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.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Is Your Home Security System Protecting You
Is Your Burglar Alarm Accredited?
Labels: accreditations, alarm, alarm ordinance, alarm system, Burglar alarm, Burglar Alarm Accreditation, Burglar Alarm Accreditations, burglar alarmsHAS 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 CCTV Video Equipment useful?
Labels: cctv, Video EquipmentCCTV 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 a Dummy Home Security Camera Economical?
Labels: Home security, home security cameras, home security monitoring, home security productsA 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.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Low Voltage Landscape Lighting
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
Labels: 007 spy factory, security, surveillance productsIf 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
Labels: lock pins, lock tools, locks, pick toolsHistory
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
Labels: 007 spy factory, security, surveillance productsIf 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
Labels: Locking Doors Still Best Bet Against BurglariesNot 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
Labels: Intrusion DetectionIf 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.
