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Home Security Mistakes & Tips
Making mistakes when it comes to your home security can compromise your safety, leaving you vulnerable to burglary and theft. When choosing the best home security system for you, avoid making these common security mistakes and ensure that you properly safeguard your home and loved ones.
Mistake: Buying The Wrong Home Security Systems.
There is no “wrong” home security system, however, what works for one person may not work for you. This is precisely why there are various types of security systems on the market.
In order to choose the best system for you, do your research. You want to look at different reviews from reputable sources. Search the security system you are eyeing, or the type of system you’re looking for. In addition to reviews, pay attention to any complaints from real buyers that you may come across. There may be legitimate issues that you should know about before making a purchase.
Also, these are some important features you should consider when shopping for a security system:
- Remote monitoring
- Real-time notifications
- 911 & emergency services
- Input capacity
- Ease of installation
Lastly, to help you make the right decision, and possibly save you time, you should speak with a security professional. With expert knowledge and experience under their belt, a security professional will have a better idea of which type of security will best suit your needs.
Mistake: Not Testing Your Configurations.
It is rare that one home security system is enough for all your home security needs. For added protection, some components to consider may include:
- Indoor and outdoor cameras
- Motion sensors
- Smoke detectors
- Carbon monoxide detectors
- Glass break detectors
- Door and window sensors
- Freeze sensors
- Water sensors
- Driveway sensors
Of course, these are just some of the many components you may or may not want to add to your system. Whether you have one security camera or 20 different cameras and sensors, you should test all of them to ensure proper configuration and performance. For example, you may not know that your camera is poorly positioned or that your alarm system was not properly activated.
Try simulating a break-in with a friend, family member, or your pet to determine the capabilities of your home security system. Most criminals are seasoned vets so they probably know how to bypass one of more components of your system, thus having more aspects can help to ensure they are stopped.
Mistake: Lack Of/Poor Maintenance Of Home Security System.
Your security system should be maintained on a regular basis, whether it’s weekly, monthly, semi-annually or annually – do what’s best for what you need. Maintenance can involve various things such as updating software, changing batteries, changing faulty or defective parts, and more.
Professional Maintenance
Professional maintenance can be done annually or semi-annually. You may want to check if your vendor offers any maintenance packages in the service contract. If they don’t, you can enlist the services from a home security inspection company.
The services typically consist of the following:
- Repair or replace broken parts of your home security system
- Test the control panel and all other components of your home security system
- Check that signals are sent to and received by the monitoring center
Professional maintenance ensures that there’s no guesswork in handling, fixing or replacing faulty components of your system.
DIY Maintenance
Your DIY checklist should include:
- Check/change exterior lighting to ensure clearer pictures or videos for your surveillance cameras
- Simulate intrusion to check if motion sensors will detect it or trigger the right alarm
- Test your control panel if it has a test model but if your system includes remote monitoring (which it should), inform the monitoring team to avoid starting a false alarm
- The National Fire Alarm Code requires annual inspection of residential household fire systems, but you can press the test button of your smoke detector to see if it’s functioning properly from time to time
Keep these tips in mind in order to avoid these critical mistakes when shopping for a home security system.
If you’re looking for quality CCTV surveillance systems and security cameras for smart prices, feel free to browse our stock online at SecurityCamExpert.com or call 888-203-6294 to speak with an expert today! Find the latest news and updates on our Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest pages.
Essential Features For Your Home Security Cameras
The holidays are here, which means it’s time for things like holiday shopping and family vacations. Unfortunately, this also means it is the best time for burglars to strike. You want to protect your home and the expensive gifts under your tree, but you can’t be home all the time. Lucky for you, security cameras can be. These security camera features will help you get the most of out of your home surveillance system.
Motion Sensors
Motion sensing technology is extremely important in identifying suspicious or unusual behavior. Without motion sensors, your surveillance would need to be on 24/7, which can waste precious power and storage space on mundane recordings. Motion sensors allow your system to kick into action as needed. Mobile alerts are usually offered in conjunction with this technology. Aside from motion sensors, audio sensing takes your security system much further by alerting you or recording when sounds are detected around the security camera.
Two-way Audio
With two-way audio, you can communicate with people who may be in or outside of your home.
Investing in a security camera with speakers enables communication between you and whoever may be near your camera. For example, if someone is knocking at your door and you’re not home, you can instantly communicate with them through your connected device. Or if someone has broken into your home, you can alert them that they are being recorded and that authorities are en route.
