Home Security Options That Will Keep You Safe

Hue & Cry President Michael Culmer recently helped contribute home security information for an article that appeared in the Redding Record Searchlight, a local newspaper in Redding, California. Read the article to learn about security lighting, security systems and more.

Security Question: We need more security at home, but we don’t want more floodlights, which cost a lot to operate. We also want to avoid monitoring charges, if possible. What reasonably priced security options do we have? — Marcus W.

Answer: Most security experts will tell you a well lighted yard is one of the best security options. This is true. However, outdoor lights cost a lot to operate and the electricity usage contributes to air pollution and global warming. Also, bright light creates problems for many animals.

Just one or two low-wattage, shielded outdoor lights in key locations used with motion-sensing fixtures will be adequate deterrents at a reasonable operating cost. Other simple things, such as strong window locks, thorny bushes under windows and secure door deadbolts, help. Master Lock has a new Night Watch deadbolt with a switch that blocks the use of all keys.

A fully monitored security system is your best option if you can afford the monthly monitoring fees. With security alarm labels on all the windows and doors, a would-be thief will have second thoughts about breaking in. If he does get in, the loud siren alarm will scare him off and alert you.

Another advantage of a monitored system is it protects you against more than just break-ins. Smoke alarms are connected to the monitoring station. This is very helpful if a fire starts while you are away at work. If your home has flooding problems, water sensors can be installed.

Many of the major monitored security system control panels are designed to be compatible with X10 transmitters that can turn on lights or other signaling device when the alarm is triggered. This is one of the best deterrents.

As the prices of electronic devices drop, more people are installing outdoor and indoor wireless video camera systems. These small cameras transmit a signal to your television. The new Kwik Peek model (Wireless Imaging) operates for several months on two AA batteries and has an on/off switch. Other indoor models, to monitor children or rooms, can be focused remotely.

Individual battery-operated sensors with a loud built-in siren alarm do not require an expensive central control panel. Window/door and motion-sensing models are available. Using these, you can protect key windows, doors and rooms. They are inexpensive and easy to install. The only drawback is there is no central control to turn them on and off simultaneously.

Another unique device is a barking dog alarm. When it senses someone approaching a door or window, this device emits a loud realistic barking sound. Another device can be hung on a doorknob. If someone jiggles the knob from outside, the alarm sounds.

The following manufacturers offer a full line of security system products but you must still go thru local licensed alarm companies to have the systems installed: Digital Security Controls (www.dsc.com), Honeywell (www.security.honeywell.com), Intermatic (www.intermatic.com), and Wireless Imaging (www.wirelessimaging.com).

Tips On Selecting The Right Burglar Alarm System For Your Family

The stats don’t lie. A nationwide survey showed that police believe that home security systems help deter burglary attempts.

Another survey showed that homes with a security system are three times less likely to be burglarized than a home without one. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, there were an estimated 2.2 million burglaries in the United States in 2009.

To protect your family and possessions against burglaries, a home security system is a great deterrent.  With alarm monitoring 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, a burglar will think twice before entering a home equipped with a security system.

Talk with any police office and you’ll hear that burglars are looking for easy targets. They are looking for homes with unlocked doors or other easy access points that would give them easy access.

Take a look at any police blotter in a newspaper and you will see countless burglaries. Computers, jewelry, television and other valuable possession are daily stolen out of homes.

When selecting a home security system, you will want to make sure the company you choose has the following qualities:

• Honest service to the customer
• Personalized security system design
• Reliable use of quality products
• Professional trustworthy installation
• Conscientious responsiveness to your needs after installation

It’s important to find the right home security system provider because you want the system to fit your needs, lifestyle and family. A professional home security provider can work with you to make sure your needs are being met.

Can Building A Fence Add Home Security?

Having a fence, along with a home security system and alarm monitoring, is an excellent way to enhance your home security needs.

A fence is your home’s first line of security. It helps keep unwanted people out of your property and keeps the ones you love – such as children and pets – safe.

Building a fence is more complicated than you may think. It requires a lot of planning and preparation.

