Click Home Security

An Infrared Alarm Can Secure Your Property On Any Budget

2009-06-18T00:21:00.000-07:00

By Ralph Winn

An infrared alarm offers the latest technology to help you keep your home or business safe. An infrared alarm works by triggering an alarm if the system detects movement. This is a great way to provide your home security or business security with great security without spending a fortune.

An infrared alarm in your home can provide outstanding home security and can be placed in numerous locations. There are many infrared alarms on the market and you can find one in your budget that will alert you if a presence is detected. This type of alarm is great for night use and this is when criminal activity is at its greatest.

In addition to home security, you can also protect your business with an infrared alarm. This is a great way to protect your business while you are there or away. If you use the alarm while you are there, you will be alerted if anyone should happen upon your property and you can find out quickly who it is and what you need to do about it.

If you use an infrared alarm while you are away from your business and a criminal triggers it, the loud alarm that follows should be enough to scare them away and prevent them from returning. This is why an infrared alarm makes a great criminal deterrence.

Your property needs to be evaluated before you place your infrared alarms to make sure that you are placing them in the appropriate spots. You do not want to place them in locations they will not benefit as this wastes your time and money. You can do this with a little research and detective work.

A news story at http://www.sfgate.com/, recently reported the following information, “Everyone wants to feel safe and secure when they're home. No one wants to worry about their house being burglarized when out for the night or away on vacation. One way to feel more secure is to have professionals install an electronic alarm system.”

A great alarm system to keep your home or business safe is the KIT32-POWER5 - DSC Power 1832 Security Kit. The DSC Power 1832 security system is the second of three new Power Series systems recently released by DSC. This is a great kit to start with when building your security system and it's the same system that the big boy installers use.

Another great security product is the G051P - Guard Dog portable door guard alarm. The Guard Dog is a portable door guard equipped with a siren alarm. When the Guard Dog is activated with the motion sensitivity switch, a 120+ decibel siren sounds if the door or door handle is moved. Find out much more at www.homesecuritystore.com.

An infrared alarm is a great way to offer home security and also business security. You can purchase an alarm at numerous locations and you may want to do some price comparison to help you make the right decision. A good infrared alarm is a great way to protect your property and prevent a burglary.

Protecting Your Residential Driveway

2009-06-18T00:19:00.000-07:00

By Ralph Winn

If you live in a home and are worried about your security there is one essential place you need to start and this is the residential driveway. Driveway safety can help you protect the entrance to your home and keep the rest of your property safe if you prevent a criminal from even accessing your driveway.

A residential driveway can be more secure if you take some simple steps. You should always make sure that your driveway is free from debris and that any bushes or hedges you may have in this vulnerable area are trimmed and do not have too much overhang. You need to make sure that any valuable items you have are not stored in the driveway offering a lure to criminals. Anything of value needs to be kept in the home or garage and if this is not a possibility you may want to purchase the tools necessary to secure it outside.

You also want to focus on the lighting of your residential driveway. You can purchase motion lighting that will come on if a motion is detected. You may also want to consider solar lighting that automatically comes on when it is dark outside. Proper lighting can help protect your entire property and help deter any criminal activity.

There are many products available on the market to protect your residential driveway. You can check out a driveway alarm that will alert if someone is detected in your driveway. You may even want to purchase security cameras that allow you to monitor your driveway whether you are home or away. This is a great way to access and view your driveway from a computer monitor.

A current news story at www.business.inquirer.net the following advice was offered, Have a family member or a trusted neighbor or friend look around your house for potential areas of break-in, as they could spot areas that you could have overlooked. Do this at least twice a year to minimize potential of theft and other security risks.”

The WMA-3000 - Dakota Wireless Motion Drive Alert 3000 is a great product for a residential driveway. Don't be caught unaware by unexpected visitors. The Wireless Motion Alert system will send an instant alert from the foot of your driveway to your home when a person or car enters your property.

Another great product to protect your driveway is the DWA-8-T - Extra Transmitter for DWA-8 Driveway Observer. The DWA-8-T is an outdoor weatherproof motion detector and transmitter that can be side or overhead mounted. The system can be set for a unique code to prevent interference from other units that may be in close proximity. You can find out much more at www.homesecuritystore.com.

If you take some measures you can protect your residential driveway. You do not have to go out and spend a lot of money to offer security to your driveway or parking area. You do need to act now and not sit around and wait to become a victim before you take your home security seriously. A residential driveway is a very vulnerable area and it is up to you to protect it.

