Thursday 26 February 2009

Your House Should Have a Home Security System of Some Kind

Since the world's statistics of criminals is rising, we all strive to feel safe in our home. We would all like to enjoy vacationing without worrying if our home is safe and secure. Let's face it, we work too hard to earn our material belongings-therefore, it is only common sense that the majority of us would enjoy uninterrupted security and peace of mind. According to national statistics, homes are broken EVERY SINGLE DAY, and most homes are violated while the family is on vacation, or away from their home. It only makes sense, most criminals would rather get in and get out quickly, rather than face potential risks, such as human encounters.

Since the statistics are increasing technology, designers are working hard each day to help us find the level of security we need. For this reason technology designers has invented home security systems, deadbolts, fire alarms, CO alarms (Carbon Monoxide Alarms), etc. In fact, today, you can have card operated door locks installed on your home. In other words, you use something similar to a credit card. Once you insert the card into your door lock, the system reads the digits on the card, and authorizes permission to enter the home. We see this common device at many hotels or related environments today. In fact, the United States Government uses similar alarms in various sectors.

By installing a home security system, this could significantly reduce the odds of your home being burglarized. Online you will find a wide selection of home security devices. The devices mainly offer you feature, such as push button call. In other words, you merely push a single button, which the system will kick in and call the police and/or fire department for you. If you have trouble getting around, the security system is not, a better choice. However, you may look online for remote controlled home security devices. The push buttons however do offer advantages, since a live voice will respond to the push of one button. You might check out Intercom Devices to learn more about such features.

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A home security system isn't just for citizens in high-crime areas. A security system may be a good choice for suburban homes where the whole neighborhood seems to empty during the day. A home security system equipped with a good camera can do a lot for your house. You can use it to see who is at the door before opening, you can keep an eye on driveways to watch vehicles and equipment and most importantly you can check on any trespassers. A home security system can save you money on your homeowner's insurance costs.

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Home security systems are easy to install nowadays. Since you are merely purchasing the device after which a company will send out workers to install, test, and prep you on the use of your home security system. Ultimately, you can purchase wireless kits, which you can install on your own. Be sure to read the manual carefully to make sure the device is installed properly. Don't forget to test your system regularly, dust, and replace parts as needed.

The one thing you should do when searching for a home security system is to find the RIGHT system for you. A variety of companies online offer systems that fit your lifestyle. In addition, the companies will help you choose the best system that fits your needs. Most basic home security systems include motion sensors, photocells, sound detectors, window and door alarms, wireless systems, etc. The lights are great, since motion lights will typically scare away the average criminal.

Criminals that are more dramatic however may require extensive threats, such as the interior alarms, which monitor intruders inside the home.

The alarms have panic switches, motion sensors, noise detection, light beams, etc. Many alarms today include light beams, which if someone triggers the beam, it will automatically send out a photoelectric beam. You can also add pressure mats to your doorstep, which if someone steps on the mat, it would instantly alert you. You will have the option of installing Perimeter Alarms as well. The alarms will send a warning, such as (Siren, or Bell alert) when someone steps on your doorstep. Burglars of all sorts would definitely take flight. Lastly, if you are searching for a 'complete' home security, make sure to check the internet for comparable products and services.

Monday 23 February 2009

Vacation Rental Home Security Systems

Vacation home security is now more important than ever. With rising unemployment, vandalism due to high scrap prices for copper, metals and aluminum, and longer times between visits due to high gas prices or airline fees.

While foreclosure rates remain high, even for vacation homes or second homes, criminals will be seeking crimes of opportunity.

Some of us turn to time-share properties as a more affordable alternative. Each of these two forms of vacation home ownership present unique home security issues.

If you own your own vacation home and live there either seasonally or on a weekend basis, you're leaving your second home unoccupied for significant periods of time. You're also establishing a pattern of occupancy that any savvy intruder can soon learn and use to his advantage. If you own a time-share property, you own a percentage of a vacation home. You're sharing it with complete strangers who may or may not adhere to the same standards of security that you do. And, of course, you trust your time-share company to properly maintain and secure the property during those periods when nobody is staying there.

