Monday, December 10, 2012

Considerations in Security Systems For Your Home

Before you purchase an alarm system for your home there are several things to think about.  Home alarm systems are complicated and expensive this is why it is important to decide what you are looking for in home security as you begin consulting with professional security specialists. To determine what you need it is best to start with some preliminary research.

The first step a homeowner can do is to become familiar with their home.  In doing this consider how many doors and windows you would like to be integrated into your homes security system.  After this has been determined you will want to consider where you will locate the keypad and panel.  Many times keypads are located near bedrooms and entrance doors.  This allows users to easily access the device when needed.

Will the system be monitored?  This option is available for a monthly fee.  Another option similar to this is a system that when the alarm is triggered your system is connected to preselected phone numbers and will call the minute the security is breached.

Another major consideration is your lifestyle.  This will help to determine the type of motion sensor you are able to put in.  If you are up throughout the night or have animals out and about you might need a system that is not super sensitive.

After you have fully evaluated your needs and wants with your home security you will want to consult with a professional home alarm and security system installation company.  They will help evaluate your goals with security and the options that you are interested in and come up with a system that best fits you and your home.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

The Best Defense In Home Security

What is the best way to protect your home and family against crime and burglary?  Nope, the answer is not to purchase a mammoth dog that is sure to scare thieves away.  However the answer is to secure your home by purchasing and installing a home security alarm system.  There are a number of benefits to having a security and monitoring system installed in your home.  One of the most obvious is the sight of having one makes your home less of a target amongst thieves.

Another benefit to home alarm security systems is that they allow the home to be set up to monitor not only against burglary, but also for carbon monoxide poisoning and fire emergencies.  The monitoring company is employed to then set the wheels in motion and a course of action to begin to contacting local emergency enforcements and deploy them to your home.

Security systems are become a must have in homes today.  They are becoming easier to use and more reliable than ever before.  The glitch’s of home protection have been fine tuned and allow homeowners to go on vacation and feel secure that their home is being watched, go to work at night knowing their families are safe and sound at home and protect families and alert them in case of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.  Home alarms services truly are the gift to give this holiday season to your loved ones to provide security at home.

Monday, October 29, 2012

Safety Within Your Home


The one thing that every homeowner wants is to feel that their home is safe when they are in it and when they are not.  Safety is one of the most valuable feelings an individual can have.  A home alarm system provides home security for this purpose. 

Homeowners are often intimidated when it comes to upgrades in the current security system that is in place for their home. They are put off my technical jargon and the perceived costs associated with home alarm services.  This no longer needs to be the case.  When a home is evaluated for a home security system a budget is established and the system is built around the need and budget.  With a larger budget a home may be monitored and video kept.  A smaller budget may only provide for an alert system that is used to scare off thieves.  The one thing that does not change no matter the cost is the secure feeling you will have once the system is in place. 

It is important to remember that a home monitoring and alarm system can be installed as simply or as elaborate as a homeowner wants.  Whether you are interested in having all entrance areas of the home secured with an alarm and monitoring system including windows, door walls and doors or simply the front and back door you will feel more secure when having a home alarm system in place.

Monday, September 17, 2012

A look Into Closed Circuit Television Monitoring



In a world of ever changing technology people are encouraged to look at their residential and commercial alarm systems.  Thieves are becoming more technologically advanced in their methods and finding new, innovate ways into the private, secure environment you have within your home or business.  This is why it has never been more important to look into and have installed more modern technology to secure your loved ones and valuable possessions. 

One piece of technology that is being used more often today is the CCTV DVR.  If you are not familiar with this technology what it stands for is Closed Captioned TV Digital Video Recorder.  This system takes images and records them sending the recording to monitors and televisions hooked into the monitoring system.  CCTV DVR systems have an incredibly large capacity to store and restore images into a non-public entity.  This is why this type of innovative technology is being installed and used in more business and homes than ever before. 

As you research different options in alarms and monitoring systems you will come to see that CCTV DVR is one of the simplest and safest monitoring software to rely information back when needed.  This type of system can be used in basically any type of setting that needs monitoring that is stored and able to be recovered easily.  

Before installation begins of a closed caption television digital video recorder you must make sure that it will cover the entire location that you are aiming to monitor.  You will want to look into features for the software that are important for the recorders application.  Check for a day and night vision recorder, the resolution of the recording, the number of days that can be recorded and stored, how it will be accessed and a budget for your security system.  

