Hints For Practical Home Security

If you are like most homeowners, your house is the single most expensive asset you own. Other than your family, there are very few, if any, other belongings that you would go to extreme lengths to protect. Fortunately, there are some easy and practical ways to make your house more secure. Of course, installing a home security system is the number one suggestion of security experts for protecting your property, but performing these other actions won't hurt.

• Trim all bushes and trees so that you can see the entire perimeter of your house without obstruction. Criminals like hiding places and will choose a house that has many over a house that has few.

• Choose solid doors and windows and equip them all with strong locks. Engage the locks at all times, unless you are entering or exiting your home.

• Install motion activated security lighting outside of your house. If someone gets too close to your property, the lights will come on. Not only does this act as a deterrent, but it also alerts you and your neighbors that someone is in the vicinity.

• Purchase a safe in which you will keep your valuables. A wall safe is best, but a heavy floor safe will work too as long as it is too heavy for one person to carry out. If you choose a lighter safe, bolt it to the floor.

• Keep your cash in a bank or security deposit box. This goes for jewelry as well. If they are not on your property, they cannot be stolen and they cannot act as bait for a would-be burglar.

• When you leave town for more than a day, have your neighbors collect your mail and your newspapers. Put your lights on timers so your house looks occupied even if it's not. Having a friend or family member stay in your house while you are gone is also an excellent option.

• Give a spare key to a neighbor. Do not leave one under your door mat or under a flower pot. Thieves know where to look so don't give them an opportunity to let themselves in.

• Establish a neighborhood watch group and get to know your neighbors. When you have relationships with your neighbors, they are more likely to look out for your property and you will be expected to do the same for them.

• Consider installing a home security system. This takes the pressure off of you to watch over your house at all times. With a security system that includes 24 hour monitoring, you can rest assured that your home is being looked after even when you can't.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6774266

History Of The Fire Extinguisher - Find Out Who Invented The Fire Extinguisher

The portable fire extinguisher is an essential appliance in every workplace these days, not least because governments recognizing their vital role in fire safety have made it illegal not to provide them. Have you ever wondered how long these ingenious devices have been around, or who it was who invented them?

Who Invented The First Fire Extinguisher?

The answer to this depends on what you mean by fire extinguisher. The first example of something recognizable as a portable fire fighting device can be found nearly 200 years ago. George Manby made this breakthrough in England in 1813 with what he called an 'Extincteur'. It consisted of a copper container which had inside it three gallons of potassium carbonate solution and compressed air. This was the first example of the basic principle behind all fire extinguishers today, where a fire suppressant is propelled out of a container by a pressurized gas.

Credit should be given, however, to the chemist Ambrose Godfrey, who devised the first automatic fire fighting device ninety years before Manby's portable extinguisher. Abrose Godfrey's fire extinguisher was not designed to be portable, but to be left in place in a room to protect it in case fire started. It could be seen as a precursor to modern day sprinkler systems. Godfrey's device had a series of fuses, which would be ignited if a fire started in the area. These would then detonate a small explosive charge inside a container full of liquid, which was then scattered around the room, extinguishing the flames.

George Manby's inventiveness did not end with this device, and he created various other inventions that depended on harnessing the power of small explosions. One of the best known of these was the Manby Mortar, which was used to help rescue ships in distress, by firing ropes from land onto the stricken vessels. His other ideas and inventions included a system to rescue people who had fallen into water through ice and a mechanism to save people trapped in burning buildings by allowing them to jump to safety. He was also the first person to come up with the suggestion that there should be a national fire rescue service.

Who Invented the Soda-Acid Fire Extinguisher

The soda-acid fire extinguisher works by mixing together two substances which react to produce carbon dioxide gas, which is then used to propel a liquid from the extinguisher. The first example of a soda-acid fire extinguisher was in 1866 when Francois Carlier patented his in France. In this example tartaric acid was mixed with a solution of sodium bicarbonate to produce the gas.

In the US the first example of a soda-acid fire extinguisher is the one patented by Almon M Granger in 1881, who used concentrated sulfuric acid in his version of the fire extinguisher. All soda-acid extinguishers worked on the same basic principle, which was that the acid was contained inside a small vial within the appliance, and one of several systems could be used for releasing the acid into the soda solution.

