Home & Office Security Signage

September 2, 2010 – 4:52 pm

everystockphoto_207649_mMaybe you can’t afford a high tech security system or the best surveillance cameras on the market, but you can still flaunt what little home security gadgets you do — or don’t have.

Burglars are best known for being conniving, sneaky plotters, and you appear just as dangerous to them as they are to you. When you drive by office buildings or even homes with loud red or yellow signs that say, “No Trespassing,” “Beware of Dog,” “Video Surveillance,” etc., these warning statements are probably what sticks out in your head. Why would anyone want to try breaking into a home or office that had a reliable surveillance or security system? It’s just plain risky, which is why you need to make your home less attractive to intruders by using such signage.

No Trespassing

When you own a large plot of land, it’s hard to know what’s going on several acres away from your house in the backyard. If you’re in a secluded area off of a quiet road, you probably don’t see many people trying to walk through your yard. However, that day may come, so it’s best to setup “No Trespassing” signs on all sides of your land to let all passerbys know this area is private property.

Security Warning Sign

Swann, GE, Vector and other home security companies usually provide signage when you sign up for their services. However, just because you can’t afford 24-hour surveillance for a few months, doesn’t mean you can’t put up the warning signs. You can find inexpensive home security yard signs online, and it’s great to add window decals in the mix too. Although it’s not always fool proof, these signs can be a deterrent, but it’s beneficial to have the system up and running in addition to displaying the signage.

Video Security Protection

Even if you have the most basic video surveillance that is limited to a certain area of your home, it’s still in your best interest to warn people. There are even imitation security cameras out there, so you can install these while you save up for the real thing. When criminals think they’re going to be caught on tape, it’s less likely that they’re going to target your residence.

Displaying security signage in your home or office is a simple yet effective deterrent to have in place while you prepare to purchase the real things.

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Does Your PC Have Virus Protection?

August 31, 2010 – 12:45 pm

laptop_marinela_woman_237936_lBeware all Windows and Apple owners: If you’re browsing the web, antivirus software is a necessity. Unfortunately, there are malicious viruses and spyware out there that can steal your personal information and even destroy your computer. In order to prevent identity theft and software malfunction, it’s best to arm your computer with the proper antivirus software. Your system will either require Mac antivirus or Windows 7 antivirus, but let’s focus on what you would need for Windows.

User Account Control (UAC) is sold with Windows 7 and Vista, and this program will search for potential malware and viruses. Upon finding a threat, UAC will quarantine the affected area or repair it. It’s best to set this program to automatically update, because new malware and viruses are created all of the time so the UAC needs to be able to combat the next potential risk.

There is also a free antivirus program called Windows Defender, which aims to prevent malware, spyware and adware from breaching the system all together. As the computer’s administrator, you can choose which scans to run and when to run them.

In addition, you have the firewalls that block email traffic and risky websites. Through your Internet browser’s settings, you can adjust the security of your firewall.

Finally, you can have wireless network security. This is basically a log on that you use to access your wireless network, and it prevents hackers from retrieving your personal information including credit card numbers.

Antivirus protection can be an added cost, but there are effective options that cost you nothing. Then it’s just a matter of installing them and regularly running and updating them, which can be made easier through the setting controls. Even if you browse the web only a few hours a day, it’s in your best interest to be prepared for malicious threats.

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iCam iPhone App Does Work in Real Life

August 26, 2010 – 12:40 pm

everystockphoto_189247_mYou’re on vacation resting on the beach, letting the ocean breeze brush past your cheek and tousle your hair. The kids are splashing in the sea as the waves chase them back up the beach. It’s a beautiful moment with no cares and no worries, until you receive a text message on your iPhone.

Dallas resident Vince Hunter experienced a similar situation while vacationing in Connecticut. His trip was interrupted when his phone informed him of a break-in. Hunter actually received a text message from his iCam home security app, and he watched the burglars in real-time throw a brick at his window.

It sounds like something from a movie, doesn’t it? After the shock of watching the real life burglary occurring at his house, he contacted 911. Fortunately, the burglars ran away after breaking the window, because their actions sounded the alarm. But Hunter was able to continue viewing the scene, and even stayed tuned to make sure that the police showed up. Because Hunter lives in a high crime neighborhood, he purchased security cameras and paid the $4.99 for the iCam app. He probably never thought he would be watching a burglar break into his house from his cell phone, but it definitely enabled him to act fast.

