Home security is an issue to which we all need to give considerable thought. Reduce the risk of your home being burgled by making sure you’ve taken some simple (and often inexpensive) precautions. Home security systems aren’t the only way to guarantee home security; some basic steps can be taken to safeguard your home.

In the recent past the safety issues and concerns have become very important. Things have been changing on a really fast pace and the life in the urban centers is not safe in its own sense of word. It is thus a requirement that you pay attention towards the security system of your home as well as your business.

SWS UK is a manufacturer of physical security products and has developed the comprehensive Seceuro Range of Garage Doors, Security Shutters, Security Window Shutters, Retractable Gates and Removable Bars to offer more effective protection for businesses and home security.

You may have noticed that the use of security systems, surveillance cameras, security guards and even ‘under-cover’ security personnel has increased dramatically in malls and even small mom-and-pop and convenience stores. These are all business that is run to make a profit so you have to assume that the added security is cost effective – that it reduces losses due to theft largely through discouraging the criminals. The first of our home security tips is to just understand that doing something to improve security is worth it.

Security shutters have been developed to provide an architecturally compatible answer to the growing need for vandalism and burglary protection on domestic and commercial property. The unobtrusive design also helps in meeting the demands of many of the more stringent planning authorities.

By: Sajith Joseph

When one thinks of one’s own Home Security one may be hard put to establish the best solution to select. The least one should do before deciding is to take a hard look at the available proposals and explore them attentively from every side.

Two are the main types of provisions one can consider to set up: either an independent surveillance system with alarms and automatic event reporting, or a subscription to a surveillance service as offered by security providers.

We would like to mention here briefly the advantages and limitations of the second of these two above options, the one offering such integrated services, and to point out why in some cases it may be just the right solution.

Among the important advantages that one should consider are the following:

- Your system will be set up by Professionals

- They will be fully accountable for maintenance and continuous operation

- They may charge for service, not for hardware

- Integration means that proper sensors for any type of other hazards can be included

- Continuous monitoring occurs at a central station responsible for taking immediate action whenever required

- Certain providers may dispose of their own rescue crews to dispatch

- You can be awarded a document capable of gaining you a substantial rebate from your insurance company

Some of the limitation of most services may be as follows:

- Only homeowners, not tenants, may be eligible for service

- An event will trigger a call to official security services (police, firefighters etc.)

- There is no control on the effectiveness of this action, only follow up

- The customer may be bound to a minimum contract duration (three years)

- The recurring expense may be significant

If one is tempted to rely on security providers for assuring adequate home surveillance and protection, it would be advisable to obtain a few offers from different firms and to compare them. If you collect the names of other customers you will be able to check if they are indeed satisfied with the service they get.

By selecting the best security service provider one is fully relieved from the fears of technical hurdles. One is not relieved however from the responsibility of having got indeed the most desirable of solutions.

By: Elia Levi

Perhaps you have made the decision to install a home security alarm system or you are getting ready to. Here are some tips that will help you with the basics of knowing what to plan for with any type of security system.

When you make the decision to have s system set up, you should sit down and map out your home. Ask yourself where you want security cameras to go? What about a burglar alarm? This is important for many reasons.

1. You want to provide protection and security at all entry points into your home including windows and not just doors.

2. You want a security camera in place to show you where the alarm was triggered and what is going on.

Other things to consider will be the type of security cameras you want around your home. A remote camera will show a much larger area than a mounted camera, but the cost may be a factor in some cases.

With any burglar alarm system you will most likely have a keypad installed as well. Where do you want it to go? With any keypad you’ll need a password. Be sure it is a password that the kids can remember and one that is not easy to be figured out by outsiders.

If you are going to be using an outside service such as ADT home security, they will have other items to go over with you. Most all of these outside monitoring will give you a set amount of time to clear the keypad with your code before sending out the police.

Another good idea with any type of home security alarm system is to have a plan in place for where your family will go in the event the alarm is triggered. Practice this plan because you don’t want chaos if things go wrong.

Home alarms are great to have and provide not only protection for your home, but peace of mind as well. By taking some time and planning out some details that you want in an alarm system you will be in position to make your best choice of a new system.

By: Terry Edwards

When I was in grade school, I wanted to grow up and live in the future. Today, when it comes to home security systems, those futuristic days are here. There are many, many different features you can get in a home security system that are sophisticated while being cost-effective.

Here is a brief rundown of some of those technologies — and some features that are just plain simple common sense.

Master Control Panel

The master control panel is the brains of any home alarm system.

All the components — sensors, keypads, motion detectors, etc. — will be tied into this controller and feed it information about the security status of your home at all times. In the event of an emergency, the master control panel will send relevant information to the monitoring company.

