Home Security Has Come A Long Way In The Past Century

Having top-notch home security can mean the difference between feeling vulnerable and feeling in control of your home and family. Home security has come a long way in the past century; as burglars have become more sophisticated, so have the means to repel them.

The Garza family of Houston, Texas thought their home was secure. They locked their doors. They lived in a good neighborhood. What more home security should they need? But one Friday afternoon they came home to a broken window and a ransacked house. Their TV, other electronics, even the kid?s bikes, were gone. ?How could this happen in broad daylight?? Asks Ed Garza. ?The criminals are getting braver.?

Clever Criminals

They aren?t only getting braver, they?re getting smarter. Criminals watch families closely to learn their habits, when they?re home, when they?re not. Forty percent of break-ins occur in the middle of the day while the family is at work or school. Burglars know that during the day there are likely to be fewer people around to keep an eye on the neighborhood, and they can treat homes like candy shops. Night is no longer the common criminal?s only time on the job. They prowl at all hours, so your home security system must be ready and in place 24 hours a day.

Home security is moving beyond strong locks and a guard dog and requires more vigilant standards. With burglars coming out into the day time and carefully planning their not-so-random attacks, safeguarding your home with a complex home security system requires you to put as much thought into it as the burglars do.

The basics: strong locks, trimmed back bushes, and nosy neighbors, are a good start, and you should make those the foundation for your home security system. But these days, a home security system requires a comprehensive network of components working together to protect your family from burglaries, fires, and other emergencies.

How a Wired or Wireless Home Security System Works

Wired or wireless, an alarm home security system does two things: when triggered, it not only lets out a shrill noise to draw attention to your home and scare away the intruder; it also alerts security personnel to the security breach and sends help right away.

There are many kinds of alarm home security systems. You can choose an alarm home security system that detects motion or an alarm home security system that detects window breakage or door entry.

Motion Sensor Home Security System

A motion sensor home security system detects unauthorized movement in or around your home. A motion sensor home security system senses infrared energy given off by a person in a secured area. On many motion sensor home security systems, an alarm is signaled only when the sensor is armed and the viewed energy has the correct temperature, motion, and timing associated with a burglar, thus safeguarding against false alarms. This sophisticated type of home security system is pet-proof, so Fido or Fluffy won?t set off a false alarm, while Bruno the Burglar will be caught in the act.

A Window Break Home Security System

The other kind of alarm home security system is the window break home security system. Burglars love to break into windows, which, compared to doors, are much less secure. But a window break home security system detects when the glass is broken or the window is open without authorization, preventing burglars from simply smashing in a window and coming inside. If the Garza family had this sort of home security alarm system, chances are the burglar would have run away before stealing anything.

This type of home security system reduces the incidence of false alarms and break-ins. Simply affix the sensor to your window and it will safeguard your home.

Benefits of Any Home Security System

When you install a home security system in your home, you will enjoy decreased home insurance rates because insurance companies like knowing you have taken active steps to prevent damage and property loss in your home. Some home security system software also monitors your home and family for protection from fire and health emergencies as well.

A home security system can be a direct line to 911 -- the police, fire department, or ambulance. In the event of a break-in or other sudden emergency while you are home, you can hit the panic button and help will be on the way, thanks to your home security system.

The benefits of installing a home security system include:

(1) Permanent, 24-hour surveillance
(2) Pet-immune" motion sensor systems available
(3) Security fits any size home
(4) Coded security power on/off puts you in control

A Wireless Security Camera Home Security System

You have alarms, now how about some extra watchful eyes to guard you? A wireless camera home security system monitors you home with video surveillance that can capture any unsavory activity that can be used in court or used to protect your family from activities that may have otherwise gone unnoticed.

Benefits of a Wireless Security Camera Home Security System

(1) Easy to set up
(2) Cost efficient personal surveillance system
(3) Transportable, can move from room to room or house to house
(4) Send signals through walls and floors

A wireless security camera makes video surveillance easy, portable, and cost effective. Have your eyes peeled all the time with a wireless security camera.

Check out all we have in wireless security camera technology.