Usually the trigger to release the acid and mix the chemicals would be either a plunger or other system resulting in the breaking of the vial, or a lever system to release a stopper from one end of it. Either way, once the acid was released, the reaction produced carbon dioxide, which forced liquid out of the appliance in a jet, which could be directed at the fire through a nozzle or hose.

The first known example of a chemical foam fire extinguisher was that invented in Russia by Alexander Laurant in 1905. The idea was very similar to the principles of the soda-acid extinguisher, but a foam compound was included, which caused some of the gas to be trapped in the liquid, producing a foam. The foam compound was apparently often made from licorice root, and this would be contained in the soda solution. The extinguishers were usually activated by turning the appliance upside down to mix the chemicals.

Also known as CTC fire extinguishers, the carbon tetrachloride extinguisher was originally invented by the company Pyrene around 1912. The extinguishers propelled the liquid CTC at the fire by means of a hand pump. The CTC vaporized and produced a thick suffocating blanket over the flames, starving the fire of oxygen and preventing combustion. There was also a 'bomb' version of the CTC extinguisher in the form of a glass bottle that you threw at the fire.

The effectiveness of the CTC extinguisher on liquid and electrical fires made them very popular with the automotive industry for a long time, though the by-products of the process could have very serious health consequences, particularly in confined spaces. It was therefore later replaced by extinguishers using less toxic chemicals.

That same basic principle invented by George Manby, where a gas is used to force a combustion suppressant out of a container, is still the main mechanism behind all modern day portable fire extinguishers. Most modern fire extinguishers will work on one of two main systems. The compressed gas will either be stored inside the main container itself, known as stored pressure type extinguishers, or in a small cartridge inside, known as gas cartridge type extinguishers.

Stored pressure are the most common type of extinguishers, the advantage of gas cartridge being that they are easier to recharge if used fairly frequently. Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are the only exception to this in that they simply contain liquid carbon dioxide under pressure.

The development and refinement of portable fire extinguishers has come a long way in the last two hundred years. The many different types of fire have now been classified, and all modern day fire extinguishers are given a rating show which type of fires they are safe to use on and how effective they are. These classifications and ratings are an important development because tackling a fire with the wrong type of fire extinguisher can have very serious consequences, such as electrocution cause by using a water extinguisher on an electrical fire.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2158264

Safe Side Security Inc. provides commercial fire alarms for any application; from voice evacuation to simpler water flow systems. Let our California Fire & Life Safety qualified technicians assist you in designing and installing your fire alarm system. We are also a listed U.L. (Underwriters Laboratories) installing Fire Alarm company.

Our company also provides Fire Alarm Inspection service for local & monitored fire alarm systems. We adhere to the inspection requirements as outlined in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines and provide comprehensive testing and maintenance of fire detection devices.

800-794-7575

Mich. Police Catch 'World's Dumbest Criminal'

Police in Ferndale, Michigan say they've arrested "one of the world's dumbest criminals". The man put on a Darth Vader mask and held up a convenience store with a knife. He forgot to put on the mask before security cameras captured his face. 

Home Security - Three Worst Obstacles Of The Home Burglar

Home burglary is as popular as ever. As a matter of fact it is one of the few areas of crime that has steadily shown an increase in the last couple of years. Many people think that is because of the economy. When the economy is bad people start doing desperate things, and home burglary is a crime of desperation for many.

Home burglary is a low risk crime because homeowners don't pay that much attention to their own home security and home protection. If a burglar gets caught, the penalties are insignificant. So the bad guys think that it is worth the risk to steal things from people's homes to put food on their table or buy drugs.

More people have alarms on their cars than have alarms for their homes. That's pretty bad! Statistics show that one out of every six homes will be burglarized annually. Statistics also show that 90% of all home burglaries happen through unsecured windows and doors.

There are several things that people can do to improve their home security without spending a lot of money. The most obvious thing is to start locking their doors and windows even when they're at home. Homeowners can start or join a neighborhood watch. They are a very effective tool adding increasing awareness of home security in a neighborhood. It is easy to start and it is free of charge. Check with your local police department or sheriff's office for assistance in starting one.

There are three things that burglars don't like. They are the three worst obstacles of a home burglar.

The first is TIME. The more time it takes a burglar to get into your house, the less likely he is to continue his pursuit of breaking in. The more time it takes him the greater the chance is that he will get caught. And he doesn't want to get caught.

