New video surveillance systems that do more and cost less.
Video surveillance cameras used to be used in banks, secure areas, and occasionally in the compounds of the rich and famous. These old cameras were usually part of a closed circuit television (CCTV) system that was expensive and difficult to install and costly to maintain. The cost of CCTV systems made them prohibitive for most home owners.
Advances in information and digital technology have made CCTV systems a thing of the past, and today’s video surveillance systems are much more affordable, reliable, and easy to use.
The mere presence of video cameras can do a lot to deter intrusions. Most would-be thieves will decide that a place with security cameras is not worth the trouble. So if you want an extra measure of protection for your home and property, a video surveillance system can be a worthwhile investment.
IP video surveillance camera
Most security systems today use Internet Protocol (IP) cameras which are pretty simple to install and maintain. They deliver digital information via an IP network, unlike CCTV cameras which required a complicated system of coaxial cables. And that information can be monitored live.
You can buy IP surveillance cameras individually or bundled with surveillance software. You’ll need the software to record, retrieve, view, and broadcast your feed.
You can place the cameras wherever there’s a connection to an IP network. The most logical places are near entrances to your home, on any outbuildings you have, and on the perimeter if your property is large. If you have valuables displayed inside your home, you should probably put one there too.
Each camera has its own IP address and unlike webcams, they don’t need to be connected to a PC. The quality of the digital images is vastly superior to analog. And sophisticated IP cameras will also pan, tilt, and zoom.
One of the biggest advantages of IP video surveillance systems is that with a network video recorder you can monitor the feed in real time from any computer with Internet access. In most cases, you can even access it with a smart phone. Being able to check up on your house when you’re away can provide a lot of peace of mind.
CCTV systems store their recorded images on VHS tapes, which were then dated and stored. Because the images captured by IP surveillance cameras are digital, the information is archived on servers where it can be accessed instantly via search.
IP systems are more expensive than CCTV systems, but the price is dropping rapidly. Most of the major home security system providers now offer it, so ask for a quote. You may be pleasantly surprised by how affordable video surveillance turns out to be.
Read about other kinds of home security systems here.
IP video surveillance camera Image Flickr: Matti Mattila
Why a security safe is a wise investment.
A good burglar alarm system can prevent intruders from breaking into your home. Or encourage them to leave as quickly as possible if they do break in. But even the best home security system can’t ensure that no one will ever invade your home.
And what about those you let into your home voluntarily? Handymen, cable installers, exterminators, and inspectors all have free access. And you can’t always keep an eye on them the entire time they’re there. If you’re distracted by a child, a phone call, or an appliance buzzer, you’ll most likely leave to take care of it.
But a security safe can ensure that your valuables are protected at all times. Whether you want to secure documents like wills, insurance policies, or property deeds, or protect the crown jewels, there’s a security safe that’s just right for the job. And in addition to theft, a security safe can also protect your possessions from flooding, fire, or natural disaster.
Kinds of security safes.
Security Safe
There are three main types of security safes suitable for home use: safes designed to prevent theft, safes designed to resist fire, and safes that do both.
Burglar-proof safes are actually tested by safe crackers. They have heavy metal doors that are designed to be drill proof. And they are rated by Underwriters Laboratory (UL) for performance.
Fire-resistant safes should be able to maintain an internal temperature of less than 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The length of time they can do this varies from 30 to 120 minutes. Look for one that’s best tested and certified by UL. A Class C safe can withstand temperatures of 1,700 degrees for an hour. This is sufficient protection for most homeowners. Southern California residents or those who live in other areas prone to brushfires may want to upgrade to a Class A safe.
Not only can a fire-resistant safe save valuable documents, it can also protect priceless family heirlooms such as jewelry. But before you buy a safe, check both the fire and security ratings.
Choosing the right security safe for your home.
Home safes can be built in or freestanding. They can use a key, have a combination lock, or, better yet, an electronic lock. The most sophisticated have a pad that reads your fingerprint.
What you want to store will dictate the size of the safe you should buy. Models range from 550 cubic inches to 15 cubic feet.
Wall safes are most effective against theft. They can often be installed between the wall joists and hidden behind a painting or wall hanging. Floor safes are also built ins that are difficult to remove and can be covered by carpeting. Free-standing safes are adequate for most homes. They’re heavy enough to be difficult to move and they’re very affordable.
You can find an entry-level safe for less than $100. But expect to pay several hundred for a good fire-proof and theft-proof model.
A good security safe can work with your burglar alarm system to provide added protection for your valuables.
Read more home security tips here.
Security Safe Image Flickr: Anonymous Account
Baby safety monitors are an essential part of home security.
Baby safety monitors can provide new and old parents with added peace of mind. Being able to hear your baby sleeping soundly in the nursery eliminates worry and also ensures that if the baby does have a problem that you’ll be able to react instantly.
A baby safety monitor also gives parents greater freedom and convenience. If you need to do tackle something in the garage or backyard, you can go ahead, knowing that you can still keep tabs on your little one.
Several kinds of baby monitors are available. The simplest use a one-way radio to broadcast the sounds in the nursery to a receiver. A transmitter is plugged into an outlet in the baby’s room, usually within about ten feet of the crib. The receiver is portable, so you just take it with you to hear what’s happening in the nursery. Look for one with a belt clip or lanyard.
Most transmitters have a range of about 150 feet. If you have a big house with several stories or a large yard, you may need a more robust transmitter.
Many baby monitors, especially inexpensive ones, broadcast over the same frequency, so if your neighbors live close by, it’s possible that you may pick up sounds from their monitor and vice versa. The frequency is also common with cordless telephones, so you may experience some interference there too.
More sophisticated models have technology that eliminates or scrambles outside interference. Depending on your situation, they may be worth the added expense. If the receiver of your baby monitor uses batteries, it’s also a good idea to invest in a system that alerts you if the batteries quit working. Or to choose a system with a rechargeable receiver.
Receivers that light up when noise is detected are also handy. That way, if you’re vacuuming or doing a load of dishes, you’ll know that something’s going on. And getting a second receiver lets you leave one in the living room and take another to the kitchen.
If you want to be able to see as well as hear your baby, there are baby monitors that send images wirelessly to the receiver. And you can also buy a system that includes motion detectors that are placed underneath the baby. An alarm sounds if the baby stops moving for more than 20 seconds.
Those who want to be able to monitor their baby no matter where they are can buy an Internet-based system that uses wireless technology to broadcast live audio and video that you can see wherever you have Internet access.
Depending on the features you want, baby safety monitors can cost anywhere from $30 to $300. But the peace of mind and freedom they can provide truly are priceless. If you have a burglar alarm system to protect your home and family, you should have a baby safety monitor too.