Wireless Security Systems | Wireless Home Security Systems and Signal Range

2009-06-18T00:10:00.000-07:00

By Allen Wright

It's common knowledge that wireless security systems are much easier to install than their wired counterparts. What many people don't understand, though, is that wireless signal range can be as big a detriment to installation as running wires, drilling holes, and busting drywall. Especially on large properties or houses that have some outlying areas that need sensors, wireless component signal range will be the limiting factor and usually the thing that drives consumers away from wireless systems.

Luckily, there's a relatively simple solution. Let's take a look at the wireless networking world and make come comparisons so the concept is easier to understand. While the application of the two technologies is quite a bit different, the technology is fundamentally the same.

Take your home or office, for example. If you use wireless networking, you know that there are areas that the signal doesn't reach. You may have a great connection where you are, but if you take one step to the left or walk 10 feet down the hallway you might completely lose the signal. This type of problem is solved by placing a wireless bridge in the general vicinity so that it can extendyour network. It takes the existing signal and rebroadcasts it, doing the same with any signal it receives from your computer. It acts as an amplifier, taking a weak signal and resending it out.

So it is with wireless home security networks. You can buy a wireless signal extended to place at a midpoint in your house between the base station and your most remote sensors. It will pick up the signal from your sensors and retransmit it, giving it a boost of energy so the signal can reach the base station.

In the method, a wireless home security system can be extended and bridged almost indefinitely, and cover a much larger area than a single base station could cover otherwise. It's a feature that is not very well known, but one that solves the problem that many people have when they get their wireless home security systems home and set up. It's very frustrating when one of your sensors won't reach the base station and you're not sure if there's anything you can do about it.

So don't be afraid to get that system and install it if you have a sprawling ranch with a large main floor, or your house is old with lots of plaster and lathe. Range extenders will solve your problems easily.

Motion Detectors Are A Great Security Feature

2009-06-18T00:08:00.000-07:00

By Ralph Winn

If you have existing security or are thinking about security, you may want to check out motion detectors. They work by sounding an alarm if motion is present and are a great way to step up your own security. Motion detectors offer many benefits and can fit into many different applications at an affordable price as well.

You can use motion detectors at your home or business and they serve the same purpose. If you have business security already, you may want to inquire about adding on this feature for extra safety. You can place motion detectors at the entry and exit points at your business to ensure safety. You can also place them near windows to prevent a break through a window.

You can use motion detectors at home while you are there or not. You may want to reserve them for at night or in the daytime when no one is there. You do not want family or pets to be constantly setting them off. If you have constant false alarms, you may begin to not take it seriously and when a thief does break in you may just mistake it for another false alarm.

Many motion detectors are easy to install and do not include much hardware. These appeal to the do it yourself market, but many people who are not technically inclined have had good luck installing them as well.

If you do not feel comfortable installing them yourself, you may want to enlist of a family member orfriend that has the skills to do it. You can also hire a professional to do it for you and this work is usually guaranteed for a specific time and if you have any problems it will be covered with a warranty.

A recent news story at http://tinyurl.com/ats3xs, reported the following advice, "The front door and the garage door are the two most common access points for thieves. Never leave either unlocked and be sure your front door has a deadbolt lock -- the kind that can only be opened with a key from either side."

Another article at http://tinyurl.com/ck8w6k, stated the following, "Record the serial numbers of your valuables and engrave them with identifying information. If possible, record them on film. If your home is burglarized, that information can make it easier for police to recover your property and help you file insurance claims."

Motion detectors are great for security and can add extra security to any existing equipment. Motion detectors also are cost efficient. This is a simple way to protect your home and business and with crime rates continuing to rise, everyone needs security no matter where they live.

In summary security is a growing concern for many home and business owners. Motion detectors are a great way to beef up security and detect any unwanted presence in your home or business. Motion detectors are easy to install and do not cost a lot of money. You can learn more now about your home and business security at the Home Security Store.

Security Systems Make The Difference In Good Security

2009-06-18T00:07:00.000-07:00

By Ralph Winn

If you have watched any local news lately it may seem as if crime rates are out of control and no one is safe from a robbery or home invasion. You can protect yourself and prevent a crime from ruining your life with security systems.

There area many security systems on the market and you have to take the time and do the research to figure out what you need and what you can afford. You will want to thoroughly investigate your home or business to determine what you want and need.

