Video Surveillance Systems Provide Peace of Mind and Security

Need to monitor the cash register? Want to supervise the children when they're in the other room? For security, safety, and serenity, families and businesses are turning to video surveillance systems to watch over baby-sitters, inventory, play areas, employees, and much more.

Commercial Security Surveillance

Commercial security systems aren't anything new. But with new technological developments, there are more and more options for video surveillance systems at affordable prices. From encoded webcam systems to other Internet Protocol (IP) recording systems, there are a number of great surveillance options available for small businesses. Consider the benefits of video security for: 

* Monitoring inventory

* Supervising staff to ensure appropriate employee behavior

* Providing security for parking lots

* Watching over the cash register

* Providing additional protection for staff

Unlike traditional analog security systems, the new IP surveillance systems are cost-effective for even the smallest business. Cameras can be installed discreetly for optimum effect, and surveillance feeds can even be made available online for your convenience (through secure, encrypted channels). Surveillance system professionals can create a custom IP video security system for your business, focusing specifically on your security and monitoring needs to create a personalized configuration.

Home Surveillance

Home video security systems are also becoming increasingly popular. Many parents and home owners are using these systems to provide additional eyes and ears as well as peace of mind. While analog surveillance systems are simply too expensive to be practical for home usage, the development of IP surveillance systems has created a boom in home video security. Residential surveillance can be used to:

* Observe childcare staff

* Supervise child play from another room

* Monitor sleeping children

* Watch the house when you're away

These systems can wirelessly observe happenings in your house from teenagers home alone after school to kids playing in the living room to attempted robberies when you're not there. IP video security can include both audio and video and can be encrypted for the safety of your children. If you're ready to get the peace of mind and affordable convenience of a home video security system, contact your local surveillance installer to learn more.

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10 Reasons You Need a Home Security System

Too many people don't consider home security until after they've been victimized by a burglary or other calamity in their home. However, a great deal of these incidents may have been prevented by having a home security system.

According to recent FBI statistics, more than two million home burglaries occurred in 2010. This amounts to a home in the U.S. being broken into about every 15 seconds! As the economy and unemployment continue to place more people into a financially desperate situation, and a variety of other reasons for burglaries persist, this number isn't likely to decrease anytime soon.

Fortunately, there are many ways to minimize the likelihood of being a victim - and owning a security system tops the list. There are many other benefits associated with having a security system as the following list points out.

1. Create a deterrent.

A crook would likely find a different target if you have a home security system. Burglars typically target their victims based on ease of entry, among other things, but the likelihood of getting caught certainly plays a role. When a security system exists, they are more likely to move on and find a less risky target.

2. Keep your family safe.

The peace of mind that comes from knowing your family is safe is priceless. Whether it's the middle of the day when the kids come home from school, or the middle of the night when you're all asleep, knowing that you have the protection of a security system will mean a lot.

3. Save on insurance.

Every major insurance company will give a discount on the premium for a homeowner's policy when there is a security system installed. The typical savings are in the 10 to 20% range and will help to offset the cost of buying a system and/or monthly service fees.

4. Take better vacations.

Have you ever been away on vacation and worried about your home? I can tell you firsthand that there's great peace of mind in knowing your home is protected while you relax in the sun. In addition to possibly preventing a break-in or notifying police should there be one, many security systems will also monitor your home for water, fire, smoke and carbon monoxide which gives extra assurance that all is well at home.

5. Quickly respond to an emergency.

With a security system monitoring your home, a break-in or other event can minimize loss and damage as appropriate assistance (police, fire department, plumber, etc.) can be notified immediately. Many security systems provide the means through the system itself or a monitoring service, that will bring help sooner rather than later.

6. Increase you resale value.

That's right - having a home security system will add value to your home. When selling a home, a security system would be included in the listing which can give you an edge compared to similar properties. If the system is easily removable as some are, it can also be used as a bargaining chip to close the deal or maintain a price point. In addition, would-be buyers place value on the security that their family would enjoy immediately after they buy their new home.

