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.

If you’re going to be storing firearms in a cabinet, you need a sturdy one that is made from plated steel or nickel-plated steel. The steel will make it more challenging for burglars to break into it or carry it away. A security cabinet for firearms often weights hundreds of pounds, and it usually has 1/8 or 1/4 inches of steel. A cabinet with these features will be costly, but it’s beneficial if you have belongings that you want to protect.

Other features you should consider in a locked cabinet are a multiple locking mechanism and the ability to bolt it to the floor. The more locking features it has, the more secure it will be. For example, some cabinets or drawers have electronic locks that require a key card or pin code. It’s in your favor if the cabinet has primary and secondary locks. You can also find more innovative security measures. For instance, when a burglar tries to break into the cabinet or drawer, the handle will detach. There are also cabinets that come with built-in dehumidifiers for homeowners who live in warmer climates.

It’s important to protect your belongings as best as you can, especially when it comes to firearms. There could be a fire, natural disaster, theft or other unforeseen event. If you have a trustworthy friend or neighbor, you might want to consider giving them a copy of certain important documents for safekeeping.

There are many different types of safe, but you should keep in mind that all of them are not waterproof, burlarproof or fireproof. Realistically, safes are resistant to these conditions. However, there are safes specifically designed to withstand water and fire such as the model from Honeywell, which has been tested. Finding a safe that meets all of your criteria can be challenging, but if you can’t find a waterproof one, store your essentials in a waterproof container or zip lock bag inside the safe.

Many safes can be bolted to the floor, and this is highly recommended. If a burglar cannot get into your safe right away, he/she will most likely take the safe if it’s not anchored to the floor. To install your safe properly, it’s best to contact a local locksmith.

As with any type of equipment, you will need to regular maintenance to ensure that all of the locks, bolts and hinges are working properly. Depending on your safe, you might need to have your safe serviced by a locksmith or safe technician every two to three years. The safe’s manufacturer might have a list of certified professionals in your area.

Researching a particular safe you’re looking at is beneficial, because the entry-level fire rated safe or lock box you find at a chain store might not offer you the best protection. Find out the safe’s burglar or fire rating and whether an Underwriters Laboratory has rated it. Do some comparison shopping, so you can find a safe within your budget that offers you the highest degree of protection.

After you decide on a specific safe, consider purchasing two (one for you home and another for your office). You can store confidential documents at your office, or you might even want to keep your expensive jewelry hidden here instead of your home. When you’re choosing which items go in the safe, try to think into the future: if a fire burned down your home, what would you need the most? Although certain material possessions might be sentimental, don’t forget about a backup savings and extra forms of identification.

You have a few options.

Safes or Home Vaults

We’ve talked about safes before, and that is an option that makes many people comfortable.  Your gold/silver is in your home where you can get at it when you need it.

It’s important to get a quality safe if you’re going to be storing more than a few trinkets in it.  Make sure the safe is installed in the wall or floor, so it can’t simply be carried out by a couple of burly burglars with furniture-moving straps.  Also get a safe with a good fire rating (gold, in particular, has a low melting point) as house fires are also a danger you want to insure your investment against.

Bank Safe Deposit Boxes

If you don’t have a safe of your own or want to diversify where you’re keeping your precious metals, then you may want to look into safe deposit boxes at the banks.  When we’re talking about gold, however, there are a few caveats.

First off, deposit boxes are not FDIC insured.  If a bank were robbed and your gold stolen, you wouldn’t be gauranteed to be compensated.  Second, if the government ever decided to confiscate gold (which has happened before in American history), you’d be out of luck if your bullion were stored at the bank. Lastly, if there’s ever a run on the bank or a “bank holiday,” you might not be able to access your safe deposit box in a timely manner.

Remote Private Gold Storage Facilities

It’s also possible to find private companies such as Brinks that offer gold storage in secure, guarded facilities.  This is occasionally an option when you order gold or silver over the Internet (instead of having the bullion mailed home, you have it sent off to a secure storage facility that is typically open 7 days a week).

One gold & silver dealer that does this is Michael Maloney, author of Rich Dad’s Advisors: Guide to Investing In Gold and Silver: Protect Your Financial Future. You can check out his gold and silver vault storage fees to get an idea of what is involved with this kind of arrangement.