You will want to check out numerous security systems before you make a decision. You will want to compare features and prices so you can get the most for your money. You may be able to find a bit older security system that is on sale to make room for new systems and this can be a great way to get a discounted security system.

It is also a good idea to find out what other consumers opinions are about the security systems you are interested in before you make a purchase. You will want to know how the security system works and if others are satisfied with it. You may also want to inquire about the availability of the customer service team related to your security system to see if they are available when you need them and if they are knowledgeable about their product.

A news story at www.prleap.com/pr/133095/, recently reported the following information, "With the rougheconomy, many home owners and commercial businesses are closing the purse strings on what they consider "premium products" (ie: items you do not really "need"). While updated Philadelphia burglar alarms and security systems are not "premium products" and provide much needed security to property, family members and businesses, finding out that they can pay for themselves through insurance premium savings has boosted sales in Philadelphia, PA."

Another recent article at http://tinyurl.com/bp2hte, the following story was reported, "A deadbolt's gonna make it a lot harder to go kick in the door, use a credit card to pop open a door--that's really a simple thing to do, says Pine Bluff police Sgt. Richard Davies."

Security systems can prevent crime in many ways. For example, If there are decals included with your system you will want to place them in plain sight.

Deterrence is the best form of crime prevention and will keep your home and business safe. It is much better to take action now and scare a potential burglar away now then it is to deal with the problems they cause you after the fact.

In summary security systems are one of the best ways to keep your home and business safe. There are many types on the market and you have to find the one that fits all of your needs. Deterrence is the best form of prevention and this is what good security will provide. Learn more about finding the right security system for your needs at the Home Security Store

Hardwire Alarm Kits Will Take Care Of All Of Your Security Needs

2009-06-18T00:05:00.000-07:00

By Ralph Winn

Hardwire alarm kits are long term security and this should be considered when you are choosing a model. There are many alarms on the market and there are several tips that can help you make an informed decision about your own security.

With an alarm kit you are purchasing everything you need in one kit. This can save you a tremendous amount of money than if you purchased everything separately. If you do a little research you can find the perfect system for your home or business.

You must first determine what you need for your security on your entire property. This should include any garages or sheds and the parking area. You should determine if you want cameras and where you want them. You will want to buy a kit that provides you with enough cameras to offer surveillance in every area you think needs it.

You can make some decisions by canvassing your property and looking for weaknesses. You will want to do this at night to determine any dark areas a criminal can hide while they are gaining entry into your home or business. You will also want to canvass your property in the daytime to see what type of security you need for this time period as well.

If you do not feel like you have the technical skills to install an alarm system on your own, you may want to hire an alarm installer to do this for you. This way the work is guaranteed and if you have any problems you will have someone to turn to.

An alarm installer can also offer you advice on what other security measures you cantake to protect your home or business. If you have any questions or concerns this is the person that can answer them for you. They may also offer suggestions from the knowledge they have on how to keep your property a safer place.

An alarm kit will add a layer of security that will give you much more than a secure home or business, it will give you peace of mind. It is nice to go on vacation or away from the office and know that your property is safe and secure and you do not have to worry about what activity is happening while you are not there.

A recent news story at tinyurl.com police officer Cory Tomps offered the following home security advice, “Make yourself less of a target, Tomps said. A lot of crimes are crimes of opportunity, doors or windows will be left unlocked, he said. Criminals are looking for that easy access, that easy opportunity.”

Some of the easiest security you can have is just knowledge. If you keep yourself informed on the latest and best way to deter criminals, you will be on the cutting edge and you will prepare your home and business accordingly.

You can find many more things for your home security needs at the Home Security Store. There are many hardwire alarm kits to choose from as well as fire protection, business security and personal protection and many other security items.

Hardwire alarm kits will help you maintain a secure home or business. There are many choices you need to make before you purchase your alarm system. There are also additional things you can do to ensure safety. You can learn more now about having a safe and secure property.

Wireless Alarm Kits Can Add Security To Your Home Or Business

2009-06-18T00:04:00.000-07:00

By Ralph Winn

Wireless alarm kits provide state of the art security on your property. These systems are installed in your home or business and provide much better security than there older counterparts. As this type of system grows in popularity, the choices have become greater and also affordability.