7. Protect yourself from more than just a thief.

Most security systems on the market today either include or give the options of integrating fire, water, smoke and carbon monoxide detection as part of the system. If a fire should start or a washing machine hose should break, you and/or authorities would be notified immediately and damage would be minimized.

8. Watch your home from anywhere.

Technology today has come a long way, including what the internet can be used for. Many home security systems offer video surveillance of wherever you have a camera installed in your home. This certainly has many uses including baby or nanny monitoring in addition to just seeing who's lurking around or inside your home. There are basic video monitoring systems available for as little as $100.

9. Cut back on energy costs.

Like sensors for water and smoke detection, many home security systems available today allow the control of thermostats, lighting and other electrical devices. This can lead to savings in heating and electrical expenses.

10. Be in complete control.

It's possible with the technology available today to control and monitor your front door from your smart phone or any internet connected device. Imagine knowing every time your front door was opened and who opened it. Whether it's a cleaning service, a repairman or just the kids coming home from school, there are lock-sets that will notify you with every opening of the door. You can even let people in remotely or lock the door behind the kids once they're safely inside. There are a variety of home automation technologies that are available as part of a home security system.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7061865

Business Alarm Systems - Good Reasons to Get One

Businesses today need some extra security. The most important aspect of your business security will of course be access control.

The business access control is generally electronic in nature. It will use a device that requires a code to be punched in, a specific card to be read, or a thumbprint to be used to assure that you are the proper person with authorization to use the facility.

When you use this type of a business security system, you are able to control who has access to your facility, or to certain portions of it. In addition to providing control of access, a more upscale business may select to also gain a record of not only what areas were accessed but also to whom that access was given.

The options for your business security these days are virtually endless. The wide array of business security systems that are now offered means that protecting your business can be easier than ever.

You may detect the intrusion of others, you may prevent the loss of money or products by employees, and you may protect against fire and other natural disasters using the same business alarm system that you do to deter theft and intrusion.

One huge benefit that the installation of a security system for your business can offer is that you will likely see a significant reduction in your insurance payments each month as well. Most insurance companies offer a discounted price on your premiums if you have certain kinds of a business alarm system installed that limits access and detects fire.

You will also make your employees feel more secure when you install a business alarm system and that can be good for productivity. When you prevent loss by employee theft, other employees feel more secure in the knowledge that they will be unlikely to be suspect. They are also more assured when an intrusion into the area is more unlikely.

When it comes down to the best reason for the installation of a good business security system, it is simply that you can limit the risk to your business and raise your bottom line.


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How Do Thieves Break Into Your Home?

A home is burglarized every 14.5 seconds. It can happen in the day time or at night. A break in can happen when you are not at home or when you are sleeping soundly in your bed. If a thief is determined, he/she will find a way to break in as quickly as possible, get what they want and leave just as quickly as they came.

Believe it or not, most thieves use the front door to break into a home. They will either kick the door in or force it open some other way. Doors are easy to break into because many front doors have glass or light plywood panels in them. Some home doors have weak locks which makes it easy for someone to pick.

Make sure you have a deadbolt lock on your door. A deadbolt lock is one of the most effective ways to secure your doors. It is also one of the cheapest ways. If you have the money, you might want to look into buying solid wood doors that do not have panels in them.

The next way thieves like to break in is through a first floor window. The window provides easy access to your home. If you have an air conditioner unit in a first floor window that is not nailed down properly, someone can just push it in and crawl through the window. Many people also forget to lock their windows, especially on the first floor.

You can install window locks that will prevent your windows from being opened a certain distance. You can get these locks at a hardware store and they are not permanent. You just screw them into place and you can remove them at anytime without using tools.

In high-risk neighborhoods, you can laminate your windows. The laminate will make your windows impact resistant. If someone tries to break the glass, the laminate will hold the glass together.

Back doors are another good way for thieves to break in. Back doors usually provide more privacy for someone to work on jimmying the lock. There are usually bushes or fences near the back door that can conceal someone. Again, having a deadbolt lock on the door will help lower your chances of a break in.

Of course, having a home security system installed in your house is the best way to secure your home from all of these break-in methods.


