Each room needs to be given due attention in order to prevent fires from occurring. Installing fire alarms is a great idea, but you can't stop there. To be thorough, use the following checklist to conduct a room-by-room survey. Once you're finished, you can feel much more confident that you and your family are safe from potential fires.

Living Room

___ Fireplace has a screen, glass door or other protective device to prevent sparks from exiting the fireplace.

___ Matches and lighters are stored in a locked cabinet if small children are in the home.

___ The fireplace has been inspected annually and cleaned by a professional as needed.

Garage or Outdoor Area

___ Chemicals (including fertilizers) are locked and out of reach of children.

___ Gasoline and kerosene are stored outside the home in a cool place in properly ventilated containers.

___ Grills are kept at least two feet away from anything flammable including bushes and tree branches.

___ Grills have been cleaned of all grease drippings, inside and out.

All Rooms

___ Cigarettes are dipped in water before being disposed of.

___ Candles are never left unattended.

___ Space heaters are kept several feet away from curtains and drapes, newspapers, magazines, books, blankets, towels or other flammables.

___ Electrical outlets are not overloaded.

___ Power cords are in good condition and are not frayed.

When you take just an hour or two to inspect your home, you can dramatically reduce your chances of falling victim to a fire. Alarm systems are a tremendous help in times of trouble, but by taking a few preventative steps, you greatly reduce the likelihood of an accident happening in your home

Protect Your Home Or Apartment When You Go On Vacation

2009-07-20T16:44:00.003+07:00

Going on a vacation is wonderful and you deserve it. Coming home to find that your home has been broken into will make all those good times be forgotten in an instant.

One of the times your home is most vulnerable is when it is left empty for an extended period of time such as when the occupants are on vacation or on extended business trips. Darkened windows, unretrieved mail or newspapers and closed windows in hotter weather all tell of your absence to a potential burglar.

The best protection for your house or apartment during your absence is to have a house sitter.

A friend you trust staying at your house can take care of your pets and/or plants in addition to making sure the house is occupied. Of course this scenario is not always an option. Here are some precautions that should be taken by the owner or inhabitants to take before leaving on their trip away from home.

• Have a neighbor check on your apartment or house while you’re away – turning on lights, radios or TVs and opening and closing curtains will give your apartment or house the appearance of someone home.

• If you don’t have a friend or neighbor to house sit or check your apartment while you’re away – perhaps even if you do – you should keep not only lights on but also a TV or radio on at all times unless you have a timer which is recommended. If you’re like many others you have your TV on almost all the time you’re home, not for viewing but just as background noise. It is the absence of the sound and that blueish light in the windows that announces you’re not there. Using readily available timers you could also have lights, radios, and TV’s going on and off at different times adding to the illusion to a potential thief that someone is home.

• Make sure whoever is checking your apartment or house while you’re away knows how to work any alarm system and who to call in case of a problem.

• Unless you have a house sitter, stop your mail by notifying the post office and any newspapers or other items that are delivered to your home on a regular basis. Nothing broadcasts an empty apartment or house better than a stack of newspapers or an overflowing mailbox. Ask a nearby neighbor if they could pick up any packages that happens to be delivered any way while you’re gone.

• If you have a garden or plants on your balcony, make sure someone is watering the plants regularly or put the plants where they can’t be seen. Plants slowly dying due to lack of water may announce your absence to the would be thief.

• If you rent check your lease. Many landlords require that you notify them if your apartment is going to be left empty for any period of time so they can enter in case of emergency even if they can’t reach you. Naturally if you’ve got a house sitter this isn’t necessary.

• If you are away from home in winter make arrangements to have your place shoveled and plowed. If you are away during the warmer months make arrangements for someone to mow your lawn if it looks like it needs some attention.

Of course, many of these recommendations are just common sense. With a little planning ahead and thinking on your part you can make sure there are no nasty surprises when you return from you vacation or business trip.

Protect your Home and Family by Installing Home Security Systems

2009-07-20T16:44:00.001+07:00

Since thefts and burglaries are happening more and more often, people should be made aware of the measures that should be taken in order to increase or improve home security. At least one fourth of the burglaries and property violations are committed very easy because burglars find open doors and windows that they can get in through, so you everyone should know a few basic things about home and family security.

The first thing that you should do and that will greatly reduce the chances of becoming the victim of a robbery is to acquire a home security system, and to make sure that people around know that you have a home alarm system installed, and maybe even put a part of it in a more visible place so that burglars can see that you own one. This will most likely drive them away from your house.

Unfortunately people only buy home security systems after they have been burglarized. Almost all people who have been the victims of a robbery bought more that a basic home alarm system afterwards, but everything could have been prevented if they owned a basic one before.

After purchasing a home security system most of the danger is gone, but you still need to do some things to increase safety: Use the best locks, and not only for your doors, but for your windows too. Burglars do not only enter houses through doors.

Try to make it seem like you are home even if you are not. In order to do this you can leave some clothes outside and ask a friend collect your mail and newspapers. You can even use a special device that turns the lights on when the night falls.

Do not leave valuable things outside, or near windows and other places that make them visible, because they will attract burglars.

Anyway the best method of securing your home is to have a home alarm system installed. It will monitor your house 24 hours a day and send an alarm signal whenever there is trouble. In some cases home security systems even saved the lives of people. It does not take long to set up an alarm system, and after you do that it will function permanently. It only requires a little maintenance once in a while to make sure that it works fine. It even has an emergency power supply in case a power failure occurs, so you don't have to worry about anything.

Protect Your Family And Vehicle From Unscrupulous Thieves

2009-07-20T16:43:00.004+07:00

Anyone who has had a car or truck stolen knows the anxiety, helplessness and inconvenience that one goes through. If you are on vacation and have your vehicle stolen it can be even more damaging because you may not have other family and friends to help you get through the initial shock of it.

Not all vehicles that have been stolen come back in the same shape you last left it in. It can be trashed inside and out. After all, the people that have taken your vehicle have no respect whatsoever for your hard earned dollars that purchased the vehicle in the first place. And that is what a criminal is, someone who takes but does not give. There is no valid exchange that has occurred and they really don’t care.

So how do you protect yourself and loved ones? Here are a few tips to help keep you and your vehicle safe:

1) Never leave your car running while you run in to get something from a gas station or convenience store. A high percentage of theft occurs there. Thieves love this easy in easy out method.

2) Always lock your car. Almost half of all theft occurs in unlocked cars.

3) Never leave your keys in the ignition. It’s the same easy in and out method thieves love. Don’t give them that opportunity.

4) Don’t put that spare key hidden under your car. Thieves are well versed on that and will find them quick and easy.

5) Don’t leave your title or registration in your vehicle. Thieves can easily use this to dispose of your car.

6) If you live in a hot climate you may be tempted to leave the windows open a bit while parked. Don’t! You don’t want to give thieves any opportunity whatsoever to get in your vehicle.

7) Leaving valuables in sight attracts thieves.

8) Before getting out of your car, scan the area quickly to see if anything is out of the ordinary. Often thieves work in twos or threes. If you see any unusual loitering you may want to go somewhere else.

9) When you go inside somewhere do a quick scan for the same reason.

10) Make it a habit that wherever you go whether it is a restaurant, theater etc. that you do a quick scan of where the exits are. Knowing ahead of time where they are may help you in an emergency situation.

11) If you are in a restaurant make it a point that one of you (usually the man) sit facing the entrance so you can observe potential danger.

12) With your family devise an emergency plan. Drill it until you all know what your role is so that you can act instantly if danger does arise.

The bottom line is that criminals look for the quick and easy steal and individuals that are not prepared. They count on using that element of surprise to get to you or your car. You can avoid being a victim by using your common sense and having a plan. A little preparation ahead of time and learning to be aware of what’s around you at all times can significantly reduce you chances of being a victim.

Protect Your Cabin With "Off the Grid" Home Security

2009-07-20T16:43:00.003+07:00

Securing your cabin can be a difficult task - especially if you're "off the grid" and don't have the easy luxury of electricity and an "alarm system". But, there are some common sense steps to follow and a couple tricks of the trade, that'll help secure your property in the off season.

If you're in the position of not having purchased your cabin or land yet, you might begin by considering the security conundrum right off the top. Location, location, location is imperative here, and if you can avoid purchasing a piece of property that is overly exposed to the public and main thorough fair traffic than you're definitely ahead of the game. Private access roads and secured gating are both pluses.

If you're building your cabin from scratch think about limiting expensive building materials. You might also go for the "shabby chic" cabin look over designing with lush curtains and fancy, expensive furniture- these tend to be indicators of more wealth inside. If you must have such luxury items at least store them away as best as possible when you're away - or take them home!

Think about security as you're building your cabin and build the home in a way that intruders won't be able to get in.

When you leave for the season, make sure you seal up everything. Try putting boards or barriers on your doors and windows. Go as "fortress" like as you see fit- esthetics won't matter so much when you're not at home! Intruders generally go for path of least resistance- so don't give them any opportunity to think yours will be an easy steal. If you're not intending to board up your windows, at the very least put up some dark blinds and close them before you go. You don't want your valuables to be visible.

You can also install heavy duty dead-bolts on all doors and use lock-bars on sliding doors.

Never leave alcohol in your cabin. Much of the trespassing population tend to be young kids looking for a "cheap" or for that matter a "free" good time. Some people even put up signs: "No Alcohol on the Premises", as a deterrent for the cheap thrill type of vandals.

Never leave firearms on the premises. If you have to, then make sure they are trigger locked and kept in a locked gun cabinet.

If you can, hire someone over the off season to keep your lawn mowed, plants and flowers watered, the driveways plowed and sidewalks shoveled - anything and everything to give the appearance of a constant presence.

Although you may not be capable of installing a full alarm system if your cabin is "off the grid", you can try trip-wire systems. With such systems you can trigger a sound device to go off, or rig it so objects fall with a crashing sound. Yes, it's sort of a seemingly archaic alarm system, but you have to work with what you got. And you'd be surprised at what'll work. Some systems will allow you to trip-wire to a battery operated alarm system or camera monitors that you can see from home!

If you're looking for protection and safety while you're at the cabin, a dog with a good strong bark is a good idea. Not only will they protect the fort, but you'll have their canine companionship to boot!

One last hint: remember that not all intruders are human. Thrill seeking teenagers are one problem, but rats, mice and bugs are a whole other ball game. The best way to avoid rodents is to ensure that there isn't a scrap of food in the house when you leave. Foods also have the potential to attract wintering insects as well, so take it all - sugar, flour and every measly scrap you find.

Be smart and thorough in securing your cabin for the off season and you'll have much less of a problem with intruders of all kinds!

Protect Your Business With Covert Hidden Cameras

2009-07-20T16:43:00.001+07:00

Did you ever think that Exit signs could protect your premises? They can if they just happen to be the type that has some covert hidden cameras hidden in them. Who would ever think that an exit sign had a camera? They come wireless, too, so that you can place them anywhere that they are needed. Of course, if wireless won’t do, you can get the wired versions as well. Either way, keeping that door under surveillance without anyone else knowing it, becomes a simple matter.

Another nifty way to conceal covert hidden cameras is to use the ones that are placed inside an emergency light that actually works. These little beauties even automatically switch from color to black and white in low light situations, and their range is up to one thousand feet. So the power has gone out in your store, office or home, and some sneaky, unethical person decides to take advantage of the situation to steal something. With an emergency light covert hidden camera, they might as well smile and say cheese.

Okay, so you really aren’t interested in covert operations, but you are a single woman living alone or with another woman for a roommate. It is ten o’clock at night and some one knocks on your door. Would you just answer it without knowing who was there? Not if you are smart you won’t. There are covert hidden cameras that fit into a standard peep hole in your door. With an amazing 170 degree viewing angle, you no longer have to take a chance by opening the door to a perfect stranger, who might just be a thief, rapist or killer looking for easy prey. Having peep holes that are actually covert hidden cameras could give you the peace of mind that you have been looking for.

Preventing Fire Damage in the Kitchen

2009-07-20T16:42:00.004+07:00

The kitchen is one of the most dangerous rooms in your house as it contains many hazards and a high potential for unintentional fires.

Frying Pans and Deep Fry Pans

Using a thermostat controlled fryer is a great way to prevent deep fry pans fires. Avoid fat and grease build up on the stove or pans because fat and grease can easily catch fire.

