Due to the importance that selecting your home has on home security, here are the Top 10 picked blogs for learning more about your area’s real estate:

• Realtor.com
• Redfin.com
• Zillow.com
• RealEstate.com
• Century21.com
• Trulia.com
• Relocation.com
• LuxuryRealEstate.com
• Homes.com
• Movoto.com

With an introductory rate of $199 and a monthly service charge of $29.95 ($39.95 for the preferred package), Comcast will challenge current market leaders in the home automation and home security markets as many of these established services offer similar products in the same local markets.

Some of the customized settings offered by Xfinity Home are email and text alerts when doors are accessed or when a certain level of activity is detected by the motion detectors. Once an email is received, the customer can use their smartphone or check online to see if a window or door was accessed.

Comcast also plans to add more features and uses to the home automation portfolio already offered by their Xfinity Home system, such as a carbon monoxide detector.

Comcast offers services to both residential and commercial customers in 40 states and the District of Columbia and plans on expanding their Xfinity Home service in the years to come.

For most people, living in dorms is a very safe and overall crime-free experience. The troubling news is that from time to time crimes on campus do happen but thanks to organizations like Security on Campus, Inc., we can be very grateful that the future leaders of America are going to have a much safer experience.

We at HomeSecuritySystems.net had the fortunate opportunity of getting to know more about the mission of Security on Campus thanks to the Assistant Director of Communications, Abigail Boyer, and she was kind enough to answer some of our questions:

HomeSecuritySystems.net: Security on Campus, Inc. was founded in 1987. What has been its mission and reason for coming into existence as a non-profit organization?

Security On Campus: Security on Campus, Inc. is a nonprofit 501 c(3) organization whose mission is to prevent violence, substance abuse, and other crimes in college and university campus communities across the United States and to compassionately assist the victims of these crimes.

SOC was co-founded in 1987 by Connie and Howard Clery, following the rape and murder of their daughter Jeanne by another student whom she did not know. The Clerys believed that potential and current students, parents, and faculty have the right to be notified of criminal activity occurring on and around their campus. At the core of their efforts is The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, which requires institutions of higher education to release campus crime statistics and security policies to their current and prospective students and employees.

This June SOC will formally become the Clery Center for Security on Campus. Our mission has evolved over the years and we truly are a center for technical assistance, training, education, advocacy, and victim support.

HSS: What has been the biggest obstacle Security on Campus has faced in its campus crime reduction mission and how have you overcome that?

SOC: I am relatively new to the agency, so other people at my agency may be able to speak to this better than I can. However, one notable obstacle is that no campus, university, or individual can predict crime. Certainly, they can take every possible measure to keep campuses safe, but they cannot, and will not, have the ability to know the intentions of every student on campus. What campuses can do, however, is ensure they have the best policies and procedures in dealing with dangerous situations that may arise and respond to campus crime in a manner that is sensitive to the needs of the victim(s) and keeps the community alerted of situations that could be a threat to safety. Furthermore, campuses can do prevention education that encourages students to make good choices for themselves and others and to be good bystander if someone is at risk of getting hurt.

An obstacle that we hear from our constituents is the challenge of institutionalizing crime prevention and response. In order for campus police or security to undertake a holistic approach, there needs to be top-down support from institutional leadership.

Security on Campus, Inc. presents Jeanne Clery Act Training Seminars on best practices in Clery Act compliance so that colleges and universities can have the tools necessary to provide the best prevention and response possible. These trainings not only emphasize the letter of the law but embrace its spirit.

HSS: What is the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics act and how does it help students?

SOC: The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) requires all institutions of postsecondary education, both public and private, that participate in federal student aid programs to disclose information about crimes on or around their campuses. In addition, campuses must have emergency response or evacuation procedures in place and provide specific rights to victims of sexual violence.

The Act helps students by raising awareness of situations that could impact their safety, by providing them with necessary education to keep themselves and others safe, and by establishing response policies that are victim-centered.

Although we are in the process of updating our website, our current website has a more detailed description of the Clery Act. You can find that information at www.securityoncampus.org.

HSS: What are some of the most important ways students can ensure their safety both in and out of their dorm rooms?

SOC: There has been a huge shift in prevention education in recent history. Years ago, when asked this question, the response would be focused on risk reduction (i.e. cover your drink, don’t walk alone, etc.) Although it is always important to make decisions that feel safe for you, risk reduction strategies put the focus on the victim, as opposed to the offender. No one asks or deserves to be victimized. Victimization is a community issue, as almost every person knows someone who has been hurt or impacted by crime. Therefore, the focus is now on bystanders. Oftentimes when a crime occurs, other people witnessed questionable behaviors leading up to an attack. There are many ways to be a good bystander, from speaking out if someone makes a derogatory or abusive comment to stopping a friend who is pushing drinks on someone who has chosen not to drink or has had too much to drink. There needs to be a campus environment where people are looking out for one another and intervening in a way that is safe for everyone.

HSS: How can people go about helping further the Security on Campus mission in their own communities?