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Feel safer in your home by having a home security system installed by Safe Side Security, Inc. We were established in Davis, California in 1983. For the past 26 years, we have provided design, installation, monitoring, servicing and inspections of security and fire alarm systems. We are the "local" company serving Yolo, Sacramento, Placer, Solano Counties and the surrounding areas.

1-800-794-7575 or lhamilton@safeside.com

Ways to Increase Home Security

Owning a new home is one of the most joyful times in a person's life. It offers freedom that simply isn't found when a person rents a house or apartment. One of the many larger issues that comes with owning a house is home security. There are no longer neighbors above or below to respond to signs of distress. This is why homeowners must take the steps necessary to ensure they are fully protected against unwanted intruders.

One of the easiest ways to safeguard against home burglary is to make sure dead bolt locks are installed on all exterior doors. These locks range in cost from $35-$45 and can be installed by a locksmith for as low as $70. Most home burglaries take place at ground level through doors or windows, so having sturdy locks will be a strong deterrent to criminals.

Another cost-effective way to protect a home is to have motion sensor lights installed on different points around the exterior of the house. Criminals will shy away from a home if they know there is a chance of them being seen by neighbors or police. It is best to install the lights near doors and garages in a way that maximizes the coverage area of the motion sensors. The sensitivity of the sensors can also be adjusted to not only detect when someone is near a door or window, but also when they are approaching the house or in the yard. This can provide an early warning if someone is approaching the home or trespassing on the property.

Once the exterior of the home is secured, there is the issue of protecting valuables within the home. The best device for accomplishing this is the home safe. Home safes come in a variety of sizes and styles to fit the needs of the homeowner. Not only will they protect important documents and valuables from thieves, but also from fire. An intruder will see a safe as a gamble because they don't know what is in it. Many will also not see the value in something that they can't get rid of quickly. This means valuables stay safe and the homeowner has peace of mind.

One of the best ways to protect a home, both inside and out, is for the homeowner to have an alarm system installed. With home burglary costing homeowners $4.6 billion in 2009, it is not surprising that many people are turning to home alarm companies to protect their family and property. Not only do these alarms protect against burglary, but can also be customized to alarm if there is a flood, fire, or gas leak.

A new home also means new neighbors. Getting to know the neighbors is another way to guard against a burglary. If a neighbor has a personal connection with the homeowner they will be more likely to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity. It is well worth the time and effort to for a homeowner to become acquainted with their neighbors so that they can have an extra set of eyes keeping a watch on their home.

As an economy becomes worse, individuals become more desperate and there is an increase in the crime rate. There is also a larger market for stolen goods as people search for bargains. This is why it is crucial that homeowners take the necessary steps when protecting their home. Not only does burglary have a monetary effect, but an emotional one as well. All of this can be avoided as long as a person is willing to put in the time and effort to protect themselves from burglary.


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Advice for Home Security

Burglary is one of the most common types of crime in the United States today. In fact, according to statistics, one home or business is being burglarized every 14 seconds. This means that you, as a homeowner, are vulnerable to this kind of crime. It is up to you to take some steps toward becoming a less attractive target for thieves. Here are some ideas on making your home safer.

1. Install a home security system. This is the single best action you can take toward becoming more secure. Not only will emergency authorities be notified right away if your house is compromised, but just the fact of having one installed could be enough to send a burglar packing.

2. Light up your yard. Burglars hate light. They do not want to be seen as they perform their illegal acts. So, if you have motion-activated lighting around your yard and home, a burglar will be less likely to choose your house as a target.

3. Trim the bushes and trees around your yard. Dense shrubbery and bushes just give burglars a place to hide. Yes, you want privacy, but you don't want so much privacy that your neighbors can't see a burglar trying to get inside your house.

4. All doors that lead to the exterior of your house should be equipped with a heavy-duty deadbolt with a minimum one-inch throw.

5. Lock your windows and secure them so they cannot be raised high enough for someone to get in from the outside.

6. Never have an expensive item, such as a television or computer, delivered to your home during the day. This simply advertises what is inside your house and gives would-be burglars more of a reason to break in.

7. Make your house look occupied at all times. Put your lights on a timer and have a television or radio play while you are out.

