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.

Creating a sense of comfort and peace in your home is equal parts family harmony and home security. While we can do nothing about family harmony we can help you learn a preventative steps that add measurably to the level of comfort and peace in your home in the event of a burglary or fire. Home Security Systems (Burglar Alarms) provide a heightened sense of well-being by alerting you to an intrusion attempt; however, many available units can also provide a security call to local constabularies.

A good system should be mounted on an inside wall away from direct sight from either the front or back door. A two panel system is an even more effective system due to the fact that, should one system be rendered ineffective, the second panel can still alert officials. Wireless alarm systems can remain effectual when wired systems may be compromised by very skilled burglars. Close Circuit Television (CCTV) can also provide a means of identifying those who may be lurking on your property. These easily hidden devises can also allow you to easily identify welcome visitors. Security lighting is a key element in the safety of your property and can make it easy to see when you arrive home after dark. Interior lighting that is subject to a timer may confuse burglars as to whether there are family members inside. Outdoor lighting that uses motion sensing technology makes it difficult for robbers to gain undetected access to any vulnerable areas of your home. The two primary doors burglars will attempt to gain access through are the garage and back doors. They usually are the easiest to compromise and they provide the greatest concealment. Glass paneled doors are a means of easy entrance into any home so consider replacing them with solid core doors when possible. Replace old locks with high quality mechanisms capable of resisting lock-picking attempts as well as prying and twisting. We also recommend the use of quality deadbolts. The use of a peephole is also advised when CCTV technology is not in use or in tandem when possible. If your home has sliding glass doors you can simply place a wooden dowel or similar commercial grade products like the charley-bar in the track to make it difficult for the door to slide should the latch be compromised. With all the emphasis on doors we would be remiss if we failed to mention a burglar’s favourite means of accessing your home.

It is far more likely that a window will be left either open or unlocked than a door. Because windows generally use latch technology, a secondary blocking device should be considered. Should you require nighttime ventilation be sure to block your windows so that they will not open more than a few millimeters. Should your home be accessed by burglars, a home safe can further ensure the safety of your most valuable possessions. Neighbours can also be an effective ally in keeping your home safe. Neighbourhood partnerships have assisted home owners in self policing the homes in their immediate area. Those participating in Neighbourhood Watch programmes can assist others by picking up mail, handbills and newspapers. A burglar will often look for homes with an accumulation of newspapers or postal deliveries as a means of assessing the potential success of a robbery attempt. Should your home be robbed, there is a way to assist police in the potential recovery of your personal property. By engraving personal information on your valuables it makes it much more difficult for burglars to attempt to sell your property to others. When it is determined that the property does not belong to the seller, police may well be called thus increasing the chances that your possessions will be returned. A few minutes marking your valuables can prove beneficial should a burglary occur. You should also consider photographing and recording the serial numbers of high end possessions. Make sure a copy of this information is stored in a place other than your home to ensure its availability in the event of a loss. When it comes to fire prevention, smoke alarms are a wonderful means of assuring the greatest chance of safety in the event of a fire in your home.

The high pitched squeal is designed to awaken the deepest sleeper and has helped families escape what might otherwise be a horrific event. These cost effective devices continue to be a technology that is easy to use and hard to justify living without. Making sure your home is safe from potential burglary attempts does not need to instill fear. The methods of home safety and security are simply tools to be used to help your family enjoy the benefits of life without needless apprehension. For more information on CCTV go towww.musthavesecurity.com/cctv-kits.asp

Are you worried that you partner may be cheating on you? With a spy phone it is fairly easy to find out. In today’s world, nearly everyone has his or her own cell phone. In fact, with family plans and extra phones, there is no need to share a phone. Each person’s phone is sacrosanct. This means that it is easier than ever for significant others to cheat on their partners. No worries about the wrong person answering the phone. With a personal cell phone, you know you are the only person to answer. Plus, partners keep their own phones with them, so there is little chance of someone invading the phone book and seeing suspicious activity. A spy phone, however, will cut right through all this. The latest spy phone is one that you give to your subject. The person then uses it just like a regular cell phone. They can make and receive calls, enter numbers into a phone book, and do all of the things that one would expect from a cell phone. The major difference is that you have access to communication through the phone. You can even listen to communication that takes place around the phone. You spy phone comes equipped with two numbers. The first is a regular number. Anyone can call this number and reach your partner. The second number is a secret number that you program into the phone prior to giving it to your partner.