Oven and Stove

The oven and range must be cleaned often to prevent grease and food from catching fire. Be careful when you cook and keep pot handles away from the edge of the stove. Don’t wear long sleeves that can hang over the stove and catch fire. Always look on the oven when it is on and don’t forget to turn it off when not in use. Place flammable fabrics, such as towels, away from the gas or electric range. Be careful with flammable liquids such as cleaning materials.

Appliances

The most important safety rule for appliances is to use only appliances that have been tested and approved by a testing facility. Avoid overloading electrical outlets and check for worn or broken wiring on a regular basis. If you find defects be sure to make necessary repairs immediately. It is also very important to keep appliance cords on the counter to prevent them from, accidentally, being pulled down.

Microwave Ovens

A very common mistake regarding microwave ovens is the wrong assumption that items, heated in the microwave oven, are not as hot as items heated in a regular oven or a mini oven. Keep in mind that even though the container does not heat, the content does. Be sure all the vents are cleared of obstructions and that the microwave oven has an adequate clearance for air circulation. Never place aluminum foil or other metals in a microwave oven.

Preparing Your Home For A Vacation

2009-07-20T16:42:00.003+07:00

You have probably spent a great deal of time planning your vacation. You have researched hotels, you found the best price on airfare, you arranged a rental car and you might have even planned out an itinerary. There is one important detail that you have probably forgotten. Have you planned for the security of your home while you are gone. Empty houses are a magnet for thieves. If you would like to make sure that everything is still in your home when you get back, there are some steps that should be taken.

Make Your Home Look Lived In

The most important thing that you can do to keep your home safe is to make it look like you never left. Don't leave obvious signs that you are on vacation. Have a friend or a neighbor come by and pick up newspapers, mail and door flyers. Also leave some lights on inside your home. Nothing says this house is empty than a house with no lights on. You can buy timers relatively cheaply these days. Buy a couple of timers and program lights , TVs' and radios to come on at usual times. Avoid leaving answering machine messages saying that you are on vacation. Also check your voice mail occasionally to keep your mail box from filling up. It wouldn't be hard for a burglar to do a reverse search on your address and get your phone number. Lastly, if you plan on being gone for a long period arrange for someone to cut your lawn.

Make Your Home Physically Secure

Make a thorough security sweep of your home. Check all windows, door locks and deadbolts. Do not assume that a criminal could not enter that third story window. If you keep spare keys outside of your home, do not leave them in obvious locations. Keys located under flower pots, under door mats or even in cheap artificial rocks are not secure. Also be sure that you call your alarm company if you have one. Tell them you will be on vacation and give them a contact number for a friend or neighbor.

Prepare To Be Robbed

No matter how many precautions you take, you could still be robbed. Prepare for the worst by making an inventory of all of your valuables. It will be a big help when you need to settle up with your insurance company. If you have a camcorder or can borrow one, take a video inventory. Store the tape in a safe place such as a safe deposit box. If you have large valuables, etch your drivers license number into them. It will make them much easier to identify if they wind up at a local pawn shop.

Nobody expects to be a victim of crime, but it does happen. By taking a little time to protect your home you can greatly reduce your chances of being a victim or make it easier to recover from a burglary.

Prepared for the 2006 Storm Season?

2009-07-20T16:42:00.001+07:00

The 2006 hurricane season is expected to be an active one. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) predicts 13 to 16 storms including up to six major hurricanes. Accuweather has a similar outlook, predicting one in six Americans could be directly impacted. President Bush and the NOAA are warning people to be prepared following last year's devastating hurricanes.

During a recent news conference at the NOAA National Hurricane Center, Deputy Secretary of Commerce David A. Sampson said, "The impact from these storms extends well beyond coastal areas so it is vital that residents in hurricane-prone areas get ready in advance of the hurricane season."

Three Days Of Supplies

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says families should have a response plan and an emergency preparedness kit. The Red Cross says a kit should include enough supplies for each family member for three days and it should be checked every six months. Emergency preparedness kits should include water, food, first aid and medical supplies, clothing, blankets, tools, sanitation items and important documents.

Power outages are a real threat during severe storms, so backup power is also an important element of an emergency preparedness kit. Gas generators are a common choice, but they have some drawbacks. First, they need fuel, which can often be in short supply during emergency situations. They are also noisy and produce dangerous fumes, so they can't be used indoors.

Backup Power Is Important

Another option for backup power without these drawbacks is a high-powered battery pack that can provide portable electricity in an emergency. These are available at major retailers and one popular brand is XPower by Xantrex. XPower offers products that range in power levels depending on your needs. XPower products can also jump-start vehicles, inflate tires and include flashlights or built-in radios. These products are clean, efficient, quiet and fumeless, so they are perfect for use inside the home, where generators are not safe.

Having power during an emergency enables people to contact emergency services, keep in touch with family, and stay informed through news and weather updates. Backup power can also provide light, heat or air-conditioning, keep food and medicine refrigerated, and can even power a sump pump to help keep the house dry.

With the high potential for hurricanes striking the U.S. this year, it's time to be prepared. Look for backup power products, such as the new XPower PowerSource 400, at your local Best Buy or select Staples stores.

Power outages are a real threat during severe storms, so backup power is an important element of an emergency preparedness kit.

Prepare Yourself For Whatever Comes Your Way

2009-07-20T16:41:00.004+07:00

Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. It can force you to evacuate your neighborhood, workplace or school or can confine you to your home.

What would you do if basic services-water, gas, electricity or telephones-were cut off? Local officials and first responders will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away. Therefore, the best way to make you and your family safer is to be prepared before disaster strikes. Here are some tips for preparing for natural disasters:

• Get to know the types of disasters that can occur in your community.

• Make a family communications plan that includes an evacuation plan and coordinates with your school, work and community communication plans. Practice this plan with your entire family.

• Create a disaster supplies kit that includes enough supplies for each family member for at least three days. Remember to check your kit every six months.

• Make sure your child knows what smoke alarms, fire alarms and local community warning systems (horns, sirens) sound like and how to respond.

• Teach your child how and, equally important, when to call for help. Even very young children can be taught how and when to call for emergency assistance.

• Children should memorize their family name, address and phone number. They should also know where to meet in case of an emergency. Some children may not be old enough to memorize the information. They could carry a small index card that lists emergency information to give to an adult or babysitter.

• If you commute to work, make sure you know alternative routes and carry appropriate supplies, such as a disaster supplies kit in your car and a compact kit with bare essential items such as a flashlight and whistle on public transportation.

Being prepared helps you and your family minimize the impact of a disaster such as a hurricane or earthquake or an emergency such as a fire or a broken leg. The Red Cross has tips and tactics to help you prepare. The time to get ready for unexpected situations is now-while you have time to plan.

Planning And Building A Security System That Works

2009-07-20T16:41:00.003+07:00

First of all a security system is not an alarm system, although the alarm system plays an important part in the overall security plan. In fact,no single component should be seen as most important, although as I will explain some measures provide greatest value for the security money you will be investing. The first step though is a survey of the premise, including how it is used, for what purpose and by whom, and of course the physical layout. Risk factors and loss potential are scrutinized as these greatly influence the budget.

Barrier security will be the first step in the implementation of the security system and devices such as window bars, security gates, security film, security grilles and good locks provide the greatest value for the money you will be investing. Barrier security can also be achieved through installation of security films which are fitted onto existing glass, security films such as Profilon tm, made by Haverkamp in Germany provide a near invisible coating that transforms glass into transparent armor. Security films are especially useful for strengthening glass in offices and homes. Typically thicker films work best for security applications and fourteen mil security film is currently consider minimum for commercial applications.

Security films work best on larger surface areas. Installation is very important and is as important to the barrier security as the choice of film. The glass type is also important with ordinary annealed glass as the design favorite. However if possible the glass should be changed to a laminated glass as that is the best substrate for security film. Installing on tempered glass should be avoided due to break characteristic of that glass. This is of utmost importance as door glass must conform to a safety code and that is almost always done with tempered glass and forced entry through glass accounted for two thirds of all break-ins. Unless the glass is changed to annealed or laminated glass single pane commercial doors should not be fitted with security film. It simply will not work. The mechanical bond of security film to the edges will add to or decrease the value of security film as barrier security and if possible security film should be fitted under the glass retaining stops.

To increase the effectiveness of security film in the security system the alarm system should include glass break detectors of the dual technology type or signature type. Very loud siren horns and or strobe lights outside over the glass is an excellent way to augment the effectiveness of security film in the security system.

The first line of protection in barrier security are the locks and their effectiveness as a security barrier depends entirely on the small details of the installation. Burglar bars, window bars, security bars, different names same meaning are available over the counter or custom built in many shapes and sizes. Window bars are probably the best single investment of barrier security and because burglar bars have been used in the security system for thousands of years many examples of good design are readily available. Security bars are especially useful for protecting basement windows or for protecting windows in warehouses as they provide visual deterrence as well as providing barrier security. A visual display of security is very useful when planning a security system as opportunistic thieves can be easily persuaded to move elsewhere by carefully planned barrier security.

As risk increases the security system becomes layered so that thieves are forced to spend valuable time after detection but before penetrating the barrier security to get to the reward.

Planning and designing an effective security system is as much art as science, but more than anything else involves common sense and while there is temptation to rely on high technology the opposite is true. The best system is simple and relies heavily on barrier security with electronic systems as back up.

Picking the right lock

2009-07-20T16:41:00.001+07:00

Lock picking is the activity that opens a lock without the proper key. When we are thinking of it, usually we are associating it with illegal activities. But that isn't always the case!

Let's think for example what we can do if we have lost the house key or if we have locked ourselves outdoors. If we live on the ground floor we could jump through the window (if it's not open we can easily break it with a stone). But if we are not, we either unlock the door or... break it (which is not a cheap solution). With a bit of talent and an unsophisticated lock, we can manage to unlock it ourselves. Though the reality is not quite like in the movies (when a door is unlocked in a couple of minutes, just in time for the hero to save the heroine). The best solution is to call for a professional locksmith, who is trained to deal with these situations.

When picking a lock, a locking tools kit is needed. The simplest kit contains a tension wrench (a screwdriver for example) and a lock pin (a long, thin piece of metal, curved at the end). In an emergency situation, a lock pin is successfully replaced with a hair pin. A professional kit will have a lot of tension wrenches (in different sizes and shapes) and a lot of dimensions for the lock pins. Or it could have a pick gun (contains many metal pieces, that vibrate and push all the lock pins up at once).

First step is to insert the tension wrench in the keyhole and turn the cylinder like a normal key would do. Then we can insert the lock pin and carefully start to lift the pins up. When they reach the normal position we will hear a slight click and the lock is unlocked.

Along with “picking” there is another technique called “racking”. It presents a lower level of precision. We need a special pick called a “rake”. This will be inserted until it hits the back of the cylinder (not slowly like a pick) and it will be pulled out quickly in order to hit all the pins up on its way out. In the meantime the cylinder is turned with the tension wrench.

Master locks are one of the hardest locks to be picked! They are not infallible, but they do have an excellent protection system. They were invented in 1921, by Henry Soref, who thought of producing the padlocks in laminated layers of steel. While the Master locks in padlocks have the same picking system as the other locks, Master locks in combined formats require a patient and skillful locksmith.

There are a lot of lock picking books, which teach us the techniques of lock picking step by step. Sometimes they are accompanied by a video or CD for a better illustration. Some of the books are written for professional locksmiths, but there are also many others directed to people that simply want to know more about the subject. Sometimes the books show the history of locks and lock picking or how a person can become a locksmith!

When buying a lock, we have to keep in mind the value of what we intend to protect! Most locks can be picked, but buying a good one increases our security and safeness!

Plain Sight Covert Hidden Cameras

2009-07-20T16:40:00.003+07:00

One of the uniquely inconspicuous ways to use covert hidden cameras is by utilizing the book camera. It is a wireless system that contains a high quality CCD camera and it fits in virtually anywhere you want to put it. Stick it up on the shelf with all of your other books or put it in a stack of books on your desk or credenza. No one will be the wiser.

Let us say that you like to have music playing in the background where you work. It doesn’t matter if you like to listen to the radio or a CD player; there are boom boxes that contain covert hidden cameras that play both. With a line of site of up to seven hundred feet, this entertaining boom box can secretly keep an eye on what is happening and with four different channels available, you can run up to four units simultaneously. Whether you use it in the home or in the office, you will be sure keep your surveillance a secret.

