Don't Be a Target: Nine Simple Home Security Tips

Burglars will always go after the easiest target. Not necessarily the biggest house on the block--but the easiest one to break into. Burglars like dark houses, and they like to get in fast. If your house is well-lit or takes more than five minutes to break into, chances are they'll go elsewhere. If you want to make your house less inviting to burglars, here's how to do it.

Keep the lights on. It's a good idea to invest in security lighting. If your home or yard is kept lit at night, it's a definite burglar deterrent. When lighting your home, it's important not to make it blaze so brightly it bothers the neighbors--but a downlight over your garage and front doors, uplights beneath windows, and a few well-placed outdoor lamps in the yard can go a long way towards discouraging most break-ins.

Get a good home security system. The best home security systems have an alarm that automatically alerts the police. Motion detectors are useful to install in your yard--turn them on before you go to bed at night so they don't go off when you and your family are outside during the day.

Have a thick door with a deadbolt. Your door should be in good repair. It should fit its frame well, with no chinks and no soft or rotting wood in the frame. The best lock in the world won't keep a burglar out if your door isn't strong as well. You should have a deadbolt--never rely on those doorknob locks. Get a peephole, preferably a wide-angle one, installed in your door. It's much safer than using a chain--strong burglars can break those chains and push you aside to get in.

If you have a garage, this also applies to the door that leads from it to the inside of your house. Garage doors are often flimsy, with cheap locks. Make sure the door that goes into your house from your garage is just as strong as your outside-access doors, with the same strong deadbolts and peephole.

If you have sliding glass doors, you've probably noticed the locks are weak. Don't depend on a stick set in the door channel. Go to your local hardware store and see what they have for strong locks for these doors.

Don't make it obvious you're away. When you go away on holiday, don't close your blinds any more than you usually do. Have the post office hold all mail and packages so it doesn't collect outside your door. Ask a friend to collect hand-delivered circulars from your doorstep. If you're going to be gone for longer than a week, pay someone you trust to mow your lawn or shovel your driveway.

Many people install timers on the lights in their homes, and set them to go on and off at appropriate times to make it look like you're home. There are lots of other ways to do this as well, like installing motion-sensitive lights outside of your house and putting your radio and TV on a timer so that they go on and off, as well.

Get a home security safe. If you have anything especially valuable in your house--jewelry or important documents, for example--protect them with a home security safe. These can go a long way toward protecting your peace of mind, as well as your belongings.

Don't show off tempting items. Open your blinds and look in your windows--from the street as well as from your yard. Can you see a television, a computer, stereo equipment, or any other valuables from your windows? If so, you may be advertising to burglars without knowing it. Make sure nobody from outside can see any valuable objects in your house. Also, don't leave anything outside in your yard that can be carried off--it makes too tempting a target for even casual thieves.

Watch your windows. Make sure your windows are strong and in good repair--including the frames. In addition, it's a bad idea to put a window-mounted air conditioner in a window on the ground floor--these can be easy to push out. It's a good idea to trim shrubs and trees near windows, as these can provide cover for burglars.

Careful with your keys. Don't keep your keys on a ring with your home address anywhere on it. And don't hide an extra key under the doormat, in that flowerpot by the door, or anywhere else outside. You may think you've found the perfect hiding place, but most burglars know where to look. Think about getting a key safe.

Contact your local police. Often, the police will send someone to assess your house and recommend the steps you should take to make your home safer. This is a good thing to do anytime you move into a new house, or if there have been robberies at other homes in your area recently.

Keep your house from being a tempting target. Don't help burglars rob you by keeping your house dark at night, keeping expensive items by the window, or neglecting your windows and doors. Follow these simple tips, and your home will be much less inviting to criminals--and much safer.

Anthony Neary works for http://www.thesafeshop.co.uk/ the UK's premier supplier of home and office safes. For more information on a range of security safes visit http://www.thesafeshop.co.uk/Categories/security_safes/

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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Wireless Home Security System

Most home security systems rely on phone lines to send an alert to the Security Company and police. Nowadays, more systems have become more sophisticated and are updating with the times. Wireless home security system more and more seem to be the way to go. People are increasingly interested in doing away with complicated and sometimes confusing wired operations.

If you think about it, if a burglar makes it into your home and you have a security system in place, you would expect that it does what it?s supposed to and sends a signal for help. However, if the burglar cuts the phone line or takes the phone off the hook, the signal will never go out. This prevents the security company from providing the help that you?re paying for.

If your internet connection uses DSL, then the signal can go through your PC to alert the security company of a potential break-in. One factor to keep in mind is compatibility. You can let the security company know you are using the DSL connection and they can install a filter to straighten it out, usually for a fee.

Another option available now is cellular back up. This way, if your phone line is cut during a break-in, the alert is automatically sent via your cell phone. Most companies charge an additional fee for this service, but it is available. Other wireless options are also available, such as wireless security cameras and others like voice dialer security systems where the signal going out to the security company is voice activated, rather than phone activated. The security company can also communicate wirelessly this way.