Technology is making crimes more difficult to carry out these days, and this iCam app might help the police catch the criminals who burglarized Hunter’s house and the next door neighbor’s place.

Hunter’s story also makes it vividly clear that crimes happen at any time, and they can happen to you even if you are in your own world taking time off from work and life. Even if you can’t afford a home security system, basic surveillance cameras can give you one step ahead if intruders were to ever target your home. Although watching your home get burglarized in real-time would be quite a shock to the system, it’s definitely a convenient feature that has the potential to help police identify the criminals. Who knew a $4.99 app could be so valuable?

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Tips for Parents: The Treck Back to School

August 24, 2010 – 10:34 pm

Caleb_august_walking_15371_lHave you looked at the calendar lately?

August will be over in a week, so the next month spells back to school blues for some children and even adults. Everyone needs to be cautious walking to school and even around campus, regardless of how old or wise you might be. This year might be the first time you’re allowing your child to walk to school, or it might be the second or third year. No matter what you’re situation, you should discuss possible dangers and how to be safe when walking to and from school with your family. You can never be too careful.

In order to make the school year bright and cheery, new clothing, proper school supplies and a good attitude are in order. However, a safety lesson can decreasing your odds of getting into trouble or being a target. Below are some simple tips to keep your child safe when traveling on foot to school.

  • Walk the route with your child before the school year begins. This will give you a chance to point out any hazards or issues, and you can also make sure that your child is mature enough to handle the walk.
  • Setup an emergency cell phone. Some phones are designed for children so they can only contact a few individuals and the police in case of an emergency. This is great if you don’t want to rack up more phone bills.
  • Conduct an online search to determine if any pedophiles live near your neighborhood. Family Watchdog is a great place to start. In addition to viewing the address and pictures of sex offenders, you will also know their convicted crimes.
  • Encourage the neighborhood kids to walk together. Or walk with your child when you can. If you can only accompany the neighborhood kids a couple days a week, talk with another parent and have them cover on the other days.

Walking to school is a great way for children to get exercise, and it forces them to take responsibility for themselves. Unfortunately, strangers and street dangers exist, but you can prepare and supervise them to ensure that they make it to school and back home safe and sound.

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Schlage Makes Sifting Through Home Security Products Easier

August 19, 2010 – 9:07 pm

entrance_office_door_238169_lPinpointing the right home security products can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. On the other hand, neglecting the research will prevent you from finding the best products at a reasonable price. Instead of beginning a blind search on the Internet, start with Schlage’s new consumer website, which is designed for convenient researching.

A major issue with home security products is that they don’t always compliment your home décor, so style and design along with function are probably top on your list of wants. Schlage’s website has a Design Center area, so you can find hardware that matches your living space. Whether you’re securing a new home or looking to improve your curb appeal, the site has developed design guides specific to your needs. For example, if you’re remodeling, you might be interested in door levers instead of knobs for a modern appeal and ergonomic convenience.

Schlage also features locks that don’t require professional installation. Hassle-free locks that are easy enough for the simplest of minds to install are always a plus. For those out there who are gadget driven, the line of remote technology, which puts you in control of your home wherever you are, might intrigue you. With Schlage LiNK, you can lock the doors, turn on the lights and even adjust the thermostat without physically being in your home. Many home security companies are trying to make security easier for those individuals who are on the go.

Well-developed websites such as this one will give you a starting point, because maybe you didn’t know certain technologies or designs existed. With your newfound knowledge, you can do some comparison shopping and choose a quality product at an affordable price. Also check out ADT Home Security, General Electric (GE) Security, Panasonic Electronics and any other local home security suppliers. Taking the time to examine all of the possibilities out there will ensure that you get the bang for your buck that you deserve.

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Features to Consider When Choosing IP Surveillance Cameras

August 17, 2010 – 10:29 am

security_camera_video_239346_lA surveillance camera is an incredible tool for homeowners to keep tabs on their property. Until you have recorded footage of your house during the day and night, you don’t really know what goes on when you’re not watching. Sure, maybe the deer are eating your garden, but a peeking stranger is definitely something you would want to know about. An Internet Protocol (IP) camera is a device designed for those who are always on the go. Instead of storing the footage on an SD card or PC, the recording is transmitted via the Internet. IP cameras offer even more features for those with busy lifestyles.