Another clever way that covert hidden cameras are being used is in a special coffee mug. This item is ideal for interrogation rooms of law enforcement agencies, as well. The mug contains a tiny camera and video transmitter that automatically switches from color to black and white in low light situations. You can use up to four units at once and they are good for a range of up to one thousand feet depending upon the terrain and RF interference.

Personal Protection and Your Vehicle

2009-07-20T16:40:00.001+07:00

Statistics show that the number of carjackings and car thefts have never been greater. As the criminal element of our society increases in number as well as desperation, thieves have become more brazen than ever before. Rarely can you read a newspaper or watch the daily news that you don’t hear about someone being victimized from car theft or worse, their car being taken from them as they are leaving home, the shopping mail, or even stopping at a red light. What can you do to protect yourself and your vehicle?

Fortunately, technology has provided some ways to help protect us avoid or eliminate such catastrophic incidents. One of the latest innovations available to you is vehicle alarm systems with keyless entry programs. This equipment affords you protection at relatively low costs plus ease of installation. Anything that can get us into the safety of our vehicles quicker provides faster safety. These devices are available with a 500 alarm system and a dual zone shock keyless entry.

In addition to the vehicular alarm system with keyless entry programs, you can have remote starter systems which allows not only quicker entry into your vehicle but immediate departure capability. If you need to leave in a hurry this will allow that. Again, this equipment is affordable and easy to install. No more fumbling around for your keys, using keys to gain entry into your vehicle, inserting the key and turning the engine on, all you have to do is open the door, get in, put the vehicle in gear and press the gas peddle. Talk about safety and protection!

Even with all the new devices and protection equipment technology has provided us, we still need to be prudent in our awareness and behavior. Always be aware of your surroundings and the people near your vehicle. Try to park in well lighted areas, keep your vehicle locked at all times whether you are inside of it or not. Never leave windows open, regardless of how hot it is outside! Don’t make your self a target for opportunistic thieves.

One finally tip for your vehicle protection, especially if you have a heavy foot traveling done the interstate or highway. Not only has technology advanced with new hi-tech radar detectors, they are now available with fully integrated laser scrambler systems, that jam and scrambler the signals for those who would give you a costly speeding ticket.

Happy and safe motoring!

Penned Up Listening Devices

2009-07-20T16:39:00.002+07:00

Unlike an overzealous reporter, who shoves his microphone into your face in his efforts to get your take on the latest, breaking news story, there is a multitude of reasons why you might just want to keep your listening devices a secret. One of the many ways in which you can do that is by using listening devices that look like a pen.

These clever little devices are actually very sensitive pen microphones, and when worn in a pocket on your shirt or jacket, are easily mistaken for the real thing. One such listening device is permanently stowed inside the clicker part of a Bic pen and it will work with virtually any recorder that contains an external microphone input with power. Plus it is ultra high sensitive. But you don’t have to just use these great pen mikes just for covert purposes. Granted, if you are standing near someone and need to secretly listen to their conversation, these pen mikes are great.

But there are lots of other reasons to use these sensational listening devices as well. Let us say that you are attending a lecture and you want to record it so that you can carefully go over it later at home when it is time to study. By wearing this hands free device you can do so easily. Or what if you are planning to attend a live music concert and you want to make a recording, you can be sure that by using these particular listening devices, you will get an excellent recording with clear, crisp sound, and deep bass.

Putting Together a Home Earthquake Kit

2009-07-20T16:39:00.001+07:00

If you live in an area prone to seismic activity, it’s vitally important that you have an earthquake kit in your house or in your car so that you’ll have emergency supplies if you need them. Even if you don’t live in an area that is prone to earthquakes, you might want to create a basic disaster survival kit to be used in case of tornados or other types of natural disasters.

Ideally, your earthquake kit should contain enough supplies for you and your family to survive for a period of up to three days. Beyond the basic considerations of food and water that are physically necessary for survival, you will also need a few additional items to help you make it through the aftermath of an earthquake.

One of the first things that you’ll need is some sort of light source in case the electricity has been knocked out in your area. Since you’re going to want to make sure that your light will work when needed, your best bet is to choose an LED flashlight or lantern since they have a drastically reduced energy usage and will keep a charge longer in storage than most standard flashlights. Test any LED flashlight that you have every few months to make sure that it still works, and if you’re using an LED lantern that has multiple lighting modes then you should take the time to test every one of its modes.

Another essential piece of equipment is a multi-purpose tool that has knife blades, pliers, screwdrivers, and even saw blades and can openers in it. Be sure to store your multi-purpose tool with your LED lantern or LED flashlights so that you can find it quickly once you’ve located your light source. You’d be amazed at how useful a multi-purpose tool can be after an earthquake, and you may even find uses for it that you’ve never considered.

Also in your earthquake kit should be a fully-stocked first aid kit so that you can treat any injuries that might have occurred during the earthquake. Make sure that you have common items such as blankets, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer with your first aid kit so that you can cover basic needs and provide warmth and sanitation for anyone who is suffering from shock as well.

Other useful things to include in your earthquake kit include enough money or traveler's checks to be able to meet any monetary needs that you might have in case the banks are closed due to the earthquake. You should also have a safe with copies of any important documents that you don’t want to be lost or damaged in an earthquake, as well as clean clothes for both warm and cold weather so that you and your family won’t be forced to wear the same clothes for several days in a row.

Make sure that you check the expiration dates on any food or medicine that you keep in your earthquake kit, and change out any stored water that you have every few months. This will prevent you or your family members from getting sick due to expired food or stale water.

Preparing an earthquake kit is an important activity that should be done as a family to ensure that everyone knows how to use the items inside and where to find it if an earthquake occurs. Being prepared for a disaster may very well save a person’s life.

~Ben Anton, 2008

Peace of Mind Using Bug Detectors

2009-07-20T16:38:00.000+07:00

Have you ever wondered if your home or business is as secure as it should be? Have you ever been plagued with the suspicion that someone was listening into sensitive conversations, business meetings, or just outright spying on you? With the various types of bug detectors available on the market today, you can not only find out if your suspicions are true, but give yourself the peace of mind you require that comes from insuring that your environment is bug free.

For example, there are bug detectors that can warn you if your local telephone has been tapped. Whether it was done legally or illegally, it can detect a tap regardless of where it has been placed even if it is at the telephone company’s central exchange. You no longer have to wonder whether or not someone is listening in, even if it’s “Big Brother”.

Other types of bug detectors, like a CM Pro Sweep kit, are the perfect way for a person to do a basic countermeasure check, thus insuring the security of their home or business. They can also use these bug detectors to start their own business providing security sweeps to customers on a regular basis. Other types of bug detectors are so versatile that they can detect and pinpoint the location of virtually any type of electronic surveillance equipment, regardless if it is hidden on a person’s body, in a room, or on a telephone, and that includes hidden tape recorders and video transmitters. What better way to insure your own peace of mind that you are bug free?

Security System Sales On the Rise

2009-07-20T10:06:00.002+07:00

Sales of home and business surveillance/security systems have exploded in recent years. Even before September 11th, sales of surveillance systems had been on the rise. But following the terrorist attacks, sales of home and business security systems rose as much as 20% over the course of three months.

The reasons for this increased interest in property and personal security are varied. However, whether you own a home or business, topping the list are the three most common reasons for installing surveillance cameras; protecting your property, family members and employees.

The rise in the sales of security cameras has been more than justified by the results stated by police departments of major cities across the country, which report that the chances of a break-in or robbery are nearly cut in half by the presence of an obvious security camera on the premises. Business owners have reported that theft by both customers and employees is nearly eliminated when they install the right security camera system. And who hasn’t seen the TV footage taken by home security cameras that have led to the conviction of child abusers, ‘peeping toms’ and home burglars?

How Security Cameras Safeguard Businesses
The most obvious commercial use for surveillance systems is the prevention of loss of merchandise through shoplifting. Other applications are:

• Logging transactions at the cash register or ATM

• Monitoring remote areas of the premises for safety precautions

• Observing how employees are servicing/treating customers

• Providing evidence in sexual harassment suits/burglary trials/homicide trials

• Monitoring premises after hours

• Watching work progress at construction sites

But video taped surveillance doesn’t just provide negative evidence; it can also be used to exonerate. In one case, security video tapes of a parking lot were used to prove that the car of an accused “hit and run” driver could not have been used in the accident that took place several blocks away.

Home security
According to police in major cities, the presence of a home security camera can reduce the probability that a home will be burglarized by as much as 80%! Home applications include:

• Video baby monitors can watch over an infant

• Video door phones can identify callers at the door

• Nanny cams, with time lapse VCR’s or DVR’s, can provide the peace of mind that your child is being taken care of adequately

• Home surveillance systems can provide a view into what may be occuring in your home when you’re away at work or vacation.

• Combined with a remote alarm system, a video surveillance system can not only alert police to a break in at your home, but also provide evidence to assist in the capturing and conviction of the intruder.

A consultation with a professional security installation company can help you choose the best surveillance system to meet your needs.

Self Defense-Pepper Spray or Stun Gun-a Comparison

2009-07-20T10:06:00.001+07:00

To be or not to be?
In New Mexico, the question is red or green? (referring to the chile)
In Chicago it's the Cubs or White Sox?

Okay so maybe it doesn't rank up there with those lofty questions, but people ask me all the time which is better a stun gun or pepper spray. Here is a comparison of stun guns and pepper spray using criteria that most people would consider before making a purchase.

COST—Pepper Sprays are less expensive but require refills or replacement. Stun Guns need new batteries occasionally. Pepper Sprays can run from$12.95 - $29.95. Stun Guns from $22.00-$79.95.

EASE OF USE---Both are equally easy to use.

AIMING ---Pepper Spray requires some skill and can be effected by wind and rain. With Stun Guns aim is not an issue.

CLOSENESS TO TARGET---Pepper Spray 6-18 feet; Stun Guns have to be right on the target.

LEGAL LIMITATIONS---Pepper Spray is legal in all states but some cities and states have restrictions. Stun Guns are illegal in some states. Check your local police or sheriff's department for specifics.

LASTING DAMAGE---Neither Pepper Spray nor Stun Guns have lasting damage to the assailant.

SIZE---Lipstick size and larger for Pepper Spray. Stun Guns can be as small as a handheld blackberry and bigger. Both can be concealed in a purse.

STOPPING POWER---Pepper Spray if on target-excellent. Stun Gun-very good.

PERIOD OF IMMOBILIZATION---Pepper Spray will put someone out of action for 15-30 minutes. A Stun Gun will immobilize someone for 3-10 minutes. Both are long enough to get away and/or get help.

INTIMIDATION FACTOR---Pepper Spray will not likely intimidate anyone. However a fully charging Stun Master creates quite a sight and sound-enough to scare some assailants away.

DISGUISABILITY---Both Stun Guns and Pepper Sprays can be disguised as different objects easily.

On the face of it, trying to be objective, I would lean to the pepper spray all things being equal. The problem is all things are not equal. If the attacker is more than 6-10 feet away one or two things can go wrong that could cost you. And remember we are talking about the lives of you, your children, your spouse-you don't want to leave this to chance.

If the wind is blowing at more than 10-15 miles per hour, which really isn't much, it can cause the spray, mist or stream, to either go off target or worse blow back in your face. I am not sure which is worse. In any event it will not get you the desired result. You must have a hit right in the face preferably the eyes on the first or second shot. Can you hit that small a target from 10 feet away in the wind, in rain, under stress?

Practice might be one way to instill some confidence in your ability. Hook a string to a paper plate and hang it from a tree branch and fire away. This will instill some confidence in your ability to effectively use pepper spray.

There is so much at stake, potentially your life or those of your loved ones, why not have both? They are both very easy to carry and conceal. Both are effective. Start with the pepper spray and end with the stun gun.

If you think crime can only happen to the other guy you are wrong. The "other guy" is thinking the same thing and YOU are that "other guy". There is a reason why they call it self defense. You have to protect yourself, your family, your home and business!!

Security In Your Home

2009-07-20T10:05:00.000+07:00

Physical security is very important to a home owner. Your home is one of your most important possessions since this is where you and your loved ones reside.

Once you know that your home is safe from intruders, you can rest assured that your material and personal possessions as well as your loved ones, are secured.

There are several parts of your home that you need to secure by using electronic devices:

- The perimeter of your house to prevent burglars from intruding on your home.

- Enclosed areas within the house should be secured as well, in case of fire.

- Your garage should also have an intruder alarm to protect your vehicles, aside from the anti-theft device on the car itself.

It does not matter what style of life you lead. Home security should be and essential part of your budget to give you peace of mind. In addition to providing physical security in the home, your home security system should also help you find help should an emergency ensue.

