| Home Security Basics |
From "Home Tech"
episode HTC-105 |
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Categories of Security Systems As the popularity of home-security systems grows, many homeowners are investigating ways of safeguarding their homes from burglary or intrusion. In DIY's Home Technology workshop, host Ron Vigil looks at how technology is being used to make homes more secure and gives some general advice on protecting your family and your property. Before you begin planning a home-security system or purchasing equipment, the fundamental consideration is what you're trying to protect -- your family, your belongings or both. There are two main philosophies behind security systems, and the type of system you employ will depend on your priorities and main objectives. - Asset protection is designed to help prevent theft or damage of your possessions while you are away from home. Asset-protection systems are typically armed when the owner leaves home. Systems focusing on asset protection are well suited to situations in which homeowners are out of town or away from home frequently. In relatively safe neighborhoods in which crime is not a major problem, a system designed for asset protection may be sufficient.
- Family security systems are designed to do all the things that an asset-protection system does, plus protect owners and family members while they are at home. These systems tend to be more elaborate, employ more features and cost more than simpler asset-protection systems. In neighborhoods where crime is an issue and break-ins occur frequently, this type of system may be preferred. In addition to times when the owners are away from home, these systems are armed at night when everyone is at home or asleep.
Seven Simple Steps for Added Security Even before installing a security system, there are a number of simple and often-overlooked steps that you can take to help make your home safer. Following is a list of suggestions for basic, inexpensive steps that you can take immediately to help make your home safer. - Inspect the trees and shrubs around your house. Take a walk around the outside of your house and note whether there is growth blocking your doors or windows from view (figure A). Overgrown areas in your yard and around your house provide places of concealment for potential burglars who could use that cover to get close to your house without being noticed. If necessary, trim back shrubbery and low tree limbs to eliminate areas of concealment.
- Install kick plates at the bottom of your doors to the outside (figure B), and pry plates on the doorknobs. These are easy to install, and make doors more difficult to kick in.
- Cover window wells, a common point of entry for burglars. Make certain that the covers (figure C) are installed according to your local building-code regulations and allow for escape from the inside, but prevent entry from the outside.
- Inspect house lighting, both inside and out. Outside lighting (figure D), in particular, deters intruders.
- Make certain that your house-address numbers are easy to read and large enough to be visible from the road (figure E). Police and firefighters need to be able to locate your home quickly in case of an emergency, and house numbers that are absent or hard to see make that difficult.
- Get to know your neighbors (figure F). Aside from just being friendly, it's good to be acquainted with your close neighbors who might be able to help you in an emergency. Good neighbors will notice when things are out of place. They have a view of your home from the outside, and they might notice if something looks suspicious.
- Consider getting a dog if you don't already have one (figure G). Dogs can be a great deterrent to intruders, particularly if they bark loudly when someone comes to the door or approaches your house.
RESOURCES :
Aegis Security
Aegis Security
Denver , CO 80223
Phone: 303-922-2844
CSI/Speco Security
Web site: www.csi-speco.com
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Home Security
Model: 0028639510
Author: Tom Davidson, Lorna Gentry, Steve McVey
Macmillan / Alpha Books
Website: www.macmillan.com
Home Safe Home: How to Safeguard Your Home and Family Against Break-Ins
Model: 088282113X
Author: Helen Maxwell, Michael Maxwell
New Horizon Press
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