You may believe that merely applying the same safety practices you follow in your primary residence should be enough to protect your vacation home. But in fact, you need to go above and beyond the rituals of safety you'd observe in a home you live in on a more frequent basis. Homes that look unoccupied are easy targets. You've seen those homes with newspapers piled up outside or that appears pitch black at night when the rest of the neighborhood is lit. Consider the following guidelines for protecting your vacation home year-round:

Consider a GE Home Security System from your local Fortune Hi Tech Marketing representative. With FHTM and GE Home Security, it is now easier than ever to protect what means most to you. With customizable systems to meet your specific needs, keep your family, possessions and investments safe. GE is continually advancing new technologies that help homeowners monitor their properties, make schools safer, improve airline security, and more. Plus GE can integrate new security technologies with existing equipment and IT systems. Whether you need an entire system, or individual products, GE has the right technology to keep you safe.

Introduce yourself to your neighbors - particularly those who reside in your neighborhood year-round. Tell them what your schedule is, and ask them to keep an eye on things while you're away. That doesn't mean handing them a key, although you may wish to do so if you know and trust your neighbors well enough. And watching over your home doesn't have to be a job to which you burden your neighbors; simply ask them to remain alert to your home's appearance. Leave with your neighbors all of your contact numbers at your primary residence, so that they may contact you immediately in the event they spot suspicious activity. Give them verbal approval to contact the local police department in your absence, particularly if they spot suspicious activity and can't reach you by phone.

Consider the personal items you're leaving in your vacation home when it's unoccupied. Anything expensive - including cars, computers, televisions, DVD players and stereo equipment - should be stored under lock and key while you're away. Take photographs of all of your possessions in your second home, and store them in a safe at your primary residence for insurance purposes. Engrave your name on the back of your expensive electronic equipment.

If you own a timeshare property, find out from the management company exactly what kinds of security measures they have in place. This includes the policies to which maintenance staff are required to adhere. Find out if the management company replaces the locks on doors in the event that tenants lose a key.

For most homeowners, the acquisition of a vacation home is the culmination of years of hard work. That's why you owe it to yourself and your family to obtain for your vacation home the most stringent standards of safety within your means.

With the GE Home Security lifetime replacement of parts warranty and state of the art UL listed technology, you can rest easy. The highest quality products, competitive pricing and up to 20% off of homeowner and vacation home insurance makes GE Home Security the leader in the industry. One button arming, pager features, door chimes and a 24 hour emergency button make around the clock peace of mind a reality. Let FHTM and GE Home Security give you the power to protect your family and your home.

Here are just a few of the reasons to trust your security with a GE Wireless Home Security System:

One Button Arming: You arm your wireless home security system by pushing a single button.

The Peacekeeper® wireless home security system comes with entry/exit delays at the doors you select, and you can also put these same doors and windows on instant alert with the push of a single button.

Pager Feature: The wireless home security system has a pager feature. Should your child not return from school at the proper time and turn off the system, the system can be programmed to page you.

24-hour Emergency Button: You have access to an emergency panic button that allows you to summon help 24 hours a day.

Battery Back-up: In the event of a power failure, your Command Station will automatically convert from AC to DC.

Door Chime: The wireless home security system will, at your request, act as a door chime. Should your child try to slip out a door unattended, the system will notify you?

Your security and the security of your guests is the most important concern, if you are considering a home or vacation home monitoring system, please contact your local Fortune Hi Tech Marketing Representative, a GE authorized dealer or visit this link to find a representative near you http://fhtmus.com/monaview.

Your Travel Buddy uses and recommends GE Home Security by Fortune HI Tech Marketing. Your Travel Buddy (http://www.ytbvacationrentals.com) is a free vacation rental listing services and publishes vacation rental marketing and cost savings articles for the vacation home or vacation rental owner.

Thursday 19 February 2009

Protect Your Home With a Home Security System

So, finally you have bought your dream home and also decorated it with all the contemporary accessories. Now comes the question of implementing home security measures. Often, we tend to overlook the importance of a home security system until it’s too late. It’s better to consider applying the safety measures before hand and save ourselves from any situation. Let us take a look at the best home security practices.

Add a whole house security alarm
system. You can add separate alarm for the doors and windows of your home, deciding which doors or windows to have alarm enabled. Keep in mind that it will be more expensive if you want to install the alarms to a lot doors or windows, depending on how many you have. Ask your alarm system installer if they have any special offer that will help you in saving some money.

