Home and Garden Improvement

Archive for the ‘Home Security’ Category

There is a sea of different covert cameras on the market today that it can be very easy to get confused and unsure of what to choose. Using nanny spy cameras have become an integral part of parenting especially for moms and dads who couldn’t be with their children 24 hours a day. With a camera well hidden among the things usually found in a residence, it will be possible for parents to still monitor their children’s activities and their nanny’s working habits even when they are out of the house.

So of all the nanny cameras available in the market, which should you choose? When trying to look for a nanny cam to use, it is necessary to find out as much as you can about these devices first. Having basic knowledge of covert cameras and how they work will make you a more practical buyer.

Asking yourself a few relevant questions can help point you to the right nanny spy cameras. Here are some of the questions that can help get you started:

1. What is your budget? You have to determine your available budget first so that you will have an idea of the type of covert camera to get. These devices are not as expensive as they used to be but you should still set a limit on how much you can spend. The cost of these gadgets vary. You can buy a reliable desk clock covert camera for less than $100 USD but more expensive nanny cams may cost you $250 USD or more. Setting a budget can also narrow down your choices as it will eliminate devices which are too expensive to the point that it is impractical or too cheap that it could be unreliable.

2. Do you want a covert camera that can be hidden in the open? If you look at the choices, you will notice that these devices are actually cleverly designed to look like regular items one can see in a home. There are speakers, iPod docks, books, mirrors, tissue holders, decorative pieces, clocks, etc. If you prefer nanny spy cameras which can be displayed but still not give away their real purpose, you can choose a device with such design. For example, you can opt for a spy cam that looks and works like an alarm clock. This device won’t look lost in a bedroom and can capture good videos while sitting innocently on top of a bedside table. There are also toys like teddy bears that conceal tiny cameras which are perfect in kids’ bedrooms.

3. How do you like to view recorded footage? There are nanny spy cameras that let you watch a monitored area live via remote viewing and for this you will need a computer with internet access. These devices work pretty much like CCTV cameras where everything the camera sees can be viewed from another location i.e. from your office computer. Most hidden cameras store footage in a removable SD card that allows you to view videos on your computer or TV.

4. Are you particular about image quality? If you want recorded videos to have top quality resolution, you may want to opt for more expensive devices. However, there are still more affordable devices with good quality video and image resolution.

These questions should get you started with looking for the right nanny spy cameras. Don’t forget to consider other important things like the laws governing the use of covert cameras in your area, country or state. You should also take the time to read reviews about hidden camera products and find out what other consumers are saying about them.

Take a look here

If you want to know the top 3 nanny cams available in the market today, click here

You can read other helpful spy camera advice and spy camera product reviews here

Commercial locksmith experts assess the needs for each building and business

A commercial locksmith expert will evaluate the condition of existing locks, weigh the need for additional locks and formulate a security plan based on the location of your building, nature of your business and other key factors.

Have you ever experienced a break-in, vandalism, or you’re just concerned about the security of your existing building? Have you moved to a new office or storefront? You may be wondering if you should re-key, repair or replace existing locks.

The most cost efficient option may be to re-key or repair the existing locks. This may be a suitable plan if the original locks are in good condition and they are secure enough. If you have concerns about the security of your building, changing the locks may be a better option. Re-keyed or new locks allow the business owner to rest assured knowing that the only people who have access to keys are the very people he/she chooses to give them to. If the new or existing locks offer basic protection, business owners also have the option to choose additional locks such as chains and deadbolts. Commercial locksmith experts are trained to identify weak spots in the security of your building. They will inspect the property for areas of vulnerability and propose solutions for tightening security.

What types of locks should I install?

Their are many different types of locks to choose from. After assessing your property, a commercial locksmith expert will go over all of the options with you. These may include, but are not limited to: standard key locks, deadbolts, high security locks and digital locks.

Standard locks offer basic protection, and are most commonly used in combination with other locks. They can be a suitable choice for businesses that are already equipped with an alarm system or other theft deterrent devices.