If he does get in, the second thing that he doesn't like is NOISE. If you have a motion activated alarm, when he does get in and it goes off it will scare him away. So, consider getting a motion activated alarm.

The third thing that burglars don't like and the third enemy of a burglar is LIGHT. Lights create shadows which make detection easier. Motion activated spotlights on the outside of the house, motion sensing lights on the inside of the house or lights that are on Programmable Random Timers can prevent a burglar from getting in or if he does get in can spook him and scare him away. They turn lights on at random times.

So time, lights and noise are the three biggest obstacles of the burglar. You can get home security devices cheaply. They can help you improve your home security and home protection and prevent home burglary. You don't want to become a victim of a home burglary.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6791274

FIRE ALARMS & INSPECTIONS

Safe Side Security Inc. provides commercial fire alarms for any application; from voice evacuation to simpler water flow systems. Often times the fire alarm installation is the last thought during construction but is a requirement before the building can be signed off for occupancy. Local Fire Marshals, National Fire Protection Association and current Life Safety Code requirements can be confusing and difficult to interpret. Let our California Fire & Life Safety qualified technicians assist you in designing and installing your fire alarm system. We are also a listed U.L. (Underwriters Laboratories) installing Fire Alarm company. 


Our company also provides Fire Alarm Inspection service for local & monitored fire alarm systems. We adhere to the inspection requirements as outlined in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines and provide comprehensive testing and maintenance of fire detection devices. 


If you already have a fire alarm system, we can provide inspections and 24 hour U.L. monitoring by Total Monitoring Services. Call our office to speak with one of our qualified Fire specialists.

NetAXS™ - Hybrid Access Control Panel by Honeywell

Our popular NetAXS™ family offers a complete portfolio of web-enabled access control solutions, and the family now includes a new, cost effective 2-door control panel for even greater flexibility. With a basic, standard or advanced solution, NetAXS is suitable for any size facility and customizable for your security and functionality needs. Plus, its built-in web server gives you the power and convenience to securely manage your access control system over the Internet - anytime, anywhere - with no additional software to install. 

Contact Safe Side Security Inc. for more information concerning this new Web-Based system.

What Does U.L. Monitoring Mean To You?

U.L. certification assures customers, their insurance firms and their local emergency service agencies, that our central station will provide the highest quality and most reliable burglar and fire alarm service that are available to both residential and commercial customers. 

 We feel that the Company providing the monitoring of your alarm system is an extension of Safe Side Security Inc. and should share the same business philosophy of prompt, courteous customer service. Total Monitoring Services Inc. is a local monitoring company with over 24 years of experience in the alarm monitoring service industry. TMS's involvement with the alarm industry demonstrates its commitment to providing quality service to our customers. 

To find out more about Total Monitoring Services, Inc., visit their website: 

 http://www.tmscentral.org/

Fire Inspection Checklist

Fire Extinguisher Inspections involve the monthly checking to ensure that they are not discharged and have not leaked down, that the unit is secure and not falling due to being hung poorly or a wall bracket being displaced, that the tamper seals are in place, that the pull pin is intact and has not become dislodged, that there is no obvious damage to the unit externally, and most importantly that it is where it belongs. It is also a good idea to insure that there is a Fire Extinguisher sign placed so it can be seen from a reasonable distance by anybody occupying the building or location in which it is located. The following is a general guideline for maintenance persons, managers, owners, and others who want to know what to look for when inspecting fire extinguishers. In addition to this monthly inspection that is the responsibility of the owner of device per fire code NFPA 10, it must also be properly serviced annually by a professional licensed Fire Protection Company.

For those who do not want to go through the trouble of inspecting their own, a fire protection company can provide this monthly service in addition to providing annual maintenance and service on all types of fire extinguishers. Many times we find that fire extinguishers in restaurants and other public places Click Here For are discharged and in need of service. The next time you are in a restaurant check the fire extinguisher yourself after following the guidelines below.

