Additional Features of a Home Security Alarm System
The most basic home security alarm systems include a control panel, a keypad, a siren, access monitors and, in the case of monitored systems, an off site control station. These basic features are adequate for simple home protection against burglars but some people may opt for more advanced home security alarm systems that incorporate more advanced features. Home security alarm systems may include a smoke detection system, glass break detectors, panic buttons and motion detectors.
When most people think of a home security alarm system, they think of a burglar alarm system. While it is true that the primary function of a home security alarm system is to protect your home and your possessions from burglars, this is not the only function of home security alarm systems. As the name home security alarm system implies, the system is devised to protect your home. This includes protecting your home from damage due to fires. For this reason, many people have a smoke detection system linked to their home security alarm system. This will sound an alarm and alert the control station if smoke is detected.
Glass break detectors are another advanced feature that some individuals like to include in their home security alarm system. These systems are able to identify the sound of glass breaking and will activate the home security alarm system when this sound is identified. This is helpful because most home security alarm systems include access monitors that determine when doors or windows or opened. This makes your home vulnerable to burglars who break a window rather than opening the window to access the home. Installing glass break detectors in your home security alarm system will minimize this problem.
Panic buttons are another optional feature in a home security alarm system. These are hand held devices that can be placed in strategic locations throughout the house. These panic buttons enable the homeowner to send and immediate message that they are in trouble to the monitoring center. This alarm can be sent silently or can be an audible siren that sounds throughout the house.
Another feature that many individuals elect to incorporate into their home security alarm system is a set of motion detectors. These motion detectors act as a second line of defense in the home security alarm system. If the burglar is able to enter your home without triggering the alarm, the motion detectors will sense that he has entered your home and will trip the alarm, thus sounding the siren and sending a message to the monitoring center if your system is monitored.
Your home security alarm system can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be. Incorporating some of the more advanced features into your home security alarm system can provide your home with better protection. These home security alarm features can be very valuable in the case where a burglar knows how to work around the confines of a standard home security alarm system.
01.07.2009. 15:52
A Security Camera System Plays An Important Role In Your Home Security
To observe what's going on, you can add to your home security system a security camera system. They are the ultimate home security product. Whether you live in a spacious estate, in a gated community, or have a house in the suburbs, they are designed fit your needs. Video cameras are an advanced addition for your home security system. The most basic security camera system would be a single camera connected directly to a monitor and a recorder to store the video.
Types:
There are several different types of security cameras. A few security cameras are black and white security cameras, color security cameras, wireless security cameras, night vision security cameras, and vandal resistant security cameras. Besides differing in function and design, security cameras also vary in price. Some security cameras also allow remote access, therefore allowing access to the monitors through an Internet connection.
Size & Resolution:
Video monitors come in a variety of sizes. It is best to buy a larger monitor because the smaller ones may be hard to view. CCTV monitors may have as many as 1000 lines of screen resolution as compared to 550 lines on ordinary televisions. This shows that security monitors do have their place in a home security system.
Advantages:
The advantages to owning a security camera in your home include:
· It has the ability to monitor people in your home.
· They can even save you money on your homeowner’s insurance.
· It’s easy for you to know who is in your home at all times with remote access.
Security:
CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) Security Systems is a fast growing segment of the security market. They are a relatively cheap addition home security systems. The security system consists of cctv security cameras, security monitors, sensors and cabling. Wireless cameras provide an extra measure of coverage since they can be positioned anywhere quickly. These are good trends in the security industry.
30.06.2009. 15:50
A Safe Apartment
There are special dangers involved with apartment living. This is because you live so close to many other people. Their actions can jeopardize your safety and so it’s very important for you to be aware of what you must do to safeguard yourself, your family and your possessions.
Fire Safety . . .
Fire is perhaps the greatest danger in apartment buildings. With so many units joined together, it doesn’t take long for fire to spread from one to another. The following guidelines are critical to your safety:
• Install smoke detectors in the kitchen, all bedrooms, the laundry area and hallways. You must test them every month and replace the batteries every 6 months. They won’t do you any good if they aren’t in working order.
• Keep fire extinguishers handy in the kitchen, laundry area and near your outside grill.
• Develop an escape plan. This plan should include two ways of exiting – in most cases, this will probably include the main door and either a window or door wall. If you live on a higher floor and don’t have access to a fire escape, purchase a rope ladder to use for exiting from windows or a balcony. Practice your escape plan regularly so each member of your family knows exactly what to do in case of fire.
• Never use an elevator during a fire.
• Never park in front of fire hydrants or in fire lanes and make sure your guests don’t either.
General Safety . . .
Fire isn’t the only danger in an apartment building. You must also be aware of hazards that can exist no matter where you live and take precautions to prevent them.
• Install a carbon monoxide detector.
• Install screen guards or window stops and doorstops on your patio door to protect your children from falling.
• Keep your apartment and building number near the telephone so your family or babysitter can access it in case of an emergency. Remember that memories can fail during emergencies.
• Make certain your apartment number is clearly marked on your door.
• Be sure that each person in your family knows how to dial 911.
Protecting from Intruders . . .
There are many people coming and going in an apartment complex. Criminals count on this anonymity. That makes it very important to get to know the other tenants. When you do, not only are you better able to identify someone who doesn’t belong, it also makes it more likely that tenants will look out for one another.
• Consider forming an “apartment watch”. This is similar to a neighborhood watch but confined to your apartment complex. If a group of tenants is on the alert for suspicious behavior, they can prevent many problems from arising.
• Install quality deadbolt locks on your door and place a wooden rod or steel brace on sliding doors. One caution about deadbolt locks – don’t purchase those that require a key. In an emergency, you won’t have time to search for the key.
• Make sure your landlord has installed good lighting in all stairways, hallways, and common areas like the laundry room.
• Make sure that if your building has a common entry, the entry door locks so that only tenants can enter. Never open that door for strangers.
If you follow these guidelines, practice good common sense, and are alert to what’s going on around you, your apartment will provide a safe home for you and your family.
29.06.2009. 15:48