The master control panel is usually going to be in a locked box. It consists of a motherboard much like your computer. Your alarm technician will need to get to the unit to program it on day one, and to connect it to all the other devices. But beyond that, once it is installed you don’t think about it much.

You’ll want to mount it on a wall in a locked box. It should go in a secure location that is easily accessible to you. Suitable locations might include a closet, a basement, or even master bedroom.

Master control panels come in three types that we’ll call Good, Better, and Best.

The most basic control system contains a control, keypad, siren or alarm bell, and backup power supply — all in one box. The upside is that it is really easy to install. The downside is that if a burglar breaks into your home and finds the unit, they will smash it with the single blow of a hammer, disabling the system rather quickly and easily.

A better system will cost you a little bit more money. One of the benefits of these sorts of systems is that, while a single component (like a sensor or a camera) can be knocked out of commission, the rest of the entire system continues to function.

The type of mid-range master control panel comes with multiple zones of control. This gives you the flexibility on controlling the security throughout your home.

For example, if you are staying at home you can shut off the inside motion detectors while keeping the door and window sensors armed. Or, say you’re relaxing in your backyard. With a better master control panel, you can program the system to allow you to go in and out of the back door, bypassing the door and motion detectors on just that portion of the house.

The best master control panels have even more flexibility. For example, you can preset lots of different security configurations and then activate them with the touch of a single button. Another feature is that they can be serviced remotely when changes are required, which saves everybody a lot of money and time.

Professional Monitoring

Ever hear a car alarm go off in the distance? Did you ever give it a second thought? Of course not. Unfortunately, the same thing applies to your home security system. If you are relying on a siren or alarm bell to scare off a home intruder, you might be disappointed. Just like a simple yard sign might stop some (but not all) potential home invaders, a simple siren or alarm bell may deter a burglar — but not for very long. And don’t rely on your neighbors to react. Get professional support around the clock.

And while you’re at it, in addition to notifying you of an intrusion, your monitoring company can notify the local police department (and/or fire, emergency medical services) as well.

Backup Power Supply

Even the best home security system is worthless if your power goes out. For example, I live in south Louisiana. During hurricane season it’s not unusual for us to lose our power. Before that, I lived in Michigan where power outages were not uncommon during the winter months. Your home security system should be able to shift over and use an alternate power supply automatically. The best option is to use re-chargeable batteries. This has the added benefit of lowering your maintenance costs while giving you 24/7 protection during any kind of weather.

Multiple Door- and Window-Sensors

Not all burglars come through the front door. some might enter through a rarely used side door or even a random window. So, multiple door and window sensors should be a part of your home security system.

A simple windows sensor will be able to detect if a window is opening. More sophisticated sensors can sense when glass has been broken. These kinds of detectors are also known as “audio discriminators.” The way they work is that they detect a burglar trying to get into your house by sensing the sound of breaking glass. The sensor mounts somewhere high up on a wall or ceiling in a central location. When it hears the sound of breaking glass it sets off the alarm.

The technology of these devices has come a long way. Once, these sensors could only detect the sound of glass — any glass. If you clinked two glasses together doing the dishes, you’d set off the alarm Now false alarms are rare. These glass break detectors have to hear a specific sequence of sounds such as a bump and then the sound of glass breaking (in that order) before sounding the alarm.

Smoke And Fire Detection

Once you have installed the infrastructure for a home security system, it is relatively inexpensive to add a couple of smoke detectors to the master control panel. Besides notifying you of a potential fire, the system can also notify your monitoring company and/or the the local fire department — even when you are not home.

Multiple Keypads

Of all the devices in your home security system, the keypad is the one that you and your family will use on a daily basis. You need at least one to communicate with the control panel.

If your home has multiple entry doors (or even multiple floors) you should seriously consider multiple keypads. For example, with extra keypads you can disarm your home security system after arriving home, from either the front door and/or the garage entry door. In addition, you can (for example) arm your home security system — the last thing at night — by using a keypad in the master bedroom. You can also get secure, keyless entry into your home for all members of your family by using an externally mounted keypad.

There are many different levels of sophistication (and price) in keypads. The simplest units show a series of light emitting diodes (LEDs). For example: Green light: system disarmed Yellow light: a door or window is open Red light: system is fully armed and ready to detect an intrusion.

Another type of keypad uses a liquid crystal display (LCD). This will actually have a display window that’ll tell you what’s happening. In this display (the better ones can be back-lit to read in the dark) can show the words “system armed” or “zone 2 open.”

Similar to this is the unit that uses an alphanumeric readout. You can program these units to talk to you and tell you what’s happening with your system. For example, it might say, “master bedroom window is open” or “motion in basement.”

Some other handy features of keypads: Keys or buttons that are lit to make it easy to read it in the dark Single button arming and disarming An exit button that will allow you to open the door for a few seconds (if the alarm is on) to let your pets in and out without having to disarm the system.