We also have wired security cameras for more permanent home security system surveillance.

Fire Alarm Home Security System

A home security system should include security from fires as well as from foe. Fires are a real threat to your home and family. Consider these statistics:

1) There were 1,584,500 fires in the United States in 2003,
2) Fires resulted in 3,925 deaths, 18,125 injuries, and $12.3 billion in damages,
3) Residential fires represented 25.4% of all fires and 77.4% of structural fires.

Fire alarms are a key part of your home security system. A fire alarm home security system alerts your family to danger and gets them safely out of the house. The early alert of a fire alarm home security system can also prevent a fire from actually destroying the structure of your home, protecting not only your loved ones but your house and what?s inside. Home fire alarms should be a standard feature of your home security system.

Home fire alarms belong in every bedroom, plus the hallway, kitchen and den. At a very low cost, home fire alarms save thousands of lives a year. There?s simply no reason for home fire alarms not to be in every home security system in America.

The Power of a Comprehensive Home Security System

This combination of fire alarm, video surveillance, and 24-hour security monitoring will ensure that your home is under the utmost protection of a complex, sophisticated home security system. The Garzas learned their lesson the hard way. Don?t wait until it?s too late to start fending off burglars- outwit them at their own game by preventing all of their usual tricks. A little thought goes a long way in building a successful home security system.

Where you can find out more about Security Door Locks and articles on Biometric Security

Recent Failed Terror Plots Renew Battle Over Homeland Security Funding

The recent terror plot by British nationals involving chemical explosives and transatlantic flights has increased awareness of homeland security after a relatively calm period marked by little terrorist activity aimed at the U.S. and Great Britain.

With the heightened awareness comes a new emphasis on filling homeland security related positions across local, state and federal agencies as well as airlines and other corporations. New security measures have necessitated a hiring drive for many companies related to the travel industry, which has been affected the most.

In New York and Washington D.C., where funding for homeland security has dropped based on recent changes to the criteria on which the allocation of preparedness funds is based, local officials were critical of the Bush administration and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. It has been speculated in the press that many of the flights targeted by the would be terrorists would have been destined for these two cities, although the nature of the plot would have prevented them from ever reaching their destination. Still, decry local officials, the decision to reduce funding to previously targeted cities while increasing funding for less densely populated areas could have disastrous consequences.

According to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg in a recent weekly radio address, "I just think the ways they went about it was wrong. I think some factual things were wrong. Forget about the fact that they didn't have the right number of financial institutions or didn't know there were any significant targets in New York City, just the quality of the report."

As the British terror plot was unfolding, the Bush administration was attempting to cut funding for developing new explosives detection technology. Congressional leaders rejected the plan, instead voting to continue funding for the research, which has been aided by technology supplied by the Japanese. Congress has also expressed bipartisan criticism of the way in which the Homeland Security Department is spending its current budget, calling the Sciences & Technology Directorate a "rudderless ship without a clear way to get back on course".

A statement by the senate appropriations committee that accompanied the Department of Homeland Security's 2007 budget read, "The committee is extremely disappointed with the manner in which S&T is being managed within the Department of Homeland Security".

As more terrorist activities are uncovered, greater emphasis is likely to be placed on maximizing the effectiveness of Homeland Security Department funding, although where the funds will eventually be appropriated will continue to be a hot topic for debate.

To learn more about online homeland security degrees, visit our site. You can also obtain homeland security degree information on our blog. For more education resources and degree programs, visit Search for Classes.

Best Home Security System

There are many things to know before going ahead and signing a contract with a home security company. Considering that a security system is going to protect your most valuable asset, along with your family, you want to be sure that you?re making the right decisions and ending up with the best home security system. As with any other major purchase, it?s always smart to do some comparison shopping. Compare and contrast the various features that each company offers.

One thing to note is that monitoring contracts may be bought and sold the same way that home mortgages are. So, while you may know who is monitoring your home today, do you know who will be monitoring it tomorrow?