Deadbolts are a great addition to standard locks, as these locks are stronger and more tamper resistant.

For the ultimate in high security locks, Medeco Locks are a superior choice. These locks are resistant to picking, drilling and bumping.

Digital Locks are just one more option for your building. These locks provide keyless entry with the use of an entry code. Digital locks can be a fitting choice for many people. No lost keys, no locking yourself out of the building, and no need to change locks. All you have to do is change the code if you feel that your security has been compromised.

Besides the doors, where else should I install locks?

During your evaluation, a commercial locksmith expert will go over your concerns and together you can create a security plan to protect your building, sensitive information, and valuable assets.

Doors aren’t the only means intruders use to gain access to your building. An unlocked window is a window of opportunity to a thief. Securing your windows is just as important as securing your doors. Locking down your building is the first and most crucial step in your security. If you feel that more measures need to be taken, locksmiths can install locks on virtually any storage space. To protect your assets, items such as safes and file cabinets can be secured as easily as any door. Desks and mailboxes may be secured as well to protect sensitive information.

Your business may be your largest investment, so take the time to invest in the highest security for your building. Commercial locksmith experts will take every step to ensure that your business is as safe and secure as possible.

For over 15 years, Accredited Lock and Hardware has been South Florida’s go to commercial locksmith experts. If you need fast, friendly commercial locksmith services, lock repairs or child lock proofing contact us now.

No matter where you live, there is always a chance that there is a predator prowling in your area. He could be looking to steal something from your home, or he may have bad intentions of causing you and your family personal harm. The world today is unpredictable, and unfortunately crime rates are soaring, even in nice neighborhoods. Do not allow your home to be unprotected; the safety of your family is extremely important. Many people simply think that it just will not happen to them. This is usually not the case; crime happens to everyone, rich or poor for many different reasons. Some crime is completely random and could happen when you are least expecting it.

One product that works exceptionally well to protect your home from danger is a wireless motion sensor. The HomeSafe Wireless Home Security Motion Sensor may be just the perfect product that you are looking for to keep your home safe and secured. In fact, with this unique product, motion can be detected from an amazing eight meters away. This means if someone is prowling outside trying to peek into your windows, you will be aware of the danger right away. Many people place them at every door and window in their home, while others only have the use for one or two of these devices.

For the personal protection of your family, this product has a 110 degree motion detection angle. So if someone is trying to be sneaky, this product will likely still alert you and scare the predator away. Additionally, it has an astonishing radio frequency that can range up to 300 feet. When this wireless motion sensor is triggered, the alarm will be activated to protect your family. If someone is lurking around your home, it is likely that they will run off and not be heard from again. They will know that you have a personal protection device and your home is secured.

Additionally, this motion sensor is super portable and convenient. You can use it on any window or door in your home or office. The HomeSafe Wireless Motion Sensor is an affordable product that fits into everyone’s budget. For a very reasonable price, your home can soon be protected from the danger that is lurking in the dark. Whether you need one or four, at this rate your purchase does not put a strain on the checkbook. Order your wireless motion sensor today.

Jim is president of Maximum Safety Products, a business which promotes personal safety and the products which keep us and our families protected should a threat to our safety occur. His website is http://www.maximumsafetyproducts.com/

In previous blogs I’ve tried to make it abundantly clear that the average apartment or condo renter is much more likely to be the victim of a breaking and entering crime than is the average individual living in a single family home. Although this is contrary to popular belief it is a misconception that remains to be overlooked and as such many apartment renters wind up suffering a fate that could have easily been avoided had a simple, cost-effective and easy-to-install alarm been put in place.

One thing I always tell customers is that the items that are often taken from an apartment during a burglary is really secondary compared to the lost sense of security we should all enjoy in the comfort of our own homes. Renters insurance will often replace monetary losses but nothing will repair the feeling of insecurity one naturally feels after he or she has been the victim of a burglary. So to avoid these feelings of dangerous insecurity all renters should take the simple step of installing some form of apartment alarm.

