Monitoring your home security system has never been easier but there are several things you need to consider before committing yourself to a long term monitoring agreement with any alarm company Alarm companies don’t make the majority of their profit from selling security systems, it comes from accumulating a large base of alarm-monitoring contracts.

In fact these monitoring contracts are so profitable that they are frequently bought and sold like mortgage notes. Tip #1 Ask if they are an authorized alarm dealer or a represent a marketing company. Marketing companies have learned to flood a market with fantastic offers on security systems with the sole purpose of selling the contracts at a profit. They often use any sub-contractor available, which can lead to poor customer service once the marketing company leaves town. Once you find a reputable alarm company ask them to come out to your home and give you a quote. You’ll find that most will quote you a basic security system at a reasonable price. These basic security systems generally include an control panel, keypad, motion detector, a couple of door contacts, inside siren, a yard sign and warning decals Tip #2 Make sure the equipment can be monitored by any alarm company not by just the one selling it to you. If they use proprietary security equipment you could be left in a bind should you become dissatisfied with their service for any reason. Ademco, DSC, Caddx are well known manufacturers and can be monitored by any one. Some companies offer low a low installation charge of $99.00 or will give you a “FREE” security system. Many do so if you put a security sign in your yard for advertising purposes and commit to a long-term alarm-monitoring contract. Since the installation charge doesn’t cover the true cost of the equipment and labor, you are charged a substantial monthly fee to recoup their investment. These “deals” or equipment leases aren’t necessarily bad but make it hard to evaluate the true cost to you over time. The best way to evaluate your contract is to ask the salesman to give you a quote to purchase the security system outright and show the home alarm-monitoring fee separately. Most of the time you are better off buying the alarm system because your monitoring fee will be much less.

For example. Say for $99 your monitoring fee is $35 per month for 3 years you total cost for monitoring your home alarm is $1359.00 Your fee will remain $35 per month or even increase. On the other hand say you pay $599.00 installation and $20 dollars a month your total cost is $1319. Not only is your overall cost less but from year 3 on your will be saving $180 per year. This savings would be better spent on upgrading your alarm system to include fire monitoring and added perimeter protection Tip #3 Don’t pay additional charges for medical or fire monitoring. It’s ok to pay for the equipment needed but some companies charge $2-$5 extra for these services. These options are easily programmed into the alarm system and don’t require any additional effort to monitor. Is A Basic Security System For You? The answer is probably not. Basic systems only cover your doors and are supplemented by the use of a motion detector. This detector is usually mounted in the main hallway to catch a burglar crossing the center of the home. If they come through a bedroom window and never pass by the motion detector, the alarm system will never sound. Imagine being home at the time this happens. Basic security systems are best used as a deterrent to a break in and to notify the authorities an alarm condition exist.

Adding perimeter protection such as window contacts or glass break detectors should be high on the list of upgrades. These types of upgrades not only activate the alarm system instantly but also will give you piece of mind while you are home. Protect Your Financial Interest Not Just Your Home Get all quotes in writing and make sure the quote is a binding quote. At a minimum the following should be included in your contract. Length of contract and if / how it renews. Does it renew automatically? What type of notice do you have to give to terminate the monitoring agreement Will your fee increase and is there a limit on the increase. If at all possible lock in your monitoring fee for the entire contract otherwise you could see an increase every year. Don’t be afraid to walk away on this point alone. Do you own the equipment or is it a lease? A lease means lower initial installation cost but high monitoring fees. Warranty: Most of the alarm equipment comes with it’s own warranty in addition to what is offered by your company. Specify the warranty for each item so that you aren’t charged if it fails.

Also specify how long the warranty on labor is.

Expect to pay some labor cost for replacing under warranty items Service Calls Alarm technicians are usually well trained to diagnose and fix problems with your security system. Be prepared to pay in the neighborhood of $55 per hour. The fee can seem high when compared to your original installation cost but is not out of line. Think about how much you pay for your car or computer to be worked on. How long is the response time to service your alarm system. 48 hours is a reasonable time. Do they provide an installation certificate for your home owner’s insurance Many insurance companies offer a discount for monitored home security systems. Don’t Wait Until You Have A Break-In To Get An Alarm System! You can replace most things but you may never replace your sense of security in your own home.

The vast array of home security products available on the market today can be dizzying. Home security products can be wireless or hard wired, optional or required or simple or complex. Determining which home security products you need can be difficult enough and it becomes more complicated when you have to choose between the assortment of models that are available for each product. Wading through all of the available information can be overwhelming.

For this reason choosing only the most basic home security products can greatly simplify the process.

The control panel, keypad, access control sensors and an audible or visible alarm are some of the basic home security products that are used in just about every home security system. The control panel is one of the most important home security products available. This is the heart of any security system. All of the wiring for the other home security products meets at the control panel and the entire system is tied together at this location. Without this valuable component, the security system would not function properly. The keypad is another of many home security products that exists in just about every security system. The keypad is where the homeowner interacts with the system. The system can be activated and deactivated at this location. The keypad is also where the system displays messages for the homeowners. If there has been a breach of security while you were away or if one of your home security products is malfunctioning, the keypad will display these important messages for you. The other purpose that the keypad plays is to display the current status of the system. Access control sensors are other home security products that are critical to the function of a home security system.

These home security products are used to detect if a door or window is opened while the security system is activated. When these sensors are triggered an alarm will sound either immediately or on a delay. The reason that most security systems incorporate a delay is to enable the homeowner to deactivate the system upon returning to their home. Finally, an audible alarm and strobe lights are other home security products that are commonly used. These home security products can be used separately or in conjunction with each other. The importance of these components is that they alert the homeowners as well as their neighbors to a possible intruder. In most cases a triggered alarm is enough to cause the burglar to vacate the property as quickly as possible. Not all home security products are necessary. Many home security products such as motion detectors and security cameras are optional while home security products such as the control panel, keypad, access control sensors and audible or visual alarms are necessary for the system to function properly.

If you are looking for an inconspicuous way to protect your business with covert hidden cameras, then you may want to consider the emergency light camera.

You see them everywhere in businesses. Or do you? Actually you probably don’t pay much attention to them unless the power has gone out and the emergency lights have come on to light your way. These great little covert hidden cameras even automatically switch from color to black and white in low light situations, and have a line of site range of one thousand feet. But let’s say that you would like to have covert hidden cameras, disguised as a light in an outdoor environment. An emergency light might look a little out of place outside. That is when you would want to get the wireless floodlight camera instead. These totally undetectable covert hidden camera surveillance systems will work like a charm for both businesses and personal homes.

Everybody has floodlights right?

But these beauties not only work for floodlights, they can even be used in any ceiling light fixture. And installation is so easy; it is as simple as screwing in a light bulb, literally. Then all you need to do is plug the decoder, which comes included with the system, into any AC outlet and connect it to a TV or VCR. You will be watching your live surveillance immediately; it takes less than a minute to install. The covert hidden cameras in these lights operate off the existing wiring in your home, office, place of business, or even a vacation home. There are no wires, no fuss, no muss, and it is so portable so you can use the same camera at more than one site.

Home security monitoring does not mean that there will be 24 hour a day surveillance of your home to ensure that your home is protected from a burglar. At least it does not mean that in a literal sense but home security monitoring does provide you and your family 24 hour a day protection from burglars and in some cases, even fire. The level of protection that you receive will depend on the complexity of your home security system and the capabilities of the security provider you have chosen.

The one thing in home security monitoring that is relatively similar no matter which provider or system you choose is the sequence of events that occur while the security system is in use.

This article will provide a brief synopsis of how home security monitoring works. Just about every home security monitoring system is activated as the first step in the process. Usually the homeowner pushes a button or series of buttons on the keypad to turn on the security system. This sends the message that the security system should trigger if it is breached in any way. Once this happens the various components of the home security system are activated. This may include access contacts, motion detectors, security cameras and any other components of the home security monitoring system. These components remain activated until the homeowner returns home and deactivates the home security monitoring system. Again, this is usually accomplished by typing in a series of numbers in the keypad. If there is a breach of security, the home security monitoring system will begin a sequence of events. In most cases the first event, upon detecting an intruder, is to sound a warning alarm. This is usually a low level alarm and the intent of sounding this alarm is to allow the home owner the opportunity to deactivate the alarm when they return home. The homeowner usually has approximately 30 seconds to deactivate the alarm before the home security alarm system takes the next step.

If the alarm is not deactivated two things happen simultaneously in the home security monitoring system.

A loud alarm is sounded and a message is sent to the monitoring station that there has been a breach of security in the home security monitoring system. This message reaches personnel at a 24 hour per day monitoring station who respond to this message. The first response is to contact the homeowner to determine whether or not the home security monitoring system has been breached or it was a false alarm. If the homeowner does not respond to the home security monitoring personnel and supply them with a security password, the staff will contact the local police department and send them to your address. Home security monitoring is a precise service that has a clear path of action. Most home security monitoring companies react and proceed in a very similar fashion when a security system in their network is breached. While each home security monitoring company may have differences they all generally work in the same way.

Understanding the Need for Disaster Recovery Templates All around the world, the weather has been proving to be strong and unpredictable.

From a tsunami to hurricanes and earthquakes, just about every corner of the world has been impacted by unpredictable weather.