Whenever you dial the number, you have access to hear whatever is going on around the phone. If your partner is on the phone, you get to listen in to both ends of the conversation. If your significant other is not on the phone, a microphone that picks up everything in the vicinity of the spy phone is silently activated so that you can hear what is going on in the room. A spy phone is the perfect surveillance device. You can give it to your partner as part of your new cell plan, and she or he wouldn’t suspect a thing. It goes everywhere with the person, so it is a portable bug that the person does not know he or she is carrying. Plus, whether arranging a clandestine meeting over the phone or listening to a conversation during a secret tryst, you can gather the evidence you need, even if your partner is not actively using the spy phone. (c) 2005 Copyright www.spyassociates.com. This article is about: Spy Phone.

We live in a very insecure world, dominated by robbery and crime. Due to the pronounced differences between the classes of society, cultural conflicts and various other factors, worldwide crime rates have known an exacerbated increase in the last decades, rendering modern society a very unstable and unsafe environment. Every day we hear about all sorts of crimes, robberies and thefts, making us doubt the safety of our homes, possessions and even our lives! People are feeling more and more insecure inside their homes these days and they reinforce their doors and windows, install extra door locks, and even buy guard dogs to provide them protection.

However, it is very important to note that experienced robbers can easily break through to a wide range of home defenses, the previously mentioned precautions only providing a false sense of security. In addition, recently conducted research has revealed that most burglaries and robberies take place while the owners are at home, exposing the home owners and their families to a serious risk! In present, the only effective means to protect your home against robbers is to install a reliable home security system. Only after you have equipped your home with an efficient alarm system you can actually feel 100 percent safe inside your home. A house equipped with a modern, solid security system is definitely not an easy target for robbers. Even the most experienced robbers will think twice before breaking inside a house equipped with a modern security system. However, even if they break inside a house with a security system installed, robbers will trigger the alarm, alerting the local monitoring station and the police. As soon as you order a home security system, a team will promptly deliver and install it for you. Home security systems are easy to use, allowing users to control a series of features via keypad. The security system is password-protected, requiring you to type in the previously established password before you can change the settings of the alarm system. After you have typed in your password, you can easily arm or disarm the alarm system, or change various specific settings. Once armed, the alarm will be triggered by any attempt of breaching inside the house. In order to ensure that your home is effectively protected, you should install motion detectors to every door and window of your house. Home security systems are monitored non-stop by a local monitoring station. When the alarmed is triggered, the security system will promptly signal the monitoring station and you will be immediately contacted on the phone by a member of the security team, in order to confirm whether your house has been breached or the signal has been triggered by accident.

If you don’t answer the phone or give the incorrect password, the monitoring station will quickly alert the police. A reliable home security system is a very effective means of protecting your home. As soon as you equip your house with a modern, effective security system, you are guaranteed maximum protection and ongoing monitoring for your home.

What can you do to safeguard your home if your house keys accidentally end up in the wrong hands? That’s a question nearly two out of every three American homeowners should consider closely, according to a new study. The study, Danger at America’s Doorstep: Who Has Keys to Your Home?, looked at how homeowners protect–or fail to protect–their house keys and safeguard their home.

The survey found that a majority (64 percent) of American homeowners have knowingly circulated their house keys outside of their immediate family and nearly one-third (27 percent) of American homeowners have given out a key three or more times. Every 15 seconds a burglar breaks into a house, apartment or condo in the U.S. Burglars are often quick to attack a home’s easiest point of entry, and nothing’s easier than unlocking a front door with a set of keys. According to John Heppner, President and CEO of Fortune Brands Storage and Security, including Master Lock Company L.L.C., «Too many Americans underestimate the potential risks they invite to their homes when they let their house keys wander.» Fortunately, there are ways to prevent strangers from entering your home–even if they have your key. For example, the Master Lock NightWatch™ Deadbolt looks and works just like a standard deadbolt lock, but it offers a powerful new security feature-a patent pending blocking function that locks out all keys. To activate, owners simply lock the deadbolt as they would a standard deadbolt and then pull the lever towards them. This simple motion locks the deadbolt into an «engaged» position that blocks out any key. The lock can only be engaged or disengaged from indoors and can be easily installed in any standard entry door, replacing any other standard deadbolt. To safeguard their homes, homeowners should: 1. Keep keys secured where they won’t be forgotten or left behind. 2. Don’t hide keys in «secret» places outside your home-experienced burglars can usually find them. 3. Never attach your keys to anything that lists your name, address or phone number, and never leave them behind in a locked (or unlocked) car. 4. Always separate your house keys from your car keys each time you valet your car or drop it off for maintenance. 5. Only give your keys to someone who will watch over them as if they were their own.