There are plenty of options to consider when building a fence. Here are some things to consider if you’re planning to build a fence in your yard:

• Budget: This is probably the most important step. Your budget will determine what materials you use as well as how much of your property you fence in.
• Property Lines: Be sure you know the location of your property boundaries, so you don’t build your fence in your neighbor’s yard.
• Neighbor’s Fence: If your neighbor has a fence. You may want to use materials that match or compliment their fence.
• HOA Building Codes: Depending on where you live, you may have certain city rules or home owner associtation guidelines to follow when building a fence. This may involve building materials, fence height and fence colors.

Following these steps will help you decide what type of fence is best for your home.

It is important to remember, that a fence is only the first step in a long process. Having a complete home security plan is important in preventing burglaries and home invasions.

Small Dogs Are Great Daytime Security Alarms

Last week, we discussed some inexpensive home security tips that will keep your home safe. In the posting, we explained how dogs are awesome companions and great daytime security alarms.

When your home alarm system is offline during the day, a dog can alert you of strangers approaching your home. You don’t need an intimidating guard dog like a Rottweiler or a Doberman Pinscher to alert you. All you need is a dog that will bark.

We’ve come up with a list of some small dogs that are great alarm dogs.

• Chihuahua: Although they may be small and cute, a Chihuahua is an excellent alarm dog. These dogs will bark when a stranger is approaching your home. A Chihuahua can live up to 18 years in age.
• Beagle: When Beagles are not in the field hunting rabbit and other game, their howl will let you know when someone is approaching your home. These small to medium sized dogs are great companions.
• Toy Poodle: Toy Poodles are great for people who may have allergies. While they may be small in stature, their barks and growls will definitely alert you if someone is nearing your home.
• Miniature Schnauzer: Miniature Schnauzers are spirited dogs that are always on high alert. They are playful, and they also let you know when someone is on your doorstep.
• Boston Terrier: Boston Terriers can be friendly and stubborn dogs, but they’re always great alarm dogs. Do you know where the breed originated?

While these are all great breeds of alarm dogs, animal shelters also have plenty of dogs that make great companions and great alarm dogs. Always remember, a dog does not substitute for a security system and alarm monitoring. Your dog is a companion above all other things.

How Landscaping Can Protect Your Home From Burglary

Home security systems and alarm monitoring are great ways to protect your home from burglary. But did you know that landscaping should be included in your home security prevention plan?

An overgrown lawn with untrimmed hedges cries “easy opportunity” to burglars. A freshly cut lawn, trimmed bushes and flowers give the impression that someone is home. A little landscaping could be the difference maker in providing a little extra protection to your home while you’re gone.

If you’re going on vacation for a few weeks, follow these tips to make sure your landscaping is up to par.

• Cut your grass, be sure to rake and sweep trimmings
• Trim tree branches near home and rake dead leaves
• Water your followers and set any sprinkler systems if available
• If you have any fruit trees, pick up fallen fruit
• Be sure perimeter lighting is working
• In winter, be sure driveways are plowed by a service or neighbor

Besides landscaping, be sure to cancel newspaper and mail delivery while you’re gone. Also, store bicycles, mowers, grills and other valuable outdoor items in a secure place such as a garage or basement.

Most importantly, don’t wait until the last minute to do this. Who really wants to do yard work right before vacation? We suggest cutting your grass and trimming bushes a few days before you leave. Then on the day before your vacation, you can focus on a few last-minute things such as fallen fruit and watering.

Do Security Alarm Systems Fail During Blackouts and Power Outages?

We get a lot of questions from people worried about the effects a blackout or power outage will have on their home security system. What we’ve learned is that many people are under the assumption that if their power goes out, so does their alarm system.

Fortunately for us, this isn’t the case. The engineers of alarm systems were quick to realize that a system that died when power was shut off didn’t really offer much security.

That’s why modern systems are all equipped with battery packs that come pre-installed. If the system is shut down for any reason, the battery immediately kicks in and allows uninterrupted protection and alarm monitoring.

Obviously batteries don’t last forever, but they will last until your power is back on. That way, you don’t have to worry about someone cutting your power, a storm destroying power lines, or any other problems that might occur.

If you’re still worried, ask your security company if your system has a battery installed. Chances are that it does but this may help you feel a little safer. Also make sure that you have regular maintenance on your system and that the battery is changed if it starts to run low.

During the next power outage in your area, don’t worry! You’re still protected.