Home Security Beat

Inexpensive DIY Home Security Options

Inexpensive DIY home security options are out there, so you can increase the security of your residence without a professional installer and outrageous costs. It also helps to remember that you don’t have to secure your home as if it was Fort Knox. You just need the basics to deter and prevent burglars from targeting your home. Even if you don’t install the most high-tech gadgetry out there, your property can still be adequately protected.

Secure the Sliding Glass Door

These types of doors are the most prone to break-ins, because they’re easier to open from the outside. However, even if a burglar breaks the lock, you can stop them from being able to open the door with a sturdy piece of wood. All you have to do is measure the window track and purchase or cut a piece of scrap wood so it fits into the track. This might not require technology, but it does its job well.

Create Homemade Window Alarms

You probably have tons of pennies in a jar or in your purse that you can’t seem to get rid of. Instead of taking the time to wrap them up properly for the bank, stack them on top of your window sills. That way if an intruder tried to open your window, the pennies would scatter and the noise would hopefully wake you up.

Another more reliable option is to install battery-operated wireless window alarms. GE Smart Home has some for less than $10 per window, but you will have to continually replace and check that the battery is working.

Install a Keypad Deadbolt

This installation will run you around $200, but it might be perfect for your lifestyle, especially if you have different people coming and going. Instead of hiding an extra key or handing out copies of your house key to the maid, neighbor, family member, etc., you can give these people a personalized code. The Schlage Wireless Keypad Deadbolt has up to 19 codes.

It’s possible to secure your home without the help of a professional, and there are inexpensive options out there. So keep your eyes peeled, and if you have your heart set on something, give it some time to go on sale.

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Alarm Companies are Going Door to Door

Knock knock, who’s there? The door-to-door alarm salesperson, that’s who! In the summertime, a variety of salespeople are bound to bombard you, but if you’re conscious of your home security, you’re not always going to trust opening the door to everyone. So the next time you hear a knock at your, listen to FrontPoint Security’s advice.

When any stranger comes to your front door, you have to be aware and cautious, because they might not be who they say they are. Some people pose as governmental officials while others are real alarm salespeople who are misrepresenting the information. Remember, if it’s truly a salesman or woman, the goal is to get you to purchase the product and switch over to them. However, this isn’t always such a wise decision.

So how do you react appropriately?

First, find out if the alarm salesperson has a company ID. The identification should have the name of the employer and not necessarily the brand of the product. Then question them about their alarm company’s licensing, because this is a state and local requirement. These two initial questions should help you determine whether it’s worthwhile to speak to them.

As you go further into the conversation, though, don’t let your guard down. Allow them to explain the alarm system and how it works, particularly with regard to the communication system. Keep in mind that a cellular connection is more reliable than a phone or Internet line that can be cut by burglars. Of course, the next inquiry should be about the price…how much initially as well as monthly? Also, ask about maintenance fees and what would happen in case your system malfunctions or breaks.

Depending on how you like the services and prices, dig deeper into features and interactive services. Will you have a remote control? Will you receive email notifications of break-ins, fires, etc.? Is fire and environmental monitoring included?

While alarm companies can provide you with safety, they can also undermine your pocketbook and home security. Before you commit to any of them, especially a door-to-door alarm salesperson, do your research!

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Armor Launches Three New Products

Door security experts Armor Concepts LLC have recently launched three new products that can assist homeowners with stepping up their security. The new additions are aimed at preventing door kick-ins, which has become an increasingly growing home security issue. Below is a quick look at the EZ Armor, Sidelight Door Reinforcement System and Fix-a-Jamb II.

EZ Armor

The purpose of this product is to reinforce those weak parts of doors. It’s easy to install (takes about 30 minutes), and its main purpose is to prevent kick-ins. Basically, the L-shaped pieces fit into the door’s jamb, hinge and locks. These areas of the door are prone to damage, which allows burglars to enter your home easily. However, the L-shaped pieces reinforce these weak points and make break-ins more challenging. Even if you already have kick-in damage to your door from a previous burglary, you can install the EZ Armor, which retails for $69 and can be purchased online or at Lowe’s stores.