History From the beginning of humankind people have felt the urge to protect what they possess. They start by covering the entrance of their caves with stones; later they hid their gold and jewels in the ground. Then they discovered locks. These were first made of wood and rope. They served the purpose well, although they were not so nicely designed. There is a lot of historical proof which certifies the use of locks long before we could imagine. Even in the Bible (Old Testament, Books of Judges) we have frequent mention of locks and keys. Types In modern society we have keys and locks for everything: the house, the office, the car, the bike. We even have more than one key for the same building; keys and locks are so much a part of our daily routine that we don’t take them into consideration (or maybe we do that only when the ring of keys is too heavy to be placed in our pockets). But we do give a lot of thought when we have to pick the type of lock or the type of key. Basically we are talking about mechanical locks (based on mechanical activation of the keys) electro-mechanical locks (can be both mechanical or electrical activated, but usually the key is replaced with numbered buttons that have to be pressed) and electrical locks (activated by a card key that has a particular code, programmed to be read by a card reader which is controlled by an automated central or a local processor).

How to pick the lock? It is not as complicated as we think, but also not as easy as it appears in a lot of movies. Some say that this requires both art and science. We have to have a good knowledge of the lock mechanism and, some practice. Firstly we insert a tension wrench in the lock (a screwdriver for example) and, with a slight pressure, turn the plug (the lock cylinder) like the proper key would have done (we have to figure out what is the normal direction for the key to be turned). It will help create a small place between the lock pins (placed inside the lock). Then we have to insert a lock pick in order to lift them up (like the proper key will do when inserted in the lock). Doing this and continuing to apply pressure on the tension wrench we will hear a slight click (made by the pins when they fall in the right position) and the lock will be unlocked. For unsophisticated locks we can use a metal hair pin as a lock pick. But professional locksmiths need an adequate pick tools kit. Basically this contains a tension wrench (they have different shapes and sizes) and several picks(long pieces of metal which are curved up at one end). Some can use an electrical pick gun (contains long pieces of metal and when they vibrate push the pins up and unlock the lock). Re keying lock The process of re keying is quite simple (takes couple of minutes) and it shouldn’t be confused with the process of replacing a lock. Actually it consists of disassembling the lock cylinder and replacing all the old lock pins with new ones, to match the new key. Then the cylinder is reinstalled in the lock! When for example a member of the family loses the house key we can assume that a burglar has it.

We should immediately re key the house lock to prevent a potential theft. It doesn’t cost a lot in time and money, but it can spare us a big stress. The same procedure is advisable when moving into a new house/apartment. The better the lock is, the harder it will be for a burglar to break in!

Unlike an overzealous reporter, who shoves his microphone into your face in his efforts to get your take on the latest, breaking news story, there is a multitude of reasons why you might just want to keep your listening devices a secret. One of the many ways in which you can do that is by using listening devices that look like a pen. These clever little devices are actually very sensitive pen microphones, and when worn in a pocket on your shirt or jacket, are easily mistaken for the real thing. One such listening device is permanently stowed inside the clicker part of a Bic pen and it will work with virtually any recorder that contains an external microphone input with power.

Plus it is ultra high sensitive. But you don’t have to just use these great pen mikes just for covert purposes. Granted, if you are standing near someone and need to secretly listen to their conversation, these pen mikes are great. But there are lots of other reasons to use these sensational listening devices as well. Let us say that you are attending a lecture and you want to record it so that you can carefully go over it later at home when it is time to study. By wearing this hands free device you can do so easily. Or what if you are planning to attend a live music concert and you want to make a recording, you can be sure that by using these particular listening devices, you will get an excellent recording with clear, crisp sound, and deep bass.

Imagine returning from your holiday to find your windows broken, your cars and possessions stolen and your pets gone.

Your space has been violated.

Relax it shouldn’t be necessary to answer that because with the proper preparation you can discourage intruders and have a carefree vacation. Worry shouldn’t be on the agenda when you are vacationing. Your holiday is a treat that should be enjoyed without stressing about the safety of your home. By planning ahead you minimize your risk of something going wrong while you are gone. Depending on how long you will be gone there are a few common sense things you can do for your home, pets and possessions. Discourage thieves by getting a house sitter. This is the best way to ward off trouble. If you know someone who will regularly stop by your house – water your plants and turn on the lights you are lucky. If you have animals you might want to think about hiring a house sitter for while you are away. This way your pets are properly cared for and your home is safer. Peace of mind is worth some extra money. If you are going to hire a house sitter – make sure you use reliable and trustworthy service! Ask around. If you can’t get a house sitter the goal is to make your house look lived in. It’s a good idea to have a trusted neighbor to look after your home.