Field Of View
The field of view depends on what you value more – detail or wide view. A camera with a narrower field of view will obviously capture less, however, it will offer more detail. A wide field of view makes the camera seem farther away but offers more viewing range without having to reposition or angle the camera (think panoramic view). Knowing where you want to place your security cameras will help you understand which field of view will work best.
Video Quality
Video quality has greatly improved over the years. These days, most security cameras come with 720p resolution as the standard, and go as high as 1080p resolution for recording and streaming. But before you go ahead and splurge on that high definition security camera, you must first be sure that your Internet connection can handle it (1080p feeds can use up lots of bandwidth).
Power Source
You can go wired or wireless, depending on your personal preference and what your environment allows. Wired solutions simply need an outlet, and possibly extension cords, depending on the location. Other security cameras offer PoE capabilities, and some are battery operated.
Low-light/Nighttime Settings
Low light security cameras can make the most with a faint hint of light. The technology works to create a brighter image with discernible details, however, without a light source, the camera will not work. Most cameras with this technology will emit their own near-infrared energy while remaining relatively inconspicuous.
Thermal imaging, on the other hand, does not depend on light. Instead, it uses heat to monitor an area. While thermal imaging can work in total darkness, it does lack fine details and color.
Cloud vs. Local Storage
Surveillance storage is an important aspect of security systems. Without archived videos of an incident, you have no evidence to prove that a perpetrator did anything wrong. With local storage, your footage is saved directly to a nearby storage drive. Sometimes this is built into your DVR or NVR, other times you may have an external hard drive. The downfall to this type of storage is that you may run out of space quickly, especially if you do not have a motion detection feature.
Cloud storage is relatively unlimited (in the sense of availability), however, you may be charged fees depending on the Cloud service. Also, cloud storage usually dumps old footage after a specified amount of time, so if you would like to keep your video clips, you will have to offload it from your cloud account to your local drive or another cloud account.
Now that you know what to look for in your home security cameras, feel free to shop our selection online at SecurityCamExpert.com or call 1-888-203-6294 to speak with a representative directly. And don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest!
Choose The Right Outdoor Security Camera For You
When it comes to safety and protection, security cameras are often one of the best bets. Whether indoor or outdoor, security cameras allow you to keep an eye on your property. Further, outdoor security cameras can act as your first line of defense against intruders.
These days, there are many styles and technologies to choose from when it comes to security cameras. The most common type is analog surveillance cameras, which work with CCTV (closed circuit television) software. Network IP security cameras are a bit more expensive than analog cameras, however, they offer more advanced technology and features.
Whether you go for analog or network IP security cameras, the style of the camera adds more options and benefits. You can choose between wired or wireless cameras, which can easily be determined by the desired location for your camera and the available power source. Bullet and dome security cameras both boast great versatility and features, but may be better suited for different settings. You may also benefit from other styles, such as hidden/nanny cams, infrared/night vision or day/night cameras, and more.
With that said, it is imperative to choose the appropriate outdoor security camera for your home security needs.
Before you start shopping for outdoor security cameras, you may want to take a walk around your property and take notes. Considering the different types of security cameras out there and the layout of your property, some styles may be better suited for certain areas. Bring someone along, like a family member, or have someone you trust do this as well so you can compare notes. Sometimes a fresh pair of eyes or a different perspective may uncover things you didn’t initially consider.
Some things you may realize, for example, could be that if there are no streetlights near your home, infrared/night vision cameras will be helpful. Or that your open yard area could use a PTZ or wide lens camera for better viewing range, as opposed to a bullet camera, which may be more fitting for targeted areas like your front door.
Besides taking a look at your perimeter, another thing you may want to do is sit down with your family to address personal concerns. Your family members can offer insight on what areas they would like to be monitored. For example, security cameras at the front door or near driveways allow you to see who is approaching your home. Or you may want to keep an eye on pets or livestock, so a camera placed in that area may be necessary. One thing that seems to be helpful is remote access to your security camera feed while you’re away. Most security cameras on the market today support this feature.
If you have any questions about security cameras, or are simply looking for affordable, top quality surveillance camera equipment, please feel free to call 1-888-203-6294 or visit us online. You may also connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, or Pinterest.
Home Security Cameras Provide Added Protection
Basic home protection starts with sturdy locks for doors and windows and may even extend to fencing around your property. While these simple measures can help safeguard your home and loved ones, all vulnerability is not lost. Installing security cameras can prevent your home from being a target.
