Posts Tagged ‘home security tips’
October 17th, 2009 | 
Author: While no one’s really clear on the exact definition of what makes a good parent, one thing that everyone does know is that they don’t want to be considered a bad parent. One of the things that people with children take the most heat for is working too much, and not being there for when their kids get home from school. Whether or not you want to be picking up your sons and daughters every day or not, the fact of the matter is that people have to work, and sometimes this means that people can’t be there at the end of the school day.
Especially with the skyrocketing number of single parents and the current dismal state of the economy, work is an important thing and parents are doing more for their children by attempting to ensure a bright financial future for their children. But most parents are distraught with the idea of leaving their children home alone, or not being there at the end of the school day. And not everyone can afford daycare or a nanny, so the question becomes, even if I have a home alarm system, is it a good idea or a safe idea to let my child be home alone by his or herself?
Eventually, the time comes where you have to leave your child home alone. It’s easy to take steps to make yourself and your child feel a lot safer when that day comes. First and foremost, talk to your child and find out if they are really ready to be in charge of the house for a couple of hours. Even if all of their friends are doing it, some children take longer to feel safe and comfortable alone than others. Don’t pressure your child into taking steps that they aren’t ready to take. And likewise, don’t smother your child and assume they aren’t responsible enough to be home alone for a couple of hours, either!
If you have a home security system, teach your child how to use it. Explain that if the alarm goes off, that the police might arrive, so it’s important to know the code so that you can turn the alarm off. Instruct them to turn the alarm on once they’re in the house, and stress the point that the code is a big secret that only the family knows. For reinforcement, be sure that you have a list with important phone numbers, including the alarm company and the local police, next to the phone, in case there are any problems and your child cannot reach you.
Speaking of the phone, it’s best for home security and the safety of your child if you instruct him or her clearly in the rules of the phone when you’re not around. Make sure that you establish whether or not you are going to have them answer the phone, and that they are not to ever tell anyone that you aren’t there. Practice the phrase, “she can’t come to the phone right now, may I take a message?” or “he’s busy right now, can I have him call you in a little while?” If you think that’s going to be a little too much for your son or daughter, advise them to not answer the phone at all. Also, if you don’t have call-waiting, make sure that your child needs to know that they can’t chat away on the phone all afternoon, in case you need to get in touch.
With a little bit of preparation and talking, it’s easy to make sure that your child has all the information needed to have a safe afternoon or evening home alone. By making sure that clear rules are in place and are followed regarding answering the phone, staying inside the house, and knowing how to work the home security system, parents can make sure that their children feel safe and are safe when staying at the house alone.
Being a parent is pretty nerve-wracking, but adt alarms makes it much easier to leave your child home alone for the first time. With the help of ADT home security, it’s a little easier to let them grow up.
Article Source: Home Security Tips and Advice For the First Time Your Child is Home Alone
With the real estate prices in Northern California, the process of buying a home is no small matter, even in a market that is far from peaking. To be in the position to provide a place your family can call its own, it probably has taken years of hard work. Once you’ve gotten to that point, the home is the base for everything in the family to grow. The plans and the new directions will all have a comfortable place from which to start.
Because of this fact, there is no reason to mess around when it comes to home security. Even in safe communities all over California, the amount of burglaries has increased in recent years. Defending your family and its biggest investment is more important than ever. Here are five tips to make sure your home security plan is airtight.
1. Treat your front door like the gate to the castle. In the movies, storming a castle is complicated. There is a moat, the drawbridge won’t come down and an army is waiting on the other side. You want to go for the same approach. Make sure your door is not vulnerable to a screwdriver or a crowbar. Get the hinge side properly reinforced and have deadbolts installed immediately. After all the precautions you’ve taken inside, entry should be very difficult.
2. Don’t leave windows as a comfortable alternative. Many burglars see small windows as the easiest way to get inside a house quickly. What about a home alarm system? Sure, if the alarm is activated, it should be ringing, but that doesn’t mean the police will be there within the minute. Make access difficult by placing thorny shrubs near ground-level windows, and consider making vulnerable spots smash-proof with window sealants.
3. Have your home security system checked out. Updates for security systems can become available every few years, so you should inquire if your system is ready for an upgrade. If you aren’t equipped with a home alarm system yet, you should definitely consider what you are missing.
4. Think about the little things. Because most burglaries happen when houses are empty, consider the fact that your enemy is generally looking to avoid a confrontation. In that case, try to make your home appear occupied every day of the year. If you go out of town, have somebody watch the place for you. If you spend a lot of time away from home, set up light timers so it looks like someone’s around.
