Home Security News

Security & Windows in the House

Gosh, thanks to Bill Gates, it's hard to find information on securing windows at home(i.e. the kinds with glass that you look through). I was looking for stuff on what kind of windows are naturally the most secure, but ended up finding tons and tons of pages on Microsoft's OS.  A Yahoo! page about tips for securing your home did offer this for windows: "Key locks are available for all types of windows. Double-hung windows can be secured simply by "pinning" the upper and lower frames together with a nail, which can be removed from the inside. For windows at street level, consider iron grates or grilles. For windows opening onto a fire escape, metal accordion gates can be installed on the inside."

I'll come back to this subject later when I have more time to refine a search and hunt through the results, but in the meantime, you may want to check out the complete article: Home Security Basics

Lockpicking Books

I've been browsing some of the lockpicking books available on Amazon and just threw a couple in my wishlist.  I may try to see if my county library has them before ordering them new.  If anyone has read any of these titles (or related others), I'd love to hear whether you'd recommend them or not.  My curiosity is mostly writing-related (hey, if you've got characters who are supposed to know how to pick locks, the author should probably have a clue, right?), but it seems applicable to this blog.  After all, the more you know about how something works (or the methods thieves use, for example) the better you can design your home's security system to fight it.

Here are the titles I was looking at that have good reviews:

Opening Combination Padlocks : No Tools, No Problem
How To Open Locks With Improvised Tools: Practical, Non-Destructive Ways Of Getting Back Into Just About Everything When You Lose Your Keys
Modern High-Security Locks : How To Open Them
Visual Guide to Lock Picking

A couple of the books on lockpicking are from the early 90's/late 80's so I'm a little concerned that they may be outdated.  I'm sure some of the stuff continues to be correct--after all most people are probably still using locks from the 80's or 90's on their front doors, but what do you guys think?

I'm leaning toward the Visual Guide to Lockpicking just because it sounds like it would have a lot of helpful diagrams and what not.  Whichever I go with, I'll come back and do a full review and maybe post some information on the blog.

Energy Efficient Outdoor Lights

Outdoor lights connected to motion sensors are popular (and smart) additions to a home security plan. I must admit it never occurred to me to look for security lights with better energy efficiency (despite having replaced most of my indoor lamps, or at least the bulbs). Lights that flick on based on motion sensors tend to go on quite often, so do yourself a favor, and save a few dollars in the long run by picking up Energy Star rated security lights.  (Energy Star is a government rating rather than a brand name)

Here are a few useful articles about saving on lighting:

Change a Light, Change the World this fall (Energy Star)

Read about Energy Star Qualified Products

Guide to Homeowners Insurance

Homeowner's Insurance, everyone needs it, but how do you know if you've got enough? According to a survey by Marshall & Swift/Boeckh, 64% of homes in the United States are undersured by 27 %. Source The Armchair Millionaire's Guide to Homeowners Insurance suggests at the least you should "Get enough to cover your house...Get enough to cover your possessions...Get enough to cover your liability...[and]Get regular reviews." Their website goes into more depth on what each of those things entail, but in short, you should make sure your insurance fully covers you in the case of emergencies; you'll want not just enough to take care of partial damage for a roof for example (most damaged things need to be replaced in full, anyway) but the price of total replacement. Also, home insurance should be reviewed and updated from time time to ensure you still have adequate coverage.

Also check out Types of Homeowner's Insurance for information on what those pesky HO numbers mean.

How to Deal with Intruders in Your Home

Installing a home security system goes a long way in deterring would-be thieves from entering your home. Even having someone at home is a good deterrent.  Most burglars want to get in and out (with your stuff) without a confrontation. Still, we can't rule out that the fact that someone might enter the house when you or your family is home. In such a case, you'll definitely want to be prepared ahead of time (because it's hard to think creatively, or even logically, during an emergency situation). I highly recommend reading Chris E. McGoey's Home Invasion and Home Invasion Survival Tips. They offer good advice on how to prepare your home and your family for the worst case scenarios.