A monitoring system will not eliminate the need for an alarmsystem combined the two make an effective security system for your home or business.  With a CCTV DVR system there are different ways in which recordings are done.  The system records when it detects motion or any change in the environment or when an alarm triggers it.  There are features available that will allow you to see the date and time as well on the recording.

Together a CCTV DVR monitoring system and an alarm system can be used together as effective tools against theft and promote security in your home and business.  Today when thieves are becoming ever more technologically savvy it is more important than ever to have advanced security and monitoring systems to protect your family, possessions and business endeavors.  

A CCTV DVR system allows you to have visible access within the allotted monitoring space anytime day or night.  Whether you are monitoring employees when you can’t be around to supervise or children that are being cared for inside your home by a nanny your mind will be put at ease.  The nice thing about type of monitoring and alarm system is that it can be installed within most every budget and space restriction.

High End Home Improvements On A Budget



Everyone has advice on ways to improve your home.  Home improvements come in all shapes, sizes and budgets when it comes to a person’s home.  You can improve your home by enhancing your kitchen with some new hardware for the cabinets, a visible home improvement.  A less noticeable way but much needed home improvement includes adding a home security system.  This article will explore various home improvements that completely change the look and feel of your home and those that change the way you feel when you are in your home.

The first home improvement that I like to explore is homesecurity.  There are a variety of home alarms on the market that allow you home to be monitored and secured when you are at home or away.  Besides the standard door locks’ being changed when you purchase a new home it is important to have a home security professional out to advise you on a security system set up for your home.  

The smaller the budget the better I say when it comes to improvements within the home because it makes us get creative and use items we have on hand.  My favorite home improvement that packs a huge punch under a hundred dollars comes in the kitchen.  Often time’s cupboards are dated while appliances are changed and improved upon over the lifetime of the space.  A coat of black paint made to the edges of the cupboards or middle piece can make old oak country cabinets updated and modern.  This along with some new hardware completely changes the look of the area under a hundred bucks and leaves you a happy homeowner. 

Another inexpensive improvement is something that changes each room in your home at the cost of about thirty bucks a gallon.    Painting your home is the quickest, most inexpensive route to change and improve upon the existing space.   A little fresh color makes every room pop.  Adding a bit of flair to the home using bolder colors really improves the home. 

A favorite home improvement if mine is the installation of ceiling fans.  I am a huge fan of reducing energy bills and adding to the look of each room.  Ceiling fans add circulation and help to cool the home throughout the summer months.  Throughout the winter the fan can be reversed pushing the warm air down into the living space.  This combined with adding a unique look to each room makes a ceiling fan another inexpensive home improvement project. 

Major home improvements such as furnace installation and central air conditioning are important as our items on the exterior of the home.  Homeowners have the ability to choose where their improvement dollars go when it come to their home.  Function and safety are often projects that come before the addition of the frills and decorative changes.  The end goal remains the same in any project that combines your house and family; improve the space to improve the overall enjoyment of time spent within the space.

Monday, August 20, 2012

Home Alarms Offer Security For Your Family


A security and monitoring system is installed to protect your home from thieves, burglars, trespassers and other dangers including fire.  There are a variety of home alarm systems to decide upon.  When considering one for your home remember that they all offer different operational functions with one thing in common, they are designed to protect your home.  Some of the common types of alarm systems include electrical circuits, motion detectors, infrared alarms and other varieties that are all relatively efficient.  Below is more information about alarms and information to have you select one that best suits your needs.
A monitored system is one that is wired to alert a central call center if the homes alarm is triggered.  In turn the call center contacts the homeowner to check with them if they are okay.  The call center is alerted of an alarm through phone wires.  Clever thieves who are able to locate outdoor phone wires that are exposed could cut them not allowing the call center to be alerted.  When considering a system such as this remember that there is always the option of using cellular or radio back up for your monitored alarm system. This helps ensure that if phone service is cut, or disabled due to weather or equipment failure your backup system will help keep you protected.
One major disadvantage to a monitored alarm system is that once the alarm is activated it takes thirty to forty seconds for the security company to contact the homeowner.  They wait this long to see if the alarm was accidently set off by the homeowner.  The homeowner has a code that they use to deactivate the alarm; if this is not entered and the homeowner not gotten a hold of the security company will alert authorities. The major problem with this type of system is that in the time it takes all of this to occur and experienced thief could have entered the home, caused harm to the family within and stolen a variety of personal possessions.
Another home alarmsecurity system is one that remains unmonitored.  This system provides a loud siren both inside and outside of the home when the alarm is triggered.  This leaves the homeowner and neighbors to contact police and response personal.  Sometimes you will see this type of system include bright flashing lights alone with the siren.  The biggest pro to this variety of alarm is that there are no monitoring fees associated with the alarm.  This system relies heavily on the fact that most thieves and burglars are immediately put off by the sirens and lights.   People that are out to rob homes want to get in and out without being noticed.  This type of alarm does not allow that to happen easily.  Once the alarm is tripped this is difficult.
Monitored or not, home alarms offer security to your family and possessions.  The alarm offers personal security, protection for your personal belongings, discounts on homeowners insurance and increase in the resale value of your home.