Here are some tips when planning for the security of your home:

1. Make an initial survey of your house and from there, develop a home security plan.

Check all of the rooms and the area outside of your house. Determine if the neighbors have a clear view of what is going on within your house.

Having a very open area that can be easily observed by anyone from the outside may be a threat to your security.

2. When placing burglar alarms or intruder sensors, place them in strategic areas in and out of your house.

Home security need not be expensive. You do not need to put in alarms and sensors on each and every part of the house.

As long as they are installed on the proper places, then your house will be secured enough.

3. Review your way of living and the size of your family.

Do you often have visitors who may roam around freely? Do you have a member of the family who may come inside the house in the middle of the night?

These factors will help you decide on the “level” of security system that you will install on your home.

4. You can place sensors within your house. These sensors can be installed on windows to alarm you of intruders.

In addition, you may install sensors within the house, specifically in hallways, to warn you of intruders within the house.

5. Place fire alarms in areas around the house which is most likely to gather heat or smoke.

An unusual level of smoke, fire or heat can easily be detected to warn you of impending fire threats.

6. There are mechanical locks and sensors that you can install on doors for good measure.

7. For households with babies, you may purchase a baby monitor or a video surveillance.

A video security system in your house will give you peace of mind. You may also “automate” your home, and watch your children from your TV screen so that you can keep track of what they are doing.

Whether you choose to install it yourself or get the services of a company which specializes in building security systems, home security should not be taken for granted.

You should put in extra time and effort in order to ensure that you and your family have a happy and physically secure environment.

Securing The Safety of Your Home With The Ancient Art of Feng Shui

2009-07-20T10:04:00.002+07:00

I was elated to discover this detached house with a big garden that was available for rental in a quiet suburb when I was first transferred to another town to work as an engineer.

It was located at a cul de sac, the house being the last house in the row. I thought it was perfect..quiet, newly constructed and with a good neighbor who was a banker.

Without reservation, I rented the house and my family shifted in a week later.

3 months later, I almost lost my life. I was travelling as a passenger in a friend's car when someone lost control of his car, and crashed into the Honda car I was travelling in, killing the front seating passenger. I was at the back and had a smashed face, and was warded in the hospital and had to stay another month for medical treatment.

But how is this related to the house I was staying in then?

In fact, I was never a fan of feng shui, the ancient chinese art of geomancy.

When I was warded in the hospital, my neighbor who was a banker and also a chinese scholar, visited me and began to spill the beans.

The house where I was staying was facing bad "chi" or an aura of bad atmosphere was emancing from the house that was facing directly opposite my house. The occupant of that house was a monk who works as a "chanter" who performs the chanting ceremony over the dead. This is a chinese practise for those who have died, the chanting being akin to prayer to make the way easier for the dead spirits to depart.

According to my neigbor, every day when this monk returns home, he brings along the bad "chi" from the dead, and which then emants out towards the direction of my house.

A shiver went down my spine when I heard this news.

In my imagination, I could almost see evil spirits following this monk and congregating at his home before fanning out in the direction of my house.

But what about my neighbor? How did he protect himself against this bad influence of "chi'?

"I hang out a mirror," this chinese scholar said. This mirror when hung outside reflects and deflects the bad chi and mystically protects the inhibitants from ill effects and ward off evil. This is the ancient art of feng shui at work", he added.

Three months after the accident I recovered to leave the hospital, I was not ready to remain a day longer in that rented house. I did not hang out a mirror. I had enough and the solution was to just shifted house. We moved out!

I met my banker neighbor friend 5 years down the road. I asked how he was. " I have never been better," he replied, " and my mirror has always done its job".

Yes, we can protect our house, ourselves and belongings with the most sophisticated security alarm systems. But apart from this, where we choose to believe in the anciet art of feng shui, we need a simple mirror to be hung outside our house to ward off bad "chi" and evil.Are you a believer of the ancient chinese art of feng shui?

Secure Your Home without a Security System

2009-07-20T10:04:00.001+07:00

The best way to secure your home is with a home security system, the only problem is they can run anywhere from a few hundred dollars, to thousands for all of the options that are now offered. The funny thing about home invasions is that they have not changed at all over the years. Criminals still use the same methods to break into your home now, as they always have. Statistics tell us that 63% of burglaries involve forcible entry, which means if you focus on protecting your home from forced entry, your odds of being burglarized drop dramatically.

People that make a living burglarizing people, have three main enemies, time, light and noise. When you purchase a home security system, you create much larger enemies for burglars. If your system is monitored, the burglar knows that his time in your home has to be very fast, because the police are dispatched and on their way. The noise that the alarm makes is enough to get them out of your house all by itself.

Believe it or not most burglaries happen during the day, so the light factor does not mean what you think. Light really means exposure. If your criminal is exposed to your neighbors and or people walking by, chances are he will pick another target.

What you need to do is address each one of a burgular's enemies:

1 Purchase dead bolt locks for all entrances to your home. A good deadbolt will most certainly slow down a burglar, along with generating alot of noise from him trying to force the door open.

2 Replace the doors in the back of your house that have windows . This is probably the easiest way into your home. All a burglar has to do is break a small pane of glass and reach in and open the door.

3. Never leave a ladder in your back yard. Criminals know that second floor windows a rarely locked.

4 Trim the shrubs and bushes that guard first floor windows. If a burglar can be seen by the neighbors climbing in a window, chances are he will think twice.

5. Purchase motion sensor lights for any area outside the house that is in total darkness.

6 Always lock your doors, especially if you are home. Burglars always check to see if a door is locked before deciding on forced entry. The last thing you want is an unwelcome guest in your home just because you didn't lock the door. (It happens more than you think).

Secure Your Home

Safety Training: The Need For Security

2009-07-20T10:03:00.000+07:00

Safety training is something that every person in the world should have. Of course, this isn’t a logical option. So, that means that those who can have this type of training should have it. Safety training is not only about protecting you and your loved ones, but also the strangers that happen into your life. Because you just do not know when an accident will happen, you need to be prepared ahead of time. This is the most crucial part of safety training: getting it in time.

Safety training is more than just learning how to take care of a cut or a scrape. There are a number of different things that you will be needing to know how to do in your everyday life. For example, you may need to learn to help someone who is choking. You may need to help someone who has just fallen. You may also need to help someone who is having a heart attack or can no longer breath on their own.

Safety training can be taught through a variety of ways. For many people, it is taught through hospitals, doctor’s offices and through community centers. You can also find the training you need from organizations like the Red Cross. The point is not really where to get the training or what training to get, but to just get moving on it. Learn what you can so that you can help someone who is in need whenever it is needed.

Whether you need safety training for your job or because you realize the value in having it, there are many forms to learn. For example, you may learn what to do with chemicals or you may find out what is the best way to pick up a heavy box. On top of this, you will want to learn things that deal with your specific needs in the personal world such as food safety training. Safety training is necessary and helpful throughout lifes' many adventures.

Secure your Computer for Safe Internet Usage

2009-07-20T10:02:00.000+07:00

From email to online banking and investing to shopping, today people are using their computers for many things that used to be done only offline. As we do these things on a more regular basis, unfortunately we open ourselves up to a new breed of criminals and their new weapons like spyware, viruses and email scams. While some may be looking to phish your personal information and identity for resale, others simply just want to use your computer as a platform from which to attack other unknowing targets. As our use of computers and the related potential for risk increased, it is import that we make sure we have taken steps to protect ourselves. Just like the advice of not walking alone at night, there are things we should and shouldn’t do on the internet. Below are a few easy, cost-effective things you can do to make your computer more secure.

- Viruses can cause your computer to fail unexpectedly so always make backups of important information and store in a safe place separate from your computer.

-Computer software is being continuously updated and criminals are continuously finding new ways to attack. Update and patch your operating system, web browser and software frequently. Because Microsoft’s operation systems like XP and Vista are on most home and business PCs, they are the biggest targets of fraudsters. Make sure you have the latest software by going to Microsoft’s website and running the update wizard. This will help you find the latest patches for your Windows computer. Also look for updates to any other Microsoft software you have at the same location.

-Install a personal firewall. A firewall is software that protects your computer by not letting some programs do things that could be dangerous. Without a good firewall, viruses, worms, Trojans, malware and adware can all easily access your computer from the Internet. There are a range of great firewall programs and hardware available at any budget. If you aren’t comfortable selecting or installing this type of software check with your local computer store for assistance.

-Review your browser and email settings for optimum security. Why should you do this? Active-X and JavaScript are often used by hackers to plant malicious programs into your computers. While cookies are relatively harmless in terms of security concerns, they do still track your movements on the Internet to build a profile of you. Consider setting your browser security setting for the “internet zone” to High, and your “trusted sites zone” to Medium Low.

-Install antivirus software and set for automatic updates so that you receive the most current versions. As with firewalls, there are great alternatives available on the internet and in stores. -Once you install software, though, it is very important that you keep it up to date. Make sure you allow the software to automatically update itself to ensure you stay protected.

-Do not open unknown email attachments unless you are sure they are safe. Unfortunately some viruses can spread emails that look like they came from a source you know. If you are not expecting an email, even if is from someone you know it is best to confirm before opening.

-Just like unknown email attachments, do not run programs from unknown origins. Also, do not send these types of programs to friends and coworkers because they contain funny or amusing stories or jokes. They may contain a Trojans horse waiting to infect a computer.

-Consider turning off your computer and disconnecting it from the internet when not using the computer. A hacker can not attack your computer when you are disconnected from the network or the computer is off.

The ability to shop from home, email friends and family are great benefits of the internet. Unfortunately, along with everything new comes the opportunity for criminals to use it for bad purposes. By taking just a few simple precautions you can rest assured that you will get the benefits without becoming a victim.

Safety in the Home

2009-07-20T10:01:00.002+07:00

We make it through because we learn how to use these tools safely, which should always be the primary focus where firearms are concerned. Safety becomes doubly important when firearms and children are in the house. Unsupervised kids and guns do not mix, so it’s important to start educating your children about firearms safety at an early age.

Remove the Mystery
Take the time to instruct your kids about guns, remove the mystery and neutralize the “forbidden fruit” syndrome. Take your children to the range and let them shoot your guns under your supervision. Help them learn how they work and the proper way to handle them safely. Above all, make them respect what firearms can do.

Develop a Fall-Back Plan
Should an intruder break into your home, do they know what to do? More important, do they know where to go to avoid injury should you have to defend them? One of the big dangers in using any firearm for home defense is that you run the risk of hitting the wrong person. It’s easy for a bullet to penetrate through some drywall and hit somebody on the other side or even exit your house and hurt a neighbor.

The use of deadly force should always be a last resort, and firearms owners should be well versed in their state and local laws. Once again, your brain is your greatest safety tool. You probably have worked out a fire plan with your family, so doesn’t it make sense to work out a home-invasion plan? You should know where the other family members are located. You should also know where it’s safe to shoot and where it’s not safe.

Consider loading your handgun with specialty ammunition designed to reduce penetration and the chances of a ricochet. Perhaps the best known and most proven ammo of this type is the Glaser Safety Slug. The Glaser uses a bullet with a thin jacket filled with small birdshot covered with a soft plastic tip. It’s been proven to work well in stopping intruders but won’t penetrate walls as easily as conventional loads do. Educating your children and establishing a fall-back plan for your family is all part of being a responsible gun owner. It’s how we ensure their safety, whether it’s with our lawn mowers, power saws, gas cans or firearms.

One of the best investments a gun owner can make is a gun safe. Not only does it provide reasonably good protection from theft, but it keeps guns out of the reach of curious young hands and provides a ventilated environment for uncased firearms

Safety Awareness In A Storm

2009-07-20T10:01:00.001+07:00

You can protect yourself and your family in the event of the hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and lightning storms that kill and injure thousands every year if you're knowledgeable about electrical safety during and after weather disasters.

"After severe weather is gone, electrical hazards can still cause deaths and injuries," noted Brett Brenner, The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) president. ESFI warns consumers to beware of electrical dangers associated with downed power lines, portable electric generators and electrical wiring or appliances that have been wet. These precautions can help:

• Use care when stepping into flooded areas--whether indoors or out. Submerged outlets, electrical cords, and downed power lines can energize water, posing a lethal trap.

• Stay away from downed power lines and anything touching them.

• If you see someone who is in contact with a downed power line, do not touch the person. You could become the next victim. Call 911.

