Your Source for Security Cameras & Other Security Equipment
Safety Tips For Halloween 2019
While Halloween is a family-friendly holiday, it can also be a very dangerous night. With more pedestrians on the road and people concealing their identities with costumes, the risks are higher. Before partaking in the Halloween fun, review these Halloween safety tips.
Pick A Safe Costume
- Costumes, wigs, and accessories should be made with fire-resistant materials.
- Avoid masks that may obstruct your child’s live of vision.
- If your kids will be out after dark, or their costumes are hard to see at night, use bright, reflective material or adhere reflective tape to your child’s costume to increase visibility.
- If you are using makeup, be sure that is it nontoxic and that it is removed before bed to avoid irritation.
Know Where They Are
- Kids 12 and under should be chaperoned.
- If you are not chaperoning, be sure you know who your children are going out with, where they will be going, and that you have the contact information of the adult chaperone.
- If your children are older, be sure that they trick-or-treat in a group with friends and that they stick to familiar, well-lit routes.
- If your child has a cell phone, you can set up a GPS tracker together so that you know where they are.
Be Aware Of Surroundings
- Road safety is especially important on Halloween night as more kids are walking around, usually excited and distracted, and drivers may not be paying attention, or even worse, driving home after a night of celebrating. Here are some important reminders:
- You and your children should only cross the street at corners where there are traffic lights and crosswalks.
- Always check left, right, and left again before crossing.
- For both kids and adults, make sure heads are up and alert, not looking at phones or electronic devices.
- Walk, don’t run, when crossing the street. If you can’t make it across the street in time, wait for the next green light.
Pumpkin Safety
- Small children should not carve pumpkins. Instead, have them use a marker to draw a face and an adult may carve it for them once they are done. Or they can simply decorate the pumpkin with markers, paint, etc.
- Consider using a flashlight or glow stick to illuminate your jack-o-lantern. If you opt for a candle, votive candles are the safest choice.
- Pumpkins should be securely places on table tabletops and away from flammable objects and should not be left unattended.
Candy Safety
- Feed your children a good meal before heading out for trick-or-treating so that they are less tempted by the treats when they’re out.
- Although tampering is rare, it is important to inspect and sort candy with your children when you get home. Discard old, spoiled, or unwrapped treats.
- If you child has allergies, be mindful of the houses you visit and inspect candy labels carefully. If you are unsure, err on the side of caution and toss it.
Share your own Halloween safety tips with your peers and us at Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. Visit SecurityCamExpert.com to shop our selection of quality surveillance cameras and equipment or call 888-203-6294 to request a FREE quote!
Pros & Cons Of Public Security Cameras
There is much debate on whether or not surveillance cameras should be installed in public places such as airports, schools, libraries, and stores. The line between privacy and security is thin and both sides can be argued.
Although so may feel like public surveillance is an invasion of privacy, laws that prohibit surveillance in public places are few and far between, and may be limited to geographical areas. For example, in New York, police may only use video surveillance footage as part of an investigation into the alleged criminals after obtaining a warrant from local authorities.
And remember, placing cameras in areas where an individual has a reasonable expectation of privacy (ex. bathrooms, changing rooms) is always prohibited.
Let’s look at the different pros and cons of public surveillance.
Pro: Increase Public Safety
Just like surveillance on our private property improves our home security, surveillance in public areas increases public safety. Public surveillance can aid in keeping you safe when you are out and about.
Public security cameras can keep an eye out for crimes as well as act as a deterrent. For example, if suspicious individuals are seen in an area, authorities may be able to get ahead of the situation and possibly move innocent bystanders out of harm’s way.
Pro: Reduce Crime Rate
According to statistics, after security cameras are installed, crimes rates drop. For example, crime rates in Humboldt Park dropped 20% after video surveillance was implemented. As previously mentioned, the presence of security cameras act as a deterrent as criminals do not want to risk getting caught on camera.