For this reason, many individuals, families, and communities are realizing the need for disaster recovery templates. Disaster recovery templates are organized plans of action that should be implemented in a time of need. A natural disaster is the most common situation which may call for a disaster recovery plan, however, disaster recovery templates are used for a wide variety of other events and disasters. As the result of the many terrorist attacks around the workd, disaster recovery templates have become more readily available and easier to use. Disaster recovery templates are developed and used all over the world. They may offer preparation and help for handling a natural disaster, however, the majority of plans are focused on the recovery and rebuilding process. The 2005 hurricane season overwhelmed the Gulf Coast region of the United States. After a large death toll and constant media attention, it became apparent, that disaster revovery plans are essential. If a community implements a recovery plan, everyone, employees to citizens alike, need to understand the procedures. Disaster recovery templates usually fail if there is a lack of awareness about what is going to be done.

Therefore, disaster recovery plans need to be clear enough to be understood by everyone. Disaster recovery templates are especially important in areas where damage or destruction may occur unexpectedly. Although their paths may change, hurricanes are generally easy to track, and their courses are not difficult to predict. This allows residents in the path of a hurricane to take the appropriate steps to secure their property and evacuate. Tornados, flash floods, and earthquakes are examples of natural disasters that provide little or no warning to area residents. Disaster recovery templates are very important for people who live in areas where these disaters are more likely to occur. Without the proper warning, residents may be in danger, and a large amount of property may be damaged. A disaster recovery template can be planned and developed by a family or a small group. However, the majority of disaster recovery templates are developed for whole communities and specific organizations. In the event of a natural disaster, it is not uncommon for churches or local community groups to get together and offer assistance to the community. Their recovery plans may be a little bit different from traditional state or community disaster recovery templates. On their disaster recovery templates, they usually have listed as a major priority searching, finding, and rescuing area residents or pets who may be stranded or injured. Many families or organizations may plan and test run their own disaster recovery templates, however, often trained professional may be called in. There is a good selection of pre-established disaster recovery templates available for use. In addition to pre-established disaster recovery templates, there are many companies or individuals who have experience and are propely trained to develop such plans.

Disaster recovery templates are an important tool in a time of need. Having a disaster recovery template in place can save lives and offer guidance in a time that is normally characterized by panic and confusion.

A combination lock is a type of lock in which a sequence of numbers or symbols is used to open the lock. The sequence is usually a specific permutation rather than a true combination. The sequence may be entered using a single rotating dial which interacts with several discs or cams, or by using a set of several rotating discs with inscribed numerals which directly interact with the locking mechanism. Multiple-dial locks One of the simplest types of combination lock, often used in low-security situations is the bicycle lock, which uses several rotating discs with notches cut into them. The lock is secured by a pin with several teeth on it which hook into the rotating discs. When the notches in the discs align with the teeth on the pin, the lock can be opened. This lock is considered to be one of the least secure types of combination lock. Opening a multiple-dial lock without the combination depends on the slight irregularities in the machining of the parts.

Unless the lock is machined precisely, when the pin is pulled outward, one of the teeth will pull more strongly than the others on its corresponding disc. This disc is then rotated until a slight click is heard, indicating that the tooth has settled into the notch. The procedure is repeated for the remaining discs, resulting in an open lock, and a correct combination, in very little time. Single-dial locks Combination locks found on padlocks or safes may use a single dial which interacts with several parallel discs or cams. Customarily, a lock of this type is opened by rotating the dial clockwise to the first numeral, counterclockwise to the second, and so on in an alternating fashion until the last numeral is reached. The cams typically have an indentation or notch, and when the correct combination is entered, the notches align, allowing the latch to fit into them and open the lock. Combination locks of this type are generally more secure than the multiple-dial lock, but some of them do have weaknesses. For example, early combination padlocks made by Master lock could be cracked by pulling on the shackle of the lock and turning the dial until it stopped; each numeral in the combination could be revealed in this manner. More recent models of Master padlock with a 40-position dial have a mechanical weakness that can give away the last numeral in the combination, and the first two numerals have a mathematical relationship with the last number. This weakness reduces the number of possible combinations from 64,000 to a mere 100, which can be tried in a relatively short amount of time. Inexpensive padlocks are often susceptible to the use of a padlock shim, which can be used to release the shackle without entering a combination.

Other designs Many doors use combination locks which require the user to enter a numeric sequence on a keypad to facilitate entry. These special locks usually require the additional use of electronic circuitry. The main advantage of this system is that if used for the door of a large office, each employee can be told the code number without having to supply a key to each person. The disadvantage however, is if the code number is discovered by someone out site the desired group or is not changed regularly, it could allow easy access to a potential intruder.

In today’s modern society where high tech reigns supreme, it is more important than ever to protect our homes and businesses from people who would photograph, video record, and listen in to our private business and personal lives for the purpose of stealing information. Fortunately, there are numerous types of bug detectors that enable us to stop this type of information theft. For example, an acoustic noise generator is a type of bug detector that creates an audio blanket that can be used to defeat bugs placed in walls, ceilings, windows, even plumbing and air conditioning ducts. There are also audio jammers you can purchase that can desensitize hidden microphones by creating a random masking sound. These jammers protect room conversations thereby preventing sensitive information from being leaked out to unwanted sources and idea stealing competitors. Other types of bug detectors, like an analog and digital RF detector and frequency counter, are the perfect instruments to use for radio frequency detection. Then there are also cell phone detectors that alert the user instantly whenever a cell phone has been turned on from as far away as ninety feet.

With one of these ingenious devices, you no longer have to worry if someone is carrying a hidden cell phone on their person for covert reasons. Should they turn it on for the purpose of having someone else listen in or record a conversation you’re having, this little device will let you know immediately so that you can make them turn it off, or send them on their way.

One of our basic needs is to protect our goods and valuables.

How many times have we wondered: is it safe to keep my jewels or money at home? Will my kids be in danger of shooting themselves if I buy myself a gun? Will I get bankrupt if a fire starts by any chance in my office? The need for safes appeared shortly after humankind discovered money, gold and other valuables. Until 1820 they helped only against theft, but starting in the 1840s they were designed, by using so called Wilder technology, to protect effectively against fire. The burglar resisting safe was first patented in 1835 by Chubb Safes (it is believed that they were already producing them for almost 20 years). There is a whole highly developed industry behind safes: they are usually made of metal, are designed to be fire and environmentaly resistant and are using high tech electronics, laser-cut doors or memory recall capabilities. One of the world’s largest home security providers is Sentry Safes. They offer high quality at competitive prices and in more than 70 years of being on the market they have remained faithful to the founder’s beliefs: quality, affordability and innovation.

The safes generally have two main destinations – for home or office use – and can be classified in three main types: 1) Burglary Safes – they offer protection against theft, but very little against fire.

Usually they have solid metal walls and a heavy door resistant to a drilling, cutting or prying attack. Hardened resistant metals are often used to slow down attempts to break in to this safe. 2) Fire Safes – usually they are made of a thin metal double wall and have a fire-resistant insulating material between the walls. They have a minimum level of security, because they are designed to protect (especially papers) against fire. They have to maintain an internal temperature of below 200 degrees C (the point at which documents will be destroyed) .The safes provide the fire protection for either 30, 60, 90 or 120 minutes. Similar to them, but a bit more effective, there are the “Data Safes” which maintain less than 52 degrees C (the point at which data media is destroyed) and also protect against high humidity, electro magnetic contamination, etc. 3) Fire / Burglary Safes – They are generally multi-purpose safes and offer good protection both against thefts and fire. They are designed like a burglary safe, but have a secondary wall inside, which contains insulation (the material that helps maintaining a low temperature). Usually home safes are used to prevent stealing or destruction of our family’s property: money, papers like receipts, contracts, personal and financial documents, jewels and sometimes other things which can be irreplaceable: photos, videos.

For good protection of these valuables we need Fire/Burglary Safes. Usually, these safes are located in the floor or in the walls. The wall safes demand a special framing and it is better to place them as low as possible because, in the event of a fire, the temperature is lower at ground level. They are very practical for those of us who value their possessions, but don’t want to keep them in a bank. They are easy to install and access and they do not require special modifications of the interior or the design of the house. When we don’t have enough money to buy a professional safe it is always better to remember about diversion safes! They don’t look like the typical steel safe and, although they have no protection against fire, they can discourage a potential burglar, who hasn’t got the time to search the whole house. We can use as diversion safe containers for soda pop, canned fruit, home cleaners, or even books. They have removable tops or bottoms so that we can put our goods in them, weight so that they appear normal when handled and most important, they are quite cheap compared to a normal safe. We also don’t have to forget that a gun safe is the most effective way of preventing a tragic accident at home! Usually they are made of steel and the size is according to the size of the gun you want to secure. The bigger the safe is, the more it costs. But although it will cost an extra amount of money, it’s better to remember that we should diminish the risks by keeping the guns safe. When buying a safe we have to think of its destination, how accessible it is, how many options we can get for the amount of money that we are willing to pay and how it is rated (what is its level of security against thefts, destruction). The best thing would be to hire a company that can monitor and protect your house/office and values.

But when this is too expensive, safes are the next best option.

So you’ve paid off the loan, and the mortgage, done the renovations, the paperwork and now your home is finally your own house. You can’t help feeling, however, that you aren’t quite ready to sit back and rest easy. What if someone breaks into your house, damages and steals your property? What can you do to safeguard your space against burglary? For a medium or large residence, surveillance just might be a good idea. Before you start picturing Richard Dreyfuss and Emilio Estevez in Stakeout, let’s define our terms. Surveillance is, quite simply, the process of monitoring people, objects or processes for conformity to certain expected norms.