5. Upgrade your security system to include surveillance cameras. In many California properties, there is a significant distance between the home and the furthest tip of land. Cameras are one way to cut the distance. If you want to keep an eye on spots that can’t be seen, surveillance cameras could be a cost-effective solution.
When you‘ve decided it’s no longer time to gamble, see why these security systems in California put the competition to shame. For the best protection, trust
ADT in California for all your security needs.
Article Source: Five Home Security Tips for Northern California Residents
Since the rise of the internet, the feeling that any individual can do anything has caught on with the public. With how-to instructions for any topic or feat online, a reader can feel just a few steps away. While this style won’t work for flying planes or driving cars, it could help you out when you need a little help around the house. As long as there are few consequences (other than your dinner or crossword puzzle answer), it’s worth taking a shot. Home security is one area where you don’t want to gamble, but can benefit from some simple advice maybe you didn’t consider before. Here are five do-it-yourself tips to make your home security plan in Pennsylvania better, immediately.
1. Changing the locks of your house. Were you the first one to live in your house? If you bought an unblemished house and were the first to move in, then you’re probably safe on this count. However, if you moved into a house bought from another family, it’s probably time for new locks. When there was work done, the contractors may have had a key. The same goes for the real estate company and you never know when the wrong people might get their hands on such things.
2. Close the windows. One of the most forgotten bits of home security advice is one of the easiest to follow: no matter what, don’t leave the house with your windows open. You’re making it too easy for unforced entry to happen. Of course, if you have a dog roaming around the house, you may have a backup plan in order. If you don’t, think about getting a dog.
3. Stop shunning the neighborhood watch program. If you were hesitant at first, remember that the neighborhood watch means better home security for everyone in the community. Don’t be put off by the feeling you’re a junior officer of the law — there’s no reason to be uncomfortable, as you’re helping out the cause and the police in Pennsylvania are happy when there is a neighborhood watch on the job.
4. Use the garden to your advantage. Allowing overgrown shrubs to obscure your walkways and entrances to your house is almost asking for trouble. In the case of a truly desperate character, the criminal may choose to lay in wait for someone approaching the house. When there are overgrown bushes as a place to hide, you make it easier on them.
5. Upgrade or replace smoke detectors. A home alarm system might be too much for you to handle, but smoke detectors are an easy to make your house safer for the whole family. Make sure every part of the house has smoke alarms installed and their signal runs through your home alarm as well.
The smaller things are good for the homeowner to handle. For the highest quality home security in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, find out what ADT has to offer. With state-of-the-art technology and an around-the-clock staff, ADT home security in Pittsburgh is the choice for any household bent on safety.
Article Source: Do It Yourself Home Security Tips for Pennsylvania Residents
One of the best ways to improve your home security and bring down your home insurance premium is to install an alarm system. However, alarm systems can be quite expensive to install and maintain. Thankfully, there are a number of steps that you can take to improve your home security situation without breaking the bank.
Keep any hedges, trees, and bushes near your windows trimmed back so that a potential burglar can find no hiding place in your garden, as this may be enough to make them look elsewhere.
By installing deadbolts, you can give your doors the best possible protection against breaking and entering. If you have deadbolts, burglars will literally have to smash in your doors or windows to gain access to your property, both of which noisy occurrences are likely to attract the attention of your neighbours.
Motion lights, which light up the outside of your house when someone approaches, can be a highly effective, not to mention inexpensive, way of deterring burglars, as many will assume that they come as part of a more involved alarm setup.
Nothing scares off burglars like a large, vicious, and loyal dog, but if you do not want or cannot afford to keep such a beast, then you should at least pretend that you do. Leave some doggie accessories, such as a collar or a dog bowl, outside your front door, and get hold of a CD or mp3 of dog noises to play through the stereo on repeat while you are out.
If you are a woman living alone, then it might be a good idea to try to give the impression that a big, burly man also lives there. Leave a massive pair of work boots and gloves out on your front doorstep, and it might make burglars think twice about trying your front door.
Timer switches can be bought very cheaply, and can really help to create the impression that a property is occupied when it is not. Get a few, and make sure that at least one light on each side of the house is on during the evening. Setting one up to turn on a radio for spells while you are out can also be a highly effective deterrent.
Most importantly, always remember to lock all of your doors and windows whenever you leave the home, as not only does this make it more difficult for a burglar to enter your property, but it also ensures that you will be able to claim on your contents insurance in the event of a burglary.
With Kwik Fit home insurance , your home and your treasured possessions will be well-protected from the unexpected.