Pro: Helps Catch Criminals
For crimes committed where video surveillance is present, the chance of catching criminals is much higher. With advanced technology like facial recognition, security cameras may be able to better identify criminals, helping authorities to track them down. Also, these images and information may be shared with the public to help spread the word. It may be difficult to obtain eyewitness accounts, but with security cameras, you often have video evidence of the events that transpired.
Pro: Provide Evidence & Gather Clues
Along the same lines, surveillance footage can be used as evidence in the courtroom. On the other hand, video footage may also help to prove a person’s innocence. Either way, recordings of public areas can help provide clues to solve crimes, and may even provide solid evidence for criminal cases.
Pro: Convenience
Convenience comes in the form of traffic cameras. Surveillance cameras at stoplights help to prevent drivers from speeding through a red light, while security cameras installed on streets and freeways can help to monitor traffic conditions in real-time.
Con: Easily Abused
Unfortunately, this helpful technology can be easily abused. For example, information collected from public cameras can potentially be used as a form of blackmail. Another example is voyeurism and stalking. To combat these issues, strict regulations on public surveillance must be put into place.
Con: Doubts About Effectiveness
In addition, many people doubt the effectiveness of public surveillance. While statistics may show that crimes and incident rates have decreased, security cameras are not as effective when it comes to horrific acts such as terrorism.
Con: Expensive
The cost of public security cameras is another issue. Since many doubt the effectiveness, they feel that public surveillance systems are a waste of money. They argue that high maintenance and costs of these systems is not justified by their limited results.
As you can see, both sides have valid arguments. It is a matter of whether the pros outweigh the cons or vice versa. For the most part, public surveillance has been working for our benefit. Feel free to share your thoughts on the matter with us and your peers on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
Please call us at 888-203-6294 if you have any questions regarding our security cameras or installation services, or to request a free quote! You can also visit us online at SecurityCamExpert.com, where you’ll find more information about our products and service. We are happy to help you protect yourself and your loved ones.
Video Surveillance Tricks
Surveillance systems installed at your home or business help to enhance your security by allowing you to keep any eye on your property. They can aid in keeping your loved ones safe, as well as potentially deter criminals from targeting you. And after installation, there are ways to make the most of your surveillance system. Review these tricks to enhance your security.
- Learn The Ins & Outs
Security cameras have different features, so it is important that you choose one that suits your needs. It is also imperative that you learn what your surveillance cameras can do by reading manuals and watching tutorials as necessary.
- Get The Mobile App
Most surveillance systems have an accompanying app which allows you to access your feed and manage your system remotely, as well as provide alerts. Without it, you miss out on these great opportunities to enhance your security.
- Register For E-Mail Alerts
When motion or suspicious activity is detected, you will be notified via e-mail which may be accompanied by video footage.
- Register For Text Alerts
For even faster access, sign up for text alerts. You’ll get essentially the same alert you would via e-mail, but in a text.
- Choose The Right Cameras
As mentioned, it is important to choose cameras with the right features and functions that will cater to your specific surveillance needs. For example, night vision cameras are great for areas that need around the clock monitoring, and day/night cameras are great for outdoor use where lighting can vary. There are a multitude of security cameras on the market with a variety of features so you are sure to find the ones that suit your needs.
- Petsit & Babysit
Indoor security cameras can give you peace of mind when it comes to pets and older children who may be home alone.
- Understand Privacy Mode
If you want to record but don’t want the recordings to be visible remotely, you can turn on privacy mode.
- Set Scheduled Times
Rather than setting your security camera on motion detection only, you can set the times you want your system to record. You can watch the footage in real-time or at a later date, either on the web or your mobile device.
- Manage Your Cameras Remotely
As mentioned, you can manage your camera system remotely via an app installed on a PC or smart device.
Share your own surveillance tips and tricks with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
If you need helping choosing a new security camera system for your home or business, please feel free to contact us! You can browse our stock online or give us a call 888-203-6294 to speak with one of our representatives directly. Your security is our priority and we are always happy to help.