More specifically, it consists of monitoring for deviations from safe, non-threatening behaviour. It may or may not interest you to know that, in French, the word means ‘watching over’. Surveillance includes any form of observation from afar by means of technological devices. This refers to phone tapping, directional microphones, bugs, subminiature cameras, closed-circuit television or CCTV, GPS tracking, airborne or satellite reconnaissance as well as computer and internet surveillance. CCTV is perhaps the most relevant device for you, as a homeowner, so let’s look at it in some more detail. CCTV consists of a camera, or cameras, linked up for the purpose of surveillance. The cameras are all directly liked and viewable through monitor screens. CCTV was first pressed into service to help watch against bank robbers, but the applications have increased to the point where the technology is easy to use, and relatively affordable enough to be used in home security set-ups. CCTV is supposed to aid in crime fighting in two ways –deterrence and detection. It’s assumed that the presence of clearly visible cameras in an particular location would serve to scare of would-be thieves. But the criminal mentality is notoriously hard to fathom, and this isn’t always the case. Interestingly though, CCTV systems do seem to be most effective as safeguards against car theft. Still, it’s worth assuming that the presence of a CCTV system should put off a fair number of would-be burglars. CCTV has made a remarkable difference to crime detection, that’s for sure. Several prominent murder cases worldwide were solved with the aid of CCTV footage, and CCTV has also been useful in locating missing persons and runaways. Look at it this way – if it comes to the worst, and your house is burglarised, CCTV footage can provide crucial clues to the police and help in capturing the criminals and recovering your belongings.

CCTV technology has developed to the point where you can use wireless or USB still cameras to take high-resolution pictures at intervals. You can either program the cameras to take pictures on a time-lapse basis or to be triggered by unexpected motion. The quality of these images is superior to other surveillance cameras, and provides investigators with a wealth of useful detail. Models like Canon’s S2iS, Nikon’s P1 or Kodak’s Easyshare One are all affordable and reliable options. You can easily download these images onto your PC and share them with the authorities, all in a matter of seconds. This is in fact the best option for you as a homeowner. Traditional CCTV is more adept at providing a flow of images to be constantly monitored by security personnel, while this new technique, dubbed Closed Circuit Digital Photography (CCDP) does not require around-the-clock observation, and produces high-quality images that can be used in the event of a burglary. As in the case of CCTV, it is worth considering that the presence of a surveillance system will itself serve as some amount of deterrent, if clearly indicated. Used in conjunction with motion sensors, as well as anti-burglary devices such as alarms, high fences, trap wires and the like CCDP can form the basis for an effective and reliable home surveillance system. One that lets you finally kick back and relax in the comfort and security of your own home!

Identity theft is fast rising up on the list of crimes being committed in the US. Last year’s identity theft statistics state that almost 9.5 million Americans became victims of privacy theft, collectively suffering a loss of almost five billion dollars. Anybody can become a victim of privacy theft and in a day and age where information is already easily available, it is extremely important that you take all kinds of precautions to prevent identity theft. Identity theft prevention is extremely important if you do not want to be defrauded and you should take special care never to disclose your bank account numbers, credit card numbers and social security number to anybody apart from authorized people.

Giving such information over the phone to different callers is a complete no no and it is advised that you unsubscribe from unsolicited promotional calls.

Giving away pin numbers is a big mistake and so is letting people stand behind while you operate your ATM or credit card. The internet and your computer is the place where most people succumb to identity theft nowadays. In order to prevent identity theft, use good quality anti virus and anti spy ware software on your computer. Do not respond to any mails that ask for personal information, even if the mail comes from your own bank or company. This could be a phishing attempt and no reputable company is asking for personal information through emails nowadays. Always sign out properly whenever you sign in at a site. Make sure that you shop only at trusted online stores. Do not keep your personal information like your bank account details and passwords on your computer’s hard disk drive. As far as passwords are concerned, please spend some time devising a secure password since it might end up saving you a lot of time, money and hassles later on. Remember that passwords derived out of date of births, names and social security numbers are no passwords at all. Most people do not discover that their identity has been stolen till it is too late.

In fact, on an average, people got to know that their identities were stolen only after an year or so. Since identity thieves generally use your personal information to get money through your bank account or credit card one way or the other, it is extremely important that you check your bank and credit statements thoroughly and inform your credit card company or bank ASAP in case you see any discrepancies. Checking your credit report regularly is a good way of checking for identity theft since your credit history reveals all your transactions. Report identity theft the moment you have any doubts that someone has access to your personal information or is misusing it. Inform your banks, credit card companies, all three credit bureaus and register a complaint with both the FTC and the local police. Do not delay reporting a loss of credit cards, ATM cards, debit cards and social security cards also, since even a slight delay can lead to severe losses in these cases.

Homeland securitization has been given so much importance over the past few years that we have almost forgotten the importance of our own house and the importance of a good home security alarm. While burglary in your property may not make the headlines, it is in your best interest to safeguard property by installing a good home security alarm. According to the US bureau of Justice Statistics there were 14 million incidents of theft on property and in 83% incidents the burglars had entered the house or building located in the property. You might feel safe by locking your doors and windows but there are ways to enter a house known only to people who commit burglary for living. Burglars always strike by surprise; to underestimate their resourcefulness would be a mistake you would not want to make at any cost. There are many types of home security alarm, which can help you effectively protect a property, belongings and more importantly your family from burglars. Home security alarm is one of the more trusted methods to protect your house from burglars; a simple home security alarm generally makes a loud sound or dials a number like 911, your cell phone or a neighbor and sends a pre recorded distress message.

Some systems connect themselves with the smoke alarms which notify the fire department immediately. Then there is also the monitored house securitizing systems which are considered the safest of all and the local systems which are considered safer than monitored property securitizing systems, yet cheaper. Many securitizing systems come with a sign board that can be mounted on the door, mailbox or anywhere else where they can be noticed. Burglars generally target un-protected houses and leave alone the houses protected by any type of home security alarm. As for starters, the cheapest home security alarm is the “do it yourself” systems, you need to do all the installation and setup yourself, but if you are on a budget these are the right ones for you. A home security alarm not only helps in preventing burglary but it also helps in minimizing the loss in case the burglars break into a house because they fear a backup or the sound which might alert the neighbors or the police.

Professional Burglars claim an intruder Alarm does not put them of. A recent survey has found that intruder alarms do not present any difficulty to professional burglars; the reason is because homeowners often forget to set the intruder alarm or fails to lock their doors and windows properly. Despite the many improvements in home security systems if homeowners fail to use them properly there is little benefit achieved. Almost half of the persistent burglars interviewed for a recent survey said they believed home security has improved over the last 10 years but they also felt that the improvements would not be enough to stop them breaking in. Only 20% of those surveyed said that a good security system was the most common reason they abandoned an attempted break-in, 40% said being disturbed by the homeowner was the main cause of them giving up a break-in attempt and 40% of those surveyed said they would be put off if there was a noisy dog on the premises.

67% of those surveyed said they always followed the same pattern of searching a house once they are broken in, normally starting in the main bedroom, because this is the usual place that valuables are hidden, they then cover the remaining bedrooms and the main living room, this has proved to be the most efficient way of finding valuable possessions. One interesting fact that emerged from research conducted with burglars currently serving jail sentences was that they consider children’s rooms to be the least profitable to search. The average time that a housebreaking takes is as little as 20 minutes, the average age in which the first burglary was committed was 13, and two thirds of burglars prefer to work alone. Almost all professional burglars go out with the intention of committing an offence, that is to say it is planned rather than opportunistic though obviously if a ripe target presents itself they will take that opportunity to steal. The main motivation to commit housebreaking is as one would expect money, over 80% of those surveyed cited this as their major motivation, they would search for a suitable target judging the potential value of that home by the type of car on the drive, any obviously valuable items that can be seen through the windows, the amount of cover that was provided by such things as fences or trees, the presence of an intruder alarm or dog, and signs of owner occupation.

It should be noted that most of those surveyed said that even though they were not put off by an intruder alarm they would normally move on to an easier target if one was available, also one has to take into consideration the bravado of the people being surveyed, do remember they were all convicted burglars serving time in prison at the time of the survey.

Do you have conversations over the phone that you do not want others to hear? If so, then it may be necessary to protect yourself from cell phone bugs. Cell phone bugs are just as high tech as many other bugs, and can pose even more of a threat, since they are harder to detect. Depending on the bug that is used to listen to your conversation, you might not even realize that someone nearby can hear every word crystal clear. Even if most of your conversations are of little importance, it is a good idea to make sure that you are well protected against cell phone bugs when you make a vital phone call. It is possible to decrease your chances of being listened to if you follow a few simple steps to avoid eavesdroppers. Go somewhere where you know you’ll be alone. Some cell phone bugs intercept signals being sent. A person who looks like she or he is speaking on a cell phone has a special device that allows him or her to hear what you are saying on the phone. Additionally, make sure you are in a place where you can watch for newcomers.