• Do not drive over downed power lines.

• Have electricians install portable electric generators to ensure they meet local electrical codes and are properly grounded. Improperly installed generators can "backfeed" along power lines and electrocute crews working to restore power.

• Keep the generator dry. Do not operate it in enclosed or partially enclosed areas. Generators produce deadly carbon monoxide.

• Do not overload a generator; follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

• Use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to help prevent electrocutions.

• Do not use electrical wiring or equipment that has been wet. Contact a qualified service repair dealer to recondition electrical equipment; a licensed electrician can inspect electrical systems.

• To avoid lightning strikes, stay indoors and away from windows during storms.

• During electrical storms, do not use corded telephones except for emergencies.

• Avoid contact with water and plumbing during electrical storms.

• If outdoors during electrical storms, move to a low point. Stay away from metal items.

• Don't forget pets during thunderstorms. Doghouses are not safe from lightning. Chained animals can easily become victims of lightning strikes.

Safeguarding Your Personal Information From Identity Thieves

2009-07-20T10:00:00.000+07:00

An identity thief doesn't just steal your credit card and personal information to start buying crazily in your name. He gets new cards, opens new loans, and leaves a long trail of unpaid bills in your name. He even uses your identity to commit acts of terrorism or other crimes. What are you to do?

Identity theft occurs more frequently than you would like to believe - and is committed frequently by someone you know. This is what happened to Linda Foley, a magazine writer, who learned that her own employer had swiped her identity to open cell phone and credit card accounts. Now Foley, along with her husband, fight back as the Co-Executive Directors of the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) in San Diego, California.

Can This Happen to You?

After Bridget J. Thomas learned that her identity was stolen by a bank employee at a branch 300 miles from the one she used, she was shocked. And that was just the beginning of her nightmare! When the thief was caught, she was working at a different bank in a different state. After her arrest, collection agencies continued to hound Ms Thomas.

Setting the Record Straight Might Not Be All That Easy - or Quick!

Setting the record straight is the tip of a nightmarish iceberg that can take months - even years to accomplish – often with undue pain and suffering for the victim. In serious cases victims spend an average of 600 hours and $1,400 in out-of-pocket expenses to repair their credit. Until they can prove their innocence, they are more likely to be:

• charged higher rates for insurance and fees for credit cards,

• rejected for student loans or home mortgages,

• arrested for crimes they did not commit,

• unable to get or keep a job.

A Call From A Collection Agency Or A turndown For A Loan Is Often the Only Tip-off That Your Identity Was Stolen.

A thief needs only one thing to open the doors to his windfall - your Social Security number. Unfortunately it is routinely used by government agencies, health care providers, utility companies, merchants, employers, and financial institutions. Often, your Social Security number is publicly available. That's how General John M. Shalikashvili, the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, became a victim. His Social Security number and those of many other military officers were published in the "Congressional Record" and were later posted on the internet. Thieves used their identities to open 273 new credit cards accounts and run up a bill of over $200,000.00 in charges.

Develop a Form of Defense

To stop identity thieves in their steps, there are several things you can do. You can begin by freezing access to your credit file. By doing so, you cause your file to become off-limits to anyone who does not know the secret PIN (Personal Information Number) of your choosing. This sets the wheels in motion to protect you from the bad guys - anyone who attempts to apply for credit in your name. It causes their application to be rejected; although your credit cards won't be affected. And if you want to apply for new credit or let a bank, store, or agency run a background check on you, you can get a credit thaw. For example, if you decided to shop for a big-ticket item, like a car, you might thaw your history for auto dealers.

Other Things You Can Do - Starting NOW!

• Periodically check your credit report for suspicious activities. Americans are now entitled to a free annual credit report from each of the three bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.

• If you elect to shop online, use a credit card rather than a debit card. With a credit card, you have the extra protection of maximum liability of $50.00 for unauthorized purchased.

• Learn more about "phishing" email scams, and other schemes, frauds, and cons to separate you from your identity and your money.

In the Event You Do Become A Victim

Here are some steps to take:

• Act fast and prepare yourself for an uphill battle uncooperative and unsupportive credit card and law enforcement agencies. For guidance and support, I suggest that you turn to organizations and agencies like ITRC, the Federal Trade Commission, and others.

• Call the fraud dept. of one of the three credit bureaus, Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion, and request that a fraud alert be placed on your credit reports. (The other two credit bureaus will automatically be notified.) The alert lasts for 90 days and requires creditors to call you before opening new accounts in your name; however, a word of caution is in order here. There are no legal requirements to honor alerts and merchants who are eager to make a sale may ignore them.

• Close your credit card accounts and change the passwords on all your financial and banking accounts.

• File a police report. Although credit bureaus won’t extend a fraud alert without it, be aware that local police departments may be reluctant to provide a report. Many may lack the resources to properly investigate the crime.

• Mail copies of the police report to all three credit bureaus with a cover letter demanding your complete credit file.

• Call every credit where you know a bogus account has been created and have them close your file immediately. Demand copies of all fraudulent applications for credit and billing statements. Creditors don’t want to divulge that information, but they will if you enclose a copy of a police report and forward your request it in writing via certified mail.

Conclusion: Face it, identity theft is a growing problem affecting everyone in some way or another. With the increase popularity of internet usage, it has become easier for cybercriminals to steal our identity. In 2002 alone, the victim total due to identity theft climbed to 10 million, a new high. The cost to the economy was up an astonishing 41 percent to $52.6 billion, according to The Identity Theft Survey Report, available from the Federal Trade Commission at the website (www.consumer.gov/idtheft/). Each year these totals are climbing with no apparent sign of slowing down.

What are your chances of becoming a victim of some form of identity theft? According to the Federal Trade Commission is one in ten.

“So what am I to do?” you ask. My recommendation is that first you educate yourself with information and resources at your disposal. Next, purchase identity theft insurance.

Safe Drinking Water in an Emergency or Disaster

2009-07-20T09:59:00.000+07:00

Nothing makes clearer the importance of water than a large disaster; clean, fresh water becomes more valuable than gold. It’s easy to forget that without water, we just can’t survive. 60 percent of our bodies are water, in fact for infants, water makes up about 80 percent of their body, so it is even more vital they have access to clean drinking water.

Unfortunately, following large-scale disasters, it’s not unusual that water supplies may be cut off temporarily or be rendered unfit for consumption. Everyone should know the following tips about safe drinking water in emergency situations.

Preparedness is Everything: The advice comes over and over, but most people still are not ready when disaster hits. You must maintain a supply of clean drinking water someplace safe in your home. You can survive a week without food, if necessary, but even one or two days without water can be fatal.

In terms of how much water is needed to be stored, you need to drink at least two quarts a day of water. Enough water for all the members of your family for at least a few days is a good idea. You can store water yourself in your own containers; anything glass, and clean, thoroughly washed plastic containers with caps work well. Seal water tightly in their containers and store them in someplace cool and dark in your home. Make sure to change new water regularly; once every six months.

Finding Safe Drinking Water: If you do run out of water during an emergency, or are trapped somewhere without ready access to clean drinking water, you’ll need to know what's safe to drink, and what isn't.

After a disaster, possible sources of safe drinking water in your home include the water from your hot water tank, the water from your toilet tank (not the bowl, but the water from your tank, but if it is chemical-free), and water trapped in your water pipes. Melt any ice cubes that you may have stored.

Avoid using water from waterbeds as drinking water, since they are treated with chemicals unsafe for drinking. You can use waterbed water for washing, though. Outside your home try to locate streams, rivers, lakes, or other sources of fresh water. Never drink floodwater; it is usually contaminated with bacteria and chemicals. Do save rainwater that may fall for drinking.

Purifying Water in an Emergency: If you cannot locating safe drinking water during an emergency, then any water you find that does not look clear, or which you believe may be contaminated, should be purified before drinking.

The best and easiest way to purify water is by boiling. Disease-bearing microorganisms cannot survive in high temperatures. Boil the water for about one minute. For improved taste, pour the water back and forth from one clean container to another.

If you’re unable to boil your water, treat it chemically before drinking. Household chlorine bleach can be used to treat your water. Use an eyedropper, to drop eight drops of bleach into each gallon of water to be treated. Make sure the chlorine you use lists hypochlorite as its only active ingredient; any extra chemicals or fragrances will only further contaminate the water. Stir the water and allow it to stand at least 30 minutes. When the water appears clear, it is likely safe to drink. If it is still murky or clouded, put in eight more drops and let stand another 30 minutes.

A layman’s guide to home security

2009-07-19T18:53:00.001+07:00

The world today has a plethora of advanced technological means of protecting their valuables be it jewelry, an expensive electronic gadget, piece of art, or antique that you have paid a fortune to make yours!

However, with all good things, there is something bad and security systems are no exceptions! This means technology too can fail!

Looking at the brighter side, like I said all your hard-earned valuables could be protected today without your having to worry 24/7 whether your favourite diamond ring or antique Chinese vase is no more yours when you get back home after a hard day at work!

However before you embark on a search for the best security system for your home, you need to do a reality check. Your best option is to ask your family and close friends- people you trust, about their security systems if they have one. Take a note of all the problems they may have had with their security systems since they installed them. This will help you to cross-question all the security firms that you visit and hence clear your doubts too!

Another important consideration is how much are you ready to shell out to secure your home, now I do not mean just buying the equipment required because the expenses do not end here. If you want a complete security system, you also have to consider paying the security firm that is going to monitor all the events while you are away!

Now to give you a lowdown on the options available to you,

One you can go in for a do it yourself kit, but again I suggest this option only if you are confident of setting up the system and of coarse also if you want to save on costs. However if you goof up, you are obviously going to be spending a lot more then you thought of saving in the first place!

Second, you can visit a security firm who will give you a customized system according to your requirements and budget, they also monitor all the events 24/7, and you will be charged for these daily services. For the best firm in the market and of coarse one in your area you can you can search on the internet or again ask friends and family.

To understand the technical jargon in layman terms you can read on.

In terms of location, you have:

Perimeter alarms
As the name suggests such alarms are usually used to stop the intruder at the boundaries of your property. They are fairly simple in design, why? The answer is simple; because while guarding a perimeter your aim is to stop the intruder outside and hence will want to sound an alarm if somebody crosses the boundary because if they are inside the your property your alarm was ineffective! Simple switch circuits are very effective for such purposes. Good examples of these are the open circuits and closed circuit alarms explained later on in the article.

Building alarms
Now if the intruder has managed to bypass or deactivate your perimeter alarm then you need to protect your house too meaning the inside of the building! Again, there are various ways to do so such as use body heat to detect the presence of somebody inside the building and sound an alarm on detection or vice versa i.e. radiate energy from a source and monitor its reflection, if interrupted the reflection changes and you can sound an alarm. If you want an extensive and detailed alarm system, you can put up a surveillance system with hidden cameras, which of course will cost you a fortune but it is worth it if you have a fortune to protect!

In terms of circuits, you have:

Open circuit
When the intruder completes the circuit by his action of intrusion, he triggers the alarm. For example, a button embedded into the doorway or magnetic switch embedded into a window will trigger an alarm if the door or window is opened.

Closed circuit
In such a system, the electric circuit is complete when the door or window is closed and hence if an intruder opens the door the current path is broken triggering an alarm. Now both these systems- open and closed circuit are very naïve in their designs and hence have to be controlled using a control box so that the intruder cannot deactivate the alarm easily!

In terms energy:

Active Systems
This means you have a source that emits either radio waves or ultra sonic rays into the room and records the reflection of these rays when they travel back; now if somebody comes in the range of these rays their reflection pattern changes and this can be used to trigger an alarm.

Passive Systems
These systems use a detector/sensor to sense a rapid change in infrared energy in the room. What this means is, that when a human enters the field of the senor there is a rapid increase in the level of heat, which is sensed by the infrared sensor; this in turn sends a message to a controller, which in turn sounds a combination of alarms set by the user.

Therefore, if you are looking for an entire home and property security you can go to a professional who will do the installation as well as monitor your home or office for you. Otherwise, you can opt for a do it yourself kit advisable for those who are technologically inclined or at least those who can follow instructions!

Finally buying a safe to protect your valuables from fire or theft is an essential part of sound home and business security. With a wide range of safes available there is something to suit everyone.

5 Reasons To Install Security Cameras At Your Home Or Business

2009-07-18T12:07:00.001+07:00

In today’s world, an individual or business owner needs to take the necessary steps to protect themselves, their family and their investments. While many opt for a full security system, which is always a good idea, the addition of security cameras can help to record any/all activities that take place in and around a specific area. Security cameras are not only designed for outside use, but are also commonly used indoors.