Types of IP Cameras

Depending on where you want to use your camera, there are indoor and outdoor models available. Weatherproof models are perfect for the backyard patio, garage and front door.

Once you decide on where you’re going to install the camera, you can choose among points of view. For example, a fixed camera has a predetermined perspective while a pan/tilt/zoom (PTZ) either manually or automatically moves up and down and side to side. With PTZ cameras, you can set a “home” position, which means that after a few moments of inactivity, the lens will return to a neutral position.

Night Vision

In order to see what is happening when dusk falls, you need a camera that has a night mode function or one with a low lux rating. If you’re going to have an outdoor camera, you might as well spring for the night vision capability, because it would be terrible to miss getting a shot of the burglar’s face or car.

Audio Features

Depending on your preference, audio features might be important to you. There are either one-way or two-way audio features. With one-way you can hear what the camera’s microphone picks up, but with two-way you can hear and also transmit your voice through a computer microphone. If you’re children play outside around the house, the two-way might be convenient so you can keep an eye and ear on the kids while you’re inside.

Power Over Ethernet Equals Easy Installation

Are you going to be installing the IP camera on your own? Then it’s in your best interest to use a power over Ethernet (PoE) switch. This guarantees compatibility between equipment, and it reduces your installation trouble to one wire.

IP surveillance cameras have many of the same features of non-IP cameras, but when the recordings are transmitted via the Internet, it makes like much easier for travelers, single parents, business professionals, etc.

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Going on Vacation? Schedule a Home Security Check

August 12, 2010 – 11:17 am

japan-tokyo-police-2296639-lLeaving your residence for a week to hang out at the beach or go skiing in the mountains is a stress relieving activity, but if you don’t want to gain all of that anxiety back when you return, you better prepare your home properly so it doesn’t get burglarized. Sure, you probably have some many things on your mind when planning to get away, but abandoning your home for a long period of time requires thoughtful preparation. After an incredible vacation, no one thinks they will come back to a ransacked house, but it happens to people and it can happen to you too.

Of late, the Cape Coral Police Department was in the news, because its police volunteer trainees regularly make security checks at houses where owners are away on vacation. Fortunately, for this area, the department has 158 volunteers, and these unpaid police officers in training check up to 30 homes per week. In a year, this department checks about 250 homes.

Recently, one trainee found a house burglarized, and the intruder stole a gun, radio and television. Although the burglar wasn’t caught red handed, the officers have evidence as well as immediacy on their side. Homes on a security checklist have a better chance of not being burglarized. However, if they are broken into, there is more of chance that the officers can solve the crime sooner.

Residents in Fort Myers, Florida can request the Cape Coral Police Department to do a house check by visiting the headquarters and filling out a form. Your home can be checked for as many as 30 consecutive days a year. This is an amazing service the department provides. Whether you’re going on vacation or selling your house, a home security check is worthwhile. While not all police departments provide this service, especially if they’re understaffed and underfunded, you can at least inquire about it.

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How Secure Is Your Security Gate?

August 10, 2010 – 10:35 am

fujis5200_s5200_japan_504166_lRecently, in England gate thefts ran rampant in Waverly, and police in Surrey have been urged homeowners to increase their home security. Surrey Police reported that three properties in Bramley, which is a part of Waverly, were burglarized for their wrought iron gates. The gates were worth about £1,000. In an effort to recover the property, police have asked the affected homeowners to photograph gates similar to the ones that were stolen.

This news story makes you realize that burglars can be after anything. As long as it’s worth something, it’s up for grabs…even if that possession was meant to keep thieves out of your home. House gates are beautiful accents for homes, but it’s more beneficial to make them functional rather than just pleasing to the eye. If you have a house gate, there are ways to increase its security.

First and foremost the gate should be constructed from durable materials such as wrought iron or steel. It should be heavy to prevent burglars from carrying it away. However, in England this isn’t preventing intruders from running off with them so you have to add on. Brick or stone walls also aid in making your home appear to be impossible to break into, but you can’t rely on just the look of the wall and gate to ward off criminals.