Article Source: Budget home security tips
The world can be a scary place. Who hasn’t known someone who has been attacked by a stranger, had their home broken into, or has been the victim of a stalker? It’s true that you can’t live your life in fear, but a few small safety measures can go a long way in protecting you, your loved ones, and your home from potential criminals.
Although an expensive, high-end security system can be extremely helpful, it is out of reach for the average family. Still, there are many budget alternatives and free home security tips that can give you some extra peace of mind.
1. Don’t provide hiding spots for potential thieves and intruders.
Large, overgrown bushes and plants are the perfect places for an intruder to crouch and hide, biding his time. This also makes your house an easier target than one with a neatly trimmed yard and fewer places to slink around in. Make both your front and backyard open, friendly spaces that lack coverage.
2. Have the strongest, most indestructible lock on the market? Good start, now invest in more.
Burglars find getting through most locks laughably easy. They can either be picked within seconds, or they simply break the window, reach in, and unlock it themselves. Place locks in strategic locations to help prevent window break-ins. Also, reinforce doors to stop intruders from simply kicking through them. Have a locksmith check for weaknesses in your lock configurations, such as gaps in the door, which can allow burglars easy access.
3. Invest in home video surveillance.
There are many affordable options. In the case where an intruder does manage to break in, you now have powerful evidence that can help you capture the crook even if he manages to escape. Surveillance cameras are powerful allies in the fight against your invasion of privacy.
Home video surveillance cameras should be mounted in strategic locations to ensure the best possible coverage. They should also be well-hidden to prevent intruders discovering and tampering with them.
4. Know your neighbors and take care of each other.
Create a neighborhood watch or simply make an informal pact with those near your home that you will report any suspicious activity immediately. If you will be out of town for an extended period, make sure your neighbors are aware and have someone drive by your house every so often, and even just spend a few hours a day to make it less vulnerable to attacks.
Don’t let newspapers or mail pile up as this is a dead giveaway that no one is home. One home security measure will not be enough to deter a determined intruder. Many burglars and other offenders do not randomly choose their victims.
There is often many weeks, months, and even years of studying and research that goes into choosing the best targets. If someone really wants to get into your home, you need to make it as tricky as possible. Combine as many of these home security approaches as you can to help make your house as safe as possible.
The latest home security surveillance systems will ensure that your property is safe and protected from all suspicious eyes and random acts of violence and vandalism. To know which security device is best suited for your home, visit http://www.surveillancetechnology.com
Article Source: Home Security Measures: Tips To Keep Your Home Burglar Safe
The world can be a scary place. Who hasn’t known someone who has been attacked by a stranger, had their home broken into, or has been the victim of a stalker? It’s true that you can’t live your life in fear, but a few small safety measures can go a long way in protecting you, your loved ones, and your home from potential criminals.
Although an expensive, high-end security system can be extremely helpful, it is out of reach for the average family. Still, there are many budget alternatives and free home security tips that can give you some extra peace of mind.
1. Don’t provide hiding spots for potential thieves and intruders.
Large, overgrown bushes and plants are the perfect places for an intruder to crouch and hide, biding his time. This also makes your house an easier target than one with a neatly trimmed yard and fewer places to slink around in. Make both your front and backyard open, friendly spaces that lack coverage.
2. Have the strongest, most indestructible lock on the market? Good start, now invest in more.
Burglars find getting through most locks laughably easy. They can either be picked within seconds, or they simply break the window, reach in, and unlock it themselves. Place locks in strategic locations to help prevent window break-ins. Also, reinforce doors to stop intruders from simply kicking through them. Have a locksmith check for weaknesses in your lock configurations, such as gaps in the door, which can allow burglars easy access.
3. Invest in home video surveillance.
There are many affordable options. In the case where an intruder does manage to break in, you now have powerful evidence that can help you capture the crook even if he manages to escape. Surveillance cameras are powerful allies in the fight against your invasion of privacy.
Home video surveillance cameras should be mounted in strategic locations to ensure the best possible coverage. They should also be well-hidden to prevent intruders discovering and tampering with them.
4. Know your neighbors and take care of each other.
Create a neighborhood watch or simply make an informal pact with those near your home that you will report any suspicious activity immediately. If you will be out of town for an extended period, make sure your neighbors are aware and have someone drive by your house every so often, and even just spend a few hours a day to make it less vulnerable to attacks.
Don’t let newspapers or mail pile up as this is a dead giveaway that no one is home. One home security measure will not be enough to deter a determined intruder. Many burglars and other offenders do not randomly choose their victims.
There is often many weeks, months, and even years of studying and research that goes into choosing the best targets. If someone really wants to get into your home, you need to make it as tricky as possible. Combine as many of these home security approaches as you can to help make your house as safe as possible.
