Home Security Information, Systems & Products, Safety Tips



Nov 06 2008

Computer Monitor Home Security Systems Are The Way To Go

Published by Author under Security Systems

If you turn on the news these days, there’s usually some mention of the terror threat: orange, red, yellow.  What was supposed to be an easy way to identify possible threats has now lost a lot of its warning factor; most of the time, it seems to be orange, and at that point, you have a choice between locking yourself in the closet with a three-day food supply and waiting for the next terror alert level update, or leaving the full-body armor at home and getting on with your day.

Still, there are still threats out there.  Inequalities in wealth can help create crime in even the most secure neighborhoods in the smallest towns.  You can set up a very simple but effective home security system at home with a computer monitor.  If you have a computer already, the monetary investment is also minimal.

Keep Your Home Safe

All you really need to set up a great computer monitor home security system is a computer, internet, some software, and a video camera.  You do not need a high end video camera to have fully functional surveillance; in fact, the relatively basic webcams are probably the best choice because they can interface very easily with your computer.  And, you can probably pick the perfect webcam for your computer monitor home security system for under a hundred dollars.

You’ll also need some software that will tie all your computer monitor home security system together.  There is plenty of free- or shareware available online; this is another area where you shouldn’t need to spend more than fifty dollars.  The software should be able to do a few basic things: 1) utilize your webcam to detect motion and 2) send you an alert e-mail when the system is triggered.

Who’s That In My Living Room?

A good location to put your computer monitor home security system is facing a doorway, because all traffic in and out of the room obviously has to occur there.  Now, calibrate the software to pick up motion and respond by taking pictures.  This should be pretty easy if you have the right software.  Choose a good sized chunk of the doorway to focus on so that the motion is tripped easily.  Now, exit the room and test your system.

Of course, it won’t do you much good to take pictures if you can’t get to them; after all, your computer could easily be stolen while all this is going on!  So now you need to configure the software to send your email address pictures of what’s going on as soon as the process starts.  With this last step, your computer monitor home security system is complete.

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Nov 05 2008

Simple Security System Especially For Children

Published by Author under Security Systems

In order to protect your home or business it is advisable to have a Simple Security System.  This would include security cameras, detection devices, alarms and panic buttons.  Most companies who market security systems are available for customer service and consulting, so that you can design a system that is perfect for your security requirements.

A Simple Security System need not be only indoors, it could be for your construction site or a farm where you could install special outdoor security devices.  Sometimes computer networking is also available and often a Simple Security System is meant for medical alert systems or home theaters.

DIY Kits

There are DIY kits available to install a Simple Security System.  You can even move the system, so that when your project on one location has been completed, the active security is naturally not required any more.  The system can then be shifted to another location and installed temporarily there.

The Do-It-Yourself Simple Security System can be installed within minutes and works through sensors which sound sirens or flash lights when the sensors are triggered.  The security system is wireless and with battery backup.  The more fancy ones have cameras and they can further be linked to the internet too.

For Children

Most parents like to have a security system at home for their children, because there have been many instances where children who are alone at home have been murdered or raped.   But if you protect your home with a Simple Security System, it relieves you of immense worry because you can restrict people from entering your house.  The price of a Simple Security System is quite affordable today.

Simple Devices

There are some devices of a Simple Security System which can be used like locks and latches or special door locks and even smoke detectors and cordless phones, to keep your house secure.  First of all the simplest method is to use safety locks and latches for doors and gates.  Also, drawers, cabinets and closets should be locked and kept out of reach for children, so that they do not have access to anything dangerous like cleaners which can be poisonous, or play with sharp objects like knives.

Install good and reliable door locks, so that they cannot be easily opened by intruders.  Even kids should be kept away from rooms, where it could be dangerous for them to be alone.  Such rooms are the kitchen.  Also, fitting smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in every level of the house is important, especially near bedrooms.  It will alert you as soon as there is a fire or any harmful carbon monoxide gases are entering the house.

Cordless phones and mobile phones are indeed a boon to parents, who can contact their children at home all the time.  With such devices it is possible to protect kids and keep a continuous watch over them.

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Nov 05 2008

Components Of Alarm System Equipment

Published by Author under Alarm Systems

If your home is protected with mere deadbolts, door chain locks, and window locks, then you have serious security risks in your home. Home security alarm system equipment can close the gaps in your home security plan.

The Keypad – Control Central

With most home alarm systems, the equipment that the homeowner uses the most is the keypad. The keypad controls should be easy to understand and easy to operate. If they are complicated or difficult to understand, most homeowners will just ignore the keypad and not even use the expensive equipment and alarm system.

