May 8, 2008

Should My Home Alarm System Have Motion Sensors Added?

Motion detectors defined and why you need to ponder adding them to your home security system?So you may have a security system already. Yes you can have multiple doors and windows secured… But what if you did not have ALL of your doors and windows wired for contacts?You may be suprised that the majority of homes that have security systems are actually under protected. Thats right, due to finances, many people choose a security system that protects only 2-3 doors or windows?In fact… In some areas where the older homes were not pre-wired for security beforehand, some people choose to simply protect their front and back door only.What does that mean for you?While it is true that some protection is better than no protection, it concerns me that a burglar may enter any window of the house and not trip the burglar alarm. Now you can see why a motion sensor comes in handy.How A Motion Detector WorksImagine a decvice that is approximately 3″ X 4″ that is strategically placed in a corner of your home so that the stairway that leads to your bedrooms is protected.Now imagine an invisible beam that casts a web up to 40 ft long. […]

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Video Surveillance Systems: Violating Privacy or Promoting Safety?

Video surveillance in the US can generally operate without public consent and is perfectly legal. But care have to be exercised not to set up security cameras in lockers, changing and dressing rooms, restrooms, and bathrooms.
Before anyone can observe events or eavesdrop to conversations in these 13 states, the consent of the people is very much needed:
* Minnesota
* Delaware
* Kansas
* California
* Michigan
* Alabama
* South Dakota
* Maine
* Georgia
* Arkansas
* New Hampshire
* Utah
* Hawaii
Conversations you would not hear normally are governed by laws firmly banning recording. The California Penal Code, for instance, states that any person who unlawfully records conversation on the phone or any communication gadget via video surveillance that picks up conversation can be penalized by not more than $2,500 and incarcerated in the local jail not more than a year.
Legal and Moral Problems
Public places such as shopping malls, hospitals, and banks benefit from video surveillance. Security cameras safeguard homes and businesses. But numerous people believe that these systems violate their privacy.
Human rights groups have protested the invasion of privacy in public places of worship, public transport, and other public places, and have accused businesses and government establishments of encroaching into people’s privacy.
On the other hand, lobbyists of surveillance reason […]

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21 Vacation Home Security Tips

We all want to feel our home is safe when we go on vacation. You can make your vacation more enjoyable by following these 21 simple steps to make you’re your home is secure and protected while you are away. You may be surprised by some of them!Tips for Outside the HomeExterior Lighting. Put outdoor lighting on timers, light-sensitive photocell mechanisms, or motion detectors. You want your home to have the “occupied look” in order to deter criminals. Every entry point into the home such as the garage, doors, windows, and basement entry-ways should be illuminated.Keys and Locks. Don’t hide keys in mailboxes, under door mats, or any other place that burglars will know to look. Leave a spare key with a trusted neighbor.Landscaping. Keep plants trimmed and below the windows and away from doorsDoors. All doors should be locked. This includes the doors leading from the garage to the house and the door to the basement. Place a dowel the width of the door in the track for all sliding glass doors if you don’t have track locks.Windows. All windows should be secured to include second story windows. Dowels […]

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