Keep An Eye On Your Surroundings
Installing outdoor security cameras helps you watch for suspicious activity on your property. You can see who is knocking on your front door, monitor other points of entry for burglars, or even keep a watchful eye on your garage and backyard. Garages become targets because they are easy to break into and whenever the door is open, you can see everything inside. Because thieves do not want to get caught, a security camera in plain sight can discourage them.
Aside from keeping an eye out for intruders, you can also conveniently monitor your loved ones. If you have to stay inside for whatever reason while your family is in the pool or a play area outside, you can monitor them from indoors.
Nanny Cams and Baby Monitors
When it comes to your children, we understand how important they are and how you will do anything to keep them safe. Nanny cams can help reassure that they are safe and both nanny and kids are on their best behavior. Rather than calling to check in, you can easily and discreetly monitor your nanny cam feed.
You can also use security cameras that transmit both audio and video as a makeshift baby monitor. For example, you can install an audio security camera above your baby’s crib and connect it to a monitor in another room. Any crying or noises can be conveniently checked via monitor first to see if further investigation is necessary.
Protect Your Valuables
Installing security cameras indoors can help you monitor who comes in and out. This can be especially beneficial if you run a home business. You can monitor employees and clients when they are in your home so that your prized possessions are secure. Or, if you have older teenagers, you can make sure they are abiding by the rules while you’re away.
How do you use security cameras in your home or on your property? Share your experience – Find us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
For home security cameras and equipment, visit us online at SecurityCamExpert.com, or give us a call at 1-888-203-9294.
Public Surveillance and Security Cameras
Security cameras can put your worries at ease. You can actively monitor what’s going on at your home or property whether you’re there or not. You can even store your recordings for later review. Thanks to new innovations, some security cameras can use facial recognition and motion sensors to alert you when something suspicious is going on. If these security cameras can make you feel safe at home, why not extend this protection to the public arena?
It is met with some hesitation, but public video surveillance can be a great help when crimes occur, and even in prevention of crimes. Studies have shown that when people know that they are being watched, they tend to modify their behavior to what is acceptable. Because surveillance cameras can produce evidence, criminals will likely be deterred from acting on their impulses. In areas with high crime rates, installation of public surveillance cameras could possibly help crime rates drop.
If a crime has occurred, public security cameras could provide crucial evidence to verify witness accounts and identify the wanted suspects. Some law enforcement have even set up private security camera registries for their local areas. These registries are voluntary and can help keep your neighborhood safe. Your private security camera footage could assist authorities is capturing a potentially dangerous person.
While security cameras are not the answer in eliminating crime or stopping crimes all together, they can play a very vital and important role. The use of public surveillance or even a registry of private security cameras for law enforcement has already proven itself. Countless crimes have been solved, partly in thanks to surveillance footage helping to identify the suspect and providing evidence and important details of the crimes.
Is there a public surveillance system or a private security camera registry in your city? Do you find that these have succeeded in making your city a safer place? Share your thoughts on public surveillance with us! You’ll find us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
If you have any questions or are looking for security cameras and installation, please call us at 1-888-203-6294. You can also visit us online at SecurityCamExpert.com, where you’ll find more information about our products, services, and us. We’re happy to help you protect yourself and your loved ones.
Facial Recognition: The Newest Addition To Home Security
Debuted at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show, the Netatmo Welcome camera is a new endeavor for the company. More prominently known for its weather station, this home security camera keeps you connected to your live feed for better home security.
What sets the Netatmo Welcome camera apart from the rest is its excellent features. You can stay connected through iOS, Android, or PC/MAC apps to remotely view your feed. The camera itself boasts 1080p, 130 degree field of view plus infrared LEDs enabling night vision, and, most impressively, facial recognition. More and more cameras are being equipped with facial recognition technology, but its entrance into the home security field is brilliant. You can track the in home activity of your family members and be alerted when an unrecognized person is in your home.
Of course, privacy concerns will always arise. The camera records all data on a local SD card rather than being uploaded to the Cloud, and the live stream “is secured by a bank-level encrypted connection.” And, with companion apps and accessories, you can choose how closely you monitor each person within your home, at what times, as well as determine which type of notifications you would like to receive. You can also monitor when doors or windows open or close.
A release date is yet to be determined. For now, we want to hear your thoughts on the Welcome camera. Do you like the idea of facial recognition and keeping tabs on the people within your home? Do you think this home security camera will be a hit when it becomes available? Share your thoughts with us on our social networks – Facebook, Google+, Twitter, or Pinterest.
Let SecurityCamExpert.com help you find the right security cameras for you. Browse our stock online or give us a call at 1-888-203-6294 to speak with a representative directly. Our offices are open Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm. We look forward to speaking with you!