Add a live monitoring system service. It is definitely a good idea to invest into a home monitoring service. Home monitoring services can automatically contact police or fire when the alarms you have in your home are triggered. Conduct thorough research to find out the best service provider as quality of services may differ from company to company.

Home Security Systems and Home Security Measures

A security alarm system is not at all a complicated set up. First, you have to decide upon where you want to install the alarm control box. It can be your front door, back door, main window, anywhere. Once you have chosen the place, then you have to program a code in to the alarm. You are required to do this in order to successfully set the alarm and also to turn it off while you are at home. There may be a motion sensor included with the home alarm system. With a motion detector, your alarm will go off when it detects movement inside the house. This motion sensor acts as a back up in case someone gets into your house without tripping your alarm.

Outdoor alarm system. Outdoor home security alarm systems are programmed in such a way that they switch on the floodlights as soon as they detect some motion just outside your home. In the early years, an outdoor alarm used to go off even if there was just a cat or a stray dog strolling near your house but the modern ones are configured in such a way that they determine the weight and size of the intruder. So the chances of false alarms are almost zilch!

Use proper locks. If you have bought a second hand home, then make sure to change all the locks. You never know, the previous owner might keep a duplicate key with him. It’s better to take no chances at all and replace all the old locks with new ones. Not only should you put locks in the front doors but also install locks in the windows, if there isn’t any at the moment. This way you can ensure that nobody can enter your home through an open window.

Introduce yourself to your neighbors. Once you move into your new neighborhood, with no delay, introduce yourself and your family members to your immediate neighbors. If your neighbors know you well enough, then they can report to you or take necessary actions if they see any stranger trying to make an entry into your house.

Participate in community watch programs. If there is any thing such as community watch program in your locality, do take active part in it. This way your neighbors can keep a watch on your property in your absence and vice versa. This would definitely cut down a lot of crime.

Add video surveillance or wireless cameras. Adding CCTV or video surveillance is a very effective home security measure. You can use a wireless camera security system for video supervision, there are several transmitters and only one receiver that is linked to your TV. Some of the best security systems are those that include wireless security cameras.

Install a smoke detector. By installing smoke detectors in your home, you can have an advance warning if your house should happen to catch on fire.

Besides these aforementioned home security measures, you also have to be careful that your doors and windows are sturdy enough. Put grills in the windows if you have to. Also, see to it that there are lots of lights outside your house and that easy to get to ground floor windows have thorny bushes planted beneath them.

Thus, you see that there are a lots of home security options to take into consideration. In order to choose the security options that would suit you the best, you can go in for a risk assessment of your home. Several home security service providers offer risk assessment modules that will help in determining your individual needs, thereby letting you decide the correct type of security measure for your house.

Whichever home security system you have installed, make sure you understand how it works, so that you can enjoy your getaway without having to worry about the safety and security of your home.

Tuesday 17 February 2009

How To Determine The Best Home Security Plan For You

Owning your own home, while certainly a great thing, does have a variety of different drawbacks which you should be aware of. Among these drawbacks, you will have to devote a certain amount of energy each and every week to keeping your home in complete and total working order. This includes making sure that your landscape is neat and tidy and that the interior of your home is kept clean and dust free. However, while many people do focus on the day to day tasks that are associated with owning a home, what many do not realize is how important it is to keep your home security system up to date. With so many different home security system providers, there are plenty of choices for the perfect protection plan for your home. Whether you want simple invasion protection or if you want an all encompassing plan that will help you protect your home from burglary, fire and various other types of damage, there is a home security system for you. Also, even though a home security system is designed to keep you and your family safe from the world outside, it can even provide you with much lower home insurance rates, a great deal for those who want to save a bit of extra cash each month on seemingly worthless insurance bills.

The most basic type of home security system will provide you with protection from burglars. Unless otherwise specified, this is probably the type of security system that most people will choose to install in their homes. With this basic security system, your home is wired at all of the points of entry, including all doors and windows. If any of the doors or windows in your home were to be broken or opened while your alarm was set, the alarm will sound and alert you and your neighbors of a possible break-in. Hopefully this will scare the would-be burglar away, but if not, it will give you and your family time to get out of the home and call the police.

If you are looking for the most from a home security system, then you will want a package that will provide you with the best security money can buy. These expensive home security systems give you the basic protection from burglars as well as an extra system that will detect harmful vapors such as smoke and carbon monoxide. Each year, thousands of people die from house fires, smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning, so if you want to be on the safe side, it never hurts to have detectors to protect you and your family. Also, the top of the line home security systems will be linked directly to the police or your security provider so that help can be on its way when you need it the most.