Even though you can install this system on your own, many security experts recommend that they should be installed by a licensed professional. If you do it yourself, there is no warranty or guarantee. If you run into any problems you are on your own and you must diagnose it and fix it. A professional will provide a written warranty and if anything should go wrong with your alarm, they will come out to your home or business and fix the problem.

A professional can also provide you with a great tutorial on how your system operates. They should also explain the features of your security system. A professional can also install your system very quickly and most home or business owners want this done in a timely manner.

A news story at www.msnbc.msn.com, the following information was reported, “Always lock your doors • Survey your property for potential areas for burglarsto hide, and trim bushes and trees near your home • Install exterior lights: Police say porch lights usually cost less than $2.00 on your monthly electric bill.”

Adequate lighting and outdoor security is a great enhancement to a security system. You need to trim any low laying hedges or other brush. Your driveway should be adequately protected and free from any debris that may present a hiding place for a criminal.

Another great addition to a security system is a monitoring company. A monitoring company can be used for your home and business security. A company constantly monitors your security system and if an unknown presence is detected the authorities are notified immediately. Many monitoring services also provide fire protection and will notify the fire department if a fire is detected.

With a wireless kit you are getting the latest in security features. You will not have bulky wires cluttering up your home or business. Everything in a wireless system is neat and orderly.

For all of your home or business security needs check out the Home Security Store.
They offer a complete line of wireless alarm kits, fire protection, and hardwire alarms and many other security devices to help you with all of your security issues.

What You Should Know About Pool Alarms

2009-06-18T00:02:00.000-07:00

By Ralph Winn

Every year many adults and children lose their lives to accidental drowning. If you have a pool, the chances increase dramatically that this unfortunate event will happen to you. Pool alarms are one of the numerous ways you can help keep your pool and the people you love safe.

A pool is a great luxury to have and many people place the safety issues out of their mind and do not think about securing a pool unless something bad happens. This is not the approach to take with a pool, you have to guarantee from the day that you get the pool that you keep it safe and all of the people around you remain safe as well.

You should always keep a cover on your pool when it is not in use, especially in the off season when you do not think about it as much. Your cover should be secured tightly and not left loose with gaps. This will help prevent a child from becoming enticed by the pool.

A good fence around the pool is also a must. You want the entire pool to be surrounded with a secure fence that cannot be easily jumped by children. You also want to invest in a good lock for your fence so that it cannot be tampered with easily.

An alarm for your pool should be used whenever you are not using the pool. You even should use this alarm at night when a pool is very vulnerable. It may be hard to remember at firstto use your alarm at all times, but once you make it a regular habit, you won’t even think about it, it will be second nature.

Many children in the neighborhood will find out you have a pool and may become fascinated with it. You need to make sure that they are not there when you are not home or available. If something happens to someone in your pool, you can very easily be held responsible.

In a news story at http://www.justnews.com/news/19118900/detail.html, the following information on pool safety was reported, “According to the Centers for Disease Control and Protection, drowning is the second leading cause of injury-related death among children under the age of 15. Because statistics show that the majority of these accidents occur in residential pools, the YMCA of Greater Miami is launching a special program to help infants and children survive a fall into a swimming pool.”

In addition to a good alarm, you need to make sure that everyone that swims in your pool has adequate swimming knowledge. You will always want to keep lifesaving equipment near your pool just in case. You may even want to make sure that a phone is close at all times you are using the pool to ensure safety.

You can check out the Home Security Store for your entire home and business security needs. With a wide range of products for fire and personal protection also, there is something for everyone.

A Water And Flood Sensor Can Protect Your Home And Business

2009-06-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

Most people are prepared for disasters and they cater this protection to the area they live in. If tornadoes are present in an area, many people are prepared for this event. What many people do not prepare for is the aftermath of a disaster and the problems it can cause for a home or business owner. Flooding is among one of these concerns and a water and flood sensor can keep you safe from a flood.

Flooding can happen to anyone and you can become a victim quickly even if your property has never flooded before. If you are out of town or away from your property, this can be a major problem if a flood happens. By the time you discover the flood, you can have a tremendous amount of damage and many things may be ruined forever.

A flood sensor can alert you to a flood and you will be able to take the appropriate actions to prevent major damage to your property and belongings. A sensor is designed to detect incoming water and sound an alarm that will alert you and make you aware.

It does not take a natural disaster to cause a flood. It can take a simple heavy rain that occurs for an extended period and flooding can occur. It may also rain for several days in a row and flooding can happen then also. Even if you watch the forecast, you may not always be aware if flooding can happen to your property.

