Home Security
There is nothing more important than protecting you and your family in the place that you inhabit the most and value security in - your home. Picturing an intruder invading your home, going through your stuff, or even harming you or your family is an unimaginable thing, until it happens to you. Then it is no longer part of the imagination, but something real that you have to deal with. Gaining back trust and security after an event like that is very difficult, but having a home security system can make it a lot easier.
The type of security system that you need depends on the level of protection that you need. If you have extremely valuable possessions, then you will probably need a system that is designed to keep out craftier criminals than say your average passer-by criminal. Your unique situation will dictate the best type of security system to employ in your home.
This site explores the many avenues that you can bolster your home's security including:
- alarms
- sensors
- cameras
- lighting
- safes
- watchdogs
- strategic defense
Alarms and Sensors
There are many different types of alarm systems, but they all follow the same principle of protection. There are many zones with sensors throughout your house and whenever any of these zones are broken, a signal is sent back to the control box which performs a predefined task like setting off the alarm or calling the police.
Some of these systems range from DIY alarm systems to systems from professional security companies such as ADT or Brink. Even if you do decide to get a professional to install your security system for you, you should be educated in the way it works so that you can fully utilize the benefits of having a home security system.
There are generally two levels of security with sensors: the perimeter of your home and the interior of your home. You can think of it as a first and second line of defense.
There are many different types of sensors that help alert the system of an intrusion. These include: motion, microwave, laser or infrared, and noise sensors.
Cameras
There are many cameras on the market today - usually hidden cameras placed in strategic places that provide evidence for a homeowner to either see a criminal coming or to identify a criminal for conviction. Cameras are also used to observe a nanny or child care provider that is under suspicion of child abuse.
Lighting
Criminals hate to be seen. It increases their risk of being caught. Therefore, an effective lighting system can help deter criminals from entering your property. A good motion detection system outside along with automatic timer lights on the inside can provide a confusing environment for a criminal even if you are on vacation.
Watch Dog
Not only do criminals hate lighting, but they also hate a barking dog. You can train a dog to bark when a stranger approaches your home. If you don't have a dog, there is a product on the market called an electronic watchdog which uses a speaker system to send a large dog's barking sound when someone is approaching the area. The sound also increases its intensity as the intruder gets closer providing a fairly realistic and scary alternative.
Strategic Defense
No, we don't mean national security or global terrorism. We are talking about modifying your behavior to decrease your chances of being a target for intrusion or theft. These things include things like varying your routine, shredding personal information, and concealing property that is valuable. Never becoming a target is the surest way of protecting your home and your family.
We hope that we can provide a solid background of information to help you and your family have a safer home with the peace of mind that you deserve.