Someone who can keep an eye on your property and who has a contact number for you should anything go wrong. There are all kinds of timers you can buy that make it seem like there are people in your house. Light timers and radio timers can be very effective in deterring criminals. Think about the state of your lawn before you leave. Overgrown grass is a loud signal that there is nobody home. If you are going to be gone long enough for your post to pile up make an arrangement with a neighbor to pick it up – a pile of unopened mail is an obvious signal to criminals that nobody is home. Even if you aren’t going away for a long time there are some things that you need to do every time you leave the house. – Always lock your door and leave a key with someone to check on your home while you are gone. – Turn on the radio/TV and leave some lights on – Do not leave your spare key under the doormat or in any of the equally obvious hiding places. Rather give a copy to someone else and don’t have a spare key anywhere in your garden while you are home. If you MUST hide your key on the property be creative! That blue rock in the backyard under the tree behind the shed is a better/safer bet. – Develop a reciprocal relationship with your neighbors. Watch their houses when they are away; keep your eyes and ears open for strange happenings and ask them to do the same for you. Group0 together and form a neighborhood watch of some sort . If you follow these tips you can be sure your chances are good that you will return to a secure house. If something has happened while you were out; here are some signs to look for – Broken windows or door should be a major alert that something is wrong. Don’t go inside! Call the police and have them check the property. – If you think you have been broken into don’t touch anything; you want to keep the scene preserved for investigation.

Materials that are extremely hazardous to property, health or the environment (highly toxic gas, explosive, highly water reactive, and pyrophoric materials for example) must not be procured until the necessary permits, administrative, engineering and environmental controls are in place. Hazardous materials must be stored and used in accordance with numerous regulations including, but not limited to, the Uniform Fire Code and local amendments. Permits are required for any quantity of highly hazardous material, and for small to moderate quantities of other materials.

(For example, a permit is required for any quantity of highly toxic or unstable material and for flammable liquids in quantities in excess of five gallons in a building). Contact the Fire Department directly or EHS Facility Safety office (206.543.0465) for assistance. Rooms where hazardous materials are stored or used in quantities that exceed certain thresholds, and rooms dedicated to storing hazardous materials are required to have a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) diamond sign on all doors. Call EHS Facility Safety office at 543-0465 for further information and signs.Flammable Liquids:The quantity of flammable liquids in a single laboratory stored outside of an approved flammable liquids cabinet must not exceed 10 gallons. All 10 gallons, unless in use, must be stored in approved containers as indicated in the table below.Peroxide Forming Chemicals:Peroxides may form in some organic compounds by autoxidation. Peroxides can cause serious accidents and, in some circumstances, become low power explosives that can be set off by shock, sparks or other forms of ignition. Some organic compounds form peroxides in a matter of months under the right circumstance. Be aware of organic compounds in your lab and remember to mark the expiration date on each container and review them periodically for disposal. Ether is an example of peroxide forming chemical.Pyrophoric Material:Pyrophoric material is a material that will spontaneously ignite when it comes into contact with air. This material is only permitted in fire sprinkler protected laboratories in very small quantities (4 pounds aggregate per zone).

Potassium metal is an example of a pyrophoric material. Extreme precaution is required when working with this type of material.Highly Toxic Material:Materials classified as highly toxic are only permitted in small quantities in University buildings (Up to 10 pounds per zone). Highly toxic gas, like Arsine, is not allowed in any quantity without engineering controls and a special permit from the Seattle Fire Department.Incompatible Materials:Incompatible materials are materials which, when in contact with each other, have the potential to react in a manner that generate heat, fumes, gases, or byproducts which are hazardous. For quantities of greater than 5 pounds or 1/2 gallon, separation by not less than 20 feet, approved cabinets, or a noncombustible partition is required. Smaller quantities should also be isolated whenever practical. A common violation is flammable liquids stored with oxidizers.Flammable Liquids and Basements:The International Fire Code prohibits storage of flammable liquids in basements.