Beware the charging or forgotten phone. Many cell phone bugs look just like they are charging or like their owner forgot them. If see a cell phone charging or lying nearby unattended, go someplace else. Someone may be listening in via the innocent looking phone. Don’t accept new cell phones as gifts. The latest in cell phone bugs is a phone that works like a regular phone, but has a secret access number. If someone gives you a cell phone as a gift, be aware that he or she may be able to dial the phone and not only listen to what you saying while you are on the phone, but activate the cell phone’s microphone in order to hear anything that is going on inside the room. With a little vigilance, you can avoid eavesdroppers through cell phone bugs. Best of all, if you use ingenuity you can “plant” false information for eager ears. You can outsmart surveillance and the use of cell phone bugs. (c) 2005 Copyright www.spyassociates.com. This article is about: Cell Phone Bugs

Your home is your castle, and your family your greatest asset, so you want to keep everything safe. But if you’ve priced home security systems lately, you might have felt your bank book 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. Like most people, 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, barbed wire fences, and a yard full of Dobermans? Here are your tips: Trim shrubs back from doors and walkways (this ensures would-be thieves don’t have any shadowy nooks to hide in).

Lock your storage shed and don’t leave tools out in the yard (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 can suggest you are away from home a lot or that you just don’t care enough to worry about your house). Plant thorny shrubs beneath first-story windows (if you wouldn’t want to climb through a tangle of thorns to reach an open window, chances are a burglar won’t either). If an outdoor light burns out, change it right away. Don’t display your valuables conspicuously (i.e. huge plasma TV on a living room 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 stuff them in your recycling bin. Don’t store 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 instead). Keep tree branches trimmed back from windows and your roof. Make sure the garage doors are sturdy (no loose panels or damaged corners), especially if the garage is attached 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 shut and 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.

Just like other crimes, a burglary can be a totally random event. However, when it’s planned, there are certain things a burglar will look for when staking out a possible break-in, and there are steps the homeowner can take to minimize this risk. This is a good checklist before leaving your home empty or for beefing up your protection against theft: Study your house from the street, and look for any valuables that may be visible from the street. Don’t give thieves a reason to show up.

Before leaving for any length of time, ensure that all windows and doors are locked, including the door to your garage.

Many home invasion robberies come through garage doors and inner doors to the houses. Doors should have deadbolt locks with a one-inch throw and reinforced strike plate. Place a piece of wood or metal in the track of any sliding doors to prevent opening. Don’t leave your house in darkness when you’re away, create a sense of activity by using timers on lights, radios and televisions. Install low-voltage lighting outdoors to keep your surrounding yard well lit. Install motion detectors in dark areas along the sides and back of house to alert you of any intruders. Suspend your newspaper delivery while you’re away and ask your neighbor to collect your mail. You may even ask them to park in your driveway while you’re away. Never leave a message on your answering machine that says you’re on vacation. Keep any shrubbery near your walkway or entrance trimmed; removing any possible hiding places. Think about planting cactus or rosebushes under windows that may be especially vulnerable. Advise your neighborhood watch that you’ll be away. Ensure your security system is activated when you leave. Etch your name on all electronic equipment to serve as a deterrent as well as assisting police in the recovery your property.

It’s more difficult to sell stolen property that has the owners name on it. Make a video tape of your possessions and record the serial numbers. Get a safe, not just for your jewels, but for important paperwork as well. Identity theft is a crime that’s on the rise and you want to minimize any availability to your personal records. The more you can do to deter an intruder, the better your chances are that your home will not be chosen as a target. Studies have shown that if it takes a burglar more than four or five minutes to break into a home, they’ll move on. If you increase their vulnerability by adding a well-lit area or a barking dog, that minimizes your risk again.

While some fires are caused by general causes and can occur anywhere, other causes are more specific for certain rooms.

General Causes Electrical Don’t underestimate the fire risk from electricity just because there is no flame involved. The over warming of hot plugs and sockets and blown fuses may start a fire. Smoking Most cigarettes related fires start because the cigarette is not put out completely. Additional common causes include falling asleep with a cigarette and using improper ashtrays. Candles Even a tiny candle flame can have upsetting consequences. Many candle related fires start due to draughts that lead fire to catch burnable items and tilting candles that are not placed in suitable holders.

Room by Room Causes The Kitchen The kitchen contains many hazards that can cause fires. The common combination of open fire, grease, electricity, and water is very dangerous. Grease fire is a common cause for fires in the kitchen is and is usually caused by fry pans. This type is dangerous as it can set the whole kitchen on fire. Additional fires are dry cooking fires and oven fires. These types are easy to control and they are not likely to cause damage. Kitchen appliances may also cause fire if not maintained well. Bedrooms Bedroom fires are usually caused by misuse of electrical devices. Electrical fires can start due to overloading extension cords and the use of electric blankets and warmers with no lab-approval. Heaters are a concern during winter if they are recklessly placed near linen, clothes, and other flammable items Attics, Basements and the Garage Popular as storage areas these places usually contain fire hazards such as gasoline and other flammable liquids.

Old clothes, papers and other combustible items are also hazardous and should be stored safely. Many of the electrical fire hazards are also located in these areas. Worn cords, electrical boxes and other signs of electrical trouble should be treated immediately. Heating Devices and Fireplaces These are planned to generate heat and may be hazardous if not maintained well. Operating the fireplace without a screen will allow sparks to fly into the room and cause fire. Other causes of fire are combustible items such as wallpaper, curtains, and clothing that are left without maintaining adequate clearance around the heater. For more information visit www.RestorationSOS.com Free guides are available.

Homeland security is the number one goal for the United States Government and it should be goal for all the citizens. The deadly attacks on Sept. 11 and the recent London bombings have highlighted the importance of safety and security and emergency preparedness throughout the world. The homeland security threat level has been raised to elevated status by Texas homeland security department. As per the Texas homeland security department the elevated level is defined as: There is a significant risk of terrorist attacks.

In addition to the actions recommended under lower threat levels, agencies should consider: • Increasing surveillance of critical infrastructure and significant locations.

• Coordinating emergency plans as appropriate with nearby jurisdictions. • Assessing and disseminating information and warnings as appropriate. Emergency preparedness was discussed elaborately on National Public Radio (NBR) and was emphasized that safety equipment like gas masks need to be procured by every citizen of the United States and be prepared for any disaster from future terrorist attacks. They also mentioned that it is time for people to consider these warnings seriously and an action plan to safeguard themselves and their loved ones need to be formulated. There are a number of products available on the market to protect you and your family from unexpected attacks on your safety, including products like gas masks that could be specified as Homeland Security equipment. Whether you are facing an intrusion of your privacy or a terrorist attack directed at your workplace, there are products available from fire safety equipment, gas masks to surveillance equipment which can provide an extra layer of protection. Even when your home may be insured against damage, insurance will not protect your health in the event of a fire.

Even though you may never need to reach for the fire extinguisher, it is always safer to have it on hand in the event of an emergency. Gas masks can provide you safety in the event of a breach of homeland security, such as a chemical or biological attack. They can also be used in industrial and agricultural environments in which there are a large number of airborne pollutants. When you need protection for both your eyes and respiratory system, consider the gas masks which has been approved by the EU and NATO as a personal protection device. There are surveillance equipment like video surveillance equipment which would help guard your premises and aid you further in improving your safety and security. You may also look into audio surveillance equipment such as our phone line analyzer to ensure that your data transfers and conversations are protected. Homeland Security and the related products can help you take action to ensure your safety and that of your loved ones. More information about of gas masks and how they work is at http://www.bestsafetyapparel.com/learnmore.html and to learn more about homeland security equipment visit http://www.bestsafetyapparel.com/arre.html

The messages seem abundant in some forums, «I bought a business and it came with a Sentry Safe that is locked», or «I bought a used Sentry Safe at a garage sale,» of course these statements are followed by some begging for someone to send the writer the combination to their safe.

I do not think there are any great number of people out in «forumlandia» that can take your Sentry Safe serial number and tell you the combination. Not only that, I certainly hope there are not a lot of people with a complete combination list! It is really beyond me why people do not direct these inquires to place they purchased the safe, or to the Sentry Safe Company themselves! Maybe it is because they are hoping for the information for free, as Sentry requires a small payment and some paperwork. Now before we get into the nitty gritty of how you can get help from Sentry, we might examine some other methods of opening your safe when your combination is lost. My personal favorite is of course dynamite. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend the use of dynamite, however quick, it will likely cause you a lot of trouble, damage the contents of your safe and cause severe bodily harm to you and others. Picking the lock would be a close second and good punishment for you forgetting the combination or buying a used safe without a combination; what were you thinking? Maybe a psychic can help you and confirm or deny your belief in them at the same time! Of course you could just sell the safe at a garage sale and let someone else worry about the combination! You can also call a local locksmith, but I suspect it will cost more than following the simple instructions from Sentry. If you want to get the lost combination for free, I suggest you start trying all the possible combinations! Good luck! Ok, we can be serious for a moment and this is all you need to get your lost combination from the Sentry Safe Company and avoid the mystery of psychics and the danger of dynamite.

Here are the easy instructions from Sentry: First step, find the Model and Serial Number of your safe. The Serial Number is in this packet, and is also printed on the small label beside the door hinge (outside). Send a copy of the model number and serial number of the safe, a notarized letter (last name of notary must be different than that of owner) stating you are the owner of the safe, and a check or money order for $12.00 (U.S. funds) to: Sentry Group, Dept. 200, 882 Linden Avenue, Rochester, NY 14625-2784 USA. If using a credit card (Visa/Mastercard only), call 1-800-828-1438 and fax your Model and Serial number with the notarized letter to 585-381-2940. Next time make sure you record the combination and store it in a secure place such as a safety deposit box at your bank. Opening your safe could be a lot more fun, but never more simple!