Enhance Your Home Security
Home burglaries happen more often that we would like to think. While we want to protect our home, families, and our possessions, our security measures may be lacking. Here are some ways you can enhance your safety and secure your home.
Landscape
Walk around your property to identify and eliminate potential hiding spots for thieves. Clear away any overgrown areas and maintain your landscape.
Police
Speak with your local police department as they can offer insight on break-in trends in your area.
Neighbors
Take the time to get to know your neighbors and engage with people in your neighborhood. You can use each other as allies to watch for any suspicious activities or keep a look out when you’re away.
Lighting
Outdoor lighting can play a key role in your home security. Installing motion-sensor lights around your property can enhance your safety and prevent your home from being targeted by thieves. For indoor lighting, you may want to consider implementing timers or smart light bulbs that can be controlled remotely. This will allow you to make it appear as if you are home even when you’re away.
Shopping
Online shopping is convenient, but can also draw the attention of thieves. To deter porch pirates, have your packages sent elsewhere or require a signature for delivery. In addition, your trash may give away that you recently purchased a new computer or flat-screen television. Be sure to break down boxes and keep your trash inconspicuous.
Safety Routine
Establish a routine of regularly locking all doors, shutting windows, and arming your alarm system when you leave your home. And avoid leaving a spare key outside as thieves are privy to common hiding spots. Instead, leave a spare with a trusted friend or neighbor.
Visibility
Be sure that you can see who is at your front door without opening it, whether it be through a peephole, window, or a video doorbell. Do not place valuables where they can be seen from the street and keep your alarm system panel out of sight from windows so that people outside cannot see you arming it.
Outdoor Valuables
Anything outdoors is an easier steal. Sheds, garages, and other outdoor buildings are prime targets, as they are usually easier to access and contain valuables. Be sure to secure your grill, lawn mower, bicycles, and other outdoor gear.
Vacation
Going away? Hold your mail and deliveries, and ask a friend or neighbor to remove flyers from your property. If it’s for an extended period of time, arrange for snow removal and lawn mowing to keep up the appearance that you are home.
Share your own home security tips with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
Browse our stock of quality surveillance equipment and security cameras online at SecurityCamExpert.com. Contact us at 888-203-6294 to request a free quote or schedule a site survey.
What Is FRT?
By now, we have all heard about facial recognition technology and how it is becoming more commonplace in our everyday lives. But do you really know how it works and its benefits?
Facial recognition technology (FRT) analyzes the unique features of a person’s face to verify their identity. This advanced technology can be used as identification authentication to protect sensitive areas or information. As this technology continues to advance, we will see an increase in reliability and application.
Learn more about the different types of FRT:
- Traditional
Traditional FRT uses a photo or image of a face to analyze the basic geometry of the features. After analyzing, the features are cross-referenced against a database of different faces. - 3-Dimensional (3D)
A more sophisticated technology, 3D FRT uses 3D sensors and cameras at various angles. The 3D sensors capture the shape and contours of the face, while cameras capture traditional FRT data. Both data sets are merged to create a comprehensive understanding of the face, including different facial expressions. Then this data is cross-referenced with the database. - Surface Texture Analysis
Surface Texture Analysis takes an image of a patch of skin (also known as a skin print). The skin print is then segmented and turned into measurable space with complex algorithms. It is then analyzed for any lines, pores, or interesting characteristics. This technology is used in tandem with traditional and 3D FRT and can distinguish between identical twins. - Thermal
Thermal FRT uses more advanced cameras, but has the same basic concept as other FRT. This technology uses both traditional and thermal cameras to create facial recognition in low visibility scenarios.
As you can imagine, all the different types of FRT can be used to ensure heightened security in places housing highly sensitive data as well as keeping unknown persons away from private property. Share your own thoughts about FRT and its future with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
Keep an eye on your property with quality security cameras from SecurityCamExpert.com. Let us help you choose the right surveillance system to suit your needs and we can take care of the installation, too! To learn more about our products and services, please call 888-203-6294.