Home Security News

Risk Assessment

Doing a risk assessment is one of the first steps to creating a home security plan and purchasing a home security system. Previously, I've mentioned how it may be possible to get a reduction of your home insurance rates by installing a home security system. However, your insurer may want to see not only that you have an alarm system and some reinforced locks, but a home security plan of some sort. After all, an alarm is no good if you don't remember to turn it on. Doing a plan, including a risk assessment of your home and neighborhood, shows you're responsible and serious about protecting your home and family.

Here are a few resources I found that explain what a home security risk assessment is and how to do one:

Home Security: Creating a Risk Assessment for Your Home
Home security starts with risk assessment

Wireless Alarms Thwart Burglars

In Ashton, a town in the UK, wireless security systems were provided to residences and businesses. The area had experienced quite a few burglaries, and the large project (city funded, it looks like) dropped the crime rate noticably. It made "residents feel safe and confident in actually leaving their homes." I wish someone around here would start handing out free home security systems!

Free alarms 'reduce burglaries'

Browse Wireless Security Products

CCTV Explained

CCTV (Closed-circuit television) has become increasingly common in home security systems in the last few years. Once, video surveillance was too expensive to consider outside of large commercial establishments. I'll be looking at how people can incorporate CCTV into their security plans in future posts, but for now let's just start with a solid definition:

(Excerpt from Wikipedia) "Closed-circuit television (CCTV), as a collection surveillance cameras, is the use of television cameras for surveillance. It differs from broadcast television in that all components are directly linked via cables or other direct means. CCTV is used in banks, casinos, shopping centres, streets, airports etc (the eye in the sky). The use of CCTVs in public places has increased, causing debate over security vs. privacy. CCTV camera looking down on suburban life from on-high.Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) - where the picture is viewed or recorded, but not broadcast - was initially developed as a means of security for banks. Today it has developed to the point where it is simple and inexpensive enough to be used in home security systems, and for everyday surveillance."

Full article: Closed-circuit television

Other resources:
The CCTV Glossary
CCTV Information
CCTV Frequently Asked Questions

Homeowner's Insurance--Do You Have Enough?

Homeowner's insurance is a big part of home security, since your insurance will be what covers your expenses in the event of a theft or damage. A short article from Better Homes & Gardens briefly explains what to consider when purchasing insurance coverage for your home, such as whether or not "full coverage" really means full coverage.

Read: Do You Have Enough Insurance?

Prevent Laptop Theft

Some 400,00 laptops are stolen in the U.S. alone every year (from The Complete Idiot's Guide to Home Security). Venues like eBay make fencing such goods easy for thieves. Not only are laptops expensive but they may contain tons of your personal information and private files.

One way to make it harder for thieves is to brand your laptop with some sort of unique identification number (i.e. driver's license number). Also consider locks or similar devices to secure your laptop if you ever leave it unattended in a public area.

Related articles:
Securing laptops and other mobile devices
Fingerprint Biometrics and other laptop security options

Motorcycle Alarms and Locks

Motorcycle Theft Prevention:

More than 30,000 motorcycles are swiped every year in the US. To help prevent this from happening to you, keep your motorcycle in your garage when you're at home (so no one can just drive up and throw your bike in the back of a truck). When you're parked away from home, employ an alarm system or a lock/cable system.

When using a lock and cable, make sure you chain your bike to something big and solid to prevent it from being carried away. Wind the cable through the frame and both wheels. Locks that simply keep the wheels from moving aren't enough as the bike can still be hauled away. Chains are easy to cut so go for encased steel cord in conjunction with an American commercial lock. Mark your bike with an Operation Identification number so that if it is taken, you have a better chance of getting it back (ask your local police station for more details).

Visit:
The Motorcycle Zone offers both motorcycle alarms and motorcycle locks

Property Identification

According to The Complete Idiot's Guide to Home Security, property identification (branding your belongings) can reduce a thief's ability to fence your stuff thus making your valuables less appealing targets. For bicycles and smaller items, try an electronic engraving pen. For larger items such as lawn equipment, use a metal stamp. Make your mark unique, but don't use your social security number (SSN's play a big part in identity theft situations). Try your driver's license number or some combination of your initials and birthdate, just so long as you can prove it belongs to you.

Your local law enforcement agency may already have a program in place to help citizens with property identification that comes with forms, engraving tools, and instructions. It doesn't hurt to ask.

How Much Home Insurance Do You Need?

Yahoo! provides a calculator to help you estimate the amount of homeowner's insurance you need. State Farm has one for figuring Renter's Insurance.