Aside from how inexpensive these alarms are they are also extremely easy to install yourself and take almost no time to do so. This also is an advantage renters that wish to install a security system have over those that live in a single family home. If a home dweller wishes to install a security system it is most likely something that is going to cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars to do. The main reason for this is because the average apartment or condo has less square footage to secure and more importantly have fewer points of entry than the average single family home, especially those apartments or condos that are not on the ground level. Apartment dwellers have devices like the door guard alarm for example, this device is an alarm you simply hang over the door knob of any door and when the slightest bit of vibration or movement is detected an extremely loud 130 decibel alarm will sound and no doubt scare even the most foolish of intruders away.

So if you are renting please be sure to take the small amount of time, effort, and money to not only purchase a renters insurance policy but to install some apartment alarms to ensure that you will never have to know the sinking feeling that occurs when you try to go to sleep the night after a break in has occurred at your residence.

Stay Safe,
Carl Vouer

When we picture a home security system, usually we envision it in a free standing house or maybe a townhouse. While there’s no doubt that houses need protection and that their owners can enjoy homeowners insurance discounts when they have security systems – condo owners and apartment dwellers also need security.

In fact, multi-family dwellings are some of the most vulnerable to break-in and theft. If you live in a condo or apartment consider the following.

Does your building have an effective emergency plan? Do large numbers of people come and go? Is there a shared garage that opens and closes frequently? Do you have hallways or walkways shared by multiple neighbors? How difficult would it be for someone to walk directly up to your door?

If your apartment or condo is a ground floor unit or has a sliding glass door and balcony on any floor, you have even more to worry about.

The good news is that while you can’t get rid of most of your risk factors, you can get a security system. Several manufacturers and companies, including SimpliSafe, offer models just for condo and apartment dwellings. You can effectively arm windows, doors and install motion sensors – just like a single-family dwelling.

But what if you’re just renting? No one wants to make an investment that their landlord gets to keep or for which they’ll get dinged of altering the premises. Technology has that one solved.

Wireless systems use a central server which communicates with point of entry and motion sensors via digital transmission. No wires and no invasive installation involved.

With wireless, you get a choice. If you’re looking for an option that simply sounds an alarm and acts as a deterrent, you can easily purchase your own from a store such as Home And Personal Security. Simply find the quality and quantity of components you like and install yourself. Wireless systems are fairly user friendly when it comes to setup.

Of course, monitored systems provide better protection. You have peace of mind from knowing there’s always someone to help – whether your alarm is sounding in your absence, or if you need to press a panic button to call for emergency help. Professional company dispatchers make sure you and your dwelling are protected.

Especially if you live alone or have children, a home security system for your condo apartment is a must. Don’t let shared walls or a lease compromise your safety.

This post was written by Steve Dowell who is an expert writer on subjects related to home security systems. Read more on his blog at HomeSecuritySystems.net.

The average person spends hours and hours in the office, working overtime and staying late. Aside from the usual automobile, most of the time, the most sought after aspiration of an average working man is to buy a brand new home. With or without a family, most people aspire and strive to buy a house because of the fulfillment it brings both emotionally and financially. The reality of having a great place to live, with nice things, often removes you off of all the stresses, the graveyard shifts, and the overtimes that your hard work has caused.

Once you obtain the home that you’ve worked hard for, the initial instinct-as a mother with a child-is to take good care of it. Homes are prone to accidents such as fire, burglary, and other natural phenomenon and being the owner, you must take all the necessary precautions to keep your home safe. Especially for homes that guard and protect your family, there are quite a few aspects that we should take into consideration to keep safety precautions intact. A home is an investment, and it is obtained by hard earned money. So why not invest in the safety of your household investment and your family? It is impossible to see the future, so you should definitely protect it by installing safety devices and systems that will be beneficial to your belongings and to the safety of your loved ones. To name a few security options, there are security alarm systems, fire escape ladders, and window guards, just to name a few essentials for home safety precaution. To start, try fire escape ladders.

