Non-Lethal Home Security

Non-Lethal Home Security Techniques:

Some people think that the only way to protect their family is with a 12 gauge shotgun and a lot of ammunition, however, there are multiple methods to protect your family that do not use lethal force and can cost much less than a new hunting rifle. A few reports suggest that the answer is pepper spray, taser guns and batons but no one seems to suggest home security methods as an example.

There are literally hundreds of home security systems on the market that can be installed quickly and cheaply compared to a few years ago. In fact, many monitoring companies will now allow you to install your own equipment without paying their contract or installation fees. With a monitored system, you do not have to worry about calling for help or having a back-up plan. The moment a break-in is detected, a signal is sent to your monitoring company and the police that a home invasion is taking place. These systems can help save time and prevent injury to you and your loved ones.

While owning pepper spray, tasers, and even firearms can help protect your family in an emergency, they do not provide the best safety experience that a security system can offer. A home security system can prevent a home invasion before it even begins if you display outward signs of an active system.

As always, keep your doors and windows locked even when you are home and ensure your security system is activated if you have one installed. Also, be sure to check out some of my other posts for additional tips and tricks.

Dan Miller

How To: Fix Your Wireless Security System

So you have a wireless home security system that is giving you a few issues. This can happen in any system. The trick is to get it running again as soon as possible. The last thing you ever want to do is to leave your home vulnerable to an attack. Here are a few troubleshooting tips that may help solve your problem:

Check The Control Panel:

The control panel is the brains of your operation. Always ensure that your control panel is operating correctly. One of the most common situations is a disconnection between the control panel and any detectors/sensors. This could be bad programming between the devices and the unit or another issue. Run tests for each system and see if your sensor or device is recognized.

Check Your Devices:

Just as you should check your panel, a device could have an issue as well. Check each individual component. They could have been compromised by weather or tampering. It is also possible that the battery may need to be replaced in some systems. Always keep a stock of batteries on hand.

Programming:

It is always possible that there is a programming or software issue with your system. If this is the case, contact the system manufacturer for assistance. You may require a replacement system or a support engineer. Under no circumstances modify or tamper with the programming. This will only cause further issues and could void your system warranty. Always leave this to a professional.

Check For Blockages:

Items around your home occasionally move around. If you have a wireless system with infrared technology, a household object may have blocked the sensor or caused a false alarm. Check your sensors for any kind of blockages.

Call Your System Provider:

If you cannot diagnose the issue, place a call to your system's service provider to have a technician inspect your system. The cost of having your system checked and repaired by a qualified technician is lower than the cost of a break-in.

Dan Miller

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