However, there are two general exceptions as follows that apply to the University of Washington: Existing grandfathered Class H Occupancy rooms (i.

e., chemical stockrooms design specifically for bulk storage of flammable liquids). New Class H occupancy rooms for flammable liquids are not allowed in basements. Your waste will be picked up in two to four weeks. Please plan ahead and be patient. Each waste item must be tracked from the point of generation to incineration, and we do the paperwork for hundreds of containers of waste every week. Chemicals that are corrosive, flammable, toxic, or explosive are by legal definition «hazardous». Some additional chemicals are handled as hazardous waste because they are carcinogenic, persistent in the environment, or are not allowed in the trash because they generate dusts or other hazard. Large volumes of waste or numbers of containers may take longer to collect due to the long time it takes to process the chemicals (it usually takes an hour to process one Chemical Collection Request) and the limited space on our trucks. Routine collection requests are faster because much of the paperwork is done already. If your waste is accumulated improperly (according the above guidelines), we will stop to discuss the problem with you if you are present.

We will not pick up your waste until the problem has been corrected. All new employees as well as anyone rusty on the basics of hazardous waste management should take this training. It covers hazardous waste definitions, labeling, storage, and disposal and includes a short quiz, all of which should take only ten to twenty minutes to complete. If you pass the quiz, you may request a certificate of completion for your training records at any job that you are working at.

You are a private investigator, or a member of a drug task force or just about any type of vice cop. You need to use body worn cameras for your covert operations, and you need to do it without it being detected. How can you do it? One way is by using a covert hat video camera. The camera is placed inside a traditional baseball cap, and the cable is attached directly a DVR that is worn elsewhere on your body. Nothing could be simpler, case closed. Want to get even sneakier? Is a baseball cap to conspicuous when you’re wearing that dapper suit you need to wear? Then a super, hi-resolution, color button camera with suit button lens cover is just the ticket for you, and they are great to use with pocket DVRs. But suits aren’t the only thing you can use these handy little devices on. They also come with cuff button lens covers and shirt button lens covers so you don’t have to worry if it is a hot day and you have taken off your suit jacket or sports coat. Your shirt has you covered. But what about those female investigators, they need to have some options available to them, too. Well, there are body worn cameras that come inside an attractive purse, which makes it one of the best portable recording devices around, because like your regular purse, it goes anywhere you go, and the mini-DVR can even be concealed inside it.

We make it through because we learn how to use these tools safely, which should always be the primary focus where firearms are concerned. Safety becomes doubly important when firearms and children are in the house. Unsupervised kids and guns do not mix, so it’s important to start educating your children about firearms safety at an early age.

Remove the Mystery Take the time to instruct your kids about guns, remove the mystery and neutralize the “forbidden fruit” syndrome. Take your children to the range and let them shoot your guns under your supervision. Help them learn how they work and the proper way to handle them safely. Above all, make them respect what firearms can do. Develop a Fall-Back Plan Should an intruder break into your home, do they know what to do? More important, do they know where to go to avoid injury should you have to defend them? One of the big dangers in using any firearm for home defense is that you run the risk of hitting the wrong person. It’s easy for a bullet to penetrate through some drywall and hit somebody on the other side or even exit your house and hurt a neighbor. The use of deadly force should always be a last resort, and firearms owners should be well versed in their state and local laws. Once again, your brain is your greatest safety tool. You probably have worked out a fire plan with your family, so doesn’t it make sense to work out a home-invasion plan? You should know where the other family members are located. You should also know where it’s safe to shoot and where it’s not safe. Consider loading your handgun with specialty ammunition designed to reduce penetration and the chances of a ricochet. Perhaps the best known and most proven ammo of this type is the Glaser Safety Slug. The Glaser uses a bullet with a thin jacket filled with small birdshot covered with a soft plastic tip. It’s been proven to work well in stopping intruders but won’t penetrate walls as easily as conventional loads do. Educating your children and establishing a fall-back plan for your family is all part of being a responsible gun owner. It’s how we ensure their safety, whether it’s with our lawn mowers, power saws, gas cans or firearms.

One of the best investments a gun owner can make is a gun safe. Not only does it provide reasonably good protection from theft, but it keeps guns out of the reach of curious young hands and provides a ventilated environment for uncased firearms

Back in the day “my other life” as I called it, the restaurant business was how I made my living. It didn’t take too long to learn there were only three groups of people trying to steal from you: employees, customers and suppliers. As far as employees were concerned, being the naпve bumpkin, I thought they were all honest until “given” the opportunity to take something. In other words put some obstacles in their way and chances are honesty will prevail. Don’t make it easy! The same notion applies to protecting your home whether you are out of town or not. Put some obstacles in the way-DON’T MAKE IT EASY! Here are some simple easy steps to take to protect your home. 1.Make sure your home always looks like someone’s there and not vacated. Little things like leave your curtains open but don’t have valuables like TV’s etc. in plain sight. Stop the newspaper, have someone mow the lawn, stop deliveries if you are away.