Security Code

The keypad function that homeowners use most frequently is entering the numeric code that turns the system off and on. The keypad notifies the homeowner that the system is on and armed, providing peace of mind for all residents of the household.

The best keypads also include three emergency buttons for police, fire, or medical insurance.

Door And Window Sensors

Install alarm system equipment to your doors and windows. If a breach occurs while the system is on, you will be alerted.

Motion Detectors

Motion detectors are smart alarm system equipment items, triggered by body heat and/or movement within a certain zone of protection.

Siren

An interior siren is your first line of defense. Many intruders will flee when they hear the ear-piercing siren that will alert your neighbors and everybody in the house that an intruder has breached the sanctity of your home.

Yard Signs And Decals

One of the biggest theft deterrents is the use of yard signs and decals. If a thief sees two houses in a neighborhood, both well tended and comparable in size, but the house on the left has a security system yard sign and decals on the windows, and the house on the right has only door locks without a security system, which house do you think the thief will try to break into?

Smoke, Heat, And Carbon Monoxide Detector

Thieves aren’t the only threat to your family’s well being. The best alarm system equipment will alert you when you have smoke, excessive heat, or carbon monoxide in your home environment.

Broken Glass Detector

The glass break detector listens for the sound of breaking glass but never confuses breaking glass with similar sounds, like thunderstorms, loud cars, and telephones ringing.

Moisture Sensor

With a moisture sensor in your attic and basement, you will be instantly notified if water leaks pose a threat to your home. Use a moisture sensor in conjunction with other alarm system equipment to keep your home safe, dry, and secure.

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Nov 04 2008

What A Pager Alarm System Can Do For You

Published by Author under Alarm Systems

In today’s economy, a person can spend as much on a car as they spend on a house. Cars constitute a substantial investment. Doesn’t it make sense to protect your investment with a pager alarm system for your car?

What If You Have A Garage?

Keeping your car in a garage won’t necessarily prevent your car from theft or vandalism. My own car was burgled in my garage one night while I was sleeping. The thieves didn’t take the car, but they took a cell phone and a lot of music CDs. A pager alarm system would have notified me that there was someone in my garage, and I could have taken action.

Two-Way Pager Alarm System Features

Some of the features and benefits you can expect from a pager alarm system include:

_Vibrating and audible alerts: This feature lets you monitor your car even when you are in a “no electronic devices” environment, like at church or in a meeting.

_Long range alerts: Maintain your connection to your car at long ranges, even while you are in a mall and your car is in a parking garage.

_A Vehicle Honk-Honk Output: If a thief somehow manages to get away with your car, he won’t get far as you program your car, through your pager alarm system, to keep honking the horn. This feature makes it easy for law enforcement to find your car if it is stolen.

_Starter Disable Relay: Why not just disable the starter while you are away from your car? This feature is one of the most reliable, effective anti-theft devices available.

_Automatic Door Lock: Program your car to lock and unlock the doors for you based on whether the ignition is on or on RPM speed.

_Remote Start: Don’t go out and get in the car to start it; use the remote pager alarm system to start your car for you. Get it all warmed up on those cold winter mornings before you venture out the door.

Bonus Convenience Features

A good pager alarm system will also include value-added features that make your alarm fun and easy to use. Set and disarm your silent alarm through the remote control. Use remote keyless entry to lock and unlock your doors. Use the same alarm on two different cars. Turn your parking lights or dome light on from a distance.

Most pager alarm systems contain a wide variety of programmable features so you can customize your remote alarm experience to fit your needs.

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Nov 03 2008

Keep Track Of Everything That Goes Into A Camera Security System

Published by Author under Security Systems

It is easier to stop a criminal if you can see that criminal coming and it is easier for the police to catch a criminal that tried to break into your home if they have a picture of what that criminal looks like.

A camera security system is the ultimate in high tech security and while a camera security system cannot do a lot to prevent crime from happening it can do a great deal to warn you that trouble is coming and then keep a record of the criminal’s actions so that they can later be caught and put in jail.

There is no stronger evidence than video and a camera security system can go a long way to protecting you and your family from criminals and intruders.  A camera security system can also help you screen the people that come to your door so that you can decide if you really want to let someone in to your home or not.  Sometimes the best security is the kind that is driven by your own judgment and common sense.

The first things you will need in a camera security system are cameras.  You can get the kind you see all over the place that are small cameras mounted on arms that can follow the motion of something moving in front of it.  These cameras are usually wired and need to be mounted on arms that get attached to the walls or roof of your home.  They do not hide very well and the wiring can get a little tricky to hide sometimes.