Fire Escape Ladders

There are various fire escape ladders readily available in the market with different styles and aesthetics, so you only have to choose the design that best suits your home. These escape ladders are not only functional but appealing to the eyes as well. Chain and rung ladders are best suited for multiple story houses which can be bought in DIY kits and only need to be situated once. Other designs include retractable ladders, which when folded, are concealed, staying inconspicuous while not taking away the spotlight from the beauty of your home.

Many homeowners are advised by city fire safety departments to have fire escape ladders situated in their two or multiple story houses. Investing on these safety precautions is necessary because it is better to spend money on a ladder than spend a wad of cash rebuilding a house that has been destroyed by fire. It’s not just the installation of the ladder that is important but also the education of the occupants of the home in case such emergencies occur. Fire alarms and other smoke detector systems would be useless if there will be no proper escape plan and escape means in case of an unfortunate event.

Keeping a home safe is not always easy. One must always take necessary precautions to guard their property that they’ve worked very hard for. The two aforementioned protective systems may be very helpful and cost-effective especially in this time of economic slump. And in this time of unremitting natural catastrophes as well, emergencies are unavoidable and one must always be prepared.

Looking for high quality fire escape ladders? Visit safe-tots.com. They provide top-quality escape ladders at the most affordable prices.

Vacation homes and cottages are one of the largest investments most people make, next to their own homes. However they are also often seasonal, and as such left alone and unoccupied for extended periods of times or even entire seasons. With cellular coverage constantly improving across the country many home owners are opting to disconnect or remove their existing land line services.

One of the problems with disconnecting your property from a land line service is that you lose the ability to use services such as temperature alarm dialers which are often required by insurance companies or at the very least can reduce your property insurance. One way around this is by using any number of fixed cellular terminals. Another bonus to going cellular rather than land line is you can choose to only activate the service during the months or seasons the property is not occupied. Many cottage owners may leave the property unoccupied all winter and with a very inexpensive cellular plan can have a phone connection at the property during these off months.

To have an alarm dialer which operates on the cellular networks home owners have three different options, each with it’s own pros and cons.

1. Choose an alarm panel which has a built in cellular dialer (usually this is a GSM dialer). This can be one of the easiest to install because the dialer is already ready to go, however they can be locked into a certain provider or technology so it may not work for you at your location and they can be expensive. Also you would be committing to constantly being on a cellular network even if someday you reconnected the land line services or moved the dialer to a location with a land line, or a location where the provider you were with does not provide coverage.

2. A device which connects to an active cell phone (usually via Bluetooth) and than has a phone jack to plug ANY device which requires a phone line into. This units are typically very inexpensive, however they require you to have a turned on, active, and working cell phone to leave at the property with a Bluetooth connection between the phone and terminal which will not fail. I would only recommend this solution for very temporary coverage, it does work but I would not want to count on it for an extended period of time (such as an entire season).

3. My personal favorites are labeled as “Fixed Cellular Terminals“. These units are initially expensive to purchase but can be programmed to work with any provider and have excellent coverage with the included antennas, and often external antennas for improved coverage are available. They connect directly the cellular network of your choosing, can have extremely low operating costs (You only need to pay for the minutes you will be using) and provide a phone jack which you could plug any device which requires a phone line into (fax machines, dial up modems etc.).

Any of the above three options will work for most property owners and will provide a previously disconnected location the ability to be monitored and protected remotely!

Nathan McBride
Absolute Automation Inc.
Check us out at – http://www.absoluteautomation.com/ for all your alarm dialer needs!

When making a purchase that is not common and ordinary but requires a larger than normal outlay of money the best option is to research first, buy later. This is true when it comes to homeowners and the purchase of automatic gates operated with the use of a gate operator controlled by an access control system. First it is not something an individual can run out and abstractly purchase. There needs to be much thought given to the homes style to determine the fence style and the occupants needs in security and convenience.