Peace Of Mind For Your Family Found In Home Alarms


A security and monitoring system is installed to protect your home from thieves, burglars, trespassers and other dangers including fire.  There are a variety of home alarm systems to decide upon.  When considering one for your home remember that they all offer different operational functions with one thing in common, they are designed to protect your home.  Some of the common types of alarm systems include electrical circuits, motion detectors, infrared alarms and other varieties that are all relatively efficient.  Below is more information about alarms and information to have you select one that best suits your needs.
A monitored system is one that is wired to alert a central call center if the homes alarm is triggered.  In turn the call center contacts the homeowner to check with them if they are okay.  The call center is alerted of an alarm through phone wires.  Clever thieves who are able to locate outdoor phone wires that are exposed could cut them not allowing the call center to be alerted.  When considering a system such as this remember that there is always the option of using cellular or radio back up for your monitored alarm system. This helps ensure that if phone service is cut, or disabled due to weather or equipment failure your backup system will help keep you protected.
One major disadvantage to a monitored alarm system is that once the alarm is activated it takes thirty to forty seconds for the security company to contact the homeowner.  They wait this long to see if the alarm was accidently set off by the homeowner.  The homeowner has a code that they use to deactivate the alarm; if this is not entered and the homeowner not gotten a hold of the security company will alert authorities. The major problem with this type of system is that in the time it takes all of this to occur and experienced thief could have entered the home, caused harm to the family within and stolen a variety of personal possessions.
Another home alarmsecurity system is one that remains unmonitored.  This system provides a loud siren both inside and outside of the home when the alarm is triggered.  This leaves the homeowner and neighbors to contact police and response personal.  Sometimes you will see this type of system include bright flashing lights alone with the siren.  The biggest pro to this variety of alarm is that there are no monitoring fees associated with the alarm.  This system relies heavily on the fact that most thieves and burglars are immediately put off by the sirens and lights.   People that are out to rob homes want to get in and out without being noticed.  This type of alarm does not allow that to happen easily.  Once the alarm is tripped this is difficult.
Monitored or not, home alarms offer security to your family and possessions.  The alarm offers personal security, protection for your personal belongings, discounts on homeowners insurance and increase in the resale value of your home.

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Exploring Options In Home Security Systems


Home security is something we are all looking for.  Today home alarm systems have several different designs, functionalities and activated response mechanisms.  Before you choose an option for your home and family it is important to understand each difference and choose the best fit for your home security situation.  

First let us take a look at some of the features that are common to most home alarm systems.  With a keypad entry access control system you will note that there usually is a panic button built in that is designed to alert the police, fire department and EMS in an emergency situation.   Another common feature home alarms and home monitoring systems have now-a-days is the ability to self diagnosis a system failure.  This is a valuable feature in that a service technician does not have to come out each time the system has a glitch.  Back up rechargeable batteries is another common feature that allows the alarm system to function normally in cases of power outages.  This of course is important as we have come to realize our society is full of thieves that lurk and wait for a situation of vulnerability to strike.

Most systems used for home security purposes are designed to monitor and detect fire or burglary. The alarm is triggered when a sequence, however short or long, of events happens that to trigger the alarm.  Usually fire alarm systems are activated by smoke or a steep rise in temperature.  Of course flames also set the system off.  Burglary alarm systems are triggered when a circuit that has been created is broken.  This can happen when a door or window is opened or closed.  Also censors for motion and the high pitch of breaking glass can set off the home security alarm system. 
One of the benefits of having a personalized alarm system is your ability to customize the alarms sensitivity.  This is important for households of all kinds.  Some alarm systems have been none to be set off from high pitched snoring.  Another common alarm trigger is pet movement.  It is important when having a system installed that you take into consideration where the motion detectors are placed to avoid conflict.