The latest home security surveillance systems will ensure that your property is safe and protected from all suspicious eyes and random acts of violence and vandalism. To know which security device is best suited for your home, visit http://www.surveillancetechnology.com
Article Source: Home Security Measures: Tips To Keep Your Home Burglar Safe
How secure are you in your home? As our world changes and crime rates rise, it is becoming more and more important to make our homes as secure as possible. But what does this really mean? Home security requires us to be vigilant and aware of our surroundings and assess the possible vulnerabilities that a criminal might try to exploit. Good home security is important because it reduces the risk of property loss and, most importantly, personal injury to yourself or others.
The first step in making sure your home is secure is to take a basic assessment of your property. Try to look at your home as a thief might. What would be the fastest or easiest way for an intruder to gain access to your home? These are the areas you will want to address. Here are some things to keep in mind as you go through this process.
Do you live in a well lighted area? Criminals will usually shy away from homes and businesses that are well lit. If you have a street light on your property, then you have adequate lighting already. If not, you might want to consider adding some lights, and possibly some that are motion sensor triggered. Try to focus on areas where there are still shadows, and particularly areas around secluded doors and windows.
Does your property have a natural barrier, such as a creek or pond? If so, this may be to your benefit, as criminals will typically seek the path of least resistance. Trees and shrubs can also work to your benefit. Many homeowners will plant thorny bushes underneath low windows, making them difficult to access from outdoors. If you don’t have any natural barriers, man-made barriers are another option. If you don’t already have one, consider adding a security fence to your yard.
Do you have any pets that may alert you to an intruder? Many people mistakenly think that they need a guard dog that is very vicious. This is not true, and in fact, guard dogs can be a major liability rather than an asset. If you’re thinking about getting a pet for security purposes, consider a watch dog. Watch dogs are animals that aren’t extremely vigilant and tend to make a lot of noise if they sense anything out of the ordinary. Terriers and other small breeds make very good watch dogs, and yet they are not particularly dangerous animals. If you are unable to own and care for a pet, consider putting a beware of dog sticker on the back windows or door. This inexpensive alternative may deter a possible intruder.
Next, you’ll want to assess your home’s various points of entry. How secure are your entry door locks? The standard for door security has almost always been the deadbolt. For maximum security, invest in double deadbolt entry locks, and preferably ones that are bump proof. Lock bumping is a very easy means by which criminals can enter your home, and this method of forced entry is gaining in popularity. Bump proof locks are becoming more of a standard, but if you cannot find them in a local store, try searching online or in a specialty store. When upgrading the security for your entry doors, don’t neglect side and rear entrances, as these are the areas most likely to be targeted by thieves.
Lastly, you can always consider installing a home surveillance system or monitoring system. Some systems are considered do-it-yourself alarms that you can wire up to your home telephone system. If the alarm goes off, your phone will autodial the police or other emergency personnel. There are also many companies that sell home security systems and monitoring services, as well.
Remember, good home security is one of the most important investments you will ever make. When it comes to protecting your property and family, it’s worth taking the time to do a home evaluation and identify areas that need improvement. With a relatively small monetary investment and some good common sense, many home break-ins can be prevented.
Ellen Bell works for Home Products ‘n’ More, a retail website offering free shipping on home security products such as lock bumping proof locks and keyless door locks. Visit us at http://www.homeproductsnmore.com/Bump_Proof_Locks_s/633.htm
Article Source: Home Security Tips for Today’s Homeowner
In Houston, a home security system can give a homeowner the peace of mind they want as they try to keep their loved ones and property as safe as possible. A home alarm can, indeed, ward off would-be burglars much more effectively than a phony security systems sign in your Houston home, because criminals know that quality home alarm companies do not allow non-customers to display their signs. Simply hanging out a completely false sign from a non-existent company doesn t work either, for smart burglars know which companies are legitimate and which are not.
A few tips to keep in mind when you do decide to order a home security system are:
Use a licensed vendor. A license does not necessarily guarantee that the company you hire will be honest and capable, but it does indicate that the vendor who is going to install, repair or service your home s system has been registered with the state. This registration means that the vendor has met all of the minimum criteria and carries proof of insurance or bonding so you have that added protection as well.
A local alarm system is not as effective. An alarm system that only sounds on the protected premises and therefore is not monitored are not nearly as effective as a monitored alarm system. Investing in a local alarm means that you are counting on neighbors to call the police if it is set off. It is a much better idea to have a licensed vendor monitor a wired system.
