Common Sense Home Security Tips

Is it just me, or do we spend more time worrying about the safety of our computers these days than the safety of our own homes? You've got firewalls and virus protection for your CPU, but have you changed your door locks since you moved into your house? Do you have ladders, tools, and other things lying around your yard that a burglar could use to break a window and access your home? Do you have an alarm system you never arm? Windows you leave open? Doors left unlocked? When was the last time you walked around your house and, thinking like a burglar, considered just how easy it would be to break in? Yeah, that's what I thought.

Let's take a look at some smart security tips that can help make your home safer for you and your family. And guess what? Most of them are easier to implement than the security software loaded on your computer.

First off, remember that in general burglars will avoid occupied houses. That doesn't mean your family is always safe when they're home, however. There always exceptions to the rule, and you shouldn't assume that nothing can ever happen just because someone is there. If a burglar breaks in while you're not there, your belongings are at risk. If a burglar breaks in when your family is home, your family is at risk as well.

Now that I've got you thinking, let's look at some measures you can follow in order to minimize the risk of being targeted.

Keys: Don't hand out keys to friends, even if they're trustworthy. Make sure you know the location of all your house keys all the time. Never use hide-a-keys or leave the key under the doormat, above the door, in a flowerpot, or anywhere outside the house. You may think you're being clever, but guess what? Burglars know all the tricks. It's their job to (however despicable). Also, it's a good idea to keep your car keys and house keys on a different ring if you ever use valet parking or leave your keys with parking lot attendants or even at a repair garage.

Don't let strangers in the house: Adults have no problem telling this rule to their kids, but they don't realize it should apply to them too! Home security means being cautious. Even before you open the front door to accept a package, you should ask for photo identification. This goes for anyone you don't recognize. Don't assume someone is "legit" just because they are wearing a uniform or driving some company's truck (these things can be stolen). If somebody comes to your door and asks to make a phone call, offer to make it for them, but don't let them some inside. If someone looks like they're injured, call 911, but don't open the door. When you walk away to make that call, lock the door behind you; you don't want to leave the door unlocked and unmanned. A chain on the door helps insure people can't force their way in while you're home.

Locks: Keep your doors and windows locked, even if you're at home. Get your children into this habit, too. It's too easy to forget an open window when you leave the house, and that provides an easy way in for burglars. Don't assume a second story window is out of reach for a thief. They're good at finding ways in.

Don't be predictable: If you always leave home at the same time every day and return at the same time, thieves can easily memorize your routine to take advantage of the times you're not at home. Work is work, and you probably can't change those hours, but if you always go to a class or the grocery store at the same time, try to make yourself less predictable. You can also consider automatic timers for your lights and electronics, to make it seem when someone is home, even when they're not.

Valuables shouldn't be on display: I know you want to show off your hard-won plasma TV, but if somebody can look in your window and see your wallet, credit cards, purse, jewelry, or fancy electronics in open sight, they're going to be tempted. A computer or television placed in front of a ground-floor window may make an easy target. Likewise, electronics placed across from a window are easily visible, too. In a similar vein, don't leave your garage doors open for the world to see all the cool stuff you have in storage. Lightweight items could be snatched away quickly and easily.

Be mindful of your trash: Just bought a new entertainment system? There's no need to tell the world about it. A bunch of empty boxes out by the curb is an open invitation to would-be burglars. Instead of putting boxes out in plain sight, cut them down, and stuff them in trash bags. Also be wary of identity theft. Never put personal identification information in your trash until it's been shredded.

Be alert: Try to be aware of your surroundings on a day-to-day basis, even in your own neighborhood. This doesn't mean walking around like a crazy paranoid person; just get in the habit of watching for suspicious activity.

Paying attention to the simple things can make you and your family much less of a target. Burglar alarms and home security systems are great investments, but common sense prevention is the best way to stay safe.

TC Thorn is a freelance writer and the webmaster for Home Security. This article may be reprinted so long as a link to her site is included

The Basics of Home Security

Every homeowner needs to be active and aware of their home security concerns. With home invasions and break-ins on the rise, it is time to take some steps towards protecting your family and your valuable belongings. It would surprise most people to realize how simple it is for a burglar to break into their home. By following these simple steps, you can reduce the odds of coming home to discover your home has been broken into and your cherished valuables have been taken.