If you have camera surveillance to help protect your home, it is important to have the proper accessories to ensure that everything works in tip-top shape. When you have a good surveillance system, it is more than just cameras giving you a continuous feed and making recordings.

There are plenty of other supplies that need to be bought in order to make your entire system more effective. Camera surveillance is very important for those who are interested in making sure that their families and their property are safe. It can help you identify intruders and vandals, as well as help you know when your kids are neglected or abused by a sitter or a nanny. Surveillance of the nature is indispensable, and in order to make sure that it is always working as it should be, you should make sure that you have all of the necessary accessories to complement your camera system. Illuminators for surveillance equipment can be very helpful. Because they reach different ranges, and come in a variety of sizes, it is important to understand your home’s security needs when preparing to purchase these products. Most illuminators sit atop the camera, or somewhere near the camera’s location, and offer up light so that the camera can better “see” what is in its range. While shadowy objects can be made out at night without illuminators, they are very helpful as they shed better light and can lead to being able to more positively identify intruders and would-be criminals. Camera housings are very important, especially for outdoor surveillance equipment. This is because CCTV housing protect the cameras from weather that is too hot, cold, windy, or wet. Your equipment will last longer when proper shielded and help you better protect your investment in home security. Many housings come with fans for the summer and heaters for the winter. Other surveillance accessories that will help you make sure that your system does not unexpectedly fail include things like long-running (9 or 10 hours of footage) video tapes and rechargeable battery packs.

Also, you will need cables for plug and play that have different lengths in order to ensure that all parts are correctly connected in your system of surveillance. (c) 2005 Copyright www.spyassociates.com. This article is about: Surveillance.

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 ѕ» 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!

If you need to partially conceal your cameras from view, wireless security cameras are the way to go. Locations such as banks use a combination of wireless and wired, visible and hidden cameras to intimidate potential robbers, but continue photographing them even if they disable the wired cameras. Las Vegas casinos do the same. Look around you the next time you enter a casino or a bank. There are cameras evident and these are for “publicity” purposes. That is, they are there to intimidate a potential robber or petty thief from doing anything, knowing that their actions are being recorded.

The owners of these establishments want you to see these cameras and they want you to think twice about doing anything naughty in their places of business.

Then there are the hidden cameras. Almost always wireless so they can be placed anywhere, they photograph through small holes in the walls or ceilings, or from behind specially designed ordinary devices you’d expect to find in the location. Wireless security cameras are the ones that provide information to the police about who may have committed some crime after they disabled the visible systems. Wireless cameras can be battery operated. That is, they are used to monitor the activities of people for a limited amount of time. Their advantage is that they can be placed in a variety of easily concealed positions, much more so than a camera that requires a wire to be connected to both its power source and a recording device. Lately, these cameras have been built into clocks, children’s toys and other common household devices and have been nicknamed “nanny-cams.” They came into more popular use to catch babysitters and nanny’s who watch over precious youngsters who may not be talking yet. Horrible abuse sometimes occurs when unbalanced adults are left in charge of toddlers who can’t speak. Concerned parents started using these devices to record the actions of the adult in charge while they were gone.

Then the couple could play back the tapes and see what went on in their absence. Some of these tapes were so outrageously awful in what they captured on videotape that they led to prosecution of the adult offender and oftentimes ended up on national tabloid TV shows. Since then they have become a built-in, cleverly concealed device that’s quite often found in homes where young children are being watched by hired help.

A spy cam can be a great tool for protecting your home. A spy cam, properly placed (Or more than one for better coverage of your property) can provide you with visuals of people approaching your house.

Additionally, it is very good to use if you have had vandals ruin some part of your property. With the help of a camera, you can more easily identify these criminals. Also, if you have one or two conspicuously placed cameras, they can act as deterrents to would-be burglars who will move on to a less protected target. But before your outdoor spy cam can be effective, it is important to take some common sense measures to make sure that your camera is protected. After all, if the camera does not work, it does not do a great deal of good unless it has been working as an effective deterrent. First, make sure that you have outdoor spy cam casings. There are plenty of camera protector’s available at most reputable spy shops and online retailers of spy gear. These camera boxes are weather resistant and protect the camera from snow, wind, and rain. Additionally, it is possible to get these camera holders outfitted with fans. This ensures that during the summer they are adequately cooled, protecting the cam from overheating. Another thing you should remember is that you should have a spy cam or two that is not visible to others.

While having on or two cameras prominently displayed can act as a deterrent, they can also become targets.

Make sure that you have back up cameras hidden behind bushes or in trees, or even place inside an upper window, out of sight. If one of your visible cameras is disabled by someone who thinks to disguise him or herself, then your hidden cameras will still be able to identify the perpetrators. An outdoor spy cam can be a great comfort to you and your family. It is nice to know that you can identify intruders and that you can help catch criminals who damage your property. As long as you take precautions in the use of your cameras, there is a lot that can be done for your home by a spy cam. (c) 2005 Copyright www.spyassociates.com. This article is about: Spy Cam

In today’s world of miniaturization, body worn cameras, along with just about everything else, have gotten almost so small that they can be virtually undetectable by the naked eye. A prime example of that is the new interchangeable button/screw camera set that is not only high resolution, but color as well. These little beauties run on a simple nine-volt battery pack and come with an on/off switch. Another great way to use body worn cameras is by using the wireless cell phone version. It comes in a flip style phone and contains a wireless CCD color camera. With only a 4.3mm pinhole lens, no one would suspect that your cell phone is actually a camera because it doesn’t have the telltale large lens opening that regular cell phone cameras have. Plus, this cell phone camera can transmit up to three hundred plus feet. Better still, who would suspect that little pocket pager you have in your hand, of being capable of documenting a video of whatever is going down or whoever is up to no good? And this discreet little color pager has an even smaller 3.6mm lens and comes complete with easy to use plug and play operation that you will love. Another way that miniaturization and covert has come into to play is through the body worn cameras that come concealed inside a pair of sunglasses. But these glasses are great to use in more areas than just the sun. They come with interchangeable tinted lenses that range from dark, to blue, to nearly clear. So that no matter if it’s day or night, inside or out, you can use them to catch all of the action using a tiny pinhole camera that works great along with a pocket DVR, and there is no distortion from the lenses either.

During the exciting time of having your house built or remodeled, make sure to consider one of the most important features that will keep you and your family safe for years to come: security. According to the National Crime Prevention Council, about six out of 10 completed burglaries take place without any sign of forced entry, suggesting that either a door or window was left unlocked or that a duplicate key was used to open one.

Residential burglary is one of the most frequently reported crimes. It also is the most preventable. Locking your windows and doors and having proper lock security is the easiest and most cost-efficient way to prevent burglary. The first step in securing your remodeled or newly built home is to deadbolt exterior doors. Deadbolts are available in several formats. Some are key operated from both inside and out, key operated from the outside and open with a thumbturn on the inside, or solely operated with a thumbturn on the inside. Check with your local crime prevention authority to determine what kind of lock is recommended in your area. Remember that not all locks are created equally. For maximum protection, choose high-security locks. For example, locks made by Medeco incorporate features that protect against drilling and picking. Keys for these locks can only be made by authorized Medeco dealers after you show proper identification. This ensures that only you can authorize the duplication of your keys. Sliding glass doors tend to be an easy point of entry. Special locks and bars are available to prevent lifting and prying of the door. You also can put a wooden dowel or broom handle in the door track. When thinking lock security, don’t forget about your windows. Traditional double-hung windows, which have a top and bottom sash that slides up and down, continue to be the most popular window type installed in remodeled or newly built homes. To secure these windows, install a window sash lock, a lock that’s attached to the sashes of a double-hung window to keep in a shut position.

The latest crime statistics are, to put it mildly, quite disturbing. Crime in United States accounts for more death, injuries and loss of property then all Natural Disasters combined. According to FBI statistics a burglary occurs in the United States every 15 seconds. On top of this the victims and their relatives often experience financial problems, and time is often lost from work to handle the legal, insurance and personal problems associated with being a victim. Home intrusions continue to rise. In the 80’s when crack cocaine hit the streets crime rose an average of 26 percent in most major cities. Now, a major contributor to home intrusions is the drug Methamphetamine. Burglary and thefts from auto’s are the most prevalent neighborhood crimes. Often, breaking into an auto gives the thief a bonus, access to the remote control allowing the house’s garage door to be opened. Household burglary is rampant because it is one of the easiest crimes to commit, half the time with no forced entry required. Most home intrusions occur during daylight hours while homeowners are away. The burglar will in many cases watch your home for a few days to see when you are out. While home burglary is one of the easiest crimes to commit, it is also one of the easiest to prevent.

Neighborhood Watch is a good starting point, and is a proven crime-reduction program. Most police departments are very supportive of these programs and will provide information and materials on how to set up a program. Members watch out for their neighbors and report suspicious activities to the police department. A term used often in these groups is «hardening the target». Hardening the target means steps you can take to cause a thief to bypass your house and move on to an easier target. Some of these items include using quality deadbolt locks, installing impact resistant glass on certain windows so someone cannot break the glass and reach in and unlock the door, installing solid exterior doors, installing motion sensing outdoor lighting, and others tailored to your particular situation. Most of the security items mentioned are relatively inexpensive ways to «harden your target». Also, many high tech devices once considered cost prohibitive are now affordable. For example, a wireless video surveillance system can be purchase for around $50.