When it comes to reasons why you should consider installing security cameras, listed below are five of the best:

Security cameras provide constant monitoring of your home and/or business even when you are not there. Let’s face it. There is no way that you can be two places at once. You are either at home or at work, which is why security cameras can be your eyes even when you cannot be there in person.

If installed at your home, security cameras can help you to see who is outside your front door or on your property before opening the door or venturing outside. This is a very important safety precaution for anyone, whether you live out in the most rural of settings or in the city. It’s always a good idea to see who is at your door before you open it and if you suspect someone is on your property, security cameras can help to either confirm or eliminate that concern.

If a theft should occur, the use of security cameras can provide valuable evidence to help convict the perpetrator and possibly even recover your stolen item(s). This is true of both home and business burglaries. In addition, a home or business that is monitored with a security camera may carry more affordable insurance because it is less desirable for criminals who know they are being monitored. For the exact policy guidelines, check with your local insurance agent.

Security cameras can help parents to keep an eye on their babysitter. When you leave your child at home and entrust them with a babysitter, it never hurts to add extra peace of mind in knowing that your child is properly cared for during those moments when you are not at home with them yourself.

If used in a place of business, security cameras can help employers and store owners to keep a close eye on their employees. Monitoring of employee actions can help in a variety of situations, including possible employee theft, customer complaints and other matters where video playback may be beneficial.

Seniors Take Action To Ensure Personal Security

2009-07-09T00:30:00.001+07:00

Many older Americans are taking steps to help secure their personal safety and security, especially as they balance the desire for independence with the challenges of declining health.

The good news is that crime rates affecting older Americans are actually lower than they may seem. The U.S. Department of Justice reports that the number of violent crimes has decreased during the last decade.

The even better news is that, by taking a few simple safety precautions, seniors can reduce their risk and increase their sense of security in their daily lives.

Check door locks. Replace any nonfunctioning or poorly installed locks. Make sure that your garage is equipped with a sturdy lock as well.

Install exterior lighting. A well-lit home can deter nighttime break-ins.

Make your house look occupied. When you're out of town, use light timers to mimic your normal routine. Cancel newspaper and mail delivery, so that papers don't pile up outside.

Know your neighbors. Keep neighbors' phone numbers near your phone with emergency information. Inform neighbors of your travel plans and any scheduled deliveries or home maintenance appointments.

Install an alarm. Security companies offer a wide range of alarm options, including systems that provide medical alert services.

Stay safe on the street. Always walk in well-lit areas. Ask a friend to accompany you or tell someone where you're going.

Neighborhood involvement is another key to deterring crime on a street or block. Seniors who want to protect their homes and help raise awareness in the community can join neighborhood watch groups.

Signs of Hidden Covert Cameras

2009-07-05T19:44:00.003+07:00

Convenience stores seem to be one of the most vulnerable places for a robbery, especially all night convenience stores. The need for hidden covert cameras is not only great but a virtual must. Sure the cameras in the ceiling may be good for catching the action during a robbery, but often times, the view of the person’s face isn’t always the greatest. But if you have hidden covert cameras up front and personal, like the one that comes hidden inside a “We ID” counter sign, you are sure to get a great portrait picture of the would be thief that will help police and prosecutors send him packing off to jail in no time at all. They also work just fine for banks and packaging stores. If someone is cashing a stolen check at a bank or planning on holding it up, they will leave a nice up close and personal picture of themselves and never even know it.

Would you like another way to secretly get a shot of those would be thieves as they are leaving your place of business? What better place to hide hidden covert cameras than in the non-threatening, ever present, totally ignored exit sign. Anyone coming into or going out of your place of business has to pass by it. Exit signs are so common place that unless you are specifically looking for one, you don’t pay any attention to their presence, and even if you are looking for one, you certainly would not think that there are covert hidden cameras hidden inside of them. The exit sign hidden covert cameras come in your choice of black and white or full, living color.

Simple Tips For Preventing Break-Ins At Your Home

2009-07-05T19:44:00.001+07:00

© 2006, All Rights Reserved

You've lived here for years. You've never had any trouble. But one otherwise quiet night, you hear a strange noise. It sounds like the jiggling of a doorknob. Is someone breaking into your house? Are the kids still in bed? Where did you leave the phone? It's three o'clock in the morning, and there is no one around to help. With no home alarm system, your mind starts racing a million miles a second trying to think of ways to keep your family safe and - at the same time - work out an escape route.

This is a situation all too many people find themselves in every year. The middle of a potentially life-threatening emergency with no security alarm system is no time to discover you need additional help. The best time to work those things through is right now when all is well. There are some simple ideas you can put into place right now that can help prevent break-ins at your home. Even if you have a home alarm system, these tips go a long way to give added safety.

Leave the Outside Lights On Every Night

Most people never turn on the outside lights unless they are leaving. While they believe turning outdoor lights on when they leave is a safety measure, they are only partially correct. Why? Because if the only time you turn the outdoor lights on is when you leave, you're sending a glaring signal to burglars that says, "Hey! I've gone out for several hours tonight so help yourself. I'll turn the lights off when I get back so you and your buddies will know not to come around."

Turn your porch lights and other outdoor lights on *every* night, whether you're leaving your home or not. This way, you accomplish two things. First, you shed light on dark areas that might otherwise help to camouflage burglars. Second, you take away the signal burglars are waiting to see that tells them you're away from home. Alarm systems are fabulous for helping in times of emergency, but prevention is still the number-one cure for break-ins.

Un-Clutter Windows and Doorways

When you give burglars plenty of cover, they will likely take advantage of it. Tall bushes and shrubs that fully or partially cover windows make great hiding places. Burglars can easily squat behind a bush as they work on prying open a window for entry. Likewise, tall topiaries, statues or other objects that offer cover to burglars should be removed from around your doorways. Don't provide anything that would give a robber a hiding place.

Make It Too Much Trouble

Most burglars are looking for an easy score. If they think entry will be too difficult or that there is a high risk of being caught (as is the case with security alarm systems), they will probably move on to another house. If you currently have a home alarm system, place the signs and window stickers in prominent places where they can be readily seen. This practice is frequently recommended by police departments because of its effectiveness. Motion detector lights are also good deterrents. Security pins for sliding doors and windows would definitely be too much trouble for your average burglar to fuss with. In addition, double-paned windows are extra trouble to break (and extra noisy!) giving burglars yet another reason to look elsewhere for a victim.

Another good idea is to survey your home and think like a burglar. If you were trying to break into your own house, how would you do it? What would you need to be successful? If you find easy ways to break into your home, chances are a burglar will, too. Make notes as you walk around your house and then take immediate action to stop trouble before it starts.

Stop Information Leaks with Bug Detectors

2009-07-05T19:43:00.003+07:00

Whether we like it or not, spy technology is here to stay. Even if you aren’t the type of person who wants or needs to use such technology in your every day life, you may find that you need to protect yourself from being spied upon. Just as there are various ways to listen, record or video tape someone secretly, there are numerous ways to detect those same devices. These bug detectors are capable of finding not only the various types of bugs, but they are also capable of finding them regardless of where they might be hidden.

Some bug detectors can sweep a room or person and tell you immediately if they are bugged, regardless if the device is hard wired, radiating or just sitting there not even turned on yet. These bug detectors range in size and are anywhere from the size of a suitcase, to a hand held portable, to as small as a ball point pen, which, with a push of a button can detect hidden cameras and even wire taps. Bug detectors also can be cleverly disguised to resemble something as ordinary as a smoke detector that alerts you to the presence of radio transmitters, regardless if they were secretly placed in your home or office or if they are carried onto your premises.

Regardless of your needs, you can assure yourself and your customers of total and complete privacy when you when you use one of the many types available on the market today.

Surveillance Equipment – The Assurance Of Security

2009-07-05T19:43:00.001+07:00

Surveillance equipment usually reminds one of “007” but with the recent rise in crime rates it is more a necessity than just spy equipment. The surveillance equipment allows you to keep a watch even when you are not physically present at the scene. These are used to monitor the behavior of people (like stealing, harassing etc.) or procedures that do not act desirably. These appliances are thus concealed and obvious.

Since there is always a chance of improper activity in places like shopping malls, public schools, warehouses, parking garages, airport terminals and offices, these places are the ones mostly investing on surveillance equipments. A wide variety of such equipments are available in the market with highly developed technology.

Surveillance equipment mostly combines audio and video data transfer and may range from Internet based equipment and wiretapping phone to biometrics (advanced facial aspect identification computer software).

The recent development of 'wireless' technology has its own set of problems. The wireless devices transmit information either by radio waves or infrared light, which can be intercepted. Therefore, such devices are not reliable regarding the transfer of important information.

Surveillance equipment is used to record conversation or acts, but these are possible also on a normal recording machine. Some options are:

• Clandestine miniature devices linked to a small microphone, externally mounted to pick up the audio.

• Digital gadgets like minidisk recorders or the most recent diminutive camcorders are small enough to be carried easily, but produce very high quality recordings.

• The common ones encountered at offices for monitoring staff are usually perched from a ceiling.

• The most advanced ultra-directional microphones, or parabolic microphones can be used to overhear conversations from a hundred meters away or more.

• Extreme clarity is possible only via a laser microphone, which are again, expensive and highly technical to operate.

• Since mobile phones nowadays can record both audio and video, therefore they can be used as surveillance equipments as well.

Surveillance equipments normally emit radio waves, however the more sophisticated ones are not dependant on Radio Waves and are extremely hard to detect. The only way to detect them is by using sensitive gear to seek out magnetic fields, or the common electrical 'noise'. Another way would be to use sensitive infrared cameras for identifying waste heat of a Surveillance equipment.

Gone are the days of the private eye, now you can get information yourself via these fascinating surveillance equipments. Finally, the best benefit these devices afford is that they are successful in doing away with the incentive to commit crime. Since a person’s inclination to commit crime is decreased once he/she is aware that someone is there to keep an eye on him/her.

Surveillance for the homeowner

2009-07-05T19:42:00.001+07:00

So you’ve paid off the loan, and the mortgage, done the renovations, the paperwork and now your home is finally your own house. You can’t help feeling, however, that you aren’t quite ready to sit back and rest easy. What if someone breaks into your house, damages and steals your property? What can you do to safeguard your space against burglary?

For a medium or large residence, surveillance just might be a good idea. Before you start picturing Richard Dreyfuss and Emilio Estevez in Stakeout, let’s define our terms.

Surveillance is, quite simply, the process of monitoring people, objects or processes for conformity to certain expected norms. More specifically, it consists of monitoring for deviations from safe, non-threatening behaviour. It may or may not interest you to know that, in French, the word means ‘watching over’.

Surveillance includes any form of observation from afar by means of technological devices. This refers to phone tapping, directional microphones, bugs, subminiature cameras, closed-circuit television or CCTV, GPS tracking, airborne or satellite reconnaissance as well as computer and internet surveillance.

CCTV is perhaps the most relevant device for you, as a homeowner, so let’s look at it in some more detail.

CCTV consists of a camera, or cameras, linked up for the purpose of surveillance. The cameras are all directly liked and viewable through monitor screens. CCTV was first pressed into service to help watch against bank robbers, but the applications have increased to the point where the technology is easy to use, and relatively affordable enough to be used in home security set-ups.

CCTV is supposed to aid in crime fighting in two ways –deterrence and detection.

It’s assumed that the presence of clearly visible cameras in an particular location would serve to scare of would-be thieves. But the criminal mentality is notoriously hard to fathom, and this isn’t always the case. Interestingly though, CCTV systems do seem to be most effective as safeguards against car theft. Still, it’s worth assuming that the presence of a CCTV system should put off a fair number of would-be burglars.

CCTV has made a remarkable difference to crime detection, that’s for sure. Several prominent murder cases worldwide were solved with the aid of CCTV footage, and CCTV has also been useful in locating missing persons and runaways. Look at it this way – if it comes to the worst, and your house is burglarised, CCTV footage can provide crucial clues to the police and help in capturing the criminals and recovering your belongings.

CCTV technology has developed to the point where you can use wireless or USB still cameras to take high-resolution pictures at intervals. You can either program the cameras to take pictures on a time-lapse basis or to be triggered by unexpected motion. The quality of these images is superior to other surveillance cameras, and provides investigators with a wealth of useful detail. Models like Canon’s S2iS, Nikon’s P1 or Kodak’s Easyshare One are all affordable and reliable options. You can easily download these images onto your PC and share them with the authorities, all in a matter of seconds.

