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Home Security Systems And Current Crime Statistics

One of the things you need to consider whenever you are shopping for the best home security systems to ensure the safety and security of your family and home is that you select one of the systems that monitor all the zones in your home you want protected.  Additionally, you want to find one of the home security systems that can be monitored and have additional components added to it.  Most importantly, you need to make sure that your current budget can handle what you want to install.

Whether it is news and stats posted on the internet, headlines in your local newspaper, or radio and TV ads, you are bound to find something that relates to the home security issue and systems that provide you with the peace of mind you need.  Home invasions and violent crimes are on the rise today because of the state of the economy and state-of-the-art home security systems can offer you the protection you are looking for.

Here are a few of the most current statistics associated with home break-ins and burglaries that may convince you that having one of these home security systems installed is necessary:

• Burglaries in the US occur once every 15 seconds
• You are 3 times as likely to be a burglary victim if you do not have one of these home security systems installed on your property
• The average residential burglary loss that individuals claim today on their homeowner’s insurance is over $1,600
• These burglary losses average over $400 less in homes that have home security systems installed

Remember that when you are selecting one of these security systems to protect your family and home that there are 4 key factors that you need to consider:

• effectiveness
• features
• price
• service

Depending on how sophisticated you want your home security systems to be (i.e. zones that are protected, additional components such as flood and smoke detectors integrated into the system, and monitoring service) you could spend anywhere between $100 and $1,000 dollars to have one installed.

So you need to determine how many zones you want monitored and if you are willing to pay for around-the-clock protection.  Just make sure that the company is certified, insured, and licensed whenever you are shopping around for the ideal systems that ensure the security of your home whether you are in the house or not.
Photo via just.Luc

Get Connected to Super Surveillance Home Security Systems

Superman has nothing on the performance of super circuit video cameras.  The man of steel pales in comparison to these top quality surveillance systems.  Its camera strength flexes its muscles and provides custom security solutions for your home and property.  Conducting round the clock surveillance of your home is the key against fighting the crime elements in your neighborhood.  Top quality video cameras don’t come better than this and you can use them to intensify the eyes and ears of your home.  Beefing up your home security systems with top notch cameras is guaranteed to make any superhero jealous of your x-ray vision capabilities.

These little cameras will show you precise details and sharp images to allow you to see almost everything but the color of your thief’s underwear.  All kinds of innovative camera types are available at www.supercircuits.com such as dome style, fixed cameras, bullet IR and network cameras.  Even advanced thermal imagery cameras can give your home the 5 star protection treatment.  Thermal imaging cameras pick up heat that is emitted from objects and people.  This means that humans and animals can be detected fairly easily against the cooler environmental backgrounds during the day or at night.

Sophisticated camera features give the homeowner security control of their home and domain.   Super circuits even bring the worlds smallest color camera to the forefront of home security technology.  The 380 line CCTV camera was featured in the 2009 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records.  It’s the latest generation of micro video cameras.  This little baby is about the size of a dime and offers a stealthy 380 lines of resolution.  It even features varying focal lengths to adapt to your needs.  The nice part about this tiny camera is the fact that it only uses a small amount of power consumption.  At $149.99, the camera comes inclusive of mounting brackets to allow the homeowners the convenience of installation.  Super circuits also have a FOV (field of view) online calculator to help you determine which lens is right for your type of application and uses.   Site calculators can also give you real-time DVR storage information such as how many frames per second of video your cameras can hold.

Super circuits have been providing the public with personal and home protection since 1989 and can support many home security systems with additional camera backup.  Get ready to put on your cape and get plugged in to the super hero of home security cameras.

Photo via I See Modern Britain

Considerations with Home Security Systems When Selling Your Home

If you haven’t installed one of the numerous home security systems that are currently available on the market and you are preparing to put your home on the market, you might want to consider doing so.  There will be periods of time when your home is vacant and the security of it may be in jeopardy, depending on the type of neighborhood you’ve been living in.  These systems are an excellent way to deter burglars and vandals from tampering with your property.  Additionally, home security systems have always been a great line of defense for protecting your family and your home.

Here are some things that you need to consider if you are in this situation:

First and foremost, your security code for your home systems won’t remain a secret very long as you will have to give it to your real estate agent to cover for you if you have moved out of the area.  In fact, it may even be published in the different MLS listings so that anyone interested in your property can examine it if your agent is not available to show it.

Home security systems have always provided the protection necessary whenever it is occupied or vacant.  However, you need to realize that it can be somewhat of a nuisance if the operational instructions are not properly followed.  For instance, you should state in the ad on the listing page that the agent should be contacted in order to open up the home because it is protected by one of these security systems.