SOC: People can start by letting the people around them know that violence in any form is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. There are many opportunities in every-day conversation to advocate for victims. For example, if someone makes a joke about victimization, let him or her know (in a non-threatening way) why you don’t find the humor in those types of comments. Doing so, will not only allow the person to rethink what he or she said, but will send the message to others that you are sensitive to these issues. People are far more likely to disclose victimization to someone they know before they go to a campus official, police, etc. and this bystander behavior may let a victim know that you are a safe person to whom they can talk.

People can also get involved in prevention education and work to teach others how to be good bystanders in well. College campuses have many opportunities to get involved in campus safety. An individual could set up a table with information and resources on prescription drug abuse. A campus could host a Take Back the Night Event. A sorority could organize a fundraiser and donate the profits to a victims’ services agency. A parent could help organize a program on campus safety for students who are headed to a college or university.

September is National Campus Safety Awareness Month (NCSAM). Leading up to NCSAM, Security on Campus, Inc. will be offering on their website ideas and resources on how campuses can host successful events.

SOC publishes a biannual newsletter and has an online subscription option. This is all at no charge. People can sign up on our website for updates.

The following is a list of the most helpful guides you can find online for installing your own deadbolt lock:

• Dummies Guide
• DIY Network Guide
• eHow Guide
• HGTV Guide
• About.com Guide
• Mother Earth News Guide
• Hipp’s Help Guide
• Do It Yourself or Not Guide
• Find How Guide
• Yahoo Voices Guide

One of the best methods for approaching a DIY project, especially one that directly impacts you and your family’s safety, is by reading as much as you can until you feel you’ve reached a level of competency, understanding, and confidence to know that you’ll do a good job. The more of these guides you read the better before beginning your project, the better!

Photo credit to tmib_seattle

“Checking on the welfare of loved ones, protecting your home from intruders, fire or water damage, unlocking a door for the repairman or changing the temperature setting on the thermostat – and doing it from wherever you happen to be, here or abroad – can be as easy as if you were right at home,” AT&T said in its announcement.

Included in the Digital Life group of products will be professionally monitored security services, control system applications for water and power, as well as an online automation platform.

According to the press release, AT&T Digital Life will feature a robust lineup of connected devices including cameras, window/door sensors, smoke and carbon monoxide sensors, motion and glass break sensors, door locks, thermostats and other control system devices, moisture detection and appliance power controls.

The platform will include built-in “AT&T mobile internet service, Wi-Fi, Z-wave, and wired broadband.”

“We’re planning a unique suite of services, from start to finish, that will give homeowners control of their property and their possessions through an easy to navigate user interface,” said the senior vice president of Digital Life, and AT&T Mobililty, Kevin Petersen.

AT&T plans on beginning trials in Atlanta, Georgia, and near its headquarters in Dallas, Texas, this summer.

At least 16 Universities across North America and Europe are currently taking advantage of the non-commercial licensing of the HomeOS prototype in their courses from USA’s MIT to as far as the Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca in Milan, Italy.

Smart home application development is considered to be one of the next technological frontiers and is slowly being encroached upon by large companies including Microsoft, Google, and IBM as well as smaller firms such as Z-Wave and ZigBee who have grown by providing consumers with simpler applications to control light switches, home security systems and thermostats.

“You need either time or money,” says Microsoft Researcher Ratul Mahajan to describe the current situation of Smart Home application availability in a demonstration of HomeOS’s potential and uses. In its current infant state of home automation a user either needs to understand how to develop their own applications to synchronize their home technologies or have enough money to pay someone who is talented enough to do so.
Smart Home technologies, like those being development along with Microsoft’s HomeOS, are currently experimental at best and will take time and testing before we see a product we can purchase.

HomeOS Demonstration from TechFest 2011:

What kinds of monitoring services does the company provide?

Platinum Protection is partnered with Monitronics International and GE Security, selling and installing these quality security systems. The company’s monitoring system transmits to a security specialist for dispatch in the event of an intrusion, medical emergency or fire. The company prides itself on extensive and skilled monitoring services.

All of its products are wireless, and include two way voice alarms and remote access. The company’s products include the Simon XT which allows direct communication with emergency services personnel; the Concord which upgrades existing security systems; and photo electronic smoke detector sensors that notify both the monitoring center and fire department when heat rises. Glass break, motion, and door and window sensors are also available.

The company also offers a carbon monoxide alarm, which operates similarly to a smoke detector, sending warning signs to the control panel if a dangerous substance is detected.

Platinum also provides a wireless control key fob, and medical alert pendants that function like a panic button for customers with health problems requiring immediate assistance.

What benefits does Platinum offer?

The company offers cash and rewards to customers who refer their friends. Their wireless protection options are updated and state of the art. The company explicitly pledges to provide responsive service, exceed customer expectations, bring new, innovative products to its customers.

What technology does the company offer or have in the works?

The company’s smoke and heat detector is state of the art, a photo electronic sensor that can detect rising heat up to 135̊F. Once the alarm is triggered, it automatically connects with the monitoring center and fire department.

Platinum’s motion sensors work using infrared technology, and are capable of detecting movement more than two to three feet in height and forty pounds in weight, preventing false alarms.