Do some research on the company before agreeing to have them install anything. Find out how long they?ve been in business. Contact the Better Business Bureau to what kinds, if any, complaints have been filed against the company. It?s also important to find out if they hold all necessary licenses to perform this kind of service. Different states have different policies. Be sure that the company you go with is fully licensed.

Who are their employees? You want to be sure that their employees are reputable. If they use sub-contractors, it?s important to know if they?re trustworthy to come into your home to install your system.

When signing a contract, make sure that a training course on the system?s operation comes as part of the deal. It?s crucial that you understand how the system works once it?s installed. Also, find out where the control panel and keypad will be located. Make sure it?s located in a spot that?s easy to get to for when you need to engage and disengage the system. If the keypad comes with panic features, make sure you know what they are and how to use them. If you want other family members to be able to access the system, be sure that multiple code users can be programmed into the system.

If the system you choose comes with motion detectors, find out how big an area is covered. You will also need to know if it will detect your pet?s motion or not. If you can?t use motion detectors, what other devices could you use as substitutes? Determine what kind of device will detect entry from accessible windows. Glass break triggers are widely available now. If the system picks up the sound of glass breaking, it will trigger the alarm and notify the security company and the authorities.

These are just a few of the many details involved in deciding which is the best home security system. Ultimately, it?s a personal decision depending on several factors. The best system will be custom suited to your needs and will leave you with a satisfied feeling as well as a secure one. When it comes to your home?s security and your family?s safety, you want to be sure that you?re doing everything you can and learning all you can about the features offered in a security system.

Sean Hattaway has been an advocate of Home Security for years. He provides vital Home Security tips and information online for families on how to protect their home. Go to Wireless Home Security System also located at http://www.MyHomeSecurityPro.com

How to Review Your Home Security Needs & Choose a Home Security Company

Before you choose a home security system, it is important to take the time to review your needs. There are three primary areas that should be assessed: your security needs, credibility of the security company, and your budget.

Starting with your security needs, undoubtedly, you will be the best judge of what your actual needs are. It pays to have a security expert come in, however, to offer suggestions that you may not know of or think of yourself. An expert will look at your house with a trained eye, finding the most vulnerable spots, such as a window facing an open field or a balcony with a climbable tree right beside it.

The security expert will give you a list of all the problem spots and can recommend the best type of equipment to protect them. He/she will also be able to tell you exactly how many contact sensors, motion sensors, video cameras, etc. you'll need to protect your home effectively.

Next, you'll need to consider if it would be favourable to install a stand-alone security system or one that comes with central monitoring. If you are away frequently and your house is somewhat secluded, central monitoring is advisable. Credibility and reputation of the security company are important factors to consider, especially if you're planning to go with the latter choice. We will discuss this in detail shortly.

The final thing to consider is the cost. You'll obviously need to make a choice that covers your security needs reasonably and fits within your budget. Keep in mind, however, that many home insurance policies offer discounts when an alarm is installed; this may help to offset a part of the cost of the security system.

Choosing a Home Security Company When you're looking for a home security company, you will find both large companies (like Brinks and ADT) to smaller companies that are authorised installers for the bigger companies. In between these two lie medium sized firms that offer affordable prices for their security services.

Most companies provide multiple services such as assessing your security needs, installing the equipment and central monitoring. You should check if the monitoring station is UL (Underwriters Laboratory) certified, has power backups in case of a power outage, a good staff training program and a good relationship with the local authorities in case of an alarm call.

When you're ready to invest in a home security system, talk to a few different companies before having anything installed. They will conduct risk assessments to ascertain your home security challenges and how to address them.

Reputable home alarm companies will meet you in person at your home--never exclusively by phone. They will look around, discuss your needs and possible limitations, and recommend solutions that have worked for other customers.

Experts recommend getting quotes from three to four different installers. Ensure that you get all pricing quotes in writing--including set up, equipment, monthly monitoring fees, and warranties. The first company you speak to may seem to have a fantastic deal, but don't sign anything immediately. Take your time and meet with a few other companies and find out who offers the best balance of price and security. Some security companies require you to sign a contract for a certain length of time, which can easily extend to a period more than a year. Once you sign the contract, it can be difficult (and expensive) to get out of the contract.