Renter's Insurance Rate Quote
Homeowner's Insurance Rate Quote

Yahoo also has a number of articles and FAQs for renters and hone owners in their insurance section:

Home & Renters Insurance Center

Reducing Homeowner's Insurance Premiums

In an age where homeowner's insurance premiums seem to be increasing exponentially, you'll be happy to know there are some things you can do (yes, related to home security) that can actually reduce your rates without reducing the amount of coverage. By showing your insurance company that your house is more secure than average, you reduce your risk of being a victim of burglary, and therefore you reduce the insurance company's likelihood of having to cover your losses. You don't necessarily need to buy a big fancy home security system complete with fake barking dog in order to do this.

According to The Complete Idiot's Guide to Home Security, "Installing deadbolt locks, simple alarms, and smoke detectors" (p. 8) can save you 1-5% on your homeowner's insurance rates. If you combine car insurance and homeowner's insurance policies, you may also qualify for a 5-15% discount--sort of like buying in bulk.

Be sure to discuss these issues with your insurance agent and ask what you need to do to qualify for a discount due to improved home security in your house. If you get a blank look, let your agent know you'll be shopping around for insurance that is willing to reward you for your work at making your home less of a target for crime.

Related:
Types of Homeowner's Insurance (Do You Have What You Need?)
Getting good homeowners insurance--5 Tips: Shopping for homeowner's insurance.
Homeowner's Insurance Buying Tips

Get Your Car Alarm Questions Answered

Have questions about car alarms? In conjunction with About.com, an expert with 10 years of experience installing and using car alarms and other vehicle anti-theft devices allows visitors to submit questions which are answered and posted to the web for all to learn from. You can browse through the information already on the site or send in a new question.

Car Alarm Questions and Answers

Thwarting Burglars with... Shrubs?

While there's no replacement for a good home security system, you can actually make your home a safer place by employing some creative landscaping. According to Home Security Your Guide to Protecting Your Family, "thorny hedges, dense shrubbery, and even rosebushes planted along the property line can create a barrier" (P. 8) that will turn off trespassers.

It makes sense if you think about it. Hard to sneak into somebody's house when you're distracted by the thorns protruding from your legs... The book goes on to recommend Barberry, Hawthorne, and Rose shrub as popular plants with prickly characteristics. Of course, your climate and where you live will dictate what makes sense for your yard. Take a trip to the local garden shop and find out what's popular in your area.

Setting Up a Wireless Home Security System

Cripes, there're a lot of sites out there selling wireless home security systems, but does anyone actually want to tell you how installation works? Noooo. Ok, actually I found a couple... As it is my self-appointed job to keep you informed on such matters, I'm listing them below. The sites I found don't go too in depth though, so you may eventually want to grab a copy of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Home Security or some other home security/home automation book.

Anyway, wireless home security installation sites:

How to Install a Wireless Home Security System
Installing a Wireless Security System
Browse Wireless Security Products

Portable Alarms

Portable burglar alarm systems are home security options for people who live in apartments and may not have the leeway to start drilling holes into the walls and installing banks of security cameras and such. Portable alarms are also handy for people who are traveling, especially if you are traveling alone, because they are fairly easy to set up in a hotel room. Even house owners may consider a portable alarm system if you don't want to install a more comprehensive system or you don't have a good place to mount a motion-detector.

About Portable Alarms:

According to Home Security Your Guide to Protecting Your Family, portable burglar alarms are relatively small, battery-powered, and completely self-contained. They include both alarm and motion sensor. You can get styes that sit on flat areas like desks or shelves; you can also buy alarms that hang on the doorknob.

D-Link Internet Security Camera

D-Link, famous for computer networking gear, is delving into security cameras that you can access through the Internet. The D-Link DCS-5300G Internet Security Camera offers 802.11g connectivity, pan, zoom, tilt, and high resolution video all without wires. Although maybe more a rich man's toy than a total home security solution, a wireless internet camera can be useful for those who want to check in on their home remotely via the Internet.

Resources:

D-Link DCS-5300G (802.11g) Internet Security Camera
D-Link Wireless Internet Security Camera Home Page

Other Home Security Cameras

Identity Theft in the Information Age

The exploding population and the increasingly virtual nature of our records and very identities make identity theft a problem that continues to grow. An article by informit.com Identity Theft: Criminal Behavior Meets the Information Age talks about how the "free flow of information has made it easier for the seedier side of human nature to show its ugly face, as criminals get sophisticated enough to steal your very person." Not only does the article discuss the dangers of identity theft, it covers numerous means of protecting yourself whether you use checks, credit cards, or other means for transactions.

