Author: Webhosting Reviews
Source: isnare.com

When the topic of home security springs to mind, most people seem to think of burglar alarms and little to nothing else. Alarms can be a great way to protect your home, although they are only a small part of what makes up an effective home security system. Burglar alarms are a key to protecting your home – although there are other things you’ll need as well http://www.YourPhoneHome.org

Believe it or not, the windows are actually the key to home security. Homes that have poor constructed windows tend to get broken into a lot more than homes with secure and sturdy windows. When you are dealing with your windows, you should make sure that you have tough glass and locks that fit to the windows. When you are away from home, you should always make sure that your windows are locked. Even though some windows may be hard to reach, you should always lock them. Burglars make a living out of stealing – and they will normally find a way in if they see the opening.

Along with the windows, doors are also known to be a weakness of security around the home. Doors should always be strong and sturdy, complete with tough locks that aren’t easy to force open. If you have a spare key, you should be careful where you leave it. Losing your keys can also make you a target, especially if you have anything on your key ring that reveals your home address.

To better protect their homes, most people choose to invest in a home surveillance system. These systems are great for monitoring the home, as they can record video and keep it stored for you to view later. If you travel a lot, a home surveillance system can be an ideal way to keep a check on your home while you’re away.

Guard dogs are also common with home security as well. A guard dog can protect your home from burglars, thieves, and other types of trouble. Guard dogs can be very handy to have around, as most dogs are more than capable of scaring away trouble with their bark. The only downside to guard dogs is the fact that you’ll need to train them and ensure that they always have food and water.

Last, but certainly not least are burglar alarms. Burglar alarms can be effective to an extent, although they are primarily good for scaring thieves away. If you put an alarm in a visible location from the outside of the home, most burglars won’t even attempt to enter your home. Even though burglar alarms are great for scaring off thieves – you’ll still need to have other areas of your home safe and secure as well to get the most of your home security.

Author: Graeme Jackson
Source: ezinearticles.com

ESCAPE ROUTE

Before a crisis arises, it is important to have an emergency plan.

? Put your plan down on paper and make sure that the whole household is familiar with it.
? Assess all entry and exit points. Decide on the best way out in the event of a criminal entering your home or of a fire. For example, if an intruder breaks into the house via a front entrance, or a fire breaks out, the family can escape through a window or opening at the back of the house. Certain windows and/or openings must be identified and expandable/retractable security barriers fitted to these. The keys for these barriers on these openings must be placed in a secret but accessible place.( Remember that a window is not an ideal escape route – broken glass is a hazard. A door is preferable…)

HOLIDAY ARRANGEMENTS

? Try not to leave your home unoccupied. If possible get a friend or relative to house-sit for you.
? Do not get a stranger to house-sit. If necessary, use an agency that specialises in this.
? Your home must never look unoccupied. Arrange for a friend or neighbour to leave your curtains in the usual open or closed positions, and mow your lawn, etc., for you. Let them keep the curtains slightly parted so that your house doesn’t have an empty look.
? Leave a telephone number and contact address with neighbours or any other reliable person so that you can be contacted in an emergency.
? Inform your armed response/alarm company that you will be away.
? Inform the police of your absence.
? Never leave an answering machine message that you are not at home. Say something like: “We can’t come to the phone right now…”
? Use timers to turn lights, televisions and sound systems on and off at different times to give your home a “lived-in look” when you’re away.
? If there’s a Neighbourhood Watch Program in your community, join it.
? Report any suspicious persons or vehicles to your local police.
? Be careful who you tell that you are going away!
? Don’t let mail, newspapers or flyers accumulate while you’re away, tipping off criminals. Have the post office hold mail, have newspapers suspended, and have a neighbour or friend clear away flyers.
? If possible (and safe), leave a car in your driveway or arrange for a neighbour to leave a car there from time to time.
Be alert
? When arriving at or departing from your home, look out for loiterers. Do not ignore such persons as they could be a danger to you and your household.
? Keep necessary emergency numbers clearly posted next to the telephone. These must be easily accessible when needed.
? Don’t leave valuables where they are visible through windows, etc. They might tempt potential burglars.
? Make an inventory of all the valuables in your household and store it somewhere other than your home.
? Mark valuables. (Etching, punching, etc.)
? Do not ignore any unusual sounds or noises, barking dogs, alarms, breaking glass, etc. Be very cautious when investigating. Rather have the police or your armed response company investigate for you.
? If you do not have a response facility and you are going to check outside, keep your family safe by locking the door behind you. If necessary they will be able to summon help for you
Guard personal information
Identity theft is a real threat and poses a real danger for the victim. Supply personal information, to anyone that asks, with great caution.