Once you receive quotes and narrow down your search of home security companies, get references from each provider--previous clients who gave permission to be contacted about that dealer's service. Find out why they chose that particular company and ask questions about the company's quality of service:

? Did they install the system quickly, within the timeframe they guaranteed? ? Are they readily available if you encounter any problems? ? Did the representative explain to everyone in your household how the system works? ? Were the contracts unambiguous and straightforward? ? If you ever experienced an intrusion, did the central station speedily dispatch authorities? ? Will you receive a reasonable notice period if the alarm company sells your contract off to another central station?

In addition, some of the questions you should ask when talking to different security companies include: - How long have they been in business? - Do they have the relevant licenses and certifications? - Are they insured against damages during the alarm installation?

You could also talk to your friends and neighbours and see if they have any recommendations.

Anthony Neary represents online Safe retailer http://www.thesafeshop.co.uk. For more information and a wide range of security safes visit the online Safe Shop store at http://www.thesafeshop.co.uk

Home And Family Security Surveillance Camera

As the world continues to get more dangerous, the last thing you want is to bring that danger directly into your home. Newspaper stories tell the tale babysitters abusing children when their parents are off at work. There's been workers who have been hired in good faith to repair or maintain your property, stealing both from inside and outside the house. It's unfortunate, but the reality is that unless you are vigilant and careful, your family, home and possessions could be hurt by people.

The answer is to be diligent and use caution when hiring anyone. Check references, though many previous people don't or won't give you all the information due to a fear of being sued by the person. Still, if you ask for references and check them, you have a much greater chance of getting good people. Let's be clear that the majority of people are very responsible and trustworthy and all they want is the opportunity to work. That said, there is the very small minority that are the problem and make it more difficult for both the worker and the owner.

Using surveillance cameras is one way to keep better control on your home or business. These little devices are great to placing discretely around your home and office. The reason for using cameras however are twofold.

First, there is the keeping honest people honest idea. This is nothing more than building on the fact that people act differently when they think they're being watched. Put security cameras in the office and let people know about them and they tend to behave differently. There's less of an argument when a customer makes claims against your employee and you need to sort through the information to get to the truth. So this first potential use for surveillance or security cameras is to allow you the potential to see what actually happened.

In a home setting, it's possible to view how the kids are behaving when the adults are gone. Who comes into and leaves your home when can also be captured. This doesn't mean that you don't trust your family or employees, only that by having security camera around, people will be better behaved.

The Second reason why it's important to consider a security camera system is to catch bad behavior or illegal activities. By having your home secured with this technology, you are able to easily identify people that shouldn't be around your home like would be burglars.

There also is the latest in surveillance camera technology, the nanny cam. This is nothing more than a hidden camera within your home to monitor the behavior of people you leave in charge of your children. Some entertain guests while you're away and drink heavily while watching television instead of watching the kids. Although most babysitter- nanny types are great, you need to recognize that if the person you leave in charge isn't responsible, your children could be at risk of being hurt or worse.

Surveillance camera systems have come a long way in the just the last few years. The cameras themselves are getting much smaller and easier to set up. No longer is it necessary to have a specialized security company set up and place a surveillance system in your home or business.

Surveillance cameras now come with a wide variety of options. From capturing color images, motion activated, auto pan and close up functionality from your computer, and even wireless cameras are all available at very attractive pricing. Everyone should consider the importance of having a security surveillance camera for peace of mind of the family and themselves.

Abigail Franks writes on a variety of subjects which include family, Health, and Home. For more info on Home Security Cameras visit the site at http://www.surveillance-cameras.fixituptoday.com

Home Security Sign And Decals

Imagine you are a burglar with one thing on your mind: breaking into a home. Imagine you approach that home only to see a clearly visible security sign announcing that the home is protected by a continuously monitored security system. Would you think twice about trying to break in? You bet.