Many keypads also have buttons for calling medical services with the fire department or the police department.

Keypad should be programmable, with a separate code for each person who lives in the home. Or you can have one code for the entire family and another one for professionals who come in and out of the home such as maintenance companies, friends of the family or even the babysitter. You can remove the code anytime you want — or even expire it automatically after a set number of entries.

Your keypad should also be able to allow you to program an emergency distress code. For example, when the system is turned on and off with this code, it simulates the normal functioning of the system — but also sends a signal to your monitoring company that you’re in a dangerous situation. Many people don’t know they have this feature in their keypad. Ask your home alarm installer about it.

Portable Activation Devices

Your car alarm comes with a panic button on a keychain — so why not have a similar device for your home security system? These remotes are also known as four button keychains or key fobs. One button might arm the system, another button might disarm it. Another button might arm the system and allow you to be in the house and bypass any motion detectors. And yet another button might be a panic button that summons the police or sounds the siren.

Yard Sign/Window Decals

OK, this one is pretty low-tech, but studies have shown that it is proven effective at deterring a certain percentage of home invaders. However, on the downside, it is important to realize that a yard sign will do nothing to protect you once a burglar actually breaks into your home.

Here are a few more features to consider. They’re not required, but you might consider them, depending on your individual situation.

Wireless Capability

Many homeowners like the idea of a wireless home security system. In systems of this sort, signals are sent via low power radio frequencies not unlike your garage door opener.

The upside to this kind of system is flexibility and ease of installation, as well as appearance — no unsightly wires or moldings to install. Many do-it-yourselfers enjoy this convenience.

The downside is that if you ever have to upgrade or add new devices, (or even swap out components like a main control panel), it can be quite costly as not all systems use the same technologies.

Spoken Feedback

Many home security systems now come with the ability to give you feedback on your system’s security using a synthesized voice. For example, you’ll hear the words “system is armed” or “system is disarmed” or “back door is ajar” or whatever you choose to program into the control panel. Isn’t that a lot better than looking at a bank of blinking red and green lights?

Conclusion

Whether you spend a lot or a little, there are lots of choices now for a home security system that will protect you and your family. I hope this article helped. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

By: Ara Rubyan

Most people are fully aware of the common home security advantages. This means having a system that will notify you, as well as the fire department and police in time of emergency. For instance, if your home were to catch on fire, you and your family would know, giving you a chance to get out safely while the fire department is notified by the system. The same would be true for intruders in that you would be notified, along with the police.

However, home security advantages beyond this are often unknown. Therefore, we wanted to provide readers with interesting information on how a home alarm can save money in addition to protecting the family. Remember, the safety and security of your family and possessions is of the utmost importance but once you understand all the advantages, you will see why so many people are adding security systems to their home.

Insurance

If you are thinking about adding an alarm system to your home, start by talking to your homeowner’s insurance company. Chances are that you will be given a nice discount, typically anywhere from 2% to 20%, depending on a number of factors. To determine how you can enjoy the greatest savings on insurance, find out the specific type of alarm system recommended.

Additionally, if your home were burglarized because no alarm system was installed, you would be required to pay a deductible and then risk having your insurance rate increased. In fact, some insurance companies are so strict that if you had a significant amount of property taken, you could even be informed of policy cancellation.

Possessions

True, when it comes to home security advantages, protecting your family is the most important. However, your home is also the place where your lifetime of possessions reside, being put at risk if the home were burglarized. This means everything you have worked for could be taken in a matter of minutes. Unfortunately, many people have expensive items in the home such as jewelry, artwork, or special technology, which might not be covered on the regular homeowner’s insurance policy. That means if these items were taken, you would not be able to recoup money.

Then, some people do not have replacement insurance, meaning items stolen would only be reimbursed for the amount paid, not the current value. Therefore, if you had a five-year-old television set that you paid $300 for, you would only get the $300 originally paid, not the replacement cost of $700! This means you would have to come up with the $400 difference out of pocket to purchase a similar television unit.

Features

Even the actual features are a consideration when it comes to home security advantages. Some systems are basic while others are loaded with high-tech features. If you want the most protection possible, then you could choose from many exciting features to include glass break detectors, floor mat detectors, wireless technology, remote control panic buttons, and more.

As you can see, the number of home security advantages goes beyond protecting your family. If you have been thinking about having a system installed but were not quite sure, we hope the information provided will help you make the right decision. Life is precious and therefore, it must be protected at all costs.

By: Bruce Kelly

Securing your home is probably at the top of your mind these days. As you see more reports of theft and damage it starts to become more real that, “it can happen to you!” It’s a good idea to arm yourself with home security advice.

You can find this advice in many different places. Your friends and family members are a good place to start. In fact, one of them might have been touched with burglary themselves and they can help give you the motivation you need to take measures to protect yourself.