For a burglar, the three greatest enemies are noise, time, and light. If a burglar must make a lot of noise, take a lot of time, and work in a well-lit area to get into your home, chances are that he will not bother. In most cases, he will move onto an easier "mark". These are things that work in the favor of homeowners. I always tell my clients that, in order to defeat the burglar, one must think like the burglar.

Take some time and "case" the exterior of your home for points of entry. Imagine yourself as a burglar. Where would you try to get in? Where are the security weaknesses? You could even conduct a little experiment, by locking your home and trying to break in. If you, honest citizen, can break into your home with relative ease you can be sure it will be no problem for an experienced thief to gain entry.

Doors and windows are the first places to check when assessing the security of a home or business. Make sure that your home is equipped with a hard wood or metal exterior door, that is at minimum 1 ?" thick. The doorframe should be equally as strong. A peephole is much better than a simple door chain, as it will allow you to identify the person at your door without having to open it. And if there is one thing you spend a bit of money on, be sure it is a good quality deadbolt!

Windows are also extremely vulnerable, from a security standpoint. If you have an older home with double-hung windows, you can secure them by nailing the upper and lower panes together from the inside. As well, simple key locks can be added to windows for a reasonable price. If you have windows that are located at street level, consider adding an iron grate or grille for added protection. Balconies and fire escapes can also be security weaknesses, so consider purchasing one of those metal "accordion" gates.

There are a few other simple precautions you can take to secure your home. Try to establish a routine to ensure that your doors and windows are locked when you leave the house and when you go to bed each night. If you can afford it, you should also invest in a home security system. There are some incredibly advanced systems available on the market today, and these systems are very difficult to bypass. These simple steps could make the difference between being a victim of crime and being safe from harm. Think about it!

HARRY BELAFONTE: DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (D.H.S.) AKIN TO NAZI S.S.

Excerpts: To wit, two once-Communist "head hunters": Yevgeni Primakov, ex-K.G.B. boss; and Marcus Wolf, ex-East German Secret Police [S.T.A.S.S.I.] Chief, are working in the employ of Michael Chertoff, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (D.H.S.). This is possible due to Executive Order #12919 signed by Bill Clinton on June 4, 1994, allowing "experts" to be hired to run the country in times of "emergency". However, they did not tell you they would hire foreigners, nor that "full time federal employees" would not be eligible for these federal "emergency" positions. Why? Federal employees take an oath to the Constitution and thus would not perform properly in such treasonous activities. Wake up Americans.

**F.E.M.A. (Federal Emergency Management Agency) is about 10 percent "Flood and Mud". The other 90% of their funding goes to "black operations"; not for "disaster relief". This is why they could not respond to Katrina; nor will they be able to respond to any major disaster. Their funds have been spent behind the scenes for "Kontrol" of the American people: To include the termination of "certain groups of people". Prophetically, F.E.M.A.'s treasonous activities are about to be found out when weather-related disasters soon strike the U.S.A. The Congress, which voted the "blank check" money over the last 20 years, will soon realize untold billions were spent for something besides disaster relief for you and me. Are you "smelling the coffee" yet?

R&B Editor's Note: The Root & Branch Information Services and Lecture Series will be closed from Rosh Chodesh Nisan (Thursday, March 30, 2006) through Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan (Sunday, October 21, 2006).

LIBERATED YERUSHALIYIM, D.C. (David's Capital), Liberated Israelite Tribal Territories of Yehudah and Binyamin, Kingdom of David and Shlomo, United Israelite Kingdom of Yehudah and Yosef, Yom Revi'i, 29 Adar, 5766, Erev Rosh Chodesh Nisan (Eve of the New Hebrew Month of Nisan/New Year for Kings), Root & Branch Information Services mail to:rb@rb.org.il] [www.rb.org.il]:

Harry Belafonte has figured something out which you have not. I am not a great fan of Harry Belafonte as he is somewhat "liberal". However, his recent statements about the Department of Homeland Security (D.H.S.) are correct.

As a retired Joint Chiefs of Staff Action Officer who has done extensive research in the operations of the **Federal Emergency Management Agency (F.E.M.A.) over the past 14 years, I can assure you that Belafonte's remarks are valid.