Friday 13 February 2009

Is A Home Security System Right For You?

Everyone agrees that the safety of one's home and family are of paramount importance. However, not everyone is certain if they need a security system, and many people do not own one. Think about this: Only if you live on a deserted island are you truly free from the worry of break-ins. Needless to say, this leaves 99.9998% of the population to benefit from the use of a home security system. If you do not have a home security system, your home, belongings, and your family are all at risk from burglars who can easily pick a lock or break in. Regardless of where you live or what kind of home you live in, there are numerous justifications for having a home security system.

Regardless of your type of neighborhood, a home security system provides peace of mind. The elderly and younger people of the home are most at risk during a break in. But with a home security system they will not have to worry because the police will be notified the instant an intruder enters. The audible alarm is also highly likely to immediately scare the intruder away. Most break-ins occur at night, and the home security system protects you even then with constant monitoring. Home security systems have many other added benefits. Often, you will be able to obtain a discount on home owners insurance when you utilize a home security system.

There are different types of home security systems and different security features to consider while creating the perfect system for you and your family. There is a security system to fit every budget, and you can always add on features as your income allows. The two primary kinds of home security systems are those with wires, and those without. Families which own their home, and have floors and walls which are easy to drill through without causing damage, are best suited for wired systems. A wired system is best suited for homes with drywall. For renters, wireless alarm systems are ideal as they have no drilling requirements and can be taken along when moving. A wireless system is also excellent for families who own a home but have plaster walls or floors of concrete.

There are many different home security system features that will meet the needs of your home. By means of window stickers, cameras, motion activated lights and alarms, and multiple key pads, you can customize your system to suit your needs perfectly. It is essential that you examine all of these features, and figure out what is best for your home and family, before choosing a home security system. Think about adding multiple keypads for the convenient arming of your system if you own a large home or a home with over two exits. Key pads may be located in places that are most convenient to you. Consider your family's needs to determine if you want motion activated alarms, forced entry alarms, or perhaps both. Home security systems are a must for most families, and there are so many choices to make when determining which one is right for yours.

Sunday 8 February 2009

Festive Season Home Security Tips

With the festive season fast approaching, we are left with many decisions and preparations to make before packing our trailers and making our way to our holiday destinations. Ensuring the security of family and property is a key priority at this time.

Statistics clearly show that criminal activity increases during the holiday season and it is therefore imperative for homeowners to take the right precautions and not let their guard down.

There are several handy tips to bear in mind which can help alleviate the risk to family and property. The first and most important step to take is to ensure that your alarm is in working order. People tend to forget that an alarm system, like a car, has parts that age and wear out and therefore should be serviced at least once a year.

Spectacular thunderstorms during the summer months, can also wreak havoc on alarm systems. As a result of this, clients should regularly check their systems in case of lightning damage. Homeowners who have house insurance should also consider that in the event of a burglary, their insurance company will, in all likelihood, question whether they have properly maintained their alarm.

December is traditionally a busy period for security companies, so homeowners should try and test their alarms at least three weeks before going on holiday. Testing should be done anytime (ideally between 0800 and 2000 hours Mon-Fri) and if a fault is discovered, it can be immediately reported to the security service provider’s technical team.

Additional security tips to follow include:

• Advise your security company if you are going away and ensure that you supply all the necessary information regarding nearby emergency contacts, in case of an emergency

• Inform your neighbours of your holiday plans so that they can keep an eye on your property

• Stop all newspaper deliveries and ask a friend or neighbour to collect your post. A bulging post box is a real giveaway that you are not at home

• If hiring a house sitter, ensure that you teach them how to use your alarm correctly

• Double check that you have locked and secured all windows and doors before leaving home

• Ensure that all your outside locks are a minimum of four lever locks or double cylinder security locks

• Never leave a key in the inside of an outer door which has glass panels or glass near the door lock

• Having security gates fitted on outer doors is a highly effective security measure that gives you an extra line of defence

• Sliding doors can be secured simply by placing a piece of timber cut to size in the sliding rail. Make sure that sliding doors cannot be lifted vertically

• Full fencing and sturdy gates are a good deterrent

• Have good exterior lighting, preferably on a timer

• Do not leave ladders, spades or tools outside, as they can be used to break into your house

• Clear signage indicating that you have security also helps to discourage
Burglars

Another important security tip is to be discreet when preparing to go away. People should where possible pack their cars in their garage. Homeowners should also never leave a message on their answering machine stating that they are out of town.