Introduction to Home Security Systems

You know you want a home security system to protect your family and belongings, but you may be hearing a lot of conflicting information on what you need and don't need. There are a lot of options out there, and electronics dealers and home security specialists always seem to want to sell you the fanciest, most detailed system. But is all that necessary?

What Should You Look for in Home Security, a thorough article on a TCPalm.com home improvement site, takes a look at what's out there. It offers concise information on how much security the average home needs, how alarm systems effect home insurance premiums, benefits and costs, and choosing a system. It's a good starting place if you're new to home security systems or not sure what you need.

Other helpful sites:

Home Security Information & Articles
How Stuff Works Home Security Channel
MSN Home Security Guide
Practical Guide To Home Security

Wireless Security Systems for Apartments

Wireless security systems are a good way to go in apartments where you don't want to start drilling into walls or otherwise leaving marks that the landlord won't appreciate.  Alarm Systems for Your Apartment is a short article offered by about.com that explains various options such as motion sensors for doors and windows, panic buttons (remotes that call for help when the alarm is triggered), and wireless home automation such as timers to turn on lamps at specific times of the day or night.

While you're there, check out Apartment Security When Shopping, Apartment Security Tips, and Apartment Security On Vacation.

D-Link Holiday Offerings

According to a recent press release, D-Link ( "global leader in the digital home and connectivity technologies" ) has a few interesting home automation toys available for the holidays. Examples include:

D-Link SecuriCam® Internet Home Security Camera (DCS-900) -- A security camera with a built in web server which allows you to check in on your home from anywhere there's an Internet connection. It can also work as a Nanny-Cam or child monitor.

D-Link AirPlus® Xtreme G® Wireless bundle (DWL-926) -- This package combines the D-Link DI-624 Xtreme G Wireless Router and D-Link Xtreme G Wireless CardBus Adapter for those who want to set up wireless networks.

Read the press release for more on D-Link and their products.

Securing Sliding Glass Doors

Sliding glass doors can be a hassle to secure since anyone with a hammer would be able to break the glass and enter.  The first thing you want to do to secure a sliding glass door is to have a stury key lock mechanism.  That much is obvious.  You'll want to back that up with the installation of a dowel or pin--that prevents the glass door from being jerked off the track.

You may also want to consider motion sensors for your doors and windows (i.e. the First Alert Door/Window Sensor ), as these will set off an audible alarm when someone tries to force their way in.

More resources:
Scroll down to Sliding Glass Doors at the Home Security Checklist
Securing Doors & Windows: FAQ

Electronic Deadbolts

Deadbolts aren't something that you necessarily think of when you think new advances in home security, however electronic keyless entry deadbolt locks are available today with motion detectors that illuminate the keyhole when it's dark out.  There is a tiny computer chip in the electronic deadbolt that can be programmed to lock the door after someone leaves the house (in case the kids have a tendency to forget to lock the door). The keyless locks can also be handy when you come hold carrying an armful of bags. Rolling codes keep the deadbolts from being hacked.

Browse electronic lock & deadbolt options:
Digital Mechanical Keyless Pushbutton Lock
Fingerprint Door Lock
Keyless Entry Electronic Deadbolt Door Lock

Source: Deadbolt Locks - Electronic Locks are Nifty

Home Security Article

"The decisions you make regarding home security never should compromise safety, escape and rescue," says a recent article in the Staten Island Advance. It goes on to say security is one area where you shouldn't skimp. It covers installing deadbolts and safeguarding windows, though it only briefly mentions options for alarm systems. Though the article is New York based, most of the information is applicable to all.

Don't compromise on home security

Home Insurance Claims

Home insurance claims could end up costing you according to an article by the same name in the San Mateo County Times last week. Whether you've been burglarized or just had some water damage, you may want to consider the possible effects involved with filing a claim.  "Not only is it likely your rates will go up, your policy might not be renewed or might even be canceled, and it will be hard to find another carrier."  The article, however, suggests possible ways to avoid rate increases resulting from filing a claim or even reduce your current homeowner's insurance premium. It also advises what it's a good idea to file a claim over and what isn't worth it in the long run.