Moreover, behind the "scenes" daily presented by N.B.C., C.N.N., A.B.C., A.P., ad nauseam (which feed us with cleverly propagated lies), F.E.M.A. and the D.H.S. are working hand in hand with the "shadow government" to destroy our "life, iberty and the pursuit of happiness". Taking those rights/hopes is the covert plan of the New World Order. Be advised: Born again Believers in Jesus Christ, and all Jews, are in now imminent danger in the UNITED STATES.

In the name of a "war on terror" the "shadow government", which includes operatives within (and without) D.H.S. and F.E.M.A., are working feverishly to execute "events" which will seem plausible, but which will lead to draconian laws being passed, such as the Patriot Acts. These laws were the result of the "scenario" cleverly executed against us on September 11, 2001. Another "attack" will most likely guarantee their extension by a "scared Congress".

The American people are so dumbed-down that they will believe any cock and bull story they hear on T.V. An example is the 1996 T.V. report by Tom Brokaw, wherein he stated at 6:30 p.m. that "...Twenty-five tons of high nitrate (bomb grade) fertilizer had been stolen from the farmer's coop in BRUCETON MILLS, WEST VIRGINIA".

The immediate FEAR mongering mindset they wanted to inject into the U.S. public is that there are at least 25 tons of bombs now hidden in the U.S.A. --- Oh, my goodness, Heaven help us, it is going to be the annihilation of our kids and wives.

Just like OKLAHOMA CITY in 1995. Folks, this is the "Hegelian Dialectic process" in action wherein the New World Order propaganda and "black operations" systems dupe and enslave us all.

Nevertheless, an A.N.F.O. [fertilizer-fuel oil] bomb will NOT cut reinforced concrete past 23 feet. So testified General Benton K. Partin, <u>a Defense Department Directed Energy Weapons Designer/Engineer,</u> before the 2nd OKLAHOMA CITY (county) grand jury; a jury which you NEVER heard about, thanks to a controlled press. The truck bomb was 35 feet from the Murrah Building. There is no way Tim McVeigh, alone, did that damage. The Creator's laws of physics prevent such from happening. To wit, the brisance wave is too slow from 35 feet away to cut reinforced concrete.

Now that you are plumb scared about the OKLAHOMA CITY "bomb" and the 25 tons of fertilizer being stolen, let us progress as your faithful retired J.C.S. Action Officer "inspector" goes to BRUCETON MILLS, WEST VIRGINIA, a few weeks later.

Since WEST VIRGINIA is my beat, I drove the 240 miles and showed the CO-OP employees my three federal I.D. cards. Within minutes two employees admitted it was actually a "book keeping error". No fertilizer was ever stolen.

Folks, this is how they work to scare the daylights out of you. It was all a lie to make you give up your rights, guns, and Bibles; and getting your guns and bibles is their final goal. Your ride to a concentration camp will follow shortly after the people lose their guns. Friend, do not argue with me. It is being planned as I type these very words.

A political assassination they are <u>now planning</u> will bring this to pass.

Maybe you have not yet connected what Belafonte said with what I have written above?

Harry Belafonte may be elderly and liberal but he has put two and two together over the last few years.

To wit, two once-Communist "head hunters": Yevgeni Primakov, ex-K.G.B. boss; and Marcus Wolf, ex-East German Secret Police [S.T.A.S.S.I.] Chief, are working in the employ of Michael Chertoff, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (D.H.S.).

This is possible due to Executive Order #12919 signed by Bill Clinton on June 4, 1994, allowing "experts" to be hired to run the country in times of "emergency". However, they did not tell you they would hire foreigners, nor that "full time federal employees" would not be eligible for these federal "emergency" positions.

Why? Federal employees take an oath to the Constitution and thus would not perform properly in such treasonous activities. Wake up Americans.

Are you getting the picture yet?

We have a "shadow government" running the country.

Belafonte is right and my Jewish friends should make aliyah to ISRAEL now.