The best alarms use phone lines. The most reliable alarms use phone lines that are routed through metal conduits that prevent them from being cut.
Your Houston home alarm system should combine perimeter and interior detection. The most effective security systems protect every door of your Houston home with a switch device. Whether the homeowner chooses to cover every window (or every downstairs window) can get expensive, which means that the decision to do so should be helped by a local vendor that can give you advice about the type of crime common in your particular area. When window protection is desired, glass-break sensors are the preferred type of device.
Interior devices cover a specific space and are usually wall-mounted. Passive infra-red sensors are the least sensitive to false alarms, because they are not set off by pets, air current changes or similar sources of heat. Remember to account for coverage in the home s attic access in semi-exposed locations such as the garage. It is also a good idea to consider installing panic buttons at fixed locations.
Every Houston home security system uses a unique coding system. Make sure to find a coding system that works for you. This may mean that everyone in your family uses a particular code, or it may mean that your arming and disarming codes have different codes. If you employ a household worker, then a different arming and disarming code is great, since it lets the worker arm the system, but not turn the system off.
Security systems for your Houston home must be tested regularly. Set up a schedule with your Houston home alarm company to test your system at least once a month. Wireless systems are usually self monitoring and will signal the user if the battery starts to become low.
Safeguard Home Security can provide new clients with a high quality security system installation, security system repair and monitoring for homes throughout the Houston area. We offer a range of home security equipment and house alarm systems, and we are sure to have a system that fits your budget and specifications. Call us today at 800 785-6488 for more information on how we can serve you.
John McCreary is the author of this article. Your Houston home alarm system should combine perimeter and interior detection. To find more tips about Houston Home Security visit – www.safeguardhomesecurity.com
Article Source: Houston Home Security- Tips For Getting The Most Out Of Your Houston Home Alarm
In Houston, a home security system can give a homeowner the peace of mind they want as they try to keep their loved ones and property as safe as possible. A home alarm can, indeed, ward off would-be burglars much more effectively than a phony security systems sign in your Houston home, because criminals know that quality home alarm companies do not allow non-customers to display their signs. Simply hanging out a completely false sign from a non-existent company doesn’t work either, for smart burglars know which companies are legitimate and which are not.
A few tips to keep in mind when you do decide to order a home security system are:
Use a licensed vendor. A license does not necessarily guarantee that the company you hire will be honest and capable, but it does indicate that the vendor who is going to install, repair or service your home’s system has been registered with the state. This registration means that the vendor has met all of the minimum criteria and carries proof of insurance or bonding—so you have that added protection as well.
A local alarm system is not as effective. An alarm system that only sounds on the protected premises—and therefore is not monitored—are not nearly as effective as a monitored alarm system. Investing in a local alarm means that you are counting on neighbors to call the police if it is set off. It is a much better idea to have a licensed vendor monitor a wired system.
The best alarms use phone lines. The most reliable alarms use phone lines that are routed through metal conduits that prevent them from being cut.
Your Houston home alarm system should combine perimeter and interior detection. The most effective security systems protect every door of your Houston home with a switch device. Whether the homeowner chooses to cover every window (or every downstairs window) can get expensive, which means that the decision to do so should be helped by a local vendor that can give you advice about the type of crime common in your particular area. When window protection is desired, glass-break sensors are the preferred type of device.
Interior devices cover a specific space and are usually wall-mounted. Passive infrared sensors are the least sensitive to false alarms, because pets, air current changes or similar sources of heat, do not set them off. Remember to account for coverage in the home’s attic access in semi-exposed locations such as the garage. It is also a good idea to consider installing panic buttons at fixed locations.
Every Houston home security system uses a unique coding system. Make sure to find a coding system that works for you. This may mean that everyone in your family uses a particular code, or it may mean that your “arming” and “disarming” codes have different codes. If you employ a household worker, then a different arming and disarming code is great, since it lets the worker arm the system, but not turn the system off.
Security systems for your Houston home must be tested regularly. Set up a schedule with your Houston home alarm company to test your system at least once a month. Wireless systems are usually self-monitoring and will signal the user if the battery starts to become low.
Safeguard Home Security can provide new clients with a high quality security system installation, security system repair and monitoring for homes throughout the Houston area. We offer a range of home security equipment and house alarm systems, and we are sure to have a system that fits your budget and specifications. Call us today at 800 785-6488 for more information on how we can serve you.
Gregory Kins is an active member of a neighborhood watch program of his neighborhood. He is very active in helping out in holding Houston Home Security conferences, and suggesting Monitor alarmed systems to members.
Article Source: Houston Home Security: Tips for Getting the Most out of your Houston Home Security