If you want to avoid the possibilities of being burglarized or vandalized when you are selling your home and have already moved to your new location, consider the following suggestions and tips:

Use dummies to fool the dummies – cameras, window decals, and yard signs that indicated your home is protected by home security systems can deter an intruder.

Motion detectors should be installed in all vulnerable areas – make sure that your front and back yard areas as well as the sides of the home are protected by these so that any unwanted activity or movement is detected.

Consider installing timed interior lighting – when interior lights are on, it gives the appearance that the home is occupied.  Additionally, motion sensors that trip outdoor lighting should also be installed near every entry point and in the driveway area.

Photo via Design Collector

How To Rate Wireless Home Security Systems

If you are considering the purchase and installation of one of the home security systems currently available on the market today, you’re going to want to do your homework first so that you select the best one to facility the security needs of your home.  These systems have all gotten fairly sophisticated, but you still have to determine which of these home security systems is going to protect your family and belongings the best.  Here are a few things to consider when rating the different wireless systems.

Examine the coverage capabilities of the system – if your home has 12 windows that you want protected, but the security systems you are looking at only protect 3 windows, this will create gaps in the system.  Your only alternative is to spend more money on a more sophisticated system.

Check for battery and radio back-ups – this is critical since your home security systems need to keep operating even through a power outage.  So one of the very first questions you need to ask is “will my system operate if the electricity goes off or is interrupted?” Battery back-ups and radio transmitters provide the security you need anytime there is a power outage so the home systems keep functioning properly.

Hard-wired components of wireless home security systems – occasionally, there will certain components of a wireless system that will need professional hard-wiring.  Typically, glass break and motion detectors, and flood or smoke alarms will need to communicate with a hard-wired or wireless control keypad.  This means that they must have a phone connection as well as a power source.

Determine whether or not there are any monthly fees charged – you’ll want to inquire about monitoring system fees when shopping for wireless home security systems.  One of the key advantages to the more sophisticated ones is that have monitoring services who watch over your home whether you are home or not.  Although there is usually a monthly fee for this, it is advisable that you pay for that so that you have peace of mind.

Consider functionality along with quality – naturally, you always want to shop the best quality wireless home security systems available, but you also need to be assured of their functionality so that you do not experience false alarms.  The cheaper systems are extremely vulnerable where this is concerned, so don’t be inclined to pinch pennies where your security is concerned.

Photo via CG Com Trading

Imitation Deterrents-Making the Most Out of Fake Home Security Cameras

Deterring robbery isn’t as hard as you may think.  When you’re in doubt about whether to purchase high tech cameras, sometimes it’s just enough to fake it.  Fake home security cameras can be very realistic looking and are a lot less expensive to buy then real ones.  Of course you lose the functionality of recording any activity or catching someone in the act, but it can be a great addition to your existing home security systems.  Cost effectiveness can play a major issue in preparing to protect your home from being burglarized, so it’s nice to know there are inexpensive alternative devices that may scare aware unwanted guests.

Protecting your family and valuable assets is of utmost importance these days and imitation security cameras can be installed quite easily.  It’s simply a real security camera that doesn’t contain a real camera inside its housing unit, but the person trespassing on your property will not know that.  This fact alone means the dummy camera will hold a lot of value for you in acting as the mystery deterrent.    Fake security cameras can create an illusion that your fortress is protected by watchful eyes and now display neat features such as realistic blinking red lights and motion to complete its trickery.

A large line of imitation cameras are available today that all offer different features and some even react to movement.  They are rather successful at intimidating thieves and operate most times off of a few simple AA batteries.    Be selective though when choosing a camera as some are made of cheap plastic and can appear toy like.  Look for models with built in lenses inside a metal body, NOT plastic.  Lenses should be black that reflect at least some ambient light, making it appear like a realistic camera lens. Authentic surveillance security cameras normally don’t make noise as well, so look for a unit that isn’t loud or noisy.  They also have to appear to focus on the individual who has activated its motion sensor.

Fake security cameras are not everyone’s cup of tea, but for the right situation it can sometimes make a world of difference.   No longer will irresponsible dog walkers bring their pooch to your yard to dump a little surprise.  They’ll be a surprise waiting for them and your fake camera will do its job.  If you’re a business who likes your employees to take fewer breaks and be more attentive at work, this might be the solution for your office.   Its cheaper then some high tech home security systems and will make your employees sit up and take notice.

Don’t be a dummy; buy an imitation camera for your home or office today, because being sneaky can actually be smart and savvy.

Photo via modernfamily

How Do Home Security Systems Sensors And Other Components Operate?

Main components of home security systems

The primary components of home security systems include the following:

• the alarm
• the battery
• the control keypad
• the door and window sensors
• a phone jack
• a transformer

The more sophisticated home security systems on the market today provide some of the best security for your home and have the capability of alerting the monitoring company that is watching over your family and house.  Once the monitoring company is alerted by these systems, they then notify the proper authorities of what is happening.