A Security Sign and Decal: A Powerful Deterrent

A security sign and decal, placed in full view of anyone who approaches your home, can be almost as effective a deterrent as having a real working home security monitoring system. Sometimes the security sign and decal is the only warning you need to give to keep invaders away. When combined with a wired or wireless home security monitoring system, a security sign and decal lets you know you have more than one line of defense against criminals, further protecting your home and family.

The Benefits of a Security Sign and Decal

A simple security sign and decal can be an important edition to your home security plan, and for just mere pennies on the dollar compared to the expense of a full security system. Without actually risking breaking into a home and being detected and caught, a potential burglar cannot know whether your decal is telling the truth or not. Prominently display decals in your yard and on your windows, and you could keep burglars away without needing to install a complicated wireless or wired system. Though we highly recommend a real security system to keep your family safe, a security sign and decal is certainly better than taking no security measures at all.

The Easy Installation of a Security Sign and Decal

Installation of a security sign and decal is easy, just like using a sticker or shoving a stick in the ground, and there is no maintenance beyond making sure your security decal always remains fully visible. A security sign and decal is completely wireless, non-electronic; needing no batteries or plugs, so you can put it anywhere you want.

Some security signs and decals will even alert emergency response teams that children or pets are in your home, and can save precious seconds by alerting rescuers to which bedrooms your family members occupy. More than just protecting your home from burglars, a security sign and decal can save your life.

Other Benefits of a Security Decal

The many benefits of a security sign and decal include: 24 hour protection, Visible to all who approach your home, Easy to install and Preventive security that saves you money

Use Security Signs and Decals with Your Home Security Plan

Security signs and decals are an inexpensive investment compared to the cost of more expensive home security monitoring systems, but remember that only a monitored security system will alert authorities in the event of a break-in. Not all burglars will be deterred by a sticker. The best solution is to invest in your peace of mind and the protection of your home and your family by installing a hardwired or wireless system; use home security signs and decals to decrease the chances of that system ever being tested.
Ralph Winn writes about Home Security and other related topics. For more information visit Home Security Systems

Do It Yourself Home Security

Installing a DIY home security system is a bit more difficult and time-consuming than replacing locks and adding a few lights.

Proper and safe home security doesn't have to involve hiring a professional to install the most up-to-date security system on the market. There are numerous DIY home security options out there; you just need to be familiar with them and choose what precautions you should take to keep you, your home, and your family safe. DIY home security involves everything from teaching your children what to do when at home alone to installing a state-of-the-art, DIY home security alarm that allows the homeowner to perform the installation and set up.

DIY Home Security BasicsHomeowners often overlook simple, yet effective, DIY home security projects. If a home looks difficult to break into or a burglar believes there is a good chance of getting caught, he will usually bypass that home and move on to another. The most important aspect of home security is creating an atmosphere that isn't conducive to a burglar being able to enter your home. The following DIY home security projects create this type of environment. Install exterior lights and include either a timer or a motion detector, Secure all exterior doors and windows with well-built, steadfast locks and Trim back trees and shrubs in your yard, especially around windows and doors.These do it yourself home security tasks are easy and fast projects, yet they offer you and your family paramount security.

DIY Home Security Systems Installing a DIY home security system is a bit more difficult and time-consuming than replacing locks and adding a few lights. Before taking on this task, you need to be prepared to spend some time and money, but the advantages are well worth the costs. DIY home security systems are usually wireless and can cost as little as $100 or as much as several thousand dollars. Installing a DIY home security system in your home offers a wide range of benefits. DIY Upgrades, Mobility, Ease of Use and No-Cost Installation.Just as hardwired, professionally installed home security systems can be fit with many different accessories to meet your individual security needs, so can DIY home security systems. The majority of DIY home security systems come with a basic keypad, control panel, and window/door contacts, but the list of accessories available for purchase is virtually endless. Some of the most commonly purchased.

Additions are: Sirens, Strobe Lights, Motion Detectors, Surveillance Cameras, Smoke Detectors and Glass Break Detectors.