BASIC FIRE EXTINGUISHER INSPECTION - Check that the unit is indeed where it belongs. Look at the gauge and check that the arrow is pointing upward in the green charged area. Make sure that the pull pin is in place. Make sure that there is a plastic tamper seal intact and holding the fire extinguisher pin in place. Make sure that the wall hanger is in place and not dislodge. Look closely at any screws or bolt and make sure they are secure. Look at the exterior to make sure that it does not contain any large or deep rust, or dents. Check to see that the handle/lever mechanism is intact and not bent. Also check the rivet holding this device together, to make sure it is not bent or missing. Do not use or allow others to use a fire extinguisher a door stop. Make sure the tag is in place and check that the date punched on the tag. If the unit has not been serviced within a year of last date of service, call a professional fire protection company.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5640425

Home Security - More Than Just a Burglar Alarm System

A lot of homeowners think twice about installing a home alarm system in their houses. Some think that it's just not worth the trouble while others believe that the cost is too much to bear. They just rely on a plain old fence to ward off any home invaders or any other potential threats they may encounter. A home security system is not just an alarm system, as it does not only alert you but will definitely save you and your family's lives.

No chance of invasion. The primary benefit of having home security system installed in your home is the intricate features it has in enveloping your entire home with an anti-burglary system. This means that no matter what angle a potential threat enters from, the security system will go off. Of course, this depends on what time of home security you get. These days, no one is ever safe. As much as you may want to think that your neighborhood is a secure area, an intruder will always find a way to get to your home. When you have a home security system, it also wards off anybody who has a common sense in recognizing the equipment you have. They will not even attempt to enter your home knowing that you have top notch home security.

The safety it provides. Most home security systems not only sound off alarms, but also alerts the company that provided you with it of a potential breach. If you aren't familiar with the process, once the alarm goes off, the system sets off a notification in which the security company will be alerted. You will be contacted to see if everything is all right and if it's not, law enforcement will be sent to check out your home. Now that's a security feature for you! Whether you are home or outside the city, you can be sure that your home will remain safe from any intruders.

Saving lives. Think about an instance that you have fallen asleep. You will not know, without home security, that an intruder is already in your home and presents himself as a danger to your family. You may never know what is happening until it is already too late. With a home security system, the lives of your loved ones as well as yours will be saved. By alerting the authorities of potential threat, a lot of harm can be avoided from happening.

You can never really put a price tag on the safety of your family. While you may think that the cost is too much, the value of your family is even greater than that of a substantial amount. You would be actually spending more if damage is done and theft happens in your home than it is to set up a home security system.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6239996

State Farm® - Home Security Tips to Deter Burglars

Tips to help you deter potential burglars and improve your home security with a comprehensive home security system or plan which includes alarm systems, home lighting, and other security management techniques.

Digital Watchdog VMAX480

Available at Safe Side Security, Inc.

1-800-794-7575

lhamilton@safeside.com

The VMAX480 Proven Better, Faster, Smarter - More of what you have come to expect from the VMAX family of products. The VMAX480 is an upgrade of the advanced H.264 Linux Embedded digital video recorder VMAX. This DVR has all the features of VMAX plus more. With double the speed of VMAX, VMAX480 also features HDMI and VGA Support, Optional Looping Output, Mobile Device Quad View, and PTZ Control. The VMAX480 is available in 8 or 16 channel configurations with basic storage from 500 gigabytes to 4 terabytes.

With this technology you are able to view what is going on through your iPhone or Blackberry!

Features:

* Advanced H.264 Linux Embedded DVR
* Multiplex - Live, Playback, Recording, Backup, Network, Configuration
* 8 or 16 Channel
* 120fps at D1, Total 480fps at CIF
* HDMI and VGA Support
* One Touch Video Backup
* One Touch Reverse Playback
* Scheduled Network Backup
* Covert Channel
* Call Monitor
* Web-Based Client with Multi-User Access
* Automatic Private IP Addressing
* Simple & Free DDNS Support
* NTP (Network Time Protocol)
* Watermark Verification (Digital Signature Verification)
* Network Bandwidth Control
* DVR Health Check with Email Notification
* DVR Calculation and Auto Recording Configuration
* Help Menu on Major Function
* Configuration Import/Export
* Auto or Manual Firmware Upgrade Available
* Screen Saver to Protect Monitor Screen
* 4 Sensor Input, 1 Sensor Output
* Looping Output (Optional)
* Email or Text Event Notifications with Snapshots
* Central Management Software, Up to 128 CH
* Mobile Application for Blackberry, iPhone, Android
* Mobile Device Quad View and PTZ Control
* MAC Compatible Remote Software
* USB Mouse, IR Remote Control GUI
* Optional External USB DVD-RW or HDD Available for Backup
* 5 Year Limited Warranty


For more information visit Digital Watchdog