Door and window sensors

Door sensors are a key component of home security systems.  There are two types which enhance the security of your home and protect the contents of it whenever using these systems.  One type of door sensor is directly wired into the electrical source in the home (hard-wired), while the other type operates wirelessly.  However, whether it is hard-wired or wireless home security systems, these are going to consist of motion detectors and sensors typically mounted to protect doorways and windows.

Doors and windows in the home that are the most susceptible to break-ins will have magnetic sensors installed on them as part of these security systems.  Whenever an intruder comes into the home through one of the doors or windows protected by these sensors, the alarm goes off, instantly alerting the monitoring company who then takes action to contact the proper authorities.

Electricity and magnets

Electrical voltage is kept flowing throughout the circuit areas of the home security systems by virtue of sensor magnets once the doors and windows have been closed and locked.  If an intruder enters your home through one of the protected doors or windows, the flow of electrical voltage is interrupted which in turn activates the alarm.  The security monitoring company that watches over these systems quickly notifies your local police department once they are alerted to this.

Modern day home security systems are entirely capable of alerting these monitoring companies of which door or window has been breached by the intruder.  As with any of the other system components, you always want to make sure that they are properly maintained.  Any malfunctions during the testing of the system should be reported to the particular security system company so that a technician can check it out and perform the necessary repairs.

How To Beef Up Home Security And Stop Garage Door Hacking

If you have an older garage door opener or remote that does not employ rolling code technology, you could be putting the safety of your home and family at risk.  Today more than ever, hackers have expanded their focus to many other electrical devices besides the computer.  Hackers have found that older style handheld remote garage door transmitters can be bypassed with a little bit of electrical wiring finesse.  With a few simple tools such as electrical tape, a USB cord, standard remote control transmitter, a butter knife and a sharp knife; thieves can strip electrical wires and place them on the contact points of your internal antenna within your transmitter to bypass your garage door opener.  This deceptive action communicates with your garage door opener and allows hackers to gain entrance to your home.  Homeowners might be surprised that this task is possible and can be an alarming and somewhat unsettling prospect.

Garage Door Hacks – In How-to Videos?

Professional Hackers have even gone so far as to demonstrate their prowess by spotlighting their “how to” videos on YouTube and other video sites.  As a homeowner, you can stop this from happening to you by properly protecting your garage door with rolling code technology.  If you are not familiar with this kind of technology, you may wonder what rolling code technology actually is?  Rolling code technology is quite simply an electrical algorithm that is an updated home security systems feature on newer garage door openers.  Rolling code transmitters gives you peace of mind in knowing your home is secure.  It’s commonly referred to as a “hopping code”, which means that it has the ability to roll the security code over to one of over 100 billion different possible sequences.  This capability means that they can never be repeated or bypassed; thereby making stolen codes useless to pesky burglars looking to rob you blind.

Rolling Code Technology with Home Link

Utilizing patented security rolling code transmitters will stop you from becoming a target and some are even Home Link compatible.  Some newer automobiles are now being sold in the U.S. where the homeowner is able to open their garage door from the touch of a button right from the cars dash console.  Home Link even allows you to control your garage door lights as well from the comfort of your vehicle before returning home.  Some Chamberlain openers include security features such as lock switch capability.  When activated, the homeowner can turn on a lock switch which blocks out all outside remote signals while you’re away or on vacation.

Staying connected and plugged in to new security features for your home is critical these days. The wonderful World Wide Web can provide a wealth of information on how you can upgrade your old garage door remote and opener.  Using a rolling code transmitter can make home security systems even more secure and purchasing an updated opener is your first defense against intruders from entering your home.
Photo via DecoDesignCenter.com

Home Security Systems Occupancy Sensors

Occupancy sensors used in home security systems are basically indoor lighting controls that are used to detect activity or motion within certain perimeters or in specific areas.  The security of one’s home is protected by these systems and these sensors are an integral part of them.  According to the Department of Energy, home security systems that use these sensors instead of the regular timed or switch-activated systems are more convenient to use and considerably more energy efficient.

Currently, there are three types of occupancy sensors being used – ultrasonic, passive infrared, and dual-technology.

Ultrasonic occupancy sensors

These particular sensors function by emitting sound waves of extremely high frequency which exceed the limits of human hearing capabilities.  The sound waves bounce off of the objects in the room eventually returning the units that emitted them and then they are analyzed by the unit.  If they sense changes in the sound frequency resulting from any activity or motion, the occupancy sensor triggers the lights to come on.