Now you have to make repairs and updates to your wall. To prevent burglars from tearing down your gate or even stealing it, you need to install anti-lift hinges. This will make it more challenging, and you can have them security marked to deter the criminals from even trying. Also, a padlock on your gate is a wise addition to make. Why have a gate if anyone can just walk right through it?

Finally, you can incorporate a wireless security camera into your practice and have it pointed toward your gate. This will enable you to keep track of suspicious activity and even characters who might be staking out your home.

House gates can add a royal and wealthy presence to your home, which is probably why criminals target these types of homes in hopes that expensive possessions are available to steal inside. The house gate thefts in England should make you re-assess the security of your gate, so you can improve upon weaknesses and make your home less of a target.

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Home Security Scam Targets Elderly

August 5, 2010 – 5:24 pm

phone_telephone_266159_lWhen you answer the phone you never really know who could be on the other end. Some of us are fortunate enough to have caller ID, but that’s not always 100 percent accurate. People can easily pretend to be someone else or a part of a company, and this is what is happening in Dorset, which is the U.K.

In June 2010 there were 30 reported incidents of bogus home security firms contacting individuals in Dorset. Currently, police and Trading Standards are warning the public and encourage them to answer cold calls with caution. These suspicious individuals who are calling and claiming to be someone else are even going as far as saying they are with the Dorset Police. What makes this story worse is that these callers seem to be targeting Dorset residents who are 80 years and older, and they question homeowners about their home security issues.

Incidents like this can happen to you or even an elderly family member living in your home, which is why it’s important to be as cautious as you can when answering the ringing phone. Below are some tips that you should share with your loved ones.

  • Screen your calls all of the time. If you’re not expecting someone to call, just let it ring and wait for the caller to leave a message. Let your friends and family know that you’re being more cautious and to leave you a message when you don’t answer.
  • Add the caller ID feature to your phone bill. This add-on isn’t too expensive, and it will give you a heads up on who is calling.
  • Set your answering machine up so it has a generic message. Some machines are pre-recorded, which is nice especially if you live alone. Surprisingly, you can learn a lot from people’s answering machine message, because families often pitch in to create the message together.
  • Monitor the information that you provide the caller. As soon as you’re suspicious, be direct and let them know that you’re on to them and hang up the phone. Never let them know your personal information.

Who knew telephones could be so dangerous, right? Well, whenever you answer an unknown number, always keep this news story in mind, because it’s very easy to accidentally leak information that a scammer can find useful.

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Wireless Security Cameras Made Easier by Logitech

August 3, 2010 – 3:04 pm

Logitech-Alert-750i-750e

Recently, Logitech launched a range of wireless security cameras. Making headlines are the Logitech Alert 750i and 750 e Network Cameras. They’re designed to stream video footage, and they can be set to detect motion too. The indoor and outdoor cameras are supposed to be simple to setup, because they function right out of the box. Let’s take a look what these systems have to offer.

Logitech Alert 750i

Logitech Alert 750i retails for $299.99, and it uses HomePlug powerline adapters, which prevents you from having to hook it up to your computer. The software allows you to select 16 zones, and you can include motion sensor on it too. This camera can record audio and video to your PC or to the 2 GB microSD card. Depending on your preferences, you can setup email alerts. This version is made for indoor use only.

Logitech Alert 750e

The company also created an outdoor camera, which costs $349.99. Not only is it weatherproof, but it’s also loaded with night vision. For more protection, there are two add-on outdoor cameras: the Alert 700i and 700e. At $229 and $279, respectively, it’s a pretty penny, but depending on your neighborhood and security concern, it might be worth the expense.

In addition to the new collection of indoor and outdoor cameras, Logitech is also offering an Alert Web and Mobile Commander service. Upon purchase of the products, there is a seven-day free trial, and then the service is $79.99 per year.

These new home security products are expected to be available for purchase in the U.S. sometime in August. These easy to install security cameras might be what you’re in the market for, and you can conveniently store the video on your PC and on the included SD card. When going this extra step to secure your home, it’s going to take time and effort on your part to review the video and determine weaknesses and security breaches.

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