The festive season should be a time of relaxation and giving but let’s ensure that we are not giving our belongings to criminals on a golden platter.

Thursday 5 February 2009

Home Security Systems: The Tension Relievers

A tension-free life is what everyone craves for. Among various things, home security is one of the major concerns for most people especially considering the fact that the crime rates across the world are on the rise. In such a case, what people look for is reliable home security systems.

The industry too has recognised the need for home security systems and that is one reason why you have so many different kinds of home security systems available today. The industry has moved from wired security systems to wireless security systems. And the sophistication of such home security systems seems to be on the rise. In fact, you even have such security systems which allow you to monitor your home remotely (through images transmitted over the internet by the security cameras).

With modern electronic devices, alarm responses are no longer human. Depending on the time, the zone triggered and the number and sequence of zones, the system can call the ambulance, can call the police, the fire department, or the property manager. That is a huge advance in home security. The biggest problem with alarms and cameras was that they always needed a human response in order to be useful, but with this new technology, house owners can be more relaxed because the system is capable of calling for help if he is not able to.

Safety sensors are more complicated and sophisticated, because they are supposed to react to a lot of different danger situations at the same time, such as: gates and valves open or closed, low oxygen concentrations, excessively high or low temperatures and excessive carbon monoxide (or other toxic gas) concentrations.

The burglar (intrusion) detectors can be of two different classes: point detectors and area detectors. With point detectors you must pick a specific point where intrusion should be indicated. Area detectors indicate intrusion of a protected area, and usually use ultrasonic technology for that.

So, it's a established fact that home security systems can bring you some peace on the home security front. However, you need to have a proper understanding of home security systems in order to decide on what home security systems are best suited for your home. You also need information about where you can get the home security systems from. If you don't want to install the home security system by yourself, you will also need to know how you can get a professional for doing that for you.

Sunday 1 February 2009

Finding the Best Home Security Cameras System

Are you searching for the very best surveillance cameras for your home? The type of home security cameras you buy will make all the difference in the world to your sense of security. Therefore, when shopping for home security cameras it is imperative that you know precisely what to look for; below are a few tips to help you in the task of finding the very best surveillance cameras for your home.

Before you shop for surveillance cameras, you should determine where you want to place the cameras and what you want to record. The act of knowing where you want to place the home security cameras and what you want to record will help you in determining what type of surveillance cameras you require. For example, you may require a particular security camera to monitor everyone who enters or leaves your home, while you might need a very different camera to survey your property. If you preplan the positioning of the cameras, you can choose security cameras that can fulfill your needs. Additionally, you will know immediately how many security cameras you actually require.

Next, you will need to determine the amount of detail that you will expect to see from the security cameras you purchase. If you are expecting to see great detail from the images the camera picks up, it will directly affect the frame rate of the camera that you need to purchase. If you are not sure what type of frame rate you are really looking for, it is a good idea to talk to a specialist about your needs; they can help you determine what frame rate will provide you with the image quality that you seek.

What home security cameras should a person use to ensure they get the best in home security? Actually, there is quite a variety of surveillance cameras to choose from, all of which depend on the consumers needs. Knowing what you want beforehand can help you in selecting the right home security cameras for your home.

If you want to have home security cameras that provide you with crystal clear images, then you will need to pay attention to the frame rate of the surveillance cameras you buy. Many of todays home security cameras function with a slow recording rate; consequently, the camera images will appear slow and, in some cases, choppy. To make sure you are getting a home security camera that gives you the very best images, you will need to invest in one that offers full motion capture functions. If you are unsure about the frame rate of the home security camera you are considering, you should speak to the vendor to make sure you get exactly what you need.

When purchasing surveillance cameras you will also want to determine what it is you plan to survey and how you plan to survey it. For example, you may want the surveillance cameras to watch one area or you might decide that you want the camera to pick up and record four different areas at the same time. The choice is ultimately up to you. Nevertheless, in knowing what you want to record, you will have an easier time getting the home security cameras that will fulfill your personal requirements.