Sidelight Door Reinforcement System

This product is especially designed for doors with windows on the sides or sidelights. Since these types of doors are more prone to break-ins—burglars can smash the glass and manually unlock the door—this system has been created to secure the door in more ways than one. In addition to securing the door to the jamb, the jamb is also secured to your home’s frame. This system retails for $129.

Fix-A-Jamb II

This product is an improved version of the first Fix-A-Jamb. The second version actually eliminates one installation step, which makes it even easier to setup. Although this product can strengthen your door, it can also repair doors that have already been damaged. It sells for $44.

These three Amor products are perfect for apartments and condos, because if your current home is temporary, there’s no point in spending several hundred dollars replacing a door. These are more affordable solutions that will increase your security while you’re living in an apartment.

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Advice from Ex-Burglars: Stop Making Break-ins Easy

For home security advice, the best information is often from ex-burglars. After all, they do have the most credible perspective since they used to break into homes just like yours. If you think putting your key in a hideaway rock is the least of your security concerns, recommendations and suggestions from reformed house burglars will definitely shake up your lackadaisical position.

So what are we all doing wrong? Well, in addition to hidden keys, careless homeowners also leave windows open and Twitter their whereabouts openly. In addition, we rely on our hesitant and sometimes oblivious neighbors to save us from break-ins. These are definitely areas that we all need to work on, and burglary statistics only validate this.

The majority of ex-burglars agree that household break-ins are simple, and even though there are new security systems and obstacles, no job is impossible. This admission might make you raise your eyebrows.

Although you might think burglars are common crooks who have no education and just want to sell someone’s expensive possessions for drugs or cash, these individuals are smarter than you might think. These types of criminals actually do their homework by researching a target home ahead of time. How do they do this without really knowing you? Well, in addition to casing your home from a far, they also look to social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, Foursquare, etc. to determine where you’re at and how long you will be away. Of course, they can also figure out that you’re away if a sticky note is left on your door or if the mail is piling up.

In a research project performed by Home Insurance, almost half of ex-burglars revealed that nosy neighbors were not an issue. For about 28 percent of the time, neighbors ignore or pretend not to see what is happening. Think about it from their perspective…isn’t it easier not to get involved?

The viewpoint from a reformed house burglar is priceless, and it makes you realize how susceptible everyone and anyone is to a break-in.

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Tags: ex-burglar advice, home security tips, reformed house burglars

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Prepare Meals without Burns, House Fires and Other Accidents

Cooking is a dangerous job, but someone has to do it. Along with whipping up delicious and nutritious meals that will satisfy everyone, you also have to mind your safety. To get your noggin on the right track, what is wrong in the picture on the left? Give yourself a few minutes to analyze the image and consider what is a potential safety issue…

First, the handles of pans should always be moved to the inside of the stove and not hanging over the edge. This just increases the potential for someone—yourself or a child—to walk past, bump the pan and get burned. Second, it’s best to save an alcoholic beverage for after the meal is prepared. Depending on the cook’s alcohol tolerance, one or two drinks might create a clumsy chef. If you caught these safety concerns in the picture, pat yourself on the back. However, keep in mind the following oven safety tips too.

• For gas stoves, it’s wise to keep the gas on medium or low. You don’t want the flames outside of the pan. It’s also beneficial to ensure that you know how to use the stove properly. After a few clicks, the burner should light…if you let it continue to click, the gas will build up and cause the flame to combust outside of the burner, which can be scary.

• Remove all unnecessary items from the stove. Using the stove range for storage is dangerous, because plastic wrap or paper boxes can catch on fire.

• Always keep an eye on the food that you’re cooking, especially when it comes to oil. Obviously, you don’t want to burn your food, but an even worse situation is causing a house fire.

• Store a UL-rated fire extinguisher in the kitchen and make sure there is a working smoke detector nearby. This will enable you to prevent a house fire in case an accident does happen.

• Practice safety every time you cook by using potholders and wearing oven mitts. This will prevent those minor and severe burns.

• Keep children, loose clothing and hair away from the stove when it’s on. It’s a good idea to talk to your child about the stove and what can happen if they touch it while it’s on.

• Double check that the stove and burners are turned off after you’re done cooking.

Stoves whether gas or electric can be the cause of house fires, so it’s in your best interest to use them with caution at all times. You can never be too careful, and if you notice that the stove isn’t working properly, it’s better to call a professional or the manufacturer.