This is in fact the best option for you as a homeowner. Traditional CCTV is more adept at providing a flow of images to be constantly monitored by security personnel, while this new technique, dubbed Closed Circuit Digital Photography (CCDP) does not require around-the-clock observation, and produces high-quality images that can be used in the event of a burglary. As in the case of CCTV, it is worth considering that the presence of a surveillance system will itself serve as some amount of deterrent, if clearly indicated.

Used in conjunction with motion sensors, as well as anti-burglary devices such as alarms, high fences, trap wires and the like CCDP can form the basis for an effective and reliable home surveillance system. One that lets you finally kick back and relax in the comfort and security of your own home!

Terrorist Terrorism and Terrorized

2009-07-05T19:41:00.002+07:00

As we sit glued to the television set listening to all the gory details of yet another terrorist attack leaves us all in a state of shock. We all feel sad. We all feel that enough is enough. We all listen to how much the death toll is rising into the hundreds. We all wait in anticipation to hear of any survivors, then after a few days. We all forget

I recall years ago when the seat belt was introduced and how it was drummed into us each and every day, clunk click every trip. The nation was brainwashed into abiding by the new law imposed that was to save so many lives. Well I say make a stand and bring back brainwashing in the form of terrorist awareness, it may cause a lot of paranoia amongst a great many but it may also save a lot of misery suffering pain and most importantly lives.

Terrorists are like actors where they are well rehearsed in their role to kill. Drama classes pay off for terrorists in their preparation for slaughter.

A Massacre murderer is well trained to keep his or her composure and not to look suspicious. The question is how we can help the system in the fight against terrorism.

What signs do we have to look for to sniff out a walking time bomb, especially when these murderers have re enacted the role over and over again in portraying the look of innocence?

I am not sure if there are any signs to look out for where a professional is concerned, but we can help by being more observant

This can be done by being more aware of how serious terrorism really is, the next time you go shopping or take the tube to work or when taking the kiddies to school, watch what the person next to you is doing

If traveling on a bus even high in the sky make a little note of what your fellow passenger is wearing. Make an image diary in your head of what they look like, note little tell tale signs as in i.e. tattoos scars jewelry whatever. Take in enough information on that person so that should any circumstances arise on that day where police are involved and are looking for information, you may hold the key to conviction.

But remember not all suspicious looking characters are guilty and there are times you may well get paranoid by the person next to you. Do not panic keep calm then go and speak with someone if you feel there is need for concern.
I know this approach can cause paranoia among a lot of people but it also may save lives. CCTV can not do all the work alone

The Basics of Hazmat Incident Management

2009-07-05T19:41:00.001+07:00

Whether at home or work, there is a chance you could be impacted by a hazardous materials incident (such as a chemical spill, train derailment, or industrial explosion). It is important that you think ahead and know what to do to ensure safety. If you are at work, chances are your employer will have a detailed emergency action plan and information for you to follow. But, if you are not at work - or even if you are, the more you know, the better - it is vital you are educated on what to do in such an emergency.

Many communities have Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) whose responsibilities include collecting information about hazardous materials in the community and making this information available to the public upon request. The LEPCs also are tasked with developing an emergency plan to prepare for and respond to chemical emergencies in the community. Ways the public will be notified and actions the public must take in the event of a release are part of the plan.
Contact the LEPCs to find out more about chemical hazards and what needs to be done to minimize the risk to individuals and the community from these materials. Your local emergency management office can provide contact information on the LEPCs.

You should add the following supplies to your disaster kit:

Plastic sheeting
Duct tape
Scissors

During an incident:

Listen to local radio or television stations for detailed information and instructions. Follow the instructions carefully. You should stay away from the area to minimize the risk of contamination. Remember that some toxic chemicals are odorless.

If you are asked to evacuate:

Do so immediately.
Stay tuned to a radio or television for information on evacuation routes, temporary shelters, and procedures.
Follow the routes recommended by the authorities - shortcuts may not be safe. Leave at once.
If you have time, minimize contamination in the house by closing all windows, shutting all vents, and turning off attic fans.
Take pre-assembled disaster supplies.
Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance - infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities.

If you are caught outside:

Stay upstream, uphill, and upwind! In general, try to go at least one-half mile (usually 8-10 city blocks) from the danger area. Move away from the accident scene and help keep others away.
Do not walk into or touch any spilled liquids, airborne mists, or condensed solid chemical deposits. Try not to inhale gases, fumes, and smoke. If possible, cover mouth with a cloth while leaving the area.
Stay away from accident victims until the hazardous material has been identified.
If you are in a motor vehicle
Stop and seek shelter in a permanent building. If you must remain in your car, keep car windows and vents closed and shut off the air conditioner and heater.
If you are requested to stay indoors
Bring pets inside.
Close and lock all exterior doors and windows. Close all vents, fireplace dampers, and as many interior doors as possible.
Turn off air conditioners and ventilation systems. In large buildings, set ventilation systems to 100 percent re-circulation so that no outside air is drawn into the building. If this is not possible, ventilation systems should be turned off.
Go into the pre-selected shelter room. This room should be above ground and have the fewest openings to the outside.
Seal gaps under doorways and windows with wet towels or plastic sheeting and duct tape.
Seal gaps around window and air conditioning units, bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans, and stove and dryer vents with duct tape and plastic sheeting, wax paper, or aluminum wrap.
Use material to fill cracks and holes in the room, such as those around pipes.
If gas or vapors could have entered the building, take shallow breaths through a cloth or a towel. Avoid eating or drinking any food or water that may be contaminated.
After an incident
Return home only when authorities say it is safe. Open windows and vents and turn on fans to provide ventilation.
Act quickly if you have come in contact with or have been exposed to hazardous chemicals.

Do the following after being exposed to hazardous chemicals:

Follow decontamination instructions from local authorities. You may be advised to take a thorough shower, or you may be advised to stay away from water and follow another procedure.
Seek medical treatment for unusual symptoms as soon as possible.
Place exposed clothing and shoes in tightly sealed containers. Do not allow them to contact other materials. Call local authorities to find out about proper disposal.
Advise everyone who comes in contact with you that you may have been exposed to a toxic substance.
Find out from local authorities how to clean up your land and property.
Report any lingering vapors or other hazards to your local emergency services office.

The Basics of Home Security

2009-07-05T19:40:00.004+07:00

Every homeowner needs to be active and aware of their home security concerns. With home invasions and break-ins on the rise, it is time to take some steps towards protecting your family and your valuable belongings. It would surprise most people to realize how simple it is for a burglar to break into their home. By following these simple steps, you can reduce the odds of coming home to discover your home has been broken into and your cherished valuables have been taken.

For a burglar, the three greatest enemies are noise, time, and light. If a burglar must make a lot of noise, take a lot of time, and work in a well-lit area to get into your home, chances are that he will not bother. In most cases, he will move onto an easier "mark". These are things that work in the favor of homeowners. I always tell my clients that, in order to defeat the burglar, one must think like the burglar.

Take some time and "case" the exterior of your home for points of entry. Imagine yourself as a burglar. Where would you try to get in? Where are the security weaknesses? You could even conduct a little experiment, by locking your home and trying to break in. If you, honest citizen, can break into your home with relative ease you can be sure it will be no problem for an experienced thief to gain entry.

Doors and windows are the first places to check when assessing the security of a home or business. Make sure that your home is equipped with a hard wood or metal exterior door, that is at minimum 1 ¾" thick. The doorframe should be equally as strong. A peephole is much better than a simple door chain, as it will allow you to identify the person at your door without having to open it. And if there is one thing you spend a bit of money on, be sure it is a good quality deadbolt!

Windows are also extremely vulnerable, from a security standpoint. If you have an older home with double-hung windows, you can secure them by nailing the upper and lower panes together from the inside. As well, simple key locks can be added to windows for a reasonable price. If you have windows that are located at street level, consider adding an iron grate or grille for added protection. Balconies and fire escapes can also be security weaknesses, so consider purchasing one of those metal "accordion" gates.

There are a few other simple precautions you can take to secure your home. Try to establish a routine to ensure that your doors and windows are locked when you leave the house and when you go to bed each night. If you can afford it, you should also invest in a home security system. There are some incredibly advanced systems available on the market today, and these systems are very difficult to bypass. These simple steps could make the difference between being a victim of crime and being safe from harm. Think about it!

The Combination Lock

2009-07-05T19:40:00.003+07:00

A combination lock is a type of lock in which a sequence of numbers or symbols is used to open the lock. The sequence is usually a specific permutation rather than a true combination. The sequence may be entered using a single rotating dial which interacts with several discs or cams, or by using a set of several rotating discs with inscribed numerals which directly interact with the locking mechanism.

Multiple-dial locks
One of the simplest types of combination lock, often used in low-security situations is the bicycle lock, which uses several rotating discs with notches cut into them. The lock is secured by a pin with several teeth on it which hook into the rotating discs. When the notches in the discs align with the teeth on the pin, the lock can be opened. This lock is considered to be one of the least secure types of combination lock.

Opening a multiple-dial lock without the combination depends on the slight irregularities in the machining of the parts. Unless the lock is machined precisely, when the pin is pulled outward, one of the teeth will pull more strongly than the others on its corresponding disc. This disc is then rotated until a slight click is heard, indicating that the tooth has settled into the notch. The procedure is repeated for the remaining discs, resulting in an open lock, and a correct combination, in very little time.

Single-dial locks
Combination locks found on padlocks or safes may use a single dial which interacts with several parallel discs or cams. Customarily, a lock of this type is opened by rotating the dial clockwise to the first numeral, counterclockwise to the second, and so on in an alternating fashion until the last numeral is reached. The cams typically have an indentation or notch, and when the correct combination is entered, the notches align, allowing the latch to fit into them and open the lock.

Combination locks of this type are generally more secure than the multiple-dial lock, but some of them do have weaknesses. For example, early combination padlocks made by Master lock could be cracked by pulling on the shackle of the lock and turning the dial until it stopped; each numeral in the combination could be revealed in this manner.

More recent models of Master padlock with a 40-position dial have a mechanical weakness that can give away the last numeral in the combination, and the first two numerals have a mathematical relationship with the last number. This weakness reduces the number of possible combinations from 64,000 to a mere 100, which can be tried in a relatively short amount of time.

Inexpensive padlocks are often susceptible to the use of a padlock shim, which can be used to release the shackle without entering a combination.

Other designs
Many doors use combination locks which require the user to enter a numeric sequence on a keypad to facilitate entry. These special locks usually require the additional use of electronic circuitry.

The main advantage of this system is that if used for the door of a large office, each employee can be told the code number without having to supply a key to each person.

The disadvantage however, is if the code number is discovered by someone out site the desired group or is not changed regularly, it could allow easy access to a potential intruder.

The Easy Method of Recovering your Sentry Safe Combination

2009-07-05T19:40:00.001+07:00

The messages seem abundant in some forums, "I bought a business and it came with a Sentry Safe that is locked", or "I bought a used Sentry Safe at a garage sale," of course these statements are followed by some begging for someone to send the writer the combination to their safe.

I do not think there are any great number of people out in "forumlandia" that can take your Sentry Safe serial number and tell you the combination. Not only that, I certainly hope there are not a lot of people with a complete combination list!

It is really beyond me why people do not direct these inquires to place they purchased the safe, or to the Sentry Safe Company themselves! Maybe it is because they are hoping for the information for free, as Sentry requires a small payment and some paperwork.

Now before we get into the nitty gritty of how you can get help from Sentry, we might examine some other methods of opening your safe when your combination is lost.

My personal favorite is of course dynamite. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend the use of dynamite, however quick, it will likely cause you a lot of trouble, damage the contents of your safe and cause severe bodily harm to you and others.

Picking the lock would be a close second and good punishment for you forgetting the combination or buying a used safe without a combination; what were you thinking? Maybe a psychic can help you and confirm or deny your belief in them at the same time! Of course you could just sell the safe at a garage sale and let someone else worry about the combination!

You can also call a local locksmith, but I suspect it will cost more than following the simple instructions from Sentry. If you want to get the lost combination for free, I suggest you start trying all the possible combinations! Good luck!

Ok, we can be serious for a moment and this is all you need to get your lost combination from the Sentry Safe Company and avoid the mystery of psychics and the danger of dynamite.