00.

Just mount the small camera in the area to be viewed and view the image on a channel on your home TV set. Elaborate systems, however, can still be costly. Consider installing a home security system. This is taking «hardening the target» to the highest level. Homes without security systems are 3 times more likely to be broken into than homes with security systems. 90 percent of police believe alarms deter burglary attempts. A full article could be devoted to this one subject, but lets look at the main points. You will hear the terms hardwired or wireless used when describing home alarm systems. If you are renting your accommodation, a wireless system is the best choice because you can take the system with you when you move. If you own your home, either type system can be used. Most security professionals tend to favor hardwire, but the negative side is the higher cost due to the installation time involved. Wireless, by the nature of the name, is installed in hours compared to days with hardwired systems. A negative side is having to worry with batteries. Ultimately either system detects an intrusion and sounds an alarm. The alarm can be a local siren or bell, or a silent alarm to a security monitoring company, or both.

The security representative surveying your home can make recommendations for your best protection based on your living patterns. If you are just living as usual, you are putting your family, and your property at unnecessary risk. Home intrusions have increased to the point where every homeowner must become more aware of the dangers, and learn about the latest security products available to protect ones home, family, and valuables. Make sure your home is safe and secure.

Attention convention goers.

Now you can easily record contact details and trade event conversations using some of the great, new, little digital voice recorders available for you to buy. Conventions are busy, time-consuming affairs where you meet a lot of people and can gather up loads of information that could be important both personally and professionally. By using digital voice recorders, you can be sure that you will not miss out on a single important word or idea that comes up. Whether it is a new idea for a product line, a great new way to provide quality service to your customers or an overwhelmingly innovative idea on new surgical procedures that could some day help same one of your patient’s life, you will be sure to get every intimate detail down when your are using digital voice recorders. To do all of this, you no longer have to worry about lugging around heavy, cumbersome equipment. Digital voice recorders now come in such small, convenient sizes that you can easily throw one into your pocket, keeping it handy for instant use whenever you need it.

Better still, you don’t have to worry about lugging around a bunch of space eating tapes like you used to when the only available recorders used cassettes.

And unlike those old cassette recorders, you can record for hours without every having to worry about running out of space. So if you are in the market for digital voice recorders take a look at these great little MP3s and never again miss out on important information.

As with many other purchases, individuals who are interested in acquiring a home security alarm system want to be sure that their money is well spent and that they get the features that they need and are expecting for their purchase.

One of the greatest benefits of a security system is the peace of mind that it allows individuals when it comes to their home and their belongings. However, there are a number of additional features that can come with a security system and some of these features are more popular and requested as compared to others. Not all home security providers are the same in what they offer and provide to their customers.

As a result, individuals will need to do appropriate research in order to determine specifically which alarm system companies offer the most benefits and those that they, as individuals, are most interested in having. Many security system do not just offer relief from burglars and break ins, but also fires and other types of disasters. Some optional alarm coverage also includes carbon monoxide detection, floods and dangerous changes in the temperature of the home, which may result in such problems are frozen pipes. While most alarms will offer a central keypad inside the home, which can be used to activate and deactivate the alarm system of a home, there are some alarm system providers that will provide a keychain to account holders in order to activate and deactivate the system. This is convenient since the alarm can be utilized from outside the home as well as this inside. A battery backup is also a great feature of an alarm system. Backup battery systems are installed in an individual’s alarm keypad which powers the alarm system, even in the event that a home loses their electric power. If you are looking for additional security, in addition to monitoring the doors and windows of a home, individuals have the option of investing in motion detectors for their home.

These motion detectors are set up around the home and will set off the alarm if a subject is moving around the home. Happily for those who have pets, the motion detectors can be set to only pick up the motions of specific weights, such as over forty pounds. This allows animals such as cats and dogs to continue to roam freely around the house without setting off the alarm. Some individuals also enjoy talking controls, which can utilize voice prompts. Yard signs and window decals may seem like a negligible feature, but they have been proven to deter criminal acts. Wireless alarm systems help to keep one’s home organized and free of additional clutter.

One feature that is desired, but not tangible, is that of reputation. Individuals looking for home security alarm should be sure to investigate security providers that are well-known and offer good service to their customers.

In today’s world, an individual or business owner needs to take the necessary steps to protect themselves, their family and their investments. While many opt for a full security system, which is always a good idea, the addition of security cameras can help to record any/all activities that take place in and around a specific area. Security cameras are not only designed for outside use, but are also commonly used indoors. When it comes to reasons why you should consider installing security cameras, listed below are five of the best: Security cameras provide constant monitoring of your home and/or business even when you are not there.

Let’s face it.

There is no way that you can be two places at once.

You are either at home or at work, which is why security cameras can be your eyes even when you cannot be there in person. If installed at your home, security cameras can help you to see who is outside your front door or on your property before opening the door or venturing outside. This is a very important safety precaution for anyone, whether you live out in the most rural of settings or in the city. It’s always a good idea to see who is at your door before you open it and if you suspect someone is on your property, security cameras can help to either confirm or eliminate that concern. If a theft should occur, the use of security cameras can provide valuable evidence to help convict the perpetrator and possibly even recover your stolen item(s). This is true of both home and business burglaries. In addition, a home or business that is monitored with a security camera may carry more affordable insurance because it is less desirable for criminals who know they are being monitored. For the exact policy guidelines, check with your local insurance agent. Security cameras can help parents to keep an eye on their babysitter.

When you leave your child at home and entrust them with a babysitter, it never hurts to add extra peace of mind in knowing that your child is properly cared for during those moments when you are not at home with them yourself. If used in a place of business, security cameras can help employers and store owners to keep a close eye on their employees. Monitoring of employee actions can help in a variety of situations, including possible employee theft, customer complaints and other matters where video playback may be beneficial.

If you want to make the move from surveillance amateur to surveillance professional, you need high tech spy equipment. The best private investigators and bounty hunters use the best available spy equipment and bring in the results. Not only can good equipment help you improve your results, it also provides an impressive display of prowess and ability. Clients and potential customers alike will be impressed, and your reputation as a true professional that can get the job done spreads. The best spy equipment, however, is not cheap. You will probably not get away with spending a couple thousand dollars to get professional grade equipment. When you purchase a superior system that comes with portable DVR, ability to remotely check on your cameras, and multi-channel capability, you will spend close to $10,000.

You can spend as little as $3,000 or $4,000, but these models lack some of the more advanced features that will prove to your potential clients that you have what it takes to get the job done. Other high tech spy equipment includes location trackers that allow you to follow your subject in real time and pull up a location history. Cheap location trackers that simply tell you where someone is at the time are abundant, but they do not keep track of history; you have to do that yourself, rather than work on another project at the same time. An advanced tracker hooked up to your advanced system allows you to periodically see where the subject is, and to find out where he or she has been. High tech spy equipment also encompasses small hidden cameras that look like ordinary objects, portable bugs that allow you to hear in digital quality, and wireless systems that allow you to have a mobile base. You can check in on your cases from anywhere. When you have high quality equipment, your surveillance is more accurate and more efficient. It also instills your customers with a sense of confidence in your abilities. Professional spy equipment is just like any other business expense. You need to spend money in order to get the best, and you will receive a return on your investment. So, if you are ready to be a true surveillance professional, upgrade your spy equipment. (c) 2005 Copyright www.spyassociates.com. This article is about: Spy Equipment.

Surveillance equipment usually reminds one of “007” but with the recent rise in crime rates it is more a necessity than just spy equipment.

The surveillance equipment allows you to keep a watch even when you are not physically present at the scene. These are used to monitor the behavior of people (like stealing, harassing etc.) or procedures that do not act desirably. These appliances are thus concealed and obvious. Since there is always a chance of improper activity in places like shopping malls, public schools, warehouses, parking garages, airport terminals and offices, these places are the ones mostly investing on surveillance equipments. A wide variety of such equipments are available in the market with highly developed technology. Surveillance equipment mostly combines audio and video data transfer and may range from Internet based equipment and wiretapping phone to biometrics (advanced facial aspect identification computer software). The recent development of ‘wireless’ technology has its own set of problems. The wireless devices transmit information either by radio waves or infrared light, which can be intercepted. Therefore, such devices are not reliable regarding the transfer of important information. Surveillance equipment is used to record conversation or acts, but these are possible also on a normal recording machine.

Some options are: • Clandestine miniature devices linked to a small microphone, externally mounted to pick up the audio. • Digital gadgets like minidisk recorders or the most recent diminutive camcorders are small enough to be carried easily, but produce very high quality recordings. • The common ones encountered at offices for monitoring staff are usually perched from a ceiling. • The most advanced ultra-directional microphones, or parabolic microphones can be used to overhear conversations from a hundred meters away or more. • Extreme clarity is possible only via a laser microphone, which are again, expensive and highly technical to operate. • Since mobile phones nowadays can record both audio and video, therefore they can be used as surveillance equipments as well. Surveillance equipments normally emit radio waves, however the more sophisticated ones are not dependant on Radio Waves and are extremely hard to detect. The only way to detect them is by using sensitive gear to seek out magnetic fields, or the common electrical ‘noise’. Another way would be to use sensitive infrared cameras for identifying waste heat of a Surveillance equipment. Gone are the days of the private eye, now you can get information yourself via these fascinating surveillance equipments. Finally, the best benefit these devices afford is that they are successful in doing away with the incentive to commit crime. Since a person’s inclination to commit crime is decreased once he/she is aware that someone is there to keep an eye on him/her.