Apartments and Condominiums

Home security is for apartment and condo dwellers, too. There are a number of things you can do to make your apartment more secure without drilling holes in the wall that the landlord might not approve of. A few examples are: simple things like locking your doors and windows, even when you're home; buying a wireless home security systems (these can easily be packed up and taken with you when you move); and double-securing a sliding glass door with a lock and bar.

For more apartment and condo security tips check out the following articles:

Home Security for Apartments & Condos
Apartment Home Security Technology Promotes Safety
Apartment Security Tips For Families

Or browse Wireless Home Security X10 Wireless Accessories a shop that sells gear like this "high end video surveillance camera with ultimate zoom " or this cheaper "Tiny Wireless Camera, See & Record Everything".

Outdoor Lights and Proper Landscaping Stop Burglars

Landscaping that hides your doors and windows from the street, providing copious hiding places, can be a home security nightmare. Likewise, burglars love poor lighting that provides lots of dark shadows for them to work in. On the other hand, landscaping and lighting plans with some thought behind them can actually improve the overall effectiveness of your home security plan. Gravel in front of windows can make noise when intruders try to get in. Motion-detecting or heat-detecting lights can brighten up the yard when trespassers come to close at night.

The following articles provide numerous landscaping for home security tips:

Home Security: Neighbors, landscaping, lights help
Home Security: Modify Your Landscaping to Protect Your House from Burglars

Safes

Safes can be a great way to protect your small valuables like jewelry and coin collections, things that thieves often target (because things like that are easy to carry away and easy to fence). Since safes are usually fire-retardant, they can be good for protecting one of a kind documents like birth certificates. A new article at homesecurityinformation.com, Buying a Safe, details the different categories of safes and discusses money chests (sometimes called wall safes), another smaller alternative.

Is Identity Theft Protection Worth the Money

An article at bankrate.com examines whether or not identity theft protection is worth the money by taking a look at what plans various banks are offering and at what rates. The plans each offer similar features; perhaps the number #1 question is whether identity theft is enough of a risk to make paying for protection worth the money. According to the article, the Federal Trade Commission reported close to 10 million U.S. identity theft victims. Author Laura Bruce writes, "The losses cost businesses and financial institutions $48 billion and individual victims paid $5 billion in out-of-pocket expenses to correct the damage and prove they were victims, not culprits."

Read: "Is identity theft protection worth the money?"

IP Video Surveillance

Advances in Information Technology and the development of the Internet are revolutionzing home video surveillance. An article from emedia.com examines the ways in which high-speed Internet combined with video monitoring systems are superior to traditional home surveillance systems. Author Shyla Sangaran writes, "Unlike the conventional surveillance system which acts as a monitoring tool, the latest IP video surveillance technology incorporates intelligent features and performs beyond its predecessors’ functions.'

Read "Equipping homes with IP video surveillance" to find out more.

Home Inventory Software Helps With Home Insurance

A home inventory is a necessary inconvenience required by home insurance agencies (if you want any sort of compensation for stolen/damaged belongings that is). The best time to do a home inventory is right when you move into a new home; all your belongings are out and easy to document. There are several ways you can do an inventory: video, photo, written, or with software.

One of the advantages with software solutions is they offer easy fill-in-the-blank forms, and many of them can be integrated with your personal finance programs.

At the time of this writing, SAFE Home Inventory Software has solid 5-star reviews over at Amazon. If you're looking to go the software route, check it out:

Homeowner's Insurance Tips

An article from CNN acknowledges the rising prices of homeowner's insurance and the difficulties with getting a policy that covers all your needs. Writer Gerri Willis suggests shopping around, maintaining good credit, and other tips in this article:

Getting good homeowner's insurance

Home Security Your Guide to Protecting Your Family Review

Home Security Your Guide to Protecting Your Family (let's just call it Home Security) is a book put out by Better Homes & Gardens. It's on the short side, 80 pages including the index, and runs $12.95. To be fair, they're large pages, probably 9" x 12", full of colorful how to illustrations.

Home Security is divided into two sections: Home Security Basics and Strategies for Safety and Security. Both sections cover a wide variety of topics. Here are just a few:

Outdoor security including fences and lighting
Entryways including locks and reinforced doors
Securing your garage
Securing windows, section that details available locks for different types of windows as well as glass alternatives
Various types of home security alarm systems
Fire and electrical safety, including smoke detector and fire extinguisher usage information
Home security options for apartments and condominiums
Homeowner's insurance

The book is a fairly quick read and does contain a lot of useful information despite not being very hefty. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Home Security probably contains more information for your money but the colorful diagrams and step-by-step processes outlined in Home Security Your Guide to Protecting Your Family make it particularly user-friendly, especially for the potential do-it-yourselfer.

