Home Security News

Vacation

The blogger (that would be me) is heading to Europe for three weeks, so posts will resume at the end of September.  Stay safe, stay secure, and lock your doors and windows before you head out ;)

Fingerprint Wall Safes

Since residential fingerprint door locks are becoming more popular these days, it was only only a matter of time until we started getting fingerprint home safes.  I think the technology is even handier for safes than for doors.  A key I can keep with me; a combination or digital lock that I only open once in a while... that can be tough to remember.  And you don't want to do something stupid like write the combo on a piece of paper stuck somewhere in the room.  (If you can find it, a burglar can, too).  So, I like the idea of a safe that only opens to my fingerprint.  Smarthome offers this model for a little under $500:

Fingerprint Wall Safe

Security Windows Designed to Keep Burglars Out

Since windows are relatively easy to break and can provide an entrance to your home, some homeowners are switching to stronger "no break" security windows.  House Break windows and glass patio doors have reinforced framing and break-resistant glass much like the glass used in auto windshields.  The double-paned glass windows are supposed to be strong enough to stand up to baseball bats, bowling balls, and (perhaps more realistic on the home security front) crowbars.  The outermost pane may shatter, but the inner glass is reinforced and won't allow penetration.  A secondary deadbolt lock lets you open the windows partway to allow in fresh air without compromising security.

The windows are also a good idea in earthquake zones like California since you don't need to worry about shattering glass striking family members.

http://www.housearmor.com/

Safe Disguised as an End Table? Puleeease

Hammacher Schlemmer sells a lot of cool stuff but this "Safe Disguised as an End Table" just made me roll my eyes.  How stupid do you have to think a thief is to buy something like this?  If you've ever watched that Discovery Channel show "It Takes a Thief" you'd know that they check everything. No drawer is left unopened, no mattress left unturned.  They'll find this safe in a heartbeat.  Will they have the combination?  No, but so what?  They can just take the end table with them... then one of their safecracker buddies can take their time opening it.

If you want a safe to protect your valuables, do yourself a favor.  Instead of trying to be clever by hiding valuables somewhere you think thieves won't look (they know about all these gimmicks...), buy a sturdy safe and bolt it to the floor.  That's the best way to keep someone from walking away with your good stuff...

Wakamaru Security Robot

We've mentioned home security robots before, but it seems most of them have been classified as toys rather than legitimate security tools.  Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. in Japan is coming out with a new, more serious, home security robot in September.  The 1 meter tall robot will be able to talk with its human owners and detect intruders within a 5-meter radius when the homeowners are gone.  If an intruder is discovered, it will send information to their cellphones.  The homeowners will also be able to remotely look around their house via the robot's camera; they can even talk to people through the robot.

Source: Security Robot Gets Household Status

Keeping Track of Your Kids When You're Not Home

Part of home security is knowing what's going on when you're not home.  With an increasing number of households where both parents work, this leaves a gap between the time when the kids get home from school and mom and dad get home.  According to an article in a San Diego newspaper, today's technology is offering ways to check up on the kids during those hours. 

Here's a few of the technologies they mention:

• A motion detector that triggers an IP camera when the kids get home which would then post  an image to a web site that only the parents can access
• When the kids turn on a designated "smart" light switch, the sensor--hooked up to the home computer--can send a text message to the parents' cell phone.
• A front door security keypad that sends an email notification to mom or dad when the kids punch in the code to open the door.

The falling prices of home security and home monitoring technology are making options like these more attainable for the average homeowner.  Check out online stores like Smarthome for specifics on home automation and security products.

Original article: Remote Parenting

Wireless Home Security Becoming a Better Choice?

Wireless home security is becoming more common for homeowners. I'd thought it mostly the do-it-yourself kind of stuff such as you get from companies from X10, but it looks like alarm companies and installers are giving homeowners wireless tech now, too.  It used to be considered a bit flakey and undependable next to wired alarms, but "Home Security Goes High Tech," an article in the Dispatch (a So. Cal. newspaper), says wireless is good in older homes that weren't originally wired with networking and security systems in mind.  Wireless is a good way to avoid tearing up the walls.  "One technology that is relatively new in the residential security industry is wireless. Since many homes don’t have easy access through walls, attics and basements to each window and door, wireless alarm sensors are now very popular for after-build installation."  The author reminds readers that one of the downsides of wireless security systems is that you need to keep the batteries up to date ("The transmitters do need batteries, but many last as long as three years with regular use, and the long range of wireless sensors allows homeowners to install them in other areas, like outbuildings or vulnerable recreational vehicles"), but it sounds like the perks outweigh the downsides.

Keyless Deadbolt

Technically, the Turner Deadbolt isn't a keyless deadbolt (you still need a key to open the lock), but unlike normal deadbolts, you don't need a key to lock it up when you leave the house.  Deadbolts are what keep burglars from being able to kick in doors, and experts say, "the first line in home security."  But many people don't like to (or forget to) use them because of the inconvenience of having to stop and lock the door on the way out.  The Turner Deadbolt locks with a simple twist of the wrist.  At $50, it's a relatively cheap upgrade for your doors, and any do-it-yourselfer can handle the installation.

http://www.turnerlock.com/

Featured on HGTV's I Want That

LED Key Lights

I've heard of key chains with LED flashlights on them to help you open your house or car door on a dark night, but KeyLights from Elementx LLC are the first keys I've seen with the LED lights imbedded.  The light is bright enough to illuminate the pathway as you walk and the lock of the door so you can see where you're putting your key.  This means no fumbling in the dark while some would-be mugger sneaks up behind you. The light keys come blank so you can have the local key maker copy your current house or car key onto them.  They are available in five different colors (with matching lights) and are gauranteed to last for five years. 

http://www.keylights.com/