Your other option for camera security system cameras is wireless cameras that can be hidden a bit better because they do not need to be hard wired into a system.  The wireless cameras can sit in any situation you need them to as long as they are within range of their receivers.  For a home camera security system the wireless cameras may be the best approach.

Film It And Store It

Most camera security systems available today are digital.  They connect to computers and their images are stored on computer hard drives.  These can be extremely simple to install and maintain and the digital video can also be much easier to store and recall than tape.  There are still tape camera security systems available that connect to a VCR and use VHS tape but you may want to consider the digital approach as archiving digital images can be much easier than trying to store a whole library of tapes.

A camera security system can add a lot of extra power to your home security system and help protect your family even more.  Consider a camera security system when you are planning out your home’s security system.

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Nov 02 2008

Getting An Alarm System

Published by Author under Alarm Systems

With everything that is heard about on the news stations on almost a daily basis, it is a wonder why there are still people who do not have an alarm system for their homes and for their cars. We have so much that needs protected with the most important thing being the health and well being of our friends and family. So getting an alarm system is something that should be on the top of everyone’s to do list. Something like this is not really something that should wait because the longer you wait, the more likely something bad is going to happen.

There is an alarm system out there that is perfect for your particular house, car, and budget. So whatever your needs are, concerning safety and expense, there is bound to be the perfect match for you. The type of alarm system that you pick should be personalized to your personal needs, as not every alarm system would work for everyone. When talking with the sale representative, make sure that you clearly express what your needs and concerns are so that they can send you in the right direction of what is best for you. This will also make sure that you do not waste money on a system that will not properly protect you.

The Costs Of It All

There is no doubt about it, the bigger the house you have, the more it is going to cost to get an alarm system installed. There are package deals that can get you started at a pretty decent price, but for every extra door and window that need covered, you will be looking at additional fees. But once the alarm system is installed, the monthly maintenance fee is really not that expensive at all. So once you get through the rough patch of paying for the alarm system to be installed, you will find yourself safer and paying less money monthly.

Now, considering that there are several alarm system companies out there, there is a good reason to believe that they are competing against each other for business. This being the case, there is a good chance that you will find a better deal by calling several alarm system companies and have them each come out to give you a price. Knowing that you are looking into other companies may help them in deciding to sweeten the deal for you. By doing this little comparison-shopping, you could very well save yourself a good bit of money for your alarm system.

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Oct 31 2008

Do You Really Need A Motorcycle Alarm System?

Published by Author under Alarm Systems

In any given situation, if you are talking about something of value, it never hurts to invest in an alarm system.  For your new car you would absolutely consider an alarm system be installed before you even leave the dealer’s lot.  When you buy a new home you always consider having an alarm system put in to protect your family and all of your possessions.  People even have alarm systems installed on their boats and especially in their campers and motor homes.  But most people never think to have a motorcycle alarm system installed.  It almost seems that when people get to considering a motorcycle alarm system they completely forget the purpose of an alarm system in the first place.  With a motorcycle alarm system we are not talking about locking down the motorcycle, we are talking about trying to protect your brand new, or old, motorcycle from being taken from you when you are not looking.  The best way to do that is to cause a commotion and that is what motorcycle alarm system does.

There is a big difference between a security system and an alarm system.  Do not let fancy talking salesmen try and convince you that a security system is the same thing as an alarm system.  A security system helps to prevent crime by enacting a series of preventive measures once a crime is detected.  For example, a security system for your car will disable the starter if someone breaks in.  An alarm system makes a loud noise which is designed to startle and stop the criminal from continuing with their intended crime.  A motorcycle alarm system can be much more of a help than you may think it is.

If They Hear It They Will Run

Most criminals that would attempt to steal a motorcycle are more than likely in a hurry.  A very loud motorcycle alarm system will scare off most prospective criminals in a hurry especially if it happens in a public area.  But even outside of a public area a loud enough motorcycle alarm system will scare off most any criminal as any criminal much prefers silence to a screaming loud alarm system going off in their ear.

Take every precaution you can to protect your motorcycle and that includes installing a motorcycle alarm system.  The idea is to startle the criminal and cause them to flee and any good motorcycle alarm system can accomplish just that which gives you time to make sure no one makes off with your motorcycle.

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Oct 29 2008

Security System Cellular Backups Are A Great Idea For Extra Peace Of Mind

Published by Author under Security Systems

When you contact a security company for installation of a security system in your home, you might want to ask them if they have security system cellular backups in case you’re ever broken into. What this does is, if you are ever broken into and you’re not home, the security company will contact you via cellular phone to make sure it’s not a false alarm. That way, you can always stay in touch with your home, with constant surveillance, even when you’re not there. You usually won’t have to pay that much for security system cellular backup as many companies offer this along with the rest of their services.