DRIVEWAY HIJACKING

One form of crime that is becoming increasingly popular is driveway hijacking.

? Be ready for the unexpected. The hijacker can strike at any time.
? Be very cautious when arriving at or departing from your home.
? Keep a lookout and be prepared to drive away quickly, if you must. (Be careful never to endanger anyone’s life). Have an emergency plan. Decide which is the best way to escape if there was an attempted hijacking in your driveway. Could you drive down the pavement, or over a concrete island for example?
? Make sure you are not followed to or from your home. If you are followed, go to the nearest police station or a place where there are many people. Avoid quiet streets or areas. Petrol stations all have security cameras that highjackers want to avoid. Go to a garage and stop in the middle of the courtyard somewhere.
? When approaching your home, look around for any suspicious loiterers or vehicles and report them to the authorities immediately.
? Try not to reverse out of your driveway. When leaving your premises, always try and face the road.
? If you do not already have a remote-controlled gate, you may want to consider installing one. (Consult the experts as automated gates can also present a security threat)
? Avoid establishing fixed patterns. This increases the risk of victimisation by observant, potential hijackers.
? If you arrive home and notice something suspicious, like the dogs not coming to welcome you, drive on! Go to the nearest police station or follow one of the other suggestions in this section.
? Always keep car doors locked and windows closed.
? Keep an eye on your neighbours’ houses. Ask them to do the same for you. Report the presence of loiterers to the police.
? Remember, if you become a victim of carjacking, don’t resist. Your life is more valuable than the most expensive car.
? Be aware that hijackers sometimes impersonate police or traffic officials. They use vehicles with flashing blue lights and some even have access to police uniforms.

MAXIDOR – HOME SECURITY

Maxidor manufacture a comprehensive range of superior physical security barriers for domestic, commercial and industrial applications, including gates, grilles and barriers.

We will BUY-BACK any of our products broken through. For more information visit http://www.buyback.co.za

Our strength is your security

Author: Jack Krohn
Source: ezinearticles.com

Home security as you probably already know is a huge business. In some respects it makes sense. After all, your home is your most valuable asset. It makes sense then you would spend a fair amount on home security. The opportunity is certainly there to do just that. It can be avoided too.

You can get very good protection for very little money with some brand new cheap home security tools that are effective and easy to use and install. The first is the Glass Guard Window Alarm.

This cool gizmo is an effective low cost vibration alarm that can help in securing windows or patio doors. The Glass Guard can also be used as a personal property alarm to protect computers, TVs, stereos and cabinets etc.

You turn the switch on the left side to ‘high’ or ‘low’ to begin operating (there is a delay mechanism of about 7 seconds). When the glass is hit, knocked or cut by anyone, the siren-a whopping 101db-will sound for 10-20 seconds and then reset.

The unit can be set to high or low sensitivity. ‘High Sensitive’ mode will detect a little vibration. ‘Low Sensitive’ mode will need a stronger vibration to make the unit react. The unit will also perform well on wooden or metallic windows and doors. If the unit is not placed in the middle of the door or window, use ‘High’ mode.

The unit requires 2 AAA batteries that are not included.

The second is the versatile shock sensitive Door Guard Alarm that is ideal for home, office, hotel, or travel. It requires no installation just hang it on any doorknob. Once hung, it instantly detects any vibration. When the alarm is tripped, it will emit a 98dB alert for 20-30 seconds, then will reset in 3-5 seconds.

The sensitivity of the alarm is easily adjusted with a screwdriver. The Door Guard can be removed from the doorknob and used as an area light with the switch in the “light” position. The Door Guard is ideal for keeping you and your loved ones safe from harm.

The Door Guard is compact, making it portable so you can take it with you when you travel. It is ideal for anyone and can be used virtually anywhere. Not sure about that shady looking hotel, but can’t beat the price, feel confident and safe. Uses 2 AAA batteries (not included).

Chances are very good that you are reading this because in some way crime has touched your life or you want to be proactive and protect yourself, family, home, or business from the ravages of crime. That is the first step.

NOW the next step is for you to take action. Do something to take that first step-today.

Jack Krohn owns Security Solutions and is the author of over 400 articles.

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