Important questions need to be asked before purchasing the fence and gate system will save frustration later. If a fence and automatic gate systems has never been in need of purchase before it is important that some guidelines are laid out to help them. Here are some things to think about when the prospect awaits of an automatic gate.

1) How many entrance and exits points are there to the property?

This is important because systems can be sold in packages that involve single gates or a pair of gates.

2) Is a swing gate or sliding gate the best option for the property?

This will be based upon the length and widths of the driveway and of course the homeowner’s personal preference.

3) If a swing gate, is it better to open in or out?

Most commonly gates will swing inwards. However, not all driveways work with this option. If a homeowner has an increased slope in the driveway they may only be able to have it swing out.

4) What is the width of the gate and how heavy will it be?

This question is more geared when the fence and gate choices have been narrowed down as this deals more with the type of gate operator needed to operate the fence. Gate operator manuals will give you specs on what weight a gate can cope with over the width of the gate.

5) Is there enough room for the installation of the gate and gate operating system?

Many of these questions are better suited to be answered by the company that is selling the gate to the homeowner. It is important that adequate space is available for the installation of the post and pivot point in relation to the opener and hinges.

6) How will access be gained through the gate?

Will the homeowner want a key pad, a remote controlled system or automatic sensors? This is decided based upon the ease and convenience the gate is to offer for the family. It is also important to decide how visitors are gaining access to the home and how the homeowner wants visitors to be allowed to enter into the space.

Installing an automatic gate is a challenge for the average do-it-yourselfer. It is recommended that homeowners seek out a contractor or company that specializes in automatic gates and their installation. They can provide answers and support to the situations facing each homeowner on an individual basis.

If you have enjoyed this article on gate operators visit our website today at http://www.sacfencemi.com/systems_control_access.php you will find useful information on gate operators.

As we approach another autumn, the night’s starting to draw in concerns of safety and peace of mind are in the forefront of the minds of many. This year has been different to any other. An August riot that affected the whole country, constant news reports of rising burglary figures and the current state of our elderly care system are of a huge concern. What should have been a summer of sun, relaxing and carefree attitudes, leaves us with a lingering thought in the back of our minds: ‘How can I protect my family?’

When we think of protection for our families and our homes, burglaries is at the top of the list. It is reported that 35% of all burglaries are crimes of opportunity through unlocked doors or windows. How do we combat this? We are extra vigilant in ensuring we have locked the door and closed a window that could be a potential threat. The next step is having a burglar alarm installed for when we are on holiday or at work. The only thing is what happens when that alarm rings? It annoys the neighbours but does anyone get called? In today’s technological world, alarms are now fitted and monitored by a 24 hour monitoring station. With burglaries rising by 14% to a seven year high it is imperative that we protect ourselves and our belongings.

As well as a threat of intruders there is also the threat of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. Most of us have smoke detectors installed in our homes. Are there batteries in it? Does it work? What happens when a smoke detector is activated? In an unoccupied building it might go undetected until major damage is done. We live in a house packed with electrical devices that are potential fire risks. Evidence of this is the recent BEKO fridge freezers defrost timer faults. London Fire Brigade has reported to date twenty fires with several injuries. Carbon Monoxide and gas is known as the silent killer. Why? The effects of carbon monoxide poisoning are slow and deadly. Poisoning can occur due to poorly ventilated gas appliances. A regularly serviced gas appliance can still become a hazard if blocked. How do we combat this? Along with the Intruder alarm we can also have the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms linked to it. Knowing that if one of the alarms were activated it would not need anyone to phone anybody. The alarm system will do it for us, and within a matter of minutes the right people and emergency service will be on hand. Alternatively, imagine we all lived in a cottage in the beautifully scenic Devon with a thatched roof. Fire is our enemy! The majority of insurance companies stipulate that you must have a monitored alarm system and with it quick responses is what could save our lives and property.