Shavua Tov and Chodesh Tov (Happy New Hebrew Month of Nisan) from Madison, Virginia,

Mr. Alexander Cuppett

U.S. Army -- The Joint Staff (J.C.S.), Retired Bronze Star and Purple Heart Medals, et al, Vietnam, 1970-1971 Republic of Vietnam Signal Badge, DCA-SAM, 1970-1971 Joint Service Commendation Medal, w/two Oak leaf Clusters, DCA, 1966-1979 Defense Meritorious Service Medal, DCA-Athens, 1977-1979 The Secretary of Defense Civilian Service Medal, the Joint Staff, 1990 Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the Joint Staff, 1984-1990

Note:

**F.E.M.A. (Federal Emergency Management Agency) is about 10 percent "Flood and Mud". The other 90% of their funding goes to "black operations"; not for "disaster relief". This is why they could not respond to Katrina; nor will they be able to respond to any major disaster. Their funds have been spent behind the scenes for "Kontrol" of the American people: To include the termination of "certain groups of people".

Prophetically, F.E.M.A.'s treasonous activities are about to be found out when weather-related disasters soon strike the U.S.A. The Congress, which voted the "blank check" money over the last 20 years, will soon realize untold billions were spent for something besides disaster relief for you and me. Are you "smelling the coffee" yet?

Furthermore, their treason is revealed in the book, "America Sold Out: The coming persecution and complacency of the Church" by Ray Hope and myself; and the Prophecy Club videos "Straight from the Joint Chiefs", and "Black Operations and Prophecy", as well as the D.V.D. "I AM vs. the New World Order". The video, "The Exodus Option: Last Flight to Har El -- A Joint Chiefs of Staff Action Officer's Warning to Jews and Believers", also reveals most of this information.

Mr. Alexander Cuppett:
U.S. Army -- The Joint Staff (J.C.S.), Retired
Posted by David Ben-Ariel: http://beyondbabylon.blogspot.com

Home Security Tips To Help Protect Your Children

For those with children at home, keeping them safe and well-protected is of the utmost priority. There are so many dangers in the modern world that can harm children because they simply aren't aware of them yet. But as parents we need to be aware of these dangers and take steps to increase the security for our children and create a safe and happy environment for them to grow up. Here are some areas where home security measures can help protect your children:

* Many homes are susceptible to fire damage, gas leaks, high carbon monoxide levels and more. Over the years many people have died right in their own homes from these kind of real dangers. In fact, the numbers of fatalities can be staggering, but you just don't hear as much about them because they are not considered sensational enough to be in the news very often.

Very simple steps can be taken to minimize these dangers though. For instance, simply installing fire and smoke alarms throughout the home can be extremely vauable in case of a fire. Carbon monoxide and natural gas detectors are also very inexpensive pieces of equipment that can be installed throughout the home to alert you when gas levels are getting too high, and give you the time to get everyone in the home to safety. It's a simple and affordable way to increase your peace of mind. Be sure however not only to install these detectors and monitors, but also to keep the batteries in each unit fresh and up to date as well.

* Installation of a home security system that monitors all entry and exit spots of the home can be a great way to help increase home security and prevent crimes that could potentially harm your children. You can also get wireless home security camera systems that can allow you to monitor your children even when you are away at work, or when babysitters or nannies are watching your children. With these devices in place you can help make sure that your children are not mistreated.

* Participation in neighborhood watch programs is a way to increase the security of your home and family considerably. These kind of cooperative efforts by a group of local neighbors is a red flag to criminals and others with bad intentions, that tells them that your area is not a good place to hang around if they don't want to be caught by law enforcement. By placing signs in a prominent place in the yard of each of the members of the watch program, you can send a clear message that all outsiders are under immediate scrutiny when they enter your area, and that can have an immediate impact on the criminal activity in a neighborhood.

* If you have a swimming pool at home be sure to protect your children from drowning by installing a fence or barrier to keep them out when they are small, and perhaps even alarms that sound a loud noise when the water is disturbed in the case of someone accidentally falling in.

These are all simple, inexpensive, and yet very effective ways to help improve home security for all of your family and especially your children.

Find out more about wireless home security and wireless home security systems by visiting our Home Security website

Beyond Home Security: Internet remote monitoring and family life.

Defending your material possessions is nowadays a lot easier than what it used to be even just a few years ago. Technology has raised the level of protection achievable exponentially.

The use of wireless video cameras, motion detectors and video recording in combination with web based remote monitoring are definitely forcing a good number of "old school" burglars to seriously consider a career change.