Everyone Has Cell Phones

You’d be hard pressed to find someone without a cell phone nowadays. Even little kids carry them so that they can inform their parents if they’re even in an emergency. At least that’s what they’re supposed to use them for. Security companies know this about cell phones. They know that many people have them and they know that they can be useful tools to include with their security systems. Therefore, many companies include security system cellular backups as a part of their services. Wouldn’t you like your cell phone to ring if your house is broken into or your house is on fire, or anything else that may alert the alarm company? Sure you would.

Picture This Scenario

You’re at dinner with your family when your cell phone rings. It’s the security company using the security system cellular backup. “Mr. Johnson?” The person on the other end asks. “Your alarm has just been triggered at your house. Are you ok?” Of course you’re ok, you’re at dinner, but at least you know that something is wrong at your house. The alarm company likely would have already contacted the police department and your burglary could be averted and the perpetrator caught.

False Alarms

However, let’s say that you’re in the same scenario. You’re at dinner with your family and you know that your nephew is coming over to feed the dogs but you didn’t know that he forgot your alarm code. The company calls you on the security system cellular backup and asks you if you’re ok. You inform them that your nephew must have triggered the alarm. This will let the alarm company know that it is a false alarm and that police are not to be sent. You should of course check with your nephew to see if this is the case, but it can potentially save you from a false alarm; which can be very expensive.

So if you have the choice of taking security system cellular backup as a part of your security system, it’s recommended that you take it as it can be a great tool for saving your family and your home from burglary, vandalism or worse.

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Oct 28 2008

The Home Alarm System

Published by Author under Alarm Systems

Whether you are living alone or with a family, it is important to make sure that you have a home alarm system installed. This is not only to protect your belongings but also to protect your own life because break-ins have been known to end in killings. In order to help make sure that it does not happen, you need to seriously consider the home alarm system. Depending on the size of your home, you will need the basic package or need that plus additional coverage. Above and beyond what the basic package covers, you will need to pay for each window and door for installation.

But once the up front costs of installation for the home alarm system is out of the way, you are left with only having to pay for the monthly service fee. This monthly fee can vary depending on what all you had installed and by which company, but the average costs seem to float around thirty to fifty dollars per month of service. Which, when you think about it, that is not a lot of money for a home alarm system that is protecting the lives of those you care for and love.

The Different Companies

When you start to look at the different companies that offer a home alarm system and service, you will see that a lot of their start up packages and services are the same. If they are not exactly the same, they are at least close enough to make you wonder which one you should go with. So, when picking the company to get your home alarm system through, you will want to look at the reputation of each company to make sure that they put customer service and concern at the top of their priority list.

Also, take a good long look at the prices, as this is a good way to make sure that you do not pay too much for your home alarm system. Also, make sure that you are not signing yourself into a contract that you may not be able to keep or may want to get out of in the future. So, when looking for the perfect home alarm system, there are several things to take a look at in order to get the best deal for your money. Take a look at everything carefully and do not be afraid to research the company’s history, as this is a better way of figuring out if you can trust them.

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Oct 27 2008

The Wireless Alarm System For Your Home

Published by Author under Alarm Systems

With the kind of world that we seem to be living in, it is becoming more and more important to install a wireless alarm system in our homes. This is not only to protect our personal belongings but to protect our lives as well. Since the cases where lives are taken over simple robberies is increasing, it is vital that we take whatever steps are needed in order to make sure that we are able to live a safer home environment.

The wireless alarm system is an excellent way to get that peace of mind and protection without having to rip out your walls and ruin trim work and such. The wireless alarm system is set up to be able to function just as well as a wired alarm system but with much less hassle. Since there is much less fuss involved, more and more people are taking the needed steps to get their homes a security system because they know that they will not be looking at remodeling after it is installed. Less fuss means a lot less mess so this type of system is generally the best one to go with.

Getting One Installed

There are a lot of systems out on the market that you can purchase and then install yourself but you really should be experienced in this. If it is not done properly, then you will be looking at a home that is no more secure then it was before the wireless alarm system was installed. The best thing to do when looking at getting a wireless alarm system installed is to call a local security and alarm system company and have them come out to review with you what your home will need and how much it will cost.

Do not believe that whatever price the first company gives you for a wireless alarm system for your home is the bottom line. It is a good idea to call a few different companies to come out and give you estimates. This way, when you do finally purchase your wireless alarm system, you will know that you got the very best deal that you could. In the end, you will be glad you took that extra small amount of time to get a better deal as you could be looking at saving a lot of money. That extra bit of money that you save could go towards other things for your home such as decorations or more things to make your home safe.

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