Here are the easy instructions from Sentry: First step, find the Model and Serial Number of your safe.

The Serial Number is in this packet, and is also printed on the small label beside the door hinge (outside). Send a copy of the model number and serial number of the safe, a notarized letter (last name of notary must be different than that of owner) stating you are the owner of the safe, and a check or money order for $12.00* (U.S. funds) to:

Sentry Group, Dept. 200,
882 Linden Avenue,
Rochester, NY 14625-2784 USA.

If using a credit card (Visa/Mastercard only), call 1-800-828-1438
and fax your Model and Serial number with the notarized letter
to 585-381-2940.

Next time make sure you record the combination and store it in a secure place such as a safety deposit box at your bank. Opening your safe could be a lot more fun, but never more simple!

The First Line of Defense: Knowing the Facts About Home Security

2009-07-05T19:39:00.000+07:00

Sometimes the simplest steps are the smartest! By placing a sign that advertises your home security system in your yard, you can dramatically reduce your chances of being targeted by thieves.

In a study published in the Journal of Economic and Social Measurement, Dr. Yochanan Shachmurove, Dr. Gideon Fishman and Dr. Simon Hakim studied the motivating factors behind a burglar's decision to rob one home over another. Their findings indicated that isolation and occupancy were the two major considerations.

The study indicated that while you are reclining in your lazy chair and flipping through 100 channels of Cable TV (and still finding nothing to watch) you can rest easy. Ok, the study did not read quite that way – but it does tell us that burglars rarely target homes with occupants in residence.

Homes that are more frequently targeted tend to be secluded or isolated. Keep in mind that this definition encompasses homes with an entrance that is not visible from the street, due to foliage or other visual obstructions. The ideal 'pigeon' for a thief is an expensive home that is detached with no security measures and is located less than a mile from a major highway or road.

The study also revealed that the third most important factor is highly visible security measures. Deadbolt locks can't be seen so they did not deter burglars. However, advertising the fact that your home is protected by a security system was a major deterrent. The professors found that if a house is protected by an alarm system, the chances of a burglar's choosing it are virtually zero. Those are pretty great odds!

In the study's conclusion, the professors determined that homes without security systems were 3.5 times more likely to be burglarized than those with protection. If a thief does victimize a home with a security system, they spend far less time in the house during the robbery and therefore remove fewer pieces of property.

This research and similar studies have led insurance companies, such as State Farm, to advise their clients to install home security systems. In fact, many times homeowners with alarm systems will receive an incentive in premiums. The National Crime Prevention Council in Washington, D.C. has also endorsed security systems as a deterrent to crime.

A home security system can range in cost from less than fifty dollars to upwards of tens of thousands of dollars. Sometimes you can actually get a system for free, when you sign a contract with a monitoring company. You can also opt for a wireless system, which is quite easy to install. In fact, these systems typically fall under the "do it yourself" category. But before you decide to tackle that particular project, you need to be armed with a working knowledge of all your security system options. No pun intended!

First, there are two basic types of systems. One option sounds an alarm and turns on various lights throughout the home. The other offers those features, but is also connected to a monitoring company twenty-four hours a day. With this system, an employee at the monitoring company automatically calls the police for you, when the alarm is tripped. These systems not only protect against intruders, but can also be hooked up to fire alarms and carbon monoxide protectors.

You may also want to consider a system that provides you with the option to place "panic buttons" throughout your home. These are particularly valuable, for those with a medically fragile family member.

The most expensive systems have surveillance cameras placed at checkpoints throughout your property. You can actually monitor your home yourself from any location, by connecting to a closed circuit program on your laptop.

Detectors can be found not only on doors and windows, but also underneath rugs and in every room in the house. When a detector is tripped, the homeowner checks his control panel to see exactly where the disturbance is occurring.

If there is no danger, the homeowner can opt to cancel the phone call to the monitoring company, or shut down the alarm by entering a pass code on the control center. To avoid sending false alarms, family members should be taught how to use the password system. If the system is not halted, the monitoring company phones the police and they are dispatched to your home.

Now how do you translate all this information into practical applications, when it comes to actually keeping your home from being burglarized? Let's summarize:

- Put a sign up in your front yard advertising your system. Decals on the windows are not as effective.

- Buy a system that sounds an alarm.

- Invest in a system that provides protection against fire and carbon monoxide. One smoke detector in your kitchen is not as effective as a series of smoke and heat detectors placed strategically throughout your home. If your house catches fire when you are not at home, your monitoring company alerts the police immediately.

- Monitoring companies are very valuable in emergencies, but you will also need to educate family members and household guests to maximize the benefits of your system.

- If your house is secluded or in the country, your best defense is a system connected to a monitoring company. A sounding alarm may not offer enough protection.

- Burglars may cut the outside telephone wires before they enter a house. If you don't have a cell phone, you won't be able to call the police and your system won't be able to call the monitoring company. So consider adding a second phone line.

- Cut any foliage hiding doors and windows. Burglars deliberately pick houses that they can enter without detection from the street.

- Join a Neighborhood Watch group or start one yourself.

The Home Security System Buying Guide

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In this world of uncertainty, deciding what the best home security products are among the myriad of security products can be confusing. This guide will address these uncertainties and clarify the buying process.

A simple check with search engines will reveal hundreds of companies willing to sell you their security related products and all of them promising the “burglar-proof” system.

My first advice is to go to a company that specializes in the very device you are interested in. For example if you need a surveillance camera, Panasonic can show up as a possible choice. However, they are more well-known for producing TV sets than security cameras. A manufacturer such as Clearvu, on the other hand, specializes in surveillance cameras. They will quickly show you a large variety of professional equipment which will suit your needs much better. While Panasonic appears to be a credible security system player in the marketplace, their expertise lags behind these highly specialized manufacturers. Big brands, therefore, do not necessarily mean good brands.

Check for the country of manufacture. Products manufactured in a country with a strong tradition of quality will probably feel proud enough to advertise it. If the manufacturing country does not show up in the ad, the company is probably cutting costs by producing them in a country where wages are low and labor lower-skilled. Unfortunately, this also means that they have compromised on the product’s quality at your expense.

Another factor when it comes to choosing the right home security equipment is to check the product specifications. Be extra careful when doing this. For example, a photoelectric motion sensitive system that is triggered by falling leaves won’t be very effective. These are the sort of details you must always ask and check. There truly are no dumb questions; if you feel uncertain about any specifications, just ask. If the answer from the sales person appears evasive, you might want to consider another brand or shop somewhere else.

Perhaps the single most important and most difficult part of the home security system buying process is to clearly distinguish between the various products offered by competitors that offer pretty much the same features at comparable quality, but at slightly different prices. In these instances, I recommend ignoring brands altogether and strip the products of their sales hype. Try seeing facts, parameters and guarantees. If details are sketchy, don’t be afraid to ask the seller about details. Price should be the secondary factor here. Aim for quality and a sense of reassurance that when a burglar strikes your home, your home security system will be ready to handle and thwart the burglar’s break-in attempt.

The importance of a Home Security Alarm

2009-07-04T22:01:00.000+07:00

Homeland securitization has been given so much importance over the past few years that we have almost forgotten the importance of our own house and the importance of a good home security alarm. While burglary in your property may not make the headlines, it is in your best interest to safeguard property by installing a good home security alarm.

According to the US bureau of Justice Statistics there were 14 million incidents of theft on property and in 83% incidents the burglars had entered the house or building located in the property. You might feel safe by locking your doors and windows but there are ways to enter a house known only to people who commit burglary for living. Burglars always strike by surprise; to underestimate their resourcefulness would be a mistake you would not want to make at any cost.

There are many types of home security alarm, which can help you effectively protect a property, belongings and more importantly your family from burglars. Home security alarm is one of the more trusted methods to protect your house from burglars; a simple home security alarm generally makes a loud sound or dials a number like 911, your cell phone or a neighbor and sends a pre recorded distress message. Some systems connect themselves with the smoke alarms which notify the fire department immediately. Then there is also the monitored house securitizing systems which are considered the safest of all and the local systems which are considered safer than monitored property securitizing systems, yet cheaper.

Many securitizing systems come with a sign board that can be mounted on the door, mailbox or anywhere else where they can be noticed. Burglars generally target un-protected houses and leave alone the houses protected by any type of home security alarm. As for starters, the cheapest home security alarm is the “do it yourself” systems, you need to do all the installation and setup yourself, but if you are on a budget these are the right ones for you. A home security alarm not only helps in preventing burglary but it also helps in minimizing the loss in case the burglars break into a house because they fear a backup or the sound which might alert the neighbors or the police.

The Importance of a Reliable Home Security System

2009-07-04T22:00:00.000+07:00

We live in a very insecure world, dominated by robbery and crime. Due to the pronounced differences between the classes of society, cultural conflicts and various other factors, worldwide crime rates have known an exacerbated increase in the last decades, rendering modern society a very unstable and unsafe environment. Every day we hear about all sorts of crimes, robberies and thefts, making us doubt the safety of our homes, possessions and even our lives!

People are feeling more and more insecure inside their homes these days and they reinforce their doors and windows, install extra door locks, and even buy guard dogs to provide them protection. However, it is very important to note that experienced robbers can easily break through to a wide range of home defenses, the previously mentioned precautions only providing a false sense of security. In addition, recently conducted research has revealed that most burglaries and robberies take place while the owners are at home, exposing the home owners and their families to a serious risk!

In present, the only effective means to protect your home against robbers is to install a reliable home security system. Only after you have equipped your home with an efficient alarm system you can actually feel 100 percent safe inside your home. A house equipped with a modern, solid security system is definitely not an easy target for robbers. Even the most experienced robbers will think twice before breaking inside a house equipped with a modern security system. However, even if they break inside a house with a security system installed, robbers will trigger the alarm, alerting the local monitoring station and the police.

As soon as you order a home security system, a team will promptly deliver and install it for you. Home security systems are easy to use, allowing users to control a series of features via keypad. The security system is password-protected, requiring you to type in the previously established password before you can change the settings of the alarm system. After you have typed in your password, you can easily arm or disarm the alarm system, or change various specific settings. Once armed, the alarm will be triggered by any attempt of breaching inside the house. In order to ensure that your home is effectively protected, you should install motion detectors to every door and window of your house.

Home security systems are monitored non-stop by a local monitoring station. When the alarmed is triggered, the security system will promptly signal the monitoring station and you will be immediately contacted on the phone by a member of the security team, in order to confirm whether your house has been breached or the signal has been triggered by accident. If you don’t answer the phone or give the incorrect password, the monitoring station will quickly alert the police.

A reliable home security system is a very effective means of protecting your home. As soon as you equip your house with a modern, effective security system, you are guaranteed maximum protection and ongoing monitoring for your home.

The Importance Of Installing A Family Security System

2009-07-04T21:59:00.002+07:00

There is nothing more important than preserving the safety of your family and home. Whether you are away on vacation and the house is left unattended or you work late at night and want your spouse and children to be safe, a family security system may be the answer.

A family security system will typically feature a keypad, which is programmed with a set of numbers used to activate, or deactivate, the alarm system. If any disturbances should occur, the alarm would sound and authorities would be notified. Many family security alarm companies offer this feature, but others require that the homeowner notify the authorities directly. For this reason, it is a good idea to have cordless telephones placed conveniently throughout the house and make sure that you understand the system contract completely.

Many burglaries occur when a home is empty, which is why many choose to install a family security system. An alarm will likely frighten the perpetrator and protect your home from any unwelcome entries. A family security system is designed to protect the family and their belongings. The home that you live in and the items contained inside were purchased with hard-earned money. A family security system is one way of making sure that nobody is able to take that away. While many family security systems can be self-installed, it is recommended that a trusted professional take care of the installation. This is not a home feature that you can afford to have improperly installed or fail when you need it the most.

A few common sense acts will help to keep your security code a private number that only your family knows. Never give the family security system code to anyone for any reason and make sure that your children understand the importance of this. In addition, study the family security code and memorize it. Never leave it written on a piece of paper and allow it to float around the house or simply be thrown away. Did you know that many criminals search through garbage in order to gain private information? You do not want your family security code to be available to them so, once your code is memorized, use a paper shredder or scissors to make sure the written numbers cannot be placed back together before throwing them away.

As a final thought on family security systems, they are designed to protect you and your family. If a system is so complex that you feel like a prisoner in your own home, it may be time to find another system. A family security system should not be difficult to operate and should not be intimidating. It should make your family feel secure and anything less is just plain unacceptable.