Even something as simple as a watermain break near your property can cause a major flood and damage. The city will sometimes inform you of this on the news and sometimes your sensor can alert you and give you the advantage to address the situation.

In a recent news story at www.tinyurl.com/cl5xxt, the following information was reported, “A disaster doesn't have to be an extraordinary event wrought by nature; fires and vandalism can disrupt a business as much as the weather can. And it doesn't have to damage or destroy your premises; a road that washes out and prevents you from getting to your building can do plenty of harm to your sales and profits.”

A flood sensor can be used in a vacation home also. If you have a property that is near a area that is prone to hurricanes, you may want to use a sensor when you are not there so you will know if anything is happening to your property. The places you can use a sensor is endless and it is up to you to keep your property safe.

You may also want to make sure that you have the proper flood insurance so you are not left with the tremendous bill of flood clean up and property loss. This may cost you a little extra per month, but will be invaluable if you ever need it.

You can find water and flood sensors at the Home Security Store. You can also find a wide array of home security products, business security products, fire protection, self defense and many more products that can keep your home and business safe.

Video Door Chimes Can Alert You To Visitors And Customers

2009-06-17T23:59:00.000-07:00

When you have a home or business it is very important to protect the entrance to your location for many safety reasons. You need a way to alert you to anyone coming or going and video door chimes are made for this purpose.

You may have a business that allows customers to come in and out of your location. If you need to do work in another area of your business, or are not able to monitor the front door of your business you may want to install a chime that can let you know if you need to go to the door to greet or help a customer. A video chime for the door is also a great way to alert you of deliveries or other areas of business that may affect you.

Many video chimes are easy to install and do not require a professional to install it for you. There are many security professionals that will do this for you if you cannot, but it is usually very simple to install and use. Most video chimes take simple batteries and you can change them as needed to keep your chime working properly. This is the only maintenance that a chime will require.

You can use a video door chime at your home to alert you of anyone that comes to your door. You can place the chime in an area that alerts you to someone’s presence before they even knock on the door. This is a great way to be alerted that someone is approaching your home, before they make it to the entrance of your property.

A news story at http://tinyurl.com/c6pytq, recently reported the following information, “The front door and the garage door are the two most common access points for thieves. Never leave either unlocked and be sure your front door has a deadbolt lock -- the kind that can only be opened with a key from either side. If your garage is attached and offers direct access into your house, never leave the garage door open for an extended period of time and always lock -- again, with a deadbolt -- the door that leads from the garage into your house.”

You can use video chimes on your garage area as well. This will alert you if someone is in your garage and you can then explore it further. Chimes are a great way to have the upper hand and know exactly what is occurring on your property.

Many video door chimes are extremely affordable and will not require a monthly fee to own or operate. You simply make a purchase and you have simple effective security with little effort. You do not have to go out and have all of the latest gadgets to have security that works. If you do a little research you can find many products that are affordable and work amazing in prevention and detection of criminal activity.

You can find door chimes for your home and business at the Home Security Store. You can find many other products designed for home and business security also. You may also be interested in personal protection, fire protection and many other great products.

Alarm Sensors Provide Simple Yet Powerful Security

2009-06-17T23:57:00.000-07:00

By Ralph Winn

When looking for affordable security, alarm sensors can help you address this need. Many people have the need for adequate security and simply cannot afford an expensive, full-blown security system. Most security systems are very expensive and some people have them and do not even use half of the features that come with a traditional system.

A sensor can be placed on any door or window and will activate an alarm if triggered. This is a very easy form of security and can be used by anyone. You can also use this type of alarm on a commercial property. If you have windows that are on the first floor and provide an opportunity to gain entry into your building, you can place a sensor there and if triggered the loud alarm will deter any criminal.

Most sensors are very reasonably priced and can be purchased online. You will want to determine how many sensors you need so you can buy them accordingly. You may want to use one for every door and first floor window located on your entire property. You will want to do a count and see how many you need before you order. Sensors can also be placed on any garages or sheds that may be on your property and provide outstanding security to areas you may have never considered protecting before.

At www.dailyemerald.com, it was recently reported the following advice for security, “Maintain accurate guest lists at parties, and pay attention to who enters yourapartment during parties. Store ladders, tools and other outdoor items in a shed or garage. Arrange for a house-sitter if you are going out of town.”