There are several types of alarm systems that are common in homes today.  The first, most basic type is a simple on premise alarm.  All homes should be equipped in this manner.  These alarms are set to sound to alert homeowners of a single danger.  Most commonly found in fire detection and carbon monoxide monitoring.  Some families even use small wedges placed in doors that sound if disturbed to signal an intruder.  This is the most basic form of home security.

Another simple, effective alarm system is a localized system that signals with a siren or loud bell on the inside and outside of the home when the system has been compromised.  This type of system relies on outside sources to relay the problem to proper authorities.  

A third type of systems is a phone based dialing system.   When an alarm is triggered a central phone number is alerted.  From there the alarm company monitoring the home sends calls out to the home owner to determine if crews should be sent.   This is the most often type of system that is triggered and often falsely.   Systems have improved ten-fold over systems of the past and are becoming more reliable.  Being able to custom set the sensitivity of the system has helped improve the reliability of this alarm set up.

The most effective type of home alarm system is one that can be continually monitored.  As soon as an alarm, fire, smoke or burglar is triggered a central center is notified.  This center is run on a constant 24/7 basis and immediately sends a validation call back to the source of the alarm.  If the call is validated to be real or if no contact can be made police and emergency responders are immediately dispatched to scene.  This process happens in a matter of seconds as everything is automatic.  

Home security and monitoring is a personal decision left up to each and every household.  Take into consideration your lifestyle and determine what will give you the most peace of mind while you are home or away.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Don’t Be Afraid To Upgrade Your Home


As homeowners we often contemplate little things to spruce up the environment and simply change the atmosphere and add value to the home.   Homeowners paint, add decks, room additions and security to make their home valuable financially and personally.  Sometimes this is the only way to go about building equity into a home to refinance for a lower payment.  Whatever the reason you are updating your home consider what you want to get out of it in the end before beginning to avoid major money being spent on unnecessary upgrades and renovations.

One upgrade that we recently decided on was a home security and monitoring system for our home.  The summer is a time when our children are often left at home alone while we are working so we knew this upgrade would pay off in our peace of mind.  It is incredibly nice to know that the home is hooked into the central dispatch for the fire and police in our township.  We can also monitor their doing s while we are not at home.  Also when taking a week long trip North this past month we realized how much weight was lifted not having to worry about our home.  It was great not to have to hire a house sitter or ask the neighbors to come watch the home.  The home alarm system has paid for itself.  

Another home improvement that we recently embarked upon was new flooring in the kitchen area.  We eagerly ripped up the white ceramic tile; although incredibly pretty not a great choice for a house full of animals and kids.  We were sure we would find something wonderful in hardwood flooring but opted for bamboo once we heard all of the benefits it offers.  Bamboo is a very pliable flooring option.  We found that something heavy can be dropped without scuffing or denting the floor.  Yep, two kids, three cats and a dog something heavy drops on the floor a dozen times a day.  Another feature we liked was how strong it is and how well it holds up in high traffic areas.  It is also a great substance that withstands moisture and humidity which living on a river and the deck opening to the kitchen area, our floor had to do.  

Another home improvement we are looking into is adding more lighting in the house.  We love natural lighting, adding skylights and adding a French door have been two options we are looking into.  Another option in lighting for us is to add wall sconces.  Many people look into recessed lighting but this option does not necessarily appeal to the rustic home we have.  Recessed lighting is a very modern, contemporary source of adding light.  It looks beautiful in the right home.  That is another thing we have learned with home improvements; everything you do must fit into the natural feel of your home to ensure the best outcome possible as far as resale value and your satisfaction.

Home upgrades and improvements should mainly be based upon what will bring the homeowner happiness.  Resale value is the second thing to consider but really the focus needs to be on making sure your needs as homeowners are met.  I love the color red.  My husband thinks red paint is overkill and will kill the natural feeling of our home so we compromised with red toned accessories.  Everything in your home, every feature be it a security system or gated drive way, should tell your guests something about you.  Don’t be afraid to upgrade!