A higher level of protection for your material possessions though it is not the only advantage that these latest technologies have to offer. There is another level of home security, growing along side with financial loss prevention, which can be considered even more valuable.

Imagine the convenience of being able to check what is happening on your property at any time, from wherever you are. That is exactly what you can do with an internet based home security camera system.

How many times have you found yourself in a time crunch because something in your house was in urgent need of repair and the only way to get it done was for you to be present. Think of how convenient could be being able to supervise the work from your office instead.

You could also have your housekeeping done in all tranquillity as you keep your productivity and income flowing. This would also mean that you would not have to spend your free time, working hard to keep the house clean.

Some of us have pets which are by necessity left alone in the house. Well, I am sure that if you are one concerned pet owner you would certainly feel much better if you could see how your best friend is doing, any time you whish to.

And then of course the most obvious of all supervising needs... kids.

If your kids are of young age he or she, or they, will have to be in company of a baby sitter, but even if they are not alone, I have no doubts about it because I am a parent myself, you would be able to carry through your working day in a much more relaxed manner if you were able check on them every now and then.

Not to mention of course those horrible cases of child abuse that we hear about occasionally in the news. Your cameras are running all the time and even if you are not "watching" all the time, it's all being recorded. You could, just to be safe, go over a portion of the recorded video sometimes... being parents is hard enough without having to deal with extraordinarily challenging situations.

Imagine the typical scenario of an average middle class family where both parents have to work in order to be able to afford their somewhat comfortable life style. The children are already at the point when they don't like to be called children anymore. You know, when the girls start using make up if you are not there and the boys don't want to be kissed in public anymore...

I can assure you, from personal experience, when the kids are in their teens you want to be there, especially if you are not. In this particular case a remote monitoring security camera system is "The" most useful tool you may have around the house.

On a closing note security cameras with online remote monitoring gives you the opportunity to make sure everything is all right any time you whish to do so, giving you peace of mind if you have kids, pets, cleaning service, baby sitter, gardner, work done at the house... you name it. It really is an investment which increases exponentially the eventuality of a much safer future for you and your family, and that is much more precious than any material possession.

Mark Van Neem

The author owns four websites covering all aspects of Home Security. To find resources and information about companies specialized in security consulting and alarm systems installation visit www.SecurityCameraHome.info.

Home Security Tips To Help Prevent Crime

Most people would agree that the best home security system is one that effectively avoids the crime, or prevents it in the first place. Of course, it's a good idea to also have steps built into your home security plan that helps foil a break-in after it has already begun like a home security alarm system or a home safe. But the first line of defense should always involve some means of making the odds of your home being selected as the target of a burglar significantly lower. Here are a few tips to consider to help accomplish that:

1. Get a watch dog. It doesn't even have to be a large dog to be effective in preventing burglaries. Just try to think of it from the standpoint of the burglar. If you have two houses on the same street and one has a dog that barks when trouble is detected and the other doesn't, which one would you rather target? And dogs present a double threat to an intruder, because they not only make noise which is very undesirable from the criminal's viewpoint, but they can also attack and cause harm if they feel threatened enough. What burglar wants to put up with all of that, when speed and quiet are essential to getting the job done right?

2. Put up cameras outside the home in very strategic areas that appear to monitor all of the exterior entry and exit spots. Making these cameras very conspicuous from even a casual observance of your home can be very useful in lowering your chances of a break-in. In fact, some homeowners and shop keepers who feel that they cannot afford a security camera system have used fake cameras that look like the real thing and only cost $15 - $20 each to accomplish the same goal of trying to prevent the crime before it starts.

3. Neighborhood watch programs are incredibly effective ways to prevent crime. What burglar wants to risk being spotted by several neighbors as a potential threat in the neighborhood before he even has a chance to break in and steal something? Displaying a neighborhood watch sign in your yard is a great way to help fight crime in advance because it gives the impression that burglaries are much more risky in that area.

So when planning out your home security, take into account simple measures that can be read as a clear signal that your home is not ripe for an intrusion and that criminals would find the going hard if they decided to try to break into your home.

Find out more about a home security camera system and home security surveillance by visiting our Home Security website.

Preventing Burglaries With Home Security Cameras

Most crime experts agree that the best crime tool is one that prevents the crime in the first place rather than just trying to foil it as it is taking place. There are plenty of ways to send a clear signal to would-be intruders that the security of your home and family is a high priority to you, and that they would do well to try to choose a less challenging target elsewhere.