It is vertical markets leaders in the home security, appliance and automobile industries that need to start scratching their heads and thinking about reaching new business owners.

DVR system, digital subscription TV services, and home security systems are all dependant on a standard phone line to function. To combat this fear, many people are increasing the level of home security to protect their families and valuables. This is the latest version of the drive-by garage door remote theft where criminal would use universal remote controls to open garage doors without arousing the suspicions of neighbours, police, or home security companies. The best way of making the most of any home security discount that your insurance provider offers is to ensure that your house is fitted with dead bolt locks, smoke detectors/alarms, and if possible a burglar and fire alarm that is monitored. For example, let’s say you’re selling home security products. A classic piece of rubbish for the security book would be:-»We at ACME security have been leaders in the field of home security for over seventy years, winning the Queens award for industry on at least five occasions. Security Services Internet can be compared to services like ADT home security.

There are less dramatic, but nevertheless fear-inspired, examples: Fear incites us to buy life insurance, to floss our teeth, to buy cars with airbags, to install home security systems and to purchase guns.

Consider these technology services related keyword examples and the results they yield on Google:  Home Office Supplies: 450,000,000 results  Satellite TV: 61,900,000 results  High Speed Internet Access: 123,000,000 results  VOIP: 112,000,000 results  Long Distance Services: 67,000,000 results  Internet Conferencing: 40,600,000 results  Web Hosting: 295,000,000 results  Home Security Systems: 481,000,000 results If a person wanted to a comparison shop for these technology services, they would spend days, even weeks, going through all of these results, in order to find the best deal on all of these services. Some less than obvious facts are that new business owners are 150% more likely to install a home security system in their home within the first 6 months of starting their business. $1 per click to Google to advertise under the keyword phrase burglar alarm, but if they wanted to advertise using the keyword phrase home security systems they pay approximately $5 per click to Google. This may be the ideal time to install that home security system you’ve been thinking about.

Do you have a wall phone located in your home or office? Do you also need the protection of covert hidden cameras? Now you can combine the convenience of a wall phone with the security of a covert hidden camera. These great innovations come wired, which allows the phone to be an actual working phone or wireless, which is then a nonfunctional phone, but just a working camera, and since the camera is pointed out the front of the phone, the camera has a solid view of most rooms. What if you don’t have a wall phone in your room, or don’t particularly want one, there is another way to covertly keep the activities in the room on camera. You can purchase an attractive wall clock that looks great anywhere you place it.

It is fully functional as both a camera and a clock and the camera is completely hidden from view.

The best part is that if you need this system to be wireless, that isn’t a problem, and they come with an eight channel scroll selectable receiver that allows versatility in your wireless application. Okay, so you have an industrial plant and you need security but a wall clock or wall telephone will just stick out like a sore thumb. Your solution can be covert hidden cameras located in a utility box. Who pays attention or thinks twice about utility boxes? With one of these weatherproof, easy to install units, you would have a tiny, hidden, pinhole lens camera that would give you crystal clear video for up to a 700 foot range, and the receiver plugs into a VCR or monitor for easy viewing. Before you know it, you’ll know exactly what’s happening on the premises day or night.

The home security industry has grown to be substantially bigger especially in light of recent years as a result of tumultuous geopolitical issues. If you are fortunate enough to be living in a neighborhood where you don’t even need to lock your doors at night and still feel safe and sound – congratulations, this article is definitely not for you. For everyone else, read on… There’s just so much on the market nowadays that go beyond the physical security of your home such as having deadbolt locks or window bars, etc. Now you have the option of getting ahold of closed-circuit television and monitor your home 24/7, where you can even outsource the services of specialists to check in every now and then to make sure everything is in order. There’s also home automation tools for security and deterrence such as scheduled power plug devices. Essentially what they do is rotate the electricity settings to things like lighting, the radio, the TV, or anything else that will give the appearance that there is someone home. This is idea for those who are planning on going on holiday. For those who are on a budget and can’t afford or don’t want to spend the time setting up a security system or hire someone else to do it, there are simple and clean measures such as using dummy cameras on your front lawn or patio which can act as a sort of «repellant» for would-be thieves.

Additionally, wireless security cameras are becoming more and more affordable as the technology makes leaps and bounds- both in terms of the cutting edge new features but also in the manufacturing and design process. Speaking of which, we now have access at the consumer level, digital solutions to consider incorporating into the ultimate security package. You can remotely monitor several of your stores or different locations that you own or have an interest in, that you can check out through a centralized node using simple to use out-of-the-box security solutions.

Adding wireless home security systems to your home or office can be quite easy as long as you know what you want and how to install them. With just a few simple facts in hand, you can quickly be on your way to finding what you want from the various wireless home security systems. Prior to choosing wireless home security systems, you must decide a few things. First you must look over your home to determine how many doors and windows will be used with the system. Next you must determine where you want your control panel and keypads. While some people find it is more convenient to have them close to the front door, others prefer to have them closer to the bedrooms. You can also have them in both places if you so choose. You must also find out how far these doors and windows are from the system’s main sensors. If you are using wireless home security systems, they cannot be too far from the sensors or else they won’t be able to communicate with them.

Do you want a monitored system? For a small monthly fee, various companies’ can ‘watch’ your system. For a less expensive alternative, you can choose a basic system that connects a dialer to your home phone that can dial previously chosen numbers in the case of an emergency. Motion detectors are also an option, but you may want to reconsider having them if anyone in your house, including pets, have a tendency to roam during the night or whenever your system is enabled. Now that you have this information you can begin to look through the various options for wireless home security systems. The first step is contacting a reputable company that you know and trust. When choosing the correct wireless home security systems model, make sure that you choose a system that monitors every zone in your home. With wireless home security systems you must be certain that it can perform correctly by reaching even the furthest zone. Lastly, a user-friendly system is a must. If you don’t know how to use wireless home security systems, then they won’t do you much good in an emergency. Be aware that when choosing wireless home security systems, each contact device takes batteries. It can be a bit pricier then a hard-wired system due to the fact that you must pay for service calls to replace the batteries. But this can be avoided if you buy them and install them yourself. Speaking of installation, installing wireless home security systems can be quite easy to do yourself since they do not require any hard-wiring, only basic tools that you have lying around your house. As previously discussed, the first step to installing wireless home security systems is figuring out where to put the control panels and sensors.

Once you have done that, you are almost on your way to having your home ready to go in case of an emergency or break-in. By following the instructions that come with wireless home security systems, you can quickly install your system while saving money. But, if you prefer to have it done for you, you can easily call a contractor, or a company specializing in this type of system, to do it for you.

As technology becomes more and more sophisticated, virtually every type of electronic device becomes even more miniaturized. This is especially true of the spy technology that is available on the market today. As the various types of spy equipment that is used to listen, record and photograph have gotten phenomenally smaller, so have the devices that are used to detect them.

There are now hand held versions of several different types of bug detectors. One such unit can perform a multifunctional sweep of the environment and works just like the larger units do; only now they have more functions as well as offering the convenience of portability. Other hand held devices can detect even the smallest hard wired video camera. If you’re worried about someone listening to or recording your conversation by wearing a hidden, miniaturized listening device upon their person, you’ve got the perfect countermeasure. There are compact sized RF detectors that are so small, you can conceal them upon your person, allowing you to perform a complete sweep for wireless listening devices without anyone knowing you’re even doing it. You can completely eliminate the worry of saying something you don’t want recorded or heard by others when you know whether or not your conversation is truly private. Other types of portable, hand held devices could be used to locate wireless cameras as well as microphones. If you don’t want a video and audio record of something you are about to divulge, you can rest assured that you are in the clear with one of these handy, portable devices.

I bet you are frustrated by the lack of information about spy cameras available on the internet.

I sure was. There seams like there are just a few big companies who have blown their entire advertising budget to make a big splash. (This includes the X10 camera of the late 90s fame). Spy cameras can come in very handy to anyone who wants one (provided, of course, that they aren’t used for nefarious activities). Spy cameras have tons of legitimate uses, and can come in especially useful for home security measures. Here’s how I use the internet to shop for a new spy camera. 1) Use multiple search engines to do your shopping. Just because something is featured on Yahoo doesn’t mean that it is featured on Google and vice versa. A lot of the time, advertising bidders are very different on Yahoo and Google for the same keywords. Search different search engines to see different vendors selling on different sites. 2) Use specific shopping search engines like Froogle. Froogle is great because it allows the shopper to select among multiple different vendors who are selling similar products. Froogle is a shopping specific search engine that you can use specifically for your shopping needs. I’ve used Froogle on multiple occasions to compare and contrast the different product I’m looking for. If you can think it up, it’s probably on Froogle somewhere. Spy cameras are certainly no exception. 3) Learn about the ins and outs of spy cameras. Spy cameras come in as many different forms as flavors of ice creams. You can find spy cameras that are basically disposable and spy camera systems that can cost over $1000. Learn all about them and the mistakes that people make when buying them. Points 1 and 2 above definitely can help you make a decision, however getting the real knowledge is what you will use to ensure that you get the best deal possible.

Learn all about spy cameras and save yourself a bundle.

A home security camera or series of cameras can be an excellent addition to an already effective home security system.