It is also possible to get security advice from the local police in your neighborhood. Policemen often give speeches about how important it is to secure your home.

If listening to lectures doesn’t sound like your idea of a good time you can do some online searches. You’ll find advice forums full of people who have a lot of experience in offering secure home solutions.

Here are some tips to help you get started:

Put your most valuable belongings in a safe- There are many locked safes and boxes that you can buy to make sure thieves cannot get their hands on what is important to you.

Have an alarm system installed- You can find many companies who will install alarm systems and monitor your line to make sure no one is after the things in your home.

Turn outside lights on- This is simple advice that helps a lot. Burglars do not usually want to steal from well lit areas, and will tend to shy away if you leave the lights on.

Always keep one light on inside when you’re going to be away- Many burglaries happen when no one is home. If you’re going to be gone from your home you can leave a light on to give the impression that you’re still there.

There are many other pieces of home security advice that you will pick up along the way. Add these to your daily routine so your family can always feel safe and secure.

By: Steven Harrison

Home Security

Home security is on everyone’s minds these days, as we Americans are feeling more and more vulnerable in our homes, neighborhoods, cities, and even our country. Do what you can to secure your own little part of the world by increasing your home security.

Nowadays, deadbolts and a Doberman aren’t enough. Sophisticated criminals get past such home security measures, and violent criminals know how to bypass your basic security. You have to fight to keep them out. The Home Security Store gives you the defenses and the weapons to protect your castle.

The Statistics

It may shock you to know that more than 40 percent of break-ins occur during the day, in broad daylight. Criminals know when you are away at work or school, and they take that chance to smash-n-grab. Secure your home 24 hours a day, seven days a week, because you never know when a criminal will strike.

Basic Security

Though basic home security may not be enough, it should not be ignored. Protecting your home starts with three basic security measures: lock up, yard work, and light up.

1) Lock Up

Begin by installing sturdy locks on all your doors and windows. It may be tempting to leave the door unlocked when you are home, or to leave the window open on a hot night, but that is poor home security. Security common sense requires you to remain vigilant at all times, and that includes properly securing yourself in your home.

2) Do Some Yard Work

Next, trim back bushes from lower windows. Criminals can easily hide in bushes and break in through windows. Trees provide problems as well, so cut tree limbs that create easy access to upper stories. The thought of someone scaling a tree to break into your home may seem implausible, but it happens. Total security is a must, no matter how unlikely something seems to you.

3) Light Up

Finally, put the criminal in the spotlight — literally. Light up your property with motion sensor lights or flood lights that leave criminals nowhere to hide. Security starts by making criminals NOT want to break into your home. Shedding some light on the matter may be enough to drive them away.

Three Best Security Options

But what if this criminal is particularly determined to get past your basic security? Not to fear, because technological advances have made security into a powerful art form.

Home Security Stores offer a wide variety of methods to protect your home and family. Security can mean alarms, locks, motion sensors, safes, and personal safety devices.

Option 1: Alarms

When we hear the term home security, alarms are what we might think of first. Whether wired or wireless, security alarm systems are a major deterrent for criminals. They monitor points of entry, such as doors and windows, or they monitor for motion when the home should be empty.

o Motion Sensor Security

Motion sensor security monitors and detects when unauthorized motion occurs in what should be an empty home. Modern motion sensor home security can even distinguish between a pet and a criminal, making this method of security even more effective and dependable. Install a motion sensor security alarm system in your home and know you have no unwelcome guests.

o Window Break Security

Windows are a popular point of entry because they are made of breakable glass. But there are security devices that can detect when that glass is broken, setting off an alarm and scaring away the intruder.

Option 2: Motion Sensor Floodlights

We’ve already suggested good lighting around the exterior of your home, but you can save some energy by installing security motion sensor floodlights that only come on when motion is detected. Security professionals highly recommend floodlights as a criminal deterrent.

Option 3: Security Cameras

How about having your home guarded 24/7 by a watchful eye? Security cameras, which are popular with merchants and other businesses, are fast becoming popular home security devices as well. A home security camera system monitors and records activities going on anywhere around your house. You can monitor a live feed or secretly tape what’s going on when you are away from home. Cameras act as an excellent deterrent and are extremely useful in the prosecution of criminals. Security cameras catch them in the act.

So Many More Options

You have many options in security. Complete home security means securing your home from more than just intruders. Protect yourself and your family from a variety of emergencies with:

o Smoke Alarms
o Heat Sensors
o Fireproof Safes
o Freeze Alarms
o Temperature Sensors
o Water Alarms
o Water Sensors
o Carbon Monoxide Detectors
o Personal Safety Alarms
o Pepper Spray
o Panic Buttons
o Guide Lights
o Voice Dialers
o Biometric Readers
o Wireless Intercoms

By: Ralph Winn