Of course, some security measures, especially those inside your home may be best kept discreet or even virtually undetectable. But before a burlar can break into your home they have to size it up from the outside. They will be looking for clues about how prepared you are as a homeowner and how difficult you have made things for them to be able to get in and out as quickly and stealthily as possible.

So the outside of the house is where you can make a clear statement to potential burglars that your home is not a good choice for intrusion. One way you can do this is by using home security video cameras in prominent and also strategic areas of the outside of your home. You can bet that burglars will be looking for these cameras when they go through a neighborhood as the last thing that they want is to have their image captured on video where it can be used to help identify and prosecute them.

So if you choose to use a camera system outside, it's actually a good idea to make them large enough that they can easily be seen from the street. Put them in a prominent location that can't be missed by an outside observer. Make sure that they cover any vulnerable areas of the home and major entry and exit points too. That makes the planned break-in so much harder to accomplish.

You can even consider using fake security cameras for this job if money if a major consideration in your home security budget, and you just afford the real thing yet. Many fake cameras look identical to real ones and can't be distinguished as not being the real thing unless you actually take them apart. Remember, the strategy in this case is to try to prevent the crime more than actually catch the criminal in the commission of the crime.

Many criminals will not want to take the chance of breaking into your home if they get the impression that you are well prepared and that you have a good security plan in place. So plan ahead to try to prevent the crime before it can even begin.

Find out more about a home security camera system and home security surveillance by visiting our Home Security website.

Home Security Home Alarms-Get an Electronic "Watch Dog"

For most people their home is their biggest investment. In 2006 the median price for a home is expected to be $231,000. And of course everyone has insurance on their house. Everyone has insurance on their car as well. But more people have alarms for their car than their home. How does that make any sense?

In the time it takes you to read the next four small paragraphs two more burglaries will occur in the United States. Remember this: property crime occurs every 3 seconds, a home burglary every 15 seconds.

Alarms can act as a successful deterrent. 90 % of police believe alarms deter burglary attempts. There are all kinds of alarms including expensive home security alarm systems monitored by ex-police officers. Silent, noisy, wired, wireless, door, window, motion, monitored, unmonitored-you name it and there is an alarm for it. Signage is one of the keys. Good signage can let burglars know they are in for a hard time. The thing is alarms work.

Recently in Colorado Springs a woman was saved from an uncertain fate by an intruder trying to get into her house. She was awakened in the middle of the night by her barking dogs. Now I am not suggesting that everyone get a dog because quite frankly a lot of dogs are not suited for this anyhow.

In my article "Home Security-Low Cost Alarms That Work" we talked about the effectiveness of low cost alarms to protect your most valuable asset-your home-without sending you to the poor house. There was a Consumers Union study in 2002 that found that barking dogs and alarm systems are the most effective ways to keep intruders out of your home.

There is an effective device called "The Electronic Watch Dog" that sets off a realistic barking dog sound when movement is sensed from 30 feet away thru doors and walls. The barking gets louder and more frequent as the intruder approaches.

HERE'S HOW IT WORKS Once the cord is plugged in the unit "sees" thru thick doors, walls and glass up to thirty feet away and senses movement. Once movement is detected the sounds of a barking dog get louder as the intruder approaches.

WHO USES IT Anyone who has property to protect; homes, apartments, mobile homes, businesses, RV's, any public or private building, retail stores, warehouses.

In a recent Colorado Springs Gazette article, David Husted crime prevention officer of the Falcon Division of the Colorado Springs Police department was quoted as saying "The sound of a big dog barking is a really good deterrent, too." Asked if he'd spend money on an alarm or a dog "I don't know, I may just go with the dog, if it's got a really good bark."

Chances are very good that you are reading this because in some way crime has touched your life or you want to be proactive and protect yourself, family, home, or business from the ravages of crime. That is the first step.

NOW the next step is for you to take action TODAY and purchase an Electronic "Watch Dog" or one of our audible window alarms. Look at our selection of self defense/ home security products at http://www.aaa-safetyfirst.com/electronicwatchdog.htm and http://www.aaa-safetyfirst.com/homeprotection.htm both of which provide real "Security Solutions".