A home security camera is used for a variety of purposes. The primary purpose is to act as a visual deterrent to would be burglars. In most cases, having a home security camera or several cameras installed on your property is likely to discourage a potential burglar. For most homeowners convincing them a home security camera would be beneficial isn’t the problem. The problem is convincing them that buying a security camera isn’t as overwhelming as it seems. This article will offer tips for choosing the right home security camera for your needs. One of the first aspects of a home security camera to consider is whether you will use a wireless home security system or one that requires connection to a power source. There are many security camera options that are wireless. This means the camera does not need to be connected to an external power supply and there is no need for wires. However, the camera still requires a source of power which is often an internal battery. A wireless home security camera may be easier to install because there is no wiring but it can be more difficult to maintain because the batteries may need to be replaced or recharged frequently. The location of your home security camera should also be considered before you make your purchase. In most cases, a home security camera is installed outdoors. This requires several considerations. Protection of your camera from the weather elements is very important. You should choose a home security camera that is designed to work well in your environment. You should also consider where you wish to install the camera.

To effectively deter a burglar, the home security camera should be installed in location of high visibility because burglars will not be deterred if they do not see the home security camera. This will affect your purchase because you will want to choose a home security camera that will be easily installed in the desired location. Finally, you should decide how you wish to record the images from your home security camera. The recordings from your home security camera can be recorded in a variety of ways including on video tapes, DVDs and on your computer. You should determine which method you want to use before purchasing a home security camera to ensure the camera you choose is compatible with your method of recording. There are many options available for those who wish to purchase a home security camera. All of these options can seem overwhelming and may intimidate some homeowners from making a purchase. It is important to remember that careful research will make the purchase of a home security camera a much simpler process

Listening devices are among the most basic of spy and surveillance equipment. It is the first thing that any professional, amateur, or hobbyist should look into getting. There is a wide variety of listening devices. They range from the large-seeming constructs that are pointed at subjects up to 300 yards away and still pick up sound, to tiny RF transmitters that hide among telephone cords. But the most interesting bugging devices are those that look like ordinary, everyday objects. They are fun to use and often lull unsuspecting subjects into a false sense of security, encouraging them to reveal information that they do not want you to have. Listening devices that look like everyday items are especially helpful if you want to record a conversation you are having with someone, but don’t want them to know you are recording it, or if you want to listen in on a conversation someone is having in another room (one that she or he would not have with you present).

You can leave the object behind, and the person will not know that you are listening, or you can wear the bug on your person, sending the audio to a recorder that you can further listen to at a later time.

Some of the more common everyday listening devices are things like pens and cell phones. These are items that are prevalent everywhere. It does not look suspicious if you have a pen in your pocket, or use it to take notes. Likewise, nobody thinks twice about the cell phone hanging from a clip on your belt. These are objects that people expect to accompany you everywhere. And they are also objects that nobody suspects when you “forget” them. People are forever misplacing pens and cell phones. Other listening devices that masquerade as regular items include reading glasses, makeup compacts, and even larger, more stationary things like clocks and small sculptures. It is even possible to hide bugs in innocuous objects not likely to be suspected of containing bugs. Many of these things still perform their normal functions, so they work as they should. They just have the added bonus of actually being listening devices. (c) 2005 Copyright www.spyassociates.com. This article is about: Listening Devices.

Do you bank online? Do you store or use passwords on your computer or the Internet? Do you send personal information in emails? Do you conduct business on your computer? If you answer yes to any of these questions you could be putting yourself at risk just by opening some spam emails.

Whether you use Outlook, Outlook Express, MSN Hotmail, AOL, Eudora, Thunderbird™ or any other email program you will be likely exposed to some spam and other junk email. Spam is not just an annoyance. It can be dangerous! Simply opening and reading a spam message can open you to viruses that can damage your computer and the information that is on it. Spam that has spyware attached is the most often used way for criminals to gain access to your computer and more importantly the private and personal information you have on it. Just because you receive spam, doesn’t mean it has to be a problem for you. Follow these rules to reduce or eliminate the SPAM and junk email you receive and protect yourself from the unwanted emails you do receive. 1. DELETE. If you don’t recognize the sender, just delete the email. Do people you don’t know ever really send you ‘important’ email? 2. DELETE. If the email asks you to ‘click here to verify your account,’ just delete the email. No reputable company will ask you to provide confidential information through an email. If your account has really been ‘compromised’ you will get a phone call or postal letter, not an email. 3. CONFIRM. Okay, you really think someone may have gotten into your bank account and your bank needs you to ‘verify’ your account. All you have to do is make a phone call and confirm that the email is legitimate. Go directly to the website for the company supposedly sending you the message. (IMPORTANT: Don’t rely on the link in the email since the contact information could be fraudulent. Type in the company’s web address or Google™ them). Look for a Customer Service or ‘Report Fraud’ number and call it. If the email is real, they will know, otherwise refer to Rule 1 or Rule 2. 4. DO NOT UNSUBSCRIBE. The ‘unsubscribe’ link on most SPAM email is really just a ‘confirm your email address so we can get more money selling it to other SPAMMERS’ link.

Unsubscribing to SPAM won’t reduce your volume of email and in most cases will actually increase the amount you receive. If you want to unsubscribe to an email list that you signed up for at some point but just don’t want to receive it any longer (technically not SPAM) go to the company’s website and unsubscribe. 5. PROTECT. Install Anti-Spam software such as LIST AFFILIATE LINKS HERE or use an internet service provider or email service who does this for you. Find an email provider that provides spam filtering. Remember though, even with the best protection, some SPAM gets through. When it does, refer to Rule 1 or Rule 2. Follow these simple rules and you can take control over spam. Aubrey Jones is President and founder of Riverbank Consulting, Inc. Since 1996 he has worked to protect internet banking clients for one of the top US financial institutions.

If you are one of those people who need to use listening devices for your telephone, there are many different ones to choose from. It does not matter what the reason is, whether you are doing it for covert operations in police work, making sure that your employees are not running up lots of long distance charges on your business phone, keeping track of who is using your business phone for lots of personal phone calls, or just keeping a record of important information that is received over the telephone. One of the greatest listening devices made for this purpose is the thirty-four hour, no battery drain, and telephone recorder. You heard it right – no battery drain. And it does not matter where you may need to use these particular listening devices, whether it is a pay phone, a hotel, digital, or universal cell, this unit comes with a recording interface that works in all of those applications.

Once this listening device is connected, it will automatically turn on the minute the receiver is lifted. And because it runs for a full twelve hours of actual telephone conversation on a single set of “AAA” batteries, it is perfect for situations where A/C power access is limited or nonexistent. But when there is a wall plug available, there is an optional AC adaptor that you can use with this unit as well. With the no battery drain, you do not have to worry about using up precious battery time while the unit is resting, waiting for the next conversation to record. The VOR recording completely eliminates gaps in the recording.

An alarm system is a great way to provide extra protection for your home. There are plenty of options available for you to ensure your home’s safety. So don’t take chances. Protect your family with a home security system that will safeguard your most precious valuables, and the people you love. What are they? Motion detectors spot the movement in areas covered by the security sensors.

Motion detectors transmit high frequency radio wave signals. They give a warning that someone is entering into your home. Different kinds of motion detectors how they work: Infrared Sensors: Motion detectors use infrared light to detect heat changes, i.e. when a person moves across this light it detects them with the help of the infrared sensors. If a person moves in the range of the motion sensors, the alarm is activated. Infrared sensors are cheaper than microwave sensors and ultrasonic sensors. Infrared sensors are generally smaller and very reliable. Vibration Sensors: It detects a person through vibration. Many car alarms have this feature to alert the owner that something has bumped into their car. Photoelectric Sensors: Some motion detection systems use lasers and photoelectric beams. The laser is shot across to the other side of the room or doorway. If the laser is interrupted the unit’s alarm signal is activated. Ultrasonic sensors : They use a frequency around 30kHz. The transmitter bounces the waves of walls, furniture, windows and ceilings and when the room has stabilized, the alarm is armed.

Acoustic Sensors: They can detect the energy produced by any kind of sound, including breaking glass.

In the case of breaking glass from window intrusions, the pattern of the sound emitted is detected.

In December 2004, a fire destroyed three townhouses and damaged a fourth in Lorton, Va.

, just south of the nation’s capital. Investigators later determined that faulty wiring had sparked the blaze. Raul Castillo, a spokesman for the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, said that fire marshals digging through the rubble uncovered an anomaly in the internal wiring at the back of one of the townhouses. This launched the fire, which spread to the adjacent townhouses. Two firefighters were hurt, one burned, while navigating the smoky townhouses in the pre-dawn darkness. Seven adults were left homeless by the fire, which marshals estimate caused at least $800,000 in damage. To avoid such a disaster, the National Concrete Masonry Association advises that you evaluate a building’s fire safety when you rent or buy a home in a multi-family dwelling, or if you are planning to lodge somewhere overnight or house your loved ones in college dormitories or nursing facilities. Buildings should contain these three components of a balanced fire-safety design: smoke detectors, sprinkler systems and concrete masonry walls between housing units. These elements, working in concert, provide the highest levels of safety and property protection. Find out if the building’s walls and floors also are constructed of concrete and concrete masonry. Concrete masonry helps keep fire from spreading and does not produce smoke or generate toxic fumes. The NCMA recommends that you urge local building-code officials to ensure that multi-family homes adhere to the principles of a balanced fire-safety design, including non-combustible concrete masonry construction.