I think the biggest and most widely discussed topic is how the UK is dealing with an aging population and the increasing pressure on local authorities to provide elderly care in the community. The South West is a popular retirement destination with Devon having a high proportion of elderly and vulnerable people. A recent study, conducted by Experian, discovered the percentage of people aged over fifty and living in East Devon was 49.2% compared to the national average of 34.5%. This makes Devon the sixth largest over fifty’s population in England with the predicted figures for 2029 rising to 38.6% and to 55.3% in East Devon. As a family we have the ever increasing decisions for parent, grandparents and the situation of care homes. The elderly are stubborn and quite rightly so. They have lived independently for years and why should it change. The highly publicised conditions and situations of cash stricken care homes has also hit home to many families within the UK. Can my relative still live independently? Well the answer is yes! An advance in technology has enabled the vulnerable and the elderly to still live independent lives but safely in their own homes. Personal and medical alarms are carried on their persons and also monitored two way systems in their homes. If a problem occurs and the button is triggered, the control panel becomes a two way speech between the person and the monitoring station and either contact is made to the key holder or emergency services depending on the problem. For our relative it is a way for them to live their independent lives with the knowledge that if something were to happen help would be on hand quickly. For us, it is the peace of mind that although they are uneasy on their feet or have a medical condition we know that once the alarm is triggered response is quick.

If we considered all of the possible threats to us, our families and our properties we would have many sleepless nights. What we can do is be vigilant to the possible threats. The advance in technology is what we can use to combat this and let us sleep well in the knowledge that we are safe. In today’s world there are systems that can combat it all in one control panel. These systems protect us all whether young, old, medical conditions or vulnerable and is essential for every household.

Philip Beale
Director of Certo Home Security LTD

How Safe Is Your Home While You Are on Vacation?

Your trip is planned, you have chosen your destination, your luggage is packed, you are getting ready to depart. You have taken every precaution to ensure that you have a safe enjoyable trip. Do you think you have forgotten anything? Have you overlooked anything? Have you taken every precaution to ensure your home is secured while you are traveling?

I have listed a few safety tips that my husband and I do to ensure that our home is safe while we are away enjoying ourselves. A few of these safety tips are pretty standard and utilized by most travelers. Some of them are for our own personal needs. Every traveler will have different ways of securing their home and have their own safety tips depending on their personal circumstances.

Common Safety Tips

We have our newspaper delivery stopped for the length of time we are away.
We tell our neighbor that we will be away and for how long. We give them all our contact information for our destination.
We have our neighbor pick up our mail every day. You can have it held at the post office but we have found that sometimes they do not do it right away which means there is mail sitting in your mailbox and you do not even know it.
If it is possible in your place of residence you can also get your local police to do a few house checks for you while you are gone. (This may not be possible in all residential areas) Definitely something to look into in your area.
Ask a neighbor or a family member to shovel the snow or cut the grass, depending on time of year that you are traveling. An unkept yard may indicate that no one is home to a professional thief.
For garbage pickup, you can ask your neighbor to put out a bag of their garbage in front of your home for pickup.
Make sure to check all windows and doors are locked.
If you own two vehicles, find out if you can get a family member, friend or neighbor to move your car around while you are away. (Our neighbor puts our car in the garage at night and brings it back out in the day)

Our Own Safety Tip

I know this sounds crazy but our dog cannot be put into a kennel, she hates being put into a cage. So we leave her at home. She has her own doggie door to get in and out. She also makes a good watch dog, mind you her bark is worse than her bite. Our neighbor, who is given a key to our house will feed our dog every day and actually stay and watch television with our dog. Passersby think that we are actually home. Our dog does not wander from home, so this actually works for us.

These are the safety tips that we follow. We have a great neighbor that has the time to help us implement these safety tips. In return, when they go away we do the same thing. It is a win win situation. This type of co-operation from a really good neighbor, friend or family member saves money because you do not have to pay someone to do it for you and you have piece of mind knowing your home is secure while you are away.

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