Home Security News

Fake Security Cameras, Do They Work?

Homeowners who can't afford an expensive all-inclusive home security system often consider employing tricks such as fake security cameras (also called "dummy cameras") posted above the driveway or stickers that say something like "Property protected by ".

Will something as simple as a sticker or a $20 fake security camera fool a burglar? The answer is a resounding.... maybe.

An experienced burglar who is determined to get into your home may recognize the ruse for what it is and pry his way in regardless. However, many burglaries are crimes of the moment, meaning they aren't necessarily undertaken by experts and the burglar might just be hoping for an easy mark in order to make some quick cash. A burglar like this may very well take a look at that dummy camera or sticker next to the front door and think why chance it?

So basically, fake security cameras and stickers aren't the best solution, but they may be better than nothing.

Fake Security Camera:
Sylvania SY-600 Simulated Security Camera
Browse Wireless Security Products

How Burglars Pick Your Locks

Ever wonder how those guys pick your locks? It looks so easy on TV...

Check out How Lock Picking Works from How Stuff Works. If nothing else, it'll make you think twice about getting a home security system.

Do-It-Yourself Home Security Information

This month's PC Magazine looked at a number of home security options that revolve around home computers and webcams. D-Link SECURICAM Wireless Internet Security Camera was the winner of the Editor's Choice Award: D-Link 802.11g Wireless Internet Camera Wins PC Magazine Editor's Choice Award

Other Do-It-Yourself Home Security links:

Installing a Home Alarm System
Do It Yourself: Locks & Home Security Systems
Install a high end video surveillance camera

Home Automation Software

What, you've never thought of turning the lights in your house on and off through your computer? Well, this is just the beginning of what you can do with home automation. Home automation software (there are a lot of packages on the market, some starting as low as $50) allows you to control your home's appliances, lighting, sprinkling systems, and more all from your computer. For a lot of this, no extra wiring of your home is required.

I know what you're thinking. Why would you want to do this? Yeah, neat trick to impress company, but is there really any reason to spend the money?

Actually, yes.

Home automation software allows you to schedule things to turn off and on whether you're home or not. This is a good way to protect yourselves from burglars. Thieves look for an easy mark. They want to hit houses where no one's home.

With home automation software, your whole family may be relaxing in Cancun, but if a couple of lights are on in your home, and the TV is chatting away, it will look like someone is home. With many home automation software programs, you can schedule your lights and/or appliances to turn on and off at different times each night. This immitates the randomness of people and further suggests to a would-be thief that someone is at home.

For these reasons, home automation software can play a smart role in your home security plan.

Home Automation Software and Controls

Is Your Home Business Covered?

Though you have homeowner's insurance, chances are your policy wasn't created with your home-based business in mind. Even if you're only working part time out of your home, in order to be protect against damage--and from lawsuits--you may need to look into additional coverage. Here are a few articles on the subject to help you decide if you need to talk to your insurance agent:

Is Your Home Business Properly Insured?
What your home insurance doesn't cover

Know What Your Homeowner's Insurance Usually Covers?

If you're wondering what the average homeowner's insurance policy covers, these articles can help:

What's Covered By A Typical Home Insurance Policy?
Types of Homeowner's Insurance (Do You Have What You Need?)

Take a look at your policy. It's important to know what is covered and what isn't. If your policy doesn't cover you for something that might happen in your area, you may be able to add on special coverage. For instance, most policies cover water damage, but they don't cover floods. Insurance is something you can't get after the threat is upon you, so make sure you're prepared.

Hurricanes & Homeowner's Insurance

A recent article at Kiplinger called "Shore up Your Home Insurance" discusses how the devestating hurricanes in the southeast could effect the home insurance business and what that means for rates for homeowners. Also covered are tips on how you can reduce your home insurance premiums.

False Burglar Alarms

Across the US, police are getting fed up with the time and cost involved with responding to false burglar alarms. Some are charging fines for false alarms while others won't respond at all unless the owner calls in to verify. This is something to consider when you shop for a home security system. Look for alarm systems that have precautions against triggering "false alarms". Also, ensure everyone in your household knows how to work the security system's control panel.