You may also consider using sensors while on vacation. Some sensors are made to be moved often and this is a great way to secure your family and possessions while away or on vacation. You can use them at a guest house or even at a relative’s home.

Sensors are very easy to install and this can normally be done by anyone. You should not have to call out a professional alarm installation company to install any sensors you may have unless the sensors are included with a larger security package. If sensors are part of a package, you may want to have the entire system installed by someone that is knowledgeable about installation details.

In addition to sensors you want to ensure that your entire property has proper lighting. You may have lighting around your front door area, but the goal is to prevent a thief from even gaining access to the door of your home or business and extra lighting around your property will create deterrence. A big part of having adequate security is the things you do to deter crime and you do not want to go as far as capturing a crime on camera, you want to prevent them all together.

You can find a very large selection of alarm sensors and other home security products at the Home Security Store. You may also want to find out more about business security products, fire protection and self defense products.

Simple Security Starts With A Portable Alarm

2009-06-17T23:50:00.000-07:00

By Ralph Winn

If you are someone that does not need traditional security and need something that can travel with you, a portable alarm may be just what you are looking for. A alarm that is portable can be used anywhere and taken with you wherever you go.
This is a great way to provide security whether you are at home or not.

You can find several varieties of alarms that are portable and you have to find out what is most convenient for you so that you will actually use it. If you buy a security product that is somewhat complicated, the chances are you will not even use it. You need to find a security device that is simple to install and use especially if it is portable, so you can easily take it everywhere with you and easily use it.

If you are a person that has to travel a lot, or want to travel a lot, you may want to use security in multiple locations. If you are traveling to locations where you may have never been before, you may not know what the location is like and therefore you will not know what the crime rate is either. This is why it is so important to have security no matter where you are.

Even if you stay in a hotel it may not have the security that makes you feel comfortable. This can affect the way you sleep at night and your ability to enjoy the location you are in. You can use portable security in any hotel room to give you the security you desire.

Youmay want to check out a door alarm that will alert you if anyone should open your door. A loud siren will go off and the person trying to break in will likely run in the complete opposite direction. There are also a magnet system you can use on windows and if for any reason the magnets become dislodged a loud siren will alarm and alert you to this.

A current news article at http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_150453.asp offered the following information about home security, “Officials said, Keeping our homes and families safe is foremost in our minds these days even while the economy is suffering. While many of us may not have a lot of available cash to spend, there are many things we can do to improve and increase our home and personal safety."

Many of the portable security devices on the market are very reasonable on price. You may want to check out the many products available before you make a purchase. You should also stay informed on the latest gadgets in security to keep up with the best. If you arm yourself with knowledge, you are one step closer in achieving your security goal.

You can find a portable alarm for your home or business at the Home Security Store. They also carry a wide variety of security products for both the home and business. You should also check out the selection of fire protection products and also self defense products.

Home security checklist

2009-06-16T01:43:00.000-07:00

How safe is your home? Here is a short home security checklist that hits on the major things you should take a look at in order to make your home less of a target to thieves. Remember, burglars prefer to choose the easy mark, so you want to do everything possible to make your house look undesirable to people looking to make a quick easy buck.

Home Security Checklist:

Exterior doors should have good quality cylinder locks plus deadbolts with 3 inch screws. This includes sliding doors.

All door frames should be reinforced so that doors can't be broken down with a kick.

Doors should be made out of solid wood or metal. Hollow-core wooden doors are too easy to penetrate and should only be used on interior doorways.

Landscape for visibility instead of privacy. Though our natural inclination may be to cut ourselves off from neighbors and street passersby, it is better from a security standpoint to eliminate or trim trees and shrubs that could provide a hiding place for burglars or shelter their actions from the house/street.

Use locks on garages and storage sheds, and keep tools (especially ladders that burglars could use to reach second-story windows) inside and out of sight.

Use outdoor lighting to keep all entrances to your house well-lit (photosensitive lights go on automatically when night falls, or to conserve energy you can get motion detecting or heat sensing lights that go on when triggered). Again, the object is to eliminate hiding places for burglars.

Glass break detectors on windows sound an alarm if someone tries to force entry that way and should scare off intruders.

Make sure door and window hinges are on the inside of the house.

Keep a home inventory up to date so that if a burglar does make it in, you can provide all the necessary information on what's missing to the police and your home insurance company.