Leave lights on. Don’t be so obvious that no one is at home. 2.Always secure your house. If you have a burglar alarm set it. Lock windows and doors-even upper level windows. Lock the garage and make sure your tools are locked in a secure place and any ladders are secured as well. Many homes have been broken into with tools and ladders from the garage. 3.Let your neighbors and police know if you’re goneThe value of neighborhood watch groups is enormous. Ask them to keep an eye out for anything suspicious. Your neighbors will appreciate it when you return the favor for them. If police have knowledge of your absence it doesn’t mean they will patrol, but at least they are aware. With just a little bit of effort and some advance planning you can take three simple steps to make your house safer so that when you return from an extended vacation or a trip to the store everything will still be there.

Think carefully before you run out to your local electronics supplier and purchase a home security camera system. Just as with terrorist protection and thievery protection systems, home systems require you to plan out your system before you go shopping. The simplest systems are set up at the front door so you can see who is standing there when the doorbell rings. They provide the comfort that comes in viewing the person or persons who are knocking at your door before you open it and let them in.

If necessary, there are two-way audio systems, as well as video, that allow you to ask the people questions, such as producing identification by holding up badges or identification cards to the cameras for your inspection.

So your first decision is, should I include two-way audio along with the camera at my front door? Next you would ask, should I have the camera connected to a recording device or is the simple ability to view people enough? One entrance, one system and already there are questions that need to be addressed. For the simplest of home security cameras you can purchase a kit that would include the features you need. The next question you have to ask before you purchase a system is, do I want a home security camera at any other entrances or possible entrances to my home? There are systems that install a camera in your driveway or in your garage, wherever you normally park and exit from your car. Some of these offer motion detection on/off switches also connected to lighting systems so as soon as you drive up, the camera and lights all turn on simultaneously. You can be comforted by the thought that if anybody is lurking nearby to grab you or your car as you exit the vehicle, the automatic lighting system and visible camera will most likely scare them off the minute it turns on. Another factor to consider before you purchase a home security camera system is the power source.

Where is the nearest power source for the cameras, monitors and switches you’ll need for the system to operate properly? There are battery-operated systems, but the maintenance involved in keeping the batteries fresh can be time consuming. Locate your nearest power source and compare it to the location or locations you need for your cameras and other equipment and build from there.

Sales of home and business surveillance/security systems have exploded in recent years. Even before September 11th, sales of surveillance systems had been on the rise. But following the terrorist attacks, sales of home and business security systems rose as much as 20% over the course of three months. The reasons for this increased interest in property and personal security are varied. However, whether you own a home or business, topping the list are the three most common reasons for installing surveillance cameras; protecting your property, family members and employees. The rise in the sales of security cameras has been more than justified by the results stated by police departments of major cities across the country, which report that the chances of a break-in or robbery are nearly cut in half by the presence of an obvious security camera on the premises.

Business owners have reported that theft by both customers and employees is nearly eliminated when they install the right security camera system. And who hasn’t seen the TV footage taken by home security cameras that have led to the conviction of child abusers, ‘peeping toms’ and home burglars?How Security Cameras Safeguard BusinessesThe most obvious commercial use for surveillance systems is the prevention of loss of merchandise through shoplifting.

Other applications are: • Logging transactions at the cash register or ATM • Monitoring remote areas of the premises for safety precautions • Observing how employees are servicing/treating customers • Providing evidence in sexual harassment suits/burglary trials/homicide trials • Monitoring premises after hours • Watching work progress at construction sites But video taped surveillance doesn’t just provide negative evidence; it can also be used to exonerate.

In one case, security video tapes of a parking lot were used to prove that the car of an accused “hit and run” driver could not have been used in the accident that took place several blocks away.Home securityAccording to police in major cities, the presence of a home security camera can reduce the probability that a home will be burglarized by as much as 80%! Home applications include: • Video baby monitors can watch over an infant • Video door phones can identify callers at the door • Nanny cams, with time lapse VCR’s or DVR’s, can provide the peace of mind that your child is being taken care of adequately • Home surveillance systems can provide a view into what may be occuring in your home when you’re away at work or vacation. • Combined with a remote alarm system, a video surveillance system can not only alert police to a break in at your home, but also provide evidence to assist in the capturing and conviction of the intruder. A consultation with a professional security installation company can help you choose the best surveillance system to meet your needs.