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Tags: cooking safety precautions, gas stove safety, oven safety tips

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Kwikset Home Security Sweepstakes

Kwikset is a manufacturer of door lock and door hardware products. Currently, this company has launched a “Live Smart” sweepstakes to encourage parents and homeowners to live a more secure lifestyle. The contest will run through November 1, and entrants will have a chance at winning several home security packages.

The grand prize includes a Smart Care (fortwo coupe), and the packages include various products such as an iPad,$100 iTunes gift card, smoke and carbon monoxide detector, Mac Book Pro, French door refrigerator, Wi-Fi built-in Blue-ray home theater system and more. Kwikset focuses on re-key technology, which enables homeowners to re-key their locks at any time without the need for professional installation. You can enter the “Live Smart” sweepstakes here.

According to the Unified Crime Report (UCR), more than 2.2 million burglaries occurred in 2008, which is an increase from 2007, 2004 and 1999, respectively. While many factors contribute to burglaries, Kwikset found through the American Security Study in 2009 that 47 percent of homeowners never chance their locks when moving into a new place. In order to combat this lack of lock changing, Kwikset has developed simple door locks that can be re-keyed in moments. In addition to its products, the “Live Smart” campaign is another way this company is raising awareness.

Kwikset provides handlesets, levers, knobs, deadbolts and smart security products. With the smart security products, you can re-key door locks within seconds. If you prefer a touchpad electronic deadbolt or touchpad electronic lever, these options are available too. Then you don’t even need a key to enter your home. The levered one is perfect for a sliding glass door or a backyard garage door. As long as you know the code, you will never be locked out of your house.

The door knobs and locks can even match your home décor. There are several finishes you can choose from including satin nickel, antique brass, polished brass, Venetian bronze, rustic pewter and rustic bronze. With the “bump” resistant technology and ANSI Grade-1 deadbolt rating, your home will be more secure, and your doors will be more functional. Even if you don’t win the sweepstakes, you might want to consider new locks for your humble abode.

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New Wireless Device: The Loudest Home Security Siren

New wireless home security devices are continuing to make a debut on the market, and recently SimpliSafe launched the loudest siren. At 105 dB, this siren will sound off as if there is an ambulance speeding down your street. Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, SimpliSafe’s siren is now available for purchase.

What is SimpliSafe and what can it do for you?

SimpliSafe has a variety of other products to choose from too. You can even create a customized security system for your home or apartment. The products they have to offer include a base station, keypad, keychain remotes, motion sensors, entry sensors, panic buttons, auxiliary sirens and accessories such as window/door decals, 2M Command Strip adhesive for the sensors and batteries. If you don’t have a home phone, SimpliSafe will notify the police of an emergency through their nationwide cellular wireless connection. Unlike cell phone companies, this security company doesn’t require a contract, and you can cancel at any time.

Now back to the new siren SimpliSafe just launched…

The new siren is weather resistant, and it can be mounted indoors and/or outdoors as long as it’s within the 100-foot range from the base station. When the siren is triggered, it will countdown by beeping to warn that the alarm will follow if the homeowner or renter doesn’t punch in the pin to disarm it. In case of an emergency or break-in, the siren will sound off with an ear-blasting alarm that neighbors and the burglar will be able to hear. This is convenient if you have a two-story home, because you will be able to hear when a burglar triggers the alarm wherever you are in the house. Also, you can install a siren outside so neighbors can hear go off when you’re out of town.

SimpliSafe has been going through many changes and revolutionizing the products that they have to offer. According to the company’s CEO Chad Lauran, the past four years has been focused on providing better service and products for apartments. So even renters can get quality home security.

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New Home Security Apps

Since the launch of the iPhone, there seems to be apps for anything you can imagine. You can use Twitter and Facebook from your phone, you can lose weight with its guidance, you can practice your cooking abilities, you can find your way through an unfamiliar location, etc. There are really no limitations to these apps and new ones are being launched every day. If you’re comfortable using these programs from your cell phone, you might be thrilled to know that home security apps for the iPhone and Blackberry exist too.

At the end of June, Alarm.com began marketing brand new home security apps, which are available in the iTunes App Store. Of course, there are limitations to the home security you receive, but at least you can step up your game and feel a little safer.