Install an Alarm or Security System

Source: Tom Patire's Personal Protection Handbook

List of tips you can use to make your home safer without spending any money

2009-06-16T01:40:00.000-07:00

Your home is your castle, your family your greatest assets, and you want to keep everything safe. But if you've priced home security systems lately, you might have felt your bank account cringe.

I'm not going to tell you not to buy an alarm system, but if you're not at a point where you can invest thousands of dollars, and you just want to do a few things to make your home safer, this article is for you.

I'm going to give you a list of tips you can use to make your home safer without spending any money. The most important thing to keep in mind is that burglars are lazy. (Hey, aren't we all?) They want the highest reward with the least possible risk and effort. The more challenging you can make your house appear, the more likely the burglar is to pass on by and pick on somebody else (or--let's hope--go away altogether). So, how do you make your home appear secure without screeching alarms, video surveillance cameras, and a yard full of pit bulls?

Here are your tips:

•Trim shrubs back from doors and walkways (this makes sure would-be thieves don't have any shadowy nooks to hide in).
•Keep your storage shed locked and don't leave tools out (burglars can use ladders, shovels, etc. to gain access to your home).
•Keep the lawn mowed and the exterior of the house maintained (a downtrodden appearance might suggest you are away from home a lot or that you just don't care enough to worry about your home).
•Plant thorny shrubs beneath windows (You wouldn't want to climb through a tangle of thorns to reach an open window, now would you? Neither will a burglar).
•If an outdoor light burns out, change it promptly.
•Don't display your valuables conspicuously (i.e. huge plasma TV on a wall that is visible from the street), as this only tempts thieves.
•When you make new purchases (such as said plasma TV), don't leave the boxes by the curb to announce your valuable acquisitions--break boxes down and hide them in your trash/recycling bin.
•Don't leave "emergency" house keys under the doormat, a rock, etc. (thieves are wise to all the tricks--if you always lose your keys, consider a fingerprint activated lock).
•Keep tree branches trimmed back from windows and the roof.
•Make sure your garage doors are sturdy (no loose panels or damaged corners), especially if the garage is connected to the house.
•Check your garage door opener if you haven't changed it from the factory setting. There's usually a row of 10-12 switches. If all except one is pointing the same direction, the combination is easy to break (the thief has a 1 in 10 or 1 in 12 chance of getting it).
•Always lock your doors when you leave the house.
Hopefully these tips will help you make your home less of a target. Remember, home security is as much a matter of employing common sense as it is a bunch of expensive gadgets and gizmos. You just have to convince a burglar that there are easier marks elsewhere.

How to Be Safe When You're at Home

2009-06-16T01:38:00.000-07:00

In general, burglars will avoid occupied houses. However, there always exceptions to the rule, and you shouldn't assume that nothing can ever happen when you're at home. If someone breaks in while you're not there, your belongings are at risk. If someone breaks in when your family is home, your family is at risk as well. There are a number of measures you can follow in order to minimize the risk of being targeted.

Keys: Don't hand out keys to friends, even if they are trustworthy. 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 experienced thieves know all the tricks. Also, 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: Think this only applies for children? Think again. 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 legitimate just because they're wearing a uniform or driving a company 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 in. If they are injured, call 911, but don't open the door. If you walk away to make a call or some such, lock the door behind you; you don't want to leave the door unlocked and unmanned. A chain on the door helps insure someone can't force their way in while you're there.

Locks: Keep your doors and windows locked, even if you're at home. Get your children into this habit, too.

Don't be predictable: If you always leave at the same time every day, are gone for the same length of time, and return at the same time, thieves can easily memorize your routine, taking advantage of the times your not at home. Work is work, and you probably can't change those hours, but if you go to a class or the grocery store at the same time all the time, try to make yourself less predictable.

Valuables shouldn't be on display: It's not a good idea if somebody can look in your window and see your wallet, credit cards, purse, jewelry, or fancy electronics in open sight. 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. Also, don't leave your garage doors open for the world to see your belongings. Lightweight items could be snatched away quickly and easily.

Watch your trash: Just bought a new entertainment system? A bunch of empty boxes out by the curb triggers an alarm to would-be thieves. 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 unshredded.

Be alert: Try to be aware of your surroundings on a day-to-day basis, even in your own familiar neighborhood. This doesn't mean walking around like a crazy paranoid person; just keep your eyes out 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 prevention is the best way to stay safe.

Source: Home Security Your Guide to Protecting Your Family