I do believe the book is worth the money, but it's easily readable in a couple of hours, so you might want to see if your library has a copy.

Home Security Your Guide to Protecting Your Family

Saving on Homeowner's Insurance

According to Home Security: Your Guide to Protecting Your Family, installing a home security system can help lower your homeowner's insurance premiums. Fireproofing your house can also help: add smoke detectors (newer homes may qualify for discounts as they tend to be less of a fire hazard due to newer wires, etca).

The book also suggests grouping your policies (ie. car, homeowner's, expensive personal items--"riders", and additional liability) which may qualify you for up to a 15% discount.

Prevent Identity Theft While Online

Worried about identity theft from surfing online or simply emailing? It is something worthy of your concern. A recent article from Consumer Reports offers some tips on outwitting identity theft thieves. According to the article, thieves can trick you into giving your information through legitamate looking email, then "abuse your screen identity, use your charge cards (see the overview), and ruin your credit rating."

Read full article: Phishing: Identity-theft spam

Burglar Alarms, an Introduction

Before buying a home security system, you should understand what's out there in the way of alarms and how they work. This will help ensure you get what you need and don't get sucked into buying a whole bunch of fancy doo-dads that you'll never even bother activating.

According to The Idiot's Guide to Home Security, there are 4 basic levels of burglar alarms: simple premise alarms, local alarm systems, telephone dialar systems, and continually monitored security systems.

A simple premises alarm is something like a smoke detector or a battery-operated door wedge alarm, an alarm with a single function. These are usually fairly cheap.

With local alarm systems, a siren sounds inside and outside the house when the alarm is tripped. Though these may scare away burglars, they don't notify the police, so if nobody is around to hear them, the burglar might just wait until it goes off and try again.

Telephone dialer systems are programmed to call up to four numbers with a preprogrammed help message when the alarm is tripped. Panic buttons fall under this category of alarms.

The most effective and most expensive types of burglar alarms are continually monitored security systems. With these alarms, when the trigger is tripped, your security monitoring company is alerted. They will in turn call the police or fire department; some even send a security officer to your house.

For more information you may want to visit the following sites:

Burglar Alarm Basics
BBC: Burglar Alarms
How Burglar Alarms Work

And browse home security equipment: X10 Wireless Accessories a shop that sells gear like this "high end video surveillance camera with ultimate zoom " or this cheaper "Tiny Wireless Camera, See & Record Everything".

About Nanny-Cams

Nanny-Cams are hidden surveillance systems that homeowners set up to watch their children's babysitter/caretaker. They are used to make sure nothing untoward is happening while the parents are away, and to ensure the babysitter is staying on the job and being attentive to the children instead of blabbing on the phone or inviting over guests.

In order for nanny-cams to be most effective, they should be placed somewhere where they will not be noticed. Tom Davidson and Lorna Gentry of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Home Security recommend using wireless cameras that are disguised as regular household items such as a smoke detector or clock. Wireless cameras tend to be more expensive than hard-wired systems, but they're much easier to install and don't leave obvious wires that give them away.

Nanny-Cams are then set up like other wireless video surveillance systems: put the camera where you want it and make sure it's transmitting to the receiver. That's it.

Browse: Nanny-Cams

Related:
Using a Nanny Cam

How to Protect Yourself from Car Theft

Car alarms and antitheft devices are great, but you want to make sure you have the obvious things covered first. Here are some tips for protecting yourself from car theft:

Always lock your car when you get out and take your keys with you, even if you're planning on being inside a short time.

Park in well-lit public areas.

If possible, park in a garage at night or at least off the street.

Don't leave spare keys anywhere on your car. You can keep a spare key in your wallet if you have a habit of locking yourself out.

Don't leave valuables in your car (or hide them in the trunk if necessary).

Keep a copy of your title and vehicle registration at home. Know your license plate number, or write it down somewhere. You need this information if your car is ever stolen.

Source: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Home Security (There are more tips and some good solid information in this book.)

Vacation Months Attract Criminals: Crime Prevention

Taking a vacation in August? You may want to take some preventive measures to protect your home while you're gone. According to an article in mlive.com, many burglars only try to break into a house for 60 seconds before moving on to an easier target. Taking simple precautions like setting timers for outdoor lights, ensuring locks are good-quality, and informing your neighbors you'll be away so they can watch the premises, can go a long way in deterring thieves.

Read article.