There are other advantages going with a wireless home security system. For starters, the installation is easier without all the wires involved with a hard installation. It also allows for more flexibility with the security plan you may already have. Most of the benefits are related to the lack of wires versus the many wires involved in a traditionally installed system. Wireless systems are cleaner because of it. Plus, the maintenance on a wireless system is easier as well since it?s not as bulky as a regular system. If you choose to make improvements at some point on your home, a wired system can create some inconvenience.

However, while wireless home security system is an up and coming way to go, both options are good and serve the purpose of protecting your home. You may want to consider incorporating both systems as part of an overall home security system.

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

Today's Home Security

Security is the most important aspect of life, most so in the case of home security. In the days of ever increasing crime and theft, it is all the more imperative for us to have a safe and strong home security system. The miscreants are well exposed to the modern methods of surveillance and monitoring making normal life highly vulnerable even inside our own home.

Many a careless family would tell their horrifying experience of house breaks and thefts that had happened to them out of sheer negligence and lack of proper security system.

Home security systems of varied nature and methods are plenty available. A simple warning signal by means of a security tag from a reputed security agency itself acts a deterrent for the robbers. However it is wise to choose an effective and economical system to make the security at home really effective. A good monitoring system to work in your absence and that would react when triggered enabling someone to see, or a system that produces an alarm, that can be directed to the Police or emergency service, is an ideal choice.

Use of variety of locks is another option to protect the house in one's absence. Protecting the family and the belongings from the vulnerability of thefts and house breaks is no small task. One has to be quite relaxed when one is away from one's house and has to ensure the possessions are quite safe even in their absence.

Wireless home security system, the modern effective way of protecting the home and the family, though a new concept, is really effective. One has to know the basics of wireless home security system before choosing the same.

The first aspect to be considered in a wireless security system is to determine the number of doors and windows that could be brought under the system. The placing of the control panel and keypads is an individual choice, while some prefer it near the front door, others find it convenient to be on the side of the bedroom.

The doors and windows need to be near to the sensors to enable them to communicate with the sensors. Various choices are available in monitoring systems; one option is to hire a company for a nominal fee. If on the other hand one choose to spend less, a basic system with a dialer connected to the telephone, that can dial the chosen numbers would be sufficient.

Motion detectors is normally a good option, unless of course the pets in the home roam around, during night or when the system is enabled making unwanted alarms or warning signals.

One should entrust the home security system to a reputable and trust worthy security agency. The wireless home security system chosen should monitor every zone in the house. Further the system should be user friendly and effective during an emergency.

The batteries used in the contact devices tends to be a costly as the same is to be replaced and each service call needs to be paid. The system therefore is a bit expensive compared to a hard wired system. One has to be a little technical savvy to avoid such expenditure and capable of reinstalling the batteries by oneself.

Installation of the wireless security system is quite easy and once the control panels and sensors are properly placed at desired points, the system is operational and you stand protected. Alternatively one can also get the system installed by a contractor or a company specialized in the service at a nominal cost.

The author is a regular contributor to Inside Home Security where more home and personal security information is freely available

The Value Of Home Security Safes

A basic locking cabinet can secure valuable papers or personal items but it will not protect them from theft or fire damage. Only safes can provide a superior level of protection for documents, jewelry, guns and personal items.Computer data that would be difficult or impossible to duplicate if lost. Home and business security systems require the addition of security safes to eliminate the possibility of data and document loss due to fire and climate disruptions.

The proliferation of home robberies are classified as "snatch and grab." The intruder invests approximately 3-5 minutes within the home. The very presence of a home security safe is a deterrent to such robberies. Any additional time invested within the home increases the odds of apprehension. Theft prevention and climate control management have rendered security safes a requirement for any home, office or business. The needed security afforded by home and business safes completes any existing security control system. Home security safes offer protection of personal documents, jewelry and irreplaceable items. Home safes are a major deterrent from robbery and provide needed security from fire and climate changes. Advance Safes offer a large inventory of wall safes, floor safes, fire safes, gun safes, and electronic digital safes. Home safes are a perfect compliment to any home security system.

Fire could destroy your business! In fact, eight businesses burn almost every hour in the U.S. resulting in over 2.3 billion dollars in annual losses.* Unfortunately, seven out of ten businesses have not adequately protected their vital records. When that information is destroyed a business often fails. Don't become a company that incurs fire damage resulting in critical loss of data (customer, personnel, accounting files, etc.) by not utilizing quality fire and data media safes. Survival is possible but preparation is necessary.

Security safes are an essential protection against fire, theft and climate changes. Theft prevention, fire protection, data security and storage are a requirement for any business or home office. Advance Safes offer a complete inventory of fire safes, data media safes, depository safes, floor safes, treasury safes (TL-15 and TL-30), vaults and hotel safes. A quality safe is an essential requirement for any business security system. A safe investment is a long-term security dividend. Please consider our inventory of security safes as a welcome addition to any home or office environ.