And you thought your family and children were so safe inside the home environment cozily protected from potent health hazards! But did you know that the source of asthma, lead poisoning, and many such types of chronic health conditions could lie within your home environs? According to recent survey it has been revealed that your family especially the kids are threatened with major health risks if the design/architecture, built and maintenance of your home is improper.

So while planning out a new home or a home remodeling/renovation make sure that your home planner or design architect makes use of healthier home building techniques and technology. This shall ensure that your family and kids residing in such healthy homes are much more healthier and safer! You might incur higher expenses while constructing a healthy and environmental friendly home as compared to normal homes. But the health and life of your children and family is supposed to be of utmost importance above anything else! So while you are busy with your home plans or home renovation ideas spare a thought on the following points to build a healthier and safer home. · Budget your home plans keeping in mind that you have to use non-toxic or less toxic building materials that are a bit more expensive than general building materials. · General building and construction materials (particularly glues, paints, varnishes, insulators, etc.) are usually loaded with toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as urea, formaldehyde, lead, asbestos, carbon monoxide, etc. derived from petroleum. If inhaled continuously these toxins accumulate in the body leading to serious health problems. · While constructing cabinets and countertops or for sheathing, sub-flooring and roof decking the ideal choice is solid wood but if it is too expensive go in for exterior grade plywood only instead of particleboard/fiberboard that contains toxic glue mixed with wood chips. · Avoid vinyl and wall-to-wall carpet flooring. Vinyl floors contain poly vinyl chloride (PVC) a harmful chemical while fully carpeted floors accumulates dust, dust mites, molds, etc.

all of which are potent causative agents of allergy, asthma and other chronic respiratory problems. Instead use healthier floor alternatives as cork, solid wood, marmoleum, tiles, bamboo, and so on. · Always make use of strictly low-odor and non-toxic paints containing highly reduced amounts of VOCs such as paints comprising of just clay and pigments. Paints are usually loaded with high quantities of lead. Avoid using such paints completely. · Avoid using resins and glues that contain formaldehyde especially urea formaldehyde. · To build the foundation, walls and roof panels of a healthy home make use of thick, natural, hygroscopic and breathable plasters and stuccoes such as clay-treated wood chip placed over sand and fine gravel instead of using foam boards or poly vapor barriers. This renders efficient indoor humidity control thus preventing the formation of molds. In this way you can also avoid the accumulation of harmful radon gas inside your home. · Avoid building bedrooms/living rooms over the garage space of your house.

Toxic gasoline fumes can outgas from the fuel tank of your car and infiltrate into the bedrooms.

· Install carbon monoxide testers/detectors especially near furnaces, fireplaces, and garage areas of your home. Radon testers must be essentially placed in the basement areas of your home as this harmful radioactive gas occurring in soil can seep into your home through the foundation. · For construction of a healthy home only hire registered professional home planners and home builders/contractors who have the required knowledge of building and planning healthier homes based on strict building guidelines.

In 2004 the Bureau of Justice reported that: – 77% of all crime was property related – 17% of all crime domiciles were violated by a burglar – 85% of all burglaries the offender gained entry into the house or other building. In the article«Home Security: Do It Yourself Home Security»we talked about ideas to prevent entry to your home. But the fact is that a determined burglar will get into your home. That is his job and let’s face it, looking at the statistics, they are unfortunately good at it. Remember this: property crime occurs every 3 seconds, a home burglary every 15 seconds. The home burglary that has received the most attention recently involved the theft of a laptop from a Veteran’s Affairs analysts’ home. The laptop reportedly had the personal data for 26.5 million veterans. Three other tactics might be used to help prevent a burglary are home security alarms or burglar alarms, property marking and home security cameras. Property marking is simply marking all your valuables with an identifying «signature» so they can readily be identified when recovered. Methods of marking include micro dots, laser pens, and ultraviolet pens. The key here is to have signage letting everyone know your property won’t be so easy to sell on the black market because it is marked.

Believe it or not most burglars do read and study their targets.

Home security cameras as part of a home security system are very effective in two respects.

First as a deterrent. If a burglar sees that a property is covered with surveillance cameras they will have second thoughts in targeting that property. Second, if they are not that smart and decide to enter anyhow, a good surveillance system will capture the images of the perpetrator making it easier for the police to capture the bad guys. Home security cameras can be wired or wireless, real or dummy, indoor or outdoor, or any combination thereof. Alarms can act as a successful deterrent. 90 % of police believe alarms deter burglary attempts. There are all kinds of alarms including expensive home security alarm systems monitored by ex-police officers. Silent, noisy, wired, wireless, door, window, motion, monitored, unmonitored-you name it and there is an alarm for it. Signage again is the key. Let burglars know they are in for a hard time ahead of time. The thing is alarms work. Alarms, surveillance cameras, and property marking are three more ways you can protect your home from burglary. Home security has become a huge business in the United States. With the advances in home security alarms, home security systems including wireless home security and home security cameras maybe, just maybe the bad guys will think twice before breaking into your home If you think crime can only happen to the other guy you are wrong.