Read at Home insurance claims could end up costing you

Dorm Security on Campus

Dorm security may not always be as tight as students and parents would like to think. Let's face it, college students are often strapped for cash so the temptation of making off with someone's CD collection might rear its ugly head. If you're concerned about dorm security, what can you do? I highly recommend visiting Security On Campus , a non-profit site with a plethora of useful information.

If you're just looking for a small security system suitable for a single room setting, portable alarms (often popular with travelers and apartment/condo owners) may do the trick. You could also look into door and/or window sensors.

x10.com offers a lot of inexpensive cameras and DIY security kits.

Webcams for Home Security/Remote Security

Webcams & Home Security--a viable choice?

Tech site Slashdot had a lively discussion on using webcams for home security purposes last spring. Users discussed the merit of using a webcam in conjunction with a cell phone for home security, linking to an article that talked about this combination for boat security. It's worth reading through the comments for the suggestions on what people have used successfully (and not so successfully) for wireless cameras related to home security.

Using Webcams as Remote Security?

Home Monitoring Via Internet or Cell Phone

An interest news article, Forget to turn off stove? Turn to the Net , takes a look at upcoming wireless security technologies that combine with broadband internet access to allow you to peek into your own home while you're away. "Advances in video electronics and the steady march of broadband Internet service are combining to offer consumers new ways to keep visual tabs on their homes or small businesses through cameras and "Webcams," whose pictures can be seen through password-protected Web sites."

You'll be able to check not home security type things like whether the front door has been opened but measure temperature or set an alarm for detecting water in flood-prone basements. Alerts can be delivered via the Internet or your cell phone. For people with high-resolution cell phones, there will even be the option to see through your phone's display what your webcam or home security camera is seeing.

Securing Your Vacation Home

Vacation Home Security.

There's nothing like family trips to a vacation home a couple times a year, but you need to think about what's going on when you're not there. Whether or not you rent it out the rest of the year, you should think about security. Many of the same types of systems that you would use in your regular home are applicable in your vacation home. However, it's important to remember you may be hundreds of miles away, so an alarm system that simple screeches may not be that effective (especially in a remote location). Think about motion detectors that turn on lights, landscaping that doesn't leave room for burglars to hide in (have someone come in from time to time to trim the lawn and shrubbery), and asking a neighbor to check in occassionally if there is a nearby permanent resident. It may be worth your peace of mind to install an active alarm system where you'll get a cell phone call if an intruder is detected on the premises. From there you can call the local police station where your vacation home is located.

Further reading:
15 Tips For Closing Your Vacation Home
Securing Your Vacation Home

Motion Detectors, Installation & How They Work

Thinking about installing motion detectors as part of a home security program? There are two basic kinds of motion detectors: active and passive. You can find active motion detectors in the grocery store (the kind that opens the door when you approach or rings a bell when you enter the 7-11). Active sensors usually work with radar, ultrasonic soundwaves, or photosensors that measure changes in an always-present beam of light.

Most home security alarm systems use passive motion detectors. These detect infrared energy. The best ones only go off when people approach (older motion detectors often had the problem of differentiating humans from dogs, cats, or even a blowing branch). Today's passive sensors (or PIR) are keyed to watch for human body temperature. "Humans, having a skin temperature of about 93 degrees F, radiate infrared energy with a wavelength between 9 and 10 micrometers. Therefore, the sensors are typically sensitive in the range of 8 to 12 micrometers" (How do motion sensing lights and burglar alarms work?).

Passive sensor motion detectors are actually fairly easy to install. It is as simple as buying an alarm system or an outdoor lighting system with motion detection, then following the instructions on the box. If you have questions, a sales rep can probably help you.

Some popular kits:
Wireless Alert System for Your Driveway
Driveway Patrol Sensor and Receiver Kit
Solar Motion Detector Home Light

More Resources:
How Infrared motion detector components work
Installing a Motion Detector