Home Security Beat

Security Mirror Can Be Wise Home Security Investment

You’ve doubtlessly seen a security mirror before, probably at your local 7-11 if no where else.  These mirrors allow the cashier to see what’s going on in the back aisles of the store (i.e. if someone is trying to shoplift the munchies next to the slurpee machine).

Security mirrors like these make a lot of sense and are cheaper to install–and simpler to monitor–than complex surveillance systems that record activity in every nook in cranny.  And, as you may have guessed from the title here, a security mirror need not only be for commercial establishments.

Residential Security Mirrors

Take a look around your yard, especially the entrances to your house (front, back, side, garage, etc.).  Are there any places someone could hide, waiting to ambush you while you’re fumbling for the keys with an arm full of groceries?

If you think about it, there are often moments when you’re going into or coming out of the house where you are quite vulnerable.  This is why it can make sense to install a home security mirror.

Other Uses

Mirrors can also make sense outside of a thieves-in-the-bushes home security context.  For instance, if you have a lot of bushes at the end of your driveway, backing out into the road can be hazardous. The same is true if your garage is right off a street or alley, and the walls themselves block your vision until your car is largely out of the garage.

If you can’t see oncoming traffic until your vehicle is halfway into the road, it can be an accident waiting to happen.  You could possibly hit another car, a wandering cat or dog, or even children.  Consider placing an outdoor mirror strategically so you can see what’s back there before you start inching out into the street.

Type of Security Mirror for Home Use?

When you start browsing the mirror section of the security store, you can find quite a few options.  Dome mirrors, corner dome mirrors, rectangular mirrors, convex, roundtangular (who comes up with these names?), etc.

For home use, a simple round convex mirror is probably all you need.  These can be used for garage and driveway exits, and they can allow you to see down side alleys alongside your house and nooks and crannies near your entrances.

As far as installation goes, you typically get everything you need when you buy the mirror.  It doesn’t take a security pro to attach one to the side of the house, though you’ll want to experiment a bit before installing it, to ensure you’re getting the best possible vantage point.

In spots where the sun may strike the mirror, or nighttime security lighting could cause glare, you may want to get a sun visor to attach to the top (this feature will cost extra).

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Tags: garage, home security, surveillance, traffic