Alarm.com App Features

If you’re an iPod or Blackberry user, the apps will work for your phone, and they’re designed for those of you out there who are always on the go—it’s definitely convenient when home security programs are tailored to your lifestyle and corresponding needs. So wherever you may be—on a yacht or in the basement—you can take control of your home or business security systems. It’s great that you can use the apps at any time, but what can they do for you?

Basically, the app can be likened to a home security remote control. You can arm and disarm the alarm at any time. You can also watch real-time video or rewind old video clips from the surveillance cameras. In addition to monitoring the inside and outside of the home through cameras, you can also determine what doors, cabinets and windows have been left open and become aware of the most recent motion activity that occurred on your property. It’s like having eyes in the back of your head. You can even access a history of events including power failures, water leaks, etc.

Whether you’re on the go with your kids or traveling for business, a mobile and handheld home security monitoring system makes life easier and safer. Just think…if you know that a door or window has been left open, you can always call your significant other or neighbor to have them shut it, which will make you less of a target for burglars. You can even check in on your pets and kids too. Alarm.com’s apps are worthwhile if you have a hectic lifestyle that takes you away from home.

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Installing a Home Security System Isn’t Just for the Professionals

Ever consider taking your home security into your own hands? Although it might seem like an overwhelming task full of technical lingo, electrical wiring and patience, it doesn’t always have to be so hard. So if you have been avoiding a home security system simply for the fact that it might be challenging to install, you better think again, because there are many options that are as easy as 1-2-3.

DIY Security

Why has DIY home security become so simple? It’s because technology has come so far, especially with regard to wireless connectivity and the Internet. Now systems can be installed without a professional without losing valuable features such as 24-hour monitoring, sensors, computer/cell phone monitoring, etc. You just have to figure out which company is right for your castle.

General Electric (GE) has a line of simple home security tools, which include an automatic light system, a window alarm and doorstop alarm. All you have to do is put in the batteries, stick it to the wall and start monitoring. The best part about these tools is that they’re costs range from $10 to $25—you definitely can’t argue with that. However, do keep in mind that these less technical alarms will only alert you with a sound when they’re set off.

If you want higher-security measures put in place, you need to consider more expensive kits. Even though these will be higher in cost and security, they won’t be any harder to install.

LaserShield has a kit that costs about $700, and an additional $30 a month for monitoring services. The kit includes a base station, three wireless window and door sensors, one motion detector, two key-fob controllers and one smoke detector. You can add on wireless cameras or an alarm to detect floods.

Then there is LifeShield, and this company has a similar security kit for $300. Online monitoring services are $20 per month, or you could pay the company to monitor your home for you at $30 a month. With this package, you would receive a base station, eight sensors, one smoke-alarm siren detector and keychain remote.

There are various DIY home security kits available, and it’s possible to stay within your budget and not explode your brain just to try to get the system to work.

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Arm the Driveway with Sensors

Anymore it seems that there are home security sensors for just about everything. You can install door and window sensors, so it’s probably natural that driveway sensors would eventually come into the picture too. Recently, a New Orleans-based company called Home Automation Inc. (HAI) is using wireless technology in driveway sensors.

HAI’s wireless driveway sensor uses the earth’s magnetic field and has the ability to detect metal object such as automobiles. With these sensors, homeowners will be alerted when a person pulls into their driveway. So this equipment can function along with your current home security system, or you can have it setup so it turns on outdoor lights for you.

What are the advantages?

Well, first of all, you will always know when you have a visitor, even if it’s just someone turning around. If you have children, this is convenient, because you will know when their friends arrive to pick them up. Also, you will be alerted when invited guests show up or when the delivery truck is pulling in. You might want to know when all of these things are happening.

Another plus to these driveway sensors is that they’re wireless. This eliminates the need to have a professional dig an underground channel for cables. If you had to dig up your yard for something like this, that fact might deter you.

Last but not least is the versatility. The system can be customized to turn lights on or off, or you can incorporate it into your existing home security system. The company has also designed different installation options for post or wall mounting.

HAI’s driveway sensors are definitely the new wave of future home security products, and wireless technology will probably open more home security options along the way too.

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