One of the key advantages to using home security systems with ultrasonic occupancy sensors is that they do not require a direct line of sight in order to detect any movement in the room.  This includes any motion that occurs behind objects or around corners.  The downside to using these is that walls with fabric hanging on them (i.e. curtains and draperies) do pose somewhat of a challenge.

Passive infrared occupancy sensors

Passive infrared occupancy sensors or PIR’s require a direct line of sight in order for them to operate effectively, which is the key difference between these types of sensors versus the ultrasonic ones.  Another key difference is that PIR’s do not emit any energy.  Instead, they collect infrared heat by using computer chips and special lenses.

The lens of a single PIR sensor captures any heat emissions from the specific area that it is pointed at.  It is then transferred to a specialized computer chip which detects any hot spots in its detection range.

Dual-technology occupancy sensors

Dual-technology sensors used in home security systems incorporate both of the above occupancy sensor technologies.  Both types of sensors have to confirm activity or motion in the protected area in order to trigger the home systems.  The chances of any “nuisance switching” is basically eliminated with dual-technology occupancy sensors since one acts as a back-up for the other should the other one fail to operate.

3 Easy Tasks to Secure Your Home Security Linksys Wireless Network

Wireless home security systems are ideal for installation purposes and provide convenience, but is your network as secure as it could be?  Ingenious and annoying thieves can quite easily hack into your network if given the chance.  Basic setup of your Linksys router is an important task and one that should be done right the first time around.

1. The first thing you need to do is type in your username and password to proceed to your Linksys browser screen. An important step in setup is to select to separate channels if you have more than one wireless router in your home.  Although you might think this a minor setting, it’s always a good idea to switch to a different channel so that a web interface that is setup in normal default mode cannot be accessed.  Another setting to keep an eye on is Wireless SSD Broadcast.  If you have this feature disabled it will stop your network from broadcasting any signals and stop any laptops from picking up and intercepting the signal.  Your WEP Broadcast is directly attributed to your privacy and is quite effective in deterring even the most sophisticated hackers.

1. Starting at the setup screen, click on the Wireless security tab to change any settings.  Select the WPA2 Personal as this is the most secure setting for your router.   The standard current algorithm to select for WPA algorithm is AES.  Next, you will choose a secure WPA network password.  Make sure it is something you will remember and hard to figure out.

1. There are a few more settings that need to be adjusted, so its now time to move on to the Administrative tab of your Linksys browser.  It will ask you for your router password.  Your router password needs changed to something unique as well as it is currently setup by default as admin.   Type in your new router password and re-enter your password confirmation as well.  At the bottom of the screen, remember to click “save settings” to change and secure all security settings.

Secure strategy tasks like these are a must because anyone who can access your wireless network could potentially be a threat to your system if you do not reset your administration password information.  By completing the above tasks, your new Wireless-G Broadband home security systems Linksys Network should now be secure and your signal will be protected from sneaky hackers looking to bypass your home security system.

Photo via a_sorense

Vamp up Home Security with Painting Peephole Cameras

If you’ve been having issues with items being mysteriously taken around your house or just want to check up on your eccentric roommate or babysitter, you might want to invest in a hidden spy camera.  Before assuming your worst fears, it’s important to have the proof before you go accusing someone of stealing.  The proof is in the pudding as they say and there’s no better choice than an inconspicuous oil painting peephole camera with a convenient remote control.  It will be hard to deny once they see there on video helping themselves to your personal property. Home security systems spy cameras have come a long way in recent years.  Places now offer high class paintings with hidden pinhole color cameras.  Digital video recording functions have never been easier or more convenient.  Most include memory cards with built in USB connections that allow you download the video straight to your personal computer.

At 30 frames per second these small cameras are surprisingly capable.  These paintings are powered by ion batteries that generally operate continuously for up to 10 days on standby mode.  After that, you just charge the peephole camera with the attached USB charging cord and data cable.  Included remote controls allow you to zoom and pan any targeted room you plan to monitor.  Think of it as security and surveillance detail wrapped secretly inside a decorative home accessory.

With 4GB of memory you have a lot of options for storing video footage to review at your convenience.  Depending on its complexity, some painting peephole cameras include infrared technology.  This feature allows you to see black and white images clearly when it’s completely dark or in low light conditions.  The pinhole digital video recorder is so small it is very hard for human eyes to discern its location.  Your included tiny remote control can be applied to almost any situation you deem fit by the press of a button.  The camera itself is very easy to operate and the painting has a built in microphone for quality sound.  Pinhole cameras are now being used inside mirrors, clocks, radios, and car keys.  Some are even motion activated and feature color video feeds.

Spy tools have been used as inexpensive home security systems and just got more innovative by hiding them within a beautiful painting.  There is plenty of equipment available on the market today that all you to be your own home security investigator and conduct sneaky detective work around your own schedule.

Photo via Jim Frazier