Setting Up Home Security Cameras

Best Places to Set Up Home Security Cameras:

Although a security camera may not be the most practical home security technique in the book, it is a useful technique that can help scare off a would-be burglar. I personally have a few around my home in strategic locations and while some of them are fake, most are 100% real. They can work to protect your home. I have seen footage of slow moving cars pulling into my driveway only to speed off seconds later as they see the red light of the security camera staring them down.

There are certain places you should install security cameras. These cameras can often provide a view up to 100 feet so it is not necessary to install them everywhere and some locations are more vulnerable than others. Here is a list of suggested installation locations:

Garage Doors:

A security camera near a garage door can help track activity in your driveway. Depending on your situation, this a the primary route of entry for a burglar as they will often case out the block looking for opportunities. Occasionally, the burglar may even park their car in order to get closer. Placing a camera here with an active recording light can help scare off the burglar or at least take some nice photos of the burglar and their vehicle for your scrapbook.

Patios:

For the same reason you install a camera near your garage, you should also install one on the patio. A burglar may try to get a closer look into your home or even try breaking through glass patio doors. Often burglars attempt to open doors before breaking them down and a security camera can monitor this vulnerable spot. See the burglar before he has the opportunity to get near your home.

Front Doors: 

This is one of the most visible locations in your home. These doors can benefit from having a security system installed. Cameras not only help monitor who goes in and out but they also keep watch over your property and can help thwart vandalism.

Offices and Saferooms:

Often when a burglar enters a home, they go for offices and saferooms to try and take valuable items. Ensure that you can track what is taken and where it was taken from. Corners and ceilings are the best places to install your new camera.

Basements: 

The basement is often considered to be an afterthought, however, homeowners should consider this to be a vulnerable entry point. This is a good location for a burglar to quietly try to enter the home. Let the burglar know that the basement is protected with surveillance cameras installed above windows and doors. Let the burglar know this is not a good entry point.

Conclusion:

Security cameras alone are not an optimal home security system. These devices should be seen as an add-on to your system, not a substitution. However, they can be a great way to keep an eye on your home while you are on the road and can increase peace of mind.

As always, ensure that you keep your doors and windows locked at all times. Do not create the perfect invitation for a home invasion. Also, always keep your security system activated even when you are home. A deactivated system is no use to you once someone enters your home.

Dan Miller

Home Safety Tips For Parents

If you have a young child, you know the amount of stress involved with keeping them safe. Ensuring they do not get their hands on toxic materials and hazardous items can be a full time job. To relieve some of the parental stress, here are a couple of home safety tips for parents.

Lock Lower Cabinets: In a majority of homes, the cleaning products are stored in lower cabinets with easy access. However that easy access for you is also easy access for your child. If you have children, place garbage ties around the door knobs or install child proof latches preventing easy access. If neither of these options work for you, move cleaning supplies and other toxic or dangerous products to higher cabinets or shelves that the child could not reach even if they stand on a chair/stool.

Move Plastic Bags: One of the most dangerous items for a child to obtain is a plastic bag. Suffocation is a common cause of death in children. Keep grocery bags, garbage bags, shipping material, etc out of the hands of a child by discarding them or storing them in a hard-to-reach location.

Cover Electrical Outlets: Always keep unused electrical outlets covered with child proof plastic plugs. Also, store unused appliances like curling irons or electric shavers away from the reach of your child.

Block Off Stairs: Even after your child has been up and about for a bit, they are still at risk of falling. Ensure that your child cannot fall down a set of stairs while playing near them. Set up some type of blocking device or look into a child fence.

Monitor Your Child Near Water: This may seem like the most obvious tip, however, drowning is one of the leading causes of death in children. Always watch your kids around pools, bathtubs, sinks and toilets. Never leave your child alone near water for even a second.

Always ensure that your home is a safe place for you and your family. Your child will not hit an age of reasoning for a few years. Until they do, remain vigilant and ensure that you are setting home safety rules to keep your kids safe and prevent injury.

Dan Miller

DIY Security Systems

Are you an avid do-it-yourself-er? Are you looking to protect yourself, your family and your assets? Are you interested in installing your own home security system? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, this is the perfect place for you. This article is all about DIY home security systems and how you can install your own equipment and have it monitored.





DIY Home Security:

The home security industry has changed in recent years. For the longest time, it was necessary to have a contracted home security company install their hardware in order to be monitored. Today is a completely different story. DIY security systems are incredibly more common and many monitoring companies will allow you to use your own equipment.

To get your DIY security system going, you will need a few things. The main item is at least one control panel. Also, I suggest you have a back-up battery, motion sensors, door/window sensors, glass breakage detectors, heat or smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and some security signs or stickers.

Before purchasing your equipment, make sure that the monitoring company will allow you to install your own equipment. After installation, you want to ensure that the company can read your system and everything is working properly. It is recommended that your company monitors your home for security breaches, fire, floods and toxic fumes. A monitoring company can alert the authorities for you in a time of need and can ensure that you have help on the way. They can also contact you if something happens while you are away from the home.

Types of DIY Systems:

There are two types of home security systems: wired or wireless. Installing a hardwired security system in your home can be an extensive and challenging task even for experienced construction and wiring workers.

Wireless systems require fewer tools and can be set up quickly. This is the best system for the DIY enthusiast or new home owner without electrical experience. These systems do not rely on your home's electrical or telephone system to work and everything operates on batteries sending a signal to the control panel when triggered. Because of this, I would suggest checking your batteries often to ensure everything is working properly. Some wireless systems will work off a land-line while others may require a standard household power outlet to function properly.

In order to connect to your monitoring company, you may need little more than your current wireless internet configuration with a battery backup on your modem. Depending on your equipment, you may need further connections. After installation, follow the manufacturer's instructions to set-up your system or call your monitoring company for activation.

Additional Accessories: 

There is additional equipment for your security system. Items like additional control panels, cameras, key-fob panic buttons and intercoms can be easily integrated and add further protection to your home.

Additionally you could install pool alarms, remote lighting, and other monitoring systems that can prevent intruders before they even get to the home.

Homes without security systems are three times as likely to be targeted for burglary than protected homes according to a Temple University study. With the ease of installing a DIY security system, why would you want to take a chance? Always remember to lock your doors and windows and ensure your security system is activated.

Dan Miller