The company’s GE equipment includes integration through alarm.com to create an interactive remote access system allowing control of the entire system through mobile devices such as smart phones and lap tops. More innovation: two way voice technology through the Monitronics sensitive speaker on the system’s alarm panel.

What are the cost?

Platinum 1 offers phone and email consultations for it’s products and services.

Overall impression?

The company prides itself on integrity, responsiveness, and innovation. With a strong background in security technology, its founders are focused on customer satisfaction. Customer testimonials are positive and wide reaching, a good sign for any security provider.

Protection 1

What monitoring services are provided?

Protection 1 offers home and business security systems including intrusion detectors for homes and businesses; cellular backup allowing wireless signals when land based phone lines are disabled or unavailable; and wireless security systems. The company also offers LifeLock Identity Theft Protection, a variety of controls and keypads for home security systems, wireless smoke detectors, and the eSecure option that allows remote home security monitoring from smart phones or computers. Security cameras for businesses, multi-site location solutions for businesses, and Personal Financial Service programs designed to protect confidential client business data are also available. Specific security resources for retail stores and warehouse and manufacturing locations are also available.

What benefits does the company offer?

Protection 1′s nationwide capabilities allows both custom designed security systems and national equipment and resources. The company provides security systems, installation, and on-going monitoring and tech support services.

Monitoring services utilize five company owned centers that offer alarm monitoring, tech services, and service dispatch. Their system provides  three levels of monitoring: through primary, back up, and an off-site location.

The company pledges to respond to all service calls in one day or less, and uses a Tech TrackerSM system so that customers know when their tech support will arrive accurately. There’s also an advanced online service option, eSuiteSM, a secure portal that connects customers on line to their security activity.

HINT: Protection 1 also offers a $1000 Deductible Protection plan .

What technology does the company offer?

Protection 1 pioneered the PrimeCell™ for Cell Phone-Only Households, allowing security monitoring for cell phones only.

Another technological innovation Protection 1 offers is SecureIP for VoIP homes, for customers with networked IP phone systems; SecureCell for land line connection; and a variety of easy to read control panel key pads, including a talking key pad viable for vision impaired customers, a Touch Screen keypad, and a bi-directional key fob for remote system programming.

What do Protect 1 services cost?

While security packages are tailored for individual home and business use, the company offers monitoring services from $24.99, and free quotes are available on line.

Overall Impression

The company’s focus on customer service, and offers live operators rather than automated phone attendants. It was the first national provider to offer Web-based home security. In short, the company seems proactive toward customers, offers extensive business and multi-dweller options, and its three pronged monitoring back up services enhance secure monitoring regardless.

What kind of monitoring services does Smith Thompson provide?

Smith Thompson uses cellular wireless monitoring to monitor both new and existing alarm systems through an Uplink transmitter to customer’s alarms which communicates directly to their dispatch center.

The company provides these transmitters at no extra monitoring cost, and notes that dropping land line connectivity saves costs, and covers security services even if a land line is down or the power goes out. The company notes that their Uplink transmitters feature digital encryption and dual band GSM capacity, and can access all major phone networks. The Uplink transmitter is installed inside customers homes, and it operates independently of internet or cell phone connections.

Smith Thompson also offers an LCD key pad, key fob, and wireless door, window, heat, and glass break sensors.

What benefits does Smith Thompson provide?

The company’s security system offers a home owners insurance discount. The overall benefit is that Smith Thompson provides alarm monitoring without a phone line, and doesn’t require a contract. This Texas behemoth pledges never to out source monitoring or customer support.

The company offers a 12^th month of service free, if customers prepay the first eleven months of a year long contract. And if a friend or relative is referred and switches to the company’s service, a free month of monitoring is given to the customer.

What technology does the company offer?

Smith Thompson’s Uplink transmitter is unique in that it can connect to any phone system. Whereas some security companies monitor alarm systems through internet based phone services such as Fios, Vonage, or Time Warner, reliability issues resulted in Thompson’s cellular monitoring.

What about cost?

Smith Thompson  features an economical monitoring plan at $16.95 a month with no long term contracts. This appears to be a cost sensitive security solution. The company asserts that it does not increase consumers’ monitoring rates when they upgrade to cellular monitoring. Customers pay pay no additional monthly fees or air time charges, keeping the plan rate the same amount. The only additional cost the price of the Uplink device itself, noted as a one time cost of $89 for new accounts, including both installation and testing.

New customers without any existing security system are offered complete system installation for $299, with the equipment owned by the consumer rather than leased.

Note: in Texas, a permit is required for the use of a security system and monitoring service. Without an alarm permit, most cities won’t respond to an alarm signal or monitoring service without a registered permit in place, or may respond but fine users up to $500. Applying for a permit is free, and available at local police departments, and on city web sites. Smith Thompson requires customers to call them with their permit number and expiration date.

Overall Impression

Smith Thompson was founded by a man with a personal stake in the security field. In Texas, the company has a solid reputation and offers a reliable wireless monitoring service at a reasonable rate.