*Source: National Fire Protection Association article Fire Loss in the U.S. During 2004 Abridged Report.

Lawrence Hilliard is the Founder and Director of Op. of Advance Safes. http://www.centurionsafes.com

Home Security Systems - An Insiders Guide To Saving You Money

Security Systems Reduce Burglaries...

Homes without security systems are about 3 times more likely to be broken into than homes with security systems.

Source: Simon Hakim, Temple University, 215-204-7476

Monitoring your home security system has never been easier but there are several things you need to consider before committing yourself to a long term monitoring agreement with any alarm company

Alarm companies don?t make the majority of their profit from selling security systems, it comes from accumulating a large base of alarm-monitoring contracts. In fact these monitoring contracts are so profitable that they are frequently bought and sold like mortgage notes.

Tip #1 Ask if they are an authorized alarm dealer or a represent a marketing company.

Marketing companies have learned to flood a market with fantastic offers on security systems with the sole purpose of selling the contracts at a profit. They often use any sub-contractor available, which can lead to poor customer service once the marketing company leaves town.

Once you find a reputable alarm company ask them to come out to your home and give you a quote. You?ll find that most will quote you a basic security system at a reasonable price. These basic security systems generally include an control panel, keypad, motion detector, a couple of door contacts, inside siren, a yard sign and warning decals

Tip #2 Make sure the equipment can be monitored by any alarm company not by just the one selling it to you.

If they use proprietary security equipment you could be left in a bind should you become dissatisfied with their service for any reason. Ademco, DSC,& Caddx are well known manufacturers and can be monitored by any one.

Some companies offer low a low installation charge of $99.00 or will give you a ?FREE? security system. Many do so if you put a security sign in your yard for advertising purposes and commit to a long-term alarm-monitoring contract.

Since the installation charge doesn't cover the true cost of the equipment and labor, you are charged a substantial monthly fee to recoup their investment. These ?deals? or equipment leases aren't necessarily bad but make it hard to evaluate the true cost to you over time.

The best way to evaluate your contract is to ask the salesman to give you a quote to purchase the security system outright and show the home alarm-monitoring fee separately. Most of the time you are better off buying the alarm system because your monitoring fee will be much less.

For example. Say for $99 your monitoring fee is $35 per month for 3 years you total cost for monitoring your home alarm is $1359.00 Your fee will remain $35 per month or even increase.

On the other hand say you pay $599.00 installation and $20 dollars a month your total cost is $1319. Not only is your overall cost less but from year 3 on your will be saving $180 per year. This savings would be better spent on upgrading your alarm system to include fire monitoring and added perimeter protection

Tip #3 Don?t pay additional charges for medical or fire monitoring.

It?s ok to pay for the equipment needed but some companies charge $2-$5 extra for these services. These options are easily programmed into the alarm system and don?t require any additional effort to monitor.

Is A Basic Security System For You?

The answer is probably not. Basic systems only cover your doors and are supplemented by the use of a motion detector. This detector is usually mounted in the main hallway to catch a burglar crossing the center of the home. If they come through a bedroom window and never pass by the motion detector, the alarm system will never sound. Imagine being home at the time this happens. Basic security systems are best used as a deterrent to a break in and to notify the authorities an alarm condition exist.

Adding perimeter protection such as window contacts or glass break detectors should be high on the list of upgrades. These types of upgrades not only activate the alarm system instantly but also will give you piece of mind while you are home.

Protect Your Financial Interest Not Just Your Home

Get all quotes in writing and make sure the quote is a binding quote. At a minimum the following should be included in your contract.

Length of contract and if / how it renews. Does it renew automatically? What type of notice do you have to give to terminate the monitoring agreement

Will your fee increase and is there a limit on the increase. If at all possible lock in your monitoring fee for the entire contract otherwise you could see an increase every year. Don?t be afraid to walk away on this point alone.

Do you own the equipment or is it a lease? A lease means lower initial installation cost but high monitoring fees.

Warranty:

Most of the alarm equipment comes with it?s own warranty in addition to what is offered by your company. Specify the warranty for each item so that you aren?t charged if it fails.
Also specify how long the warranty on labor is. Expect to pay some labor cost for replacing under warranty items

Service Calls

Alarm technicians are usually well trained to diagnose and fix problems with your security system. Be prepared to pay in the neighborhood of $55 per hour. The fee can seem high when compared to your original installation cost but is not out of line. Think about how much you pay for your car or computer to be worked on.

How long is the response time to service your alarm system. 48 hours is a reasonable time.

Do they provide an installation certificate for your home owner?s insurance. Many insurance companies offer a discount for monitored home security systems.

Don?t Wait Until You Have A Break-In To Get An Alarm System!

You can replace most things but you may never replace your sense of security in your own home.The author has more than 15 years experience in the home security industry. Learn more by clicking here http://www.cornerstonesecurityservices.com