Recent news stories featuring measures taken against false alarms:

Milwaukee: Police No Longer Will Respond to Alarms Unless Verified
Washington: Bellingham Police To Stop Responding To Home Burglar Alarms
Arizona: Pine Bluff Prepares to Charge for False Burglar Alarms

Turn Your PC into A Surveillance System

So, you have a wireless or USB camera that hooks up to your computer, but how do you turn your computer into a home surveillance system? Here are a few software products that might suit your needs:

Odyssey WatchDog Pro 4 Channel Software -- Works with x-10 and USB cameras to turn your PC into a video surveillance system without the need to add any hardware.

If you're looking for a more sophisticated, comprehensive PC video surveillance system Milestone Systems is well-known for its XProtect Professional software systems. The most basic comes with support for one camera offering a "state-of-the-art" IP video surveillance system that records directly to your computer's harddrive, therefore eliminating the need for a VCR system. You can buy software from Milestone that supports all the way up to 64 cameras per server (probably more than the average home owner needs).

Kids Home-Alone

Home security isn't just about installing an alarm for system and forgetting about it. It's important that everyone in the family adopt good home and personal security habits. For children spending any time home alone, this is especially imperative. It is important to educate your children about home security in order to keep them safe.

Here are some tips to reinforce in children's minds to keep them safe when they're home alone:

Teach your kids how to dial 911 in case of an emergency, making sure they know what kind of information they will be expected to provide.

Ensure children know their full name, address, and phone number.

Older children should know how to use your home security system, i.e. operate control panels.

Make sure they have a house key; don't get in the habit of leaving a key outside your house under a flower plant, hide-a-rock, or the like. (Burglars know about all of these hiding places).

Have your children check in with a neighbor daily when they come home if possible, and ask your neighbor to come see what's going on if they don't stop by.

Teach your children to respond to phone calls or people at the door in a way that doesn't tell the caller that they are home alone.

Sources for more tips on children home alone:

Keeping Home-Alone Kids Safe
Advice for Parents with Kids Home Alone
Safety Tips for Kids Home Alone
Browse Wireless Security Products

Security Basics: Doors & Windows

Sure, you can spend thousands on a state-of-the-art home security system, but if that kind of money isn't available to you, it may not be an option. However, you can go a long way in making your home more secure simply by upgrading your doors and windows, including locks. According to an article by Better Homes & Gardens, Securing Entry Doors , "Most burglars are lazy: They like to get into a house the same way you do—by walking through a door." By improving your doors, you make your house a less convenient target for burglars.

This series of articles by Better Homes & Gardens goes on to explain how to add a deadbolt, how to make your doors sturdier, and how to treat your windows to make them less accessible.

Door and Window Security: Deadbolts -- why and how to add deadbolts
Door and Window Security: Door Components -- this talks about frames, hinges, and the like -- basically how to reinforce doors to ensure they can't just be kicked in.
Door and Window Security: Windows -- this talks about various types of windows (double hung windows, casement windows, sliding glass windows, etc.) and how to secure them so they create a serious obstacle for would-be thieves.

Combining Home Security with Medical Alert for Seniors

In California, Watchdog Security Services combines a home security system with a medical alert system to provide full security coverage for seniors who live alone and like their independence. Watchdog Security Services uses two-way voice technologies that allow the user to get in touch with someone simply by pressing a button on a neck pendant or wrist band in case of an emergency. There is also a sensor system to monitor home security alarms.

For more information check:

Press Release: Riverside Home Security and Medical Alert Systems: Advancements for Seniors and Shut-Ins
Watchdog Security Services

Home Inventory, Have You Done Yours?

Hurricanes ravaging the Gulf remind us, among other things, the importance of homeowner's insurance, but insurance along may not be enough to recoup your material loses unless you've done a home inventory. Home inventories basically proove you have what you say you have.

In Home Inventory Software Helps With Home Insurance, we talked about using software to complete a home inventory. There are other ways of getting the job done. DV Memory is a company that does your home inventory for you. Home Insurance Necessity: How to Take a Home Inventory is an article that tells you how to do your own home inventory on the cheap. Wells Fargo provides a Home Inventory Checklist to let you know exactly what should be included.