Integrating these accessories into your DIY home security system is an easy process, and tailoring your system to fit your needs is extremely important. DIY home security systems also allow you to upgrade your system as needed; as technology advances and the needs of your family change, you can easily install the additional security accessories you feel necessary. From the most menial tasks such as trimming trees to the more advanced job of installing an entire home security system, Do it yourself home security is a great way to e

Ralph Winn writes about Home Security and other related Security topics.
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Homeland Security Means Big Business For Many Graduates

The term "Homeland Security" has become a part of our collective vocabulary, thanks in large part to media coverage of government policies related to terrorist threats that endanger our nation. Not only has homeland security been a major issue in the news, but at campuses across the country as well. Many colleges and universities now offer homeland security degree programs in combination with, or in replacement of, traditional criminal justice degree programs. Graduates often see themselves working for one of the many government agencies, such as the coast guard, border patrol and various other nationwide law enforcement entities, but there are other avenues for them to explore as well.

Corporate America is calling, and many graduates of homeland security degree programs are quickly learning that the private sector has much to offer. From salary and benefit packages that rival (and in many cases exceed) government offerings to the opportunity to travel worldwide, the corporate world has become a major employer when it comes to security.

When most people think of security related issues, they fail to consider the need for qualified disaster management, theft prevention, network security and human resources personnel. While the US government has only recently begun to assess security needs on a large scale, most corporations have had to implement security procedures and offer specialized training for employees since the onset of the computer age. Data theft alone has been a problem for many years, and can effectively cripple a company, as was the recent case with the Bangalore-based data processing center of European bank HSBC. Not only were financial transactions made without the consent of the bank's customers, but employee theft was involved as well. While many consider security issues such as these to be IT related, more and more corporations are using security personnel to oversee the administrative end of network security. Recently, employee background checks, disaster contingency plans and safety procedures are now being handled by homeland security degree program graduates as well.

Most homeland security degree programs cover several aspects of security that can relate directly to the corporate environment, including legality issues concerning data gathering, threat assessment and continuity management. While the threats may be different in nature, one thing is certain. As long as there are security concerns that could have a detrimental effect on the bottom line of a corporation, there will always be a need for qualified personnel to deal with those concerns.

To learn more about a Homeland security degree visit our site http://www.degreesinhomelandsecurity.com To learn about earning a degree online visit http://www.searchforclasses.com Catch up on that latest online education news at http://sfcednews.blogspot.com

Home Security Patio Sliding Glass Doors

As promised at the end of part 4 of this series, in this section I will deal with Patio Sliding Glass Doors. Quite often homeowners install sturdy locks on their front doors but leave their patio doors and sliding glass windows "wide open" to illegal entry.

Burglars love these because they are so easy to open. Usually, sliding doors and windows are at the side or rear of the home so they are more secluded than the front door, this makes a perfect place for burglars to hide and enter.

There are two main risks that need to be protected against.

1. Forcing the lock.

The standard lock that is fitted to most sliding doors and windows is very easy to pry open, an additional stronger lock should be fitted to give more security. Something as simple as lying a broomstick in the runner can offer some protection provided it is a good fit.

However Dead Locks are much better, they will prevent the burglar from using the door or window to remove stolen property unless they smash the glass and that is a very noisy and risky thing for them to do.

2. Lifting Out.

Many sliding doors and windows can be lifted out of their tracks from the outside. You can prevent this by putting two metal screws through the track above the sliding part of the door or window, the screw will need to be adjusted to allow the door to operate correctly.

Double Hung Windows

To lock a double hung window, you will have to drill a downward sloping hole into the top of the bottom window, and through that into the bottom of the top window being careful to avoid the glass unit, if you have any doubt about your DIY abilities get a professional tradesman to do it. Once the hole is drilled a pin can be inserted, locking the window shut.

To use the window for ventilation, you should partly open it (less that 4 inches) and making a second set of holes, the window can then be used for ventilation.

Remember, open windows and doors, even if secured, should never be left unattended while you are gone or asleep.

This section is quite short but I thought the information was important enough to deserve a section of it's own. In part six we will be dealing with Burglar Alarms.For more vital home security tips and information about how to protect your home and family please visit http://www.homesecuritynews.info You may reproduce this article provided you maintain an active link back to http://www.homesecuritynews.info