The «other guy» is thinking the same thing and YOU are that «other guy». There is a reason why they call it self defense. You have to protect yourself.

A thorough approach to protect your home is to identify the types of protection equipment you will need and how this equipment can provide you with the most effective home protection at a cost that is most affordable without compromising you and your family’s safety. A multi layer of protection equipment is the best way to accomplish your protection goals.

The first line of protection should be wireless security cameras for your home.

With the technology available today, wireless security cameras are not only affordable but easy to install thus giving you control of your budget but also of your time. Depending on your personal needs and goals for protection, wireless security cameras are available to you in a variety of models; Black and White wireless security cameras, night vision cameras, network ip cameras, infra-red cameras and many more. The point is that what ever your needs are for home security, wireless security cameras should be your first line of protection for the home. As your first line of defense, visible wireless security cameras will give the overt protection that tells a would be burglar/intruder that he should go down the street to an easier mark and leave your house alone. The second line of protection should be motion sensors, like wireless security cameras, motion sensors are affordable and easy to install. What a wireless security camera might see a motion detector will feel. Now you have both sight and feel protection for your home. Motion sensors are portable and mobile so you can place them in all the unique areas in and around you home, giving you the ultimate in home protection and detection.

As the wireless security cameras give you sight and overt protection, the motion sensors will add the layer of covert protection when needed. The third line of protection should be alarm monitors. Alarm monitors like wireless security cameras and motion sensors are also quite affordable and easy to install. Alarm monitors can give you both overt and covet protection. By alerting you to a would be burglar/intruder and creating fear when the unpleasant alarm sound is activated. The alarm monitors available today have many of features to meet your individual protection needs. In addition to the above protection equipment one needs for there home protection and security, please always make sure of the following: •You always should have appropriate lighting both in the front, back and sides of your home •Your home should always have solid and sturdy doors •Always have you windows locked and secured •Take careful measures that your home is secure when vacationing and always stop you paper delivery and have some one pick up your mail or have the Post Office hold until you return

A basic locking cabinet can secure valuable papers or personal items but it will not protect them from theft or fire damage. Only safes can provide a superior level of protection for documents, jewelry, guns and personal items. Computer data that would be difficult or impossible to duplicate if lost.

Home and business security systems require the addition of security safes to eliminate the possibility of data and document loss due to fire and climate disruptions. The proliferation of home robberies are classified as «snatch and grab.» The intruder invests approximately 3-5 minutes within the home. The very presence of a home security safe is a deterrent to such robberies. Any additional time invested within the home increases the odds of apprehension. Theft prevention and climate control management have rendered security safes a requirement for any home, office or business. The needed security afforded by home and business safes completes any existing security control system. Home security safes offer protection of personal documents, jewelry and irreplaceable items. Home safes are a major deterrent from robbery and provide needed security from fire and climate changes. Advance Safes offer a large inventory of wall safes, floor safes, fire safes, gun safes, and electronic digital safes. Home safes are a perfect compliment to any home security system. Fire could destroy your business! In fact, eight businesses burn almost every hour in the U.S. resulting in over 2.3 billion dollars in annual losses. Unfortunately, seven out of ten businesses have not adequately protected their vital records. When that information is destroyed a business often fails. Don’t become a company that incurs fire damage resulting in critical loss of data (customer, personnel, accounting files, etc.) by not utilizing quality fire and data media safes. Survival is possible but preparation is necessary.

Security safes are an essential protection against fire, theft and climate changes. Theft prevention, fire protection, data security and storage are a requirement for any business or home office. Advance Safes offer a complete inventory of fire safes, data media safes, depository safes, floor safes, treasury safes (TL-15 and TL-30), vaults and hotel safes. A quality safe is an essential requirement for any business security system. A safe investment is a long-term security dividend. Please consider our inventory of security safes as a welcome addition to any home or office environ. Contact us at: advancesafes@hotmail.com. Source: National Fire Protection Association article Fire Loss in the U.S. During 2004 Abridged Report. To view our inventory of home and business safes visit http://www.centurionsafes.com