8. Make sure your garage door closes all the way to the ground. Do not give a burglar any space to crawl under the door, especially if your garage is attached to your house.

The advice here is solid and will make your home a more secure place. However, if you want the most security possible, be sure to add monitoring services to your home security system so that someone is keeping an eye on your property even when you can't be there yourself. The peace of mind you get from this service alone will be well worth the price you pay for the monthly monitoring fee.


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A Simple Checklist for Fire Inspection

Similar to a smoke alarm with no more juice, it can be tough to recognise when your fire sprinkler system is operating without a look at the engine. Your fire protection service provider needs to be examining system pressure indicators, the condition and efficiency of valves, sprinkler heads. The expert should also be identifying indications of deterioration so you don't find an unexpected drip which could have been averted. Failing to carry out inspections might not just result in increased fire damage, it could reduce the likelihood your insurance company will cover claims. Is your fire suppression system checked out on a regular basis according to your insurance provider's specifications?

If you have a significant amount of storage space, you may be aware of fire code specifications related to how much is in storage, where it's being kept and the way in which it's organized. Are your stored items being stored in accordance with the fire code?

Fire extinguishers have to be assessed annually and serviced every three years. Similar to any device, extinguishers must be checked to make certain they are functional. They can deteriorate, show signs of corrosion and leak. Are your fire extinguishers being inspected on a steady basis in compliance with your insurance provider's specifications?

Smoking in the workplace is unquestionably a fire hazard, so be sure your staff know what is allowed and what isn't. Are there smoking polices established with published signs around your facility?

Particular chemical substances and paints are flammable and have particular storage requirements away from combustible fluids such as cooking oils, lubricating oils and motor oil. Are you correctly keeping flammables away from combustibles?

A growth of flammable solid waste materials can pose a fire risk. Is trash being removed from your location routinely?

Every time a circuit breaker trips, you can tell a security problem is at hand. Outlets are not so informative. Dangerous electric outlets and cables can begin fires, especially if they're overstressed and weakened. Are all of your plugs, switches and cords in good repair and in secure places?

Pieces of technology and devices make life less difficult, however they should not be overlooked. Space heaters need to be removed from drapes and paperwork. Coffee makers and other break room items should be unplugged when not in use. Be sure significant heat-producing devices like clothes dryers manufacturing machines are well ventilated and that those ventilation solutions are clear to do that chore. Are the heat-producing machines within your building being used safely?

Cleanliness is next to godliness - and fire protection. Piles of old paperwork, loads of cardboard and spills coming from equipment can be fire threats. In case a fire does break out and you need to get out, your goal is to be sure that doorways, stairs and corridors are not impeded.

Have a fire escape program and be sure everyone within your property understands what it is and how to follow it. It must be plainly marked and put up. Exits - always left unlocked from inside for the duration of working hours - also need to be plainly marked, in many cases with a lighted sign.

When your smoke alarm isn't operational, it doesn't do you a lot of good. Using a test button on the majority of versions, verifying the battery power is not difficult. Is your fire alarm functional?

If a fire is small,, a portable fire extinguisher can be extremely useful in extinguishing flames or keeping them from spreading. Do you have a fire extinguisher mounted, on hand and obvious?

Fire hydrants and connections need to be extremely visible and straightforward for the local fire department to find and use. Is the area surrounding your hydrant clear of clutter and flora?

The fuses in your fusebox must be labeled, and access to them ought to be quick. In case a firefighter needs to shut down electricity at your location because of a fire, be certain it's not hard to do. Is your electrical control box labeled and easily accessible?

It is very important to keep your fire safety inspection archives handy so that you can quickly supply them should they be required. Are your records accessible?

In the event trash containers are located too close to a combustible wall, roof overhang, door or window, a fire inside of them can spread to a building.


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Home Alarm Systems: Helping Hands for the Elderly

Purchasing a home security system can be a great investment for a variety of reasons. However, if you have elderly relatives, there may be some unexpected reasons to install such a system - even if you believe they live in a relatively safe area.

It may be difficult for older people to recognize that they can no longer care for themselves like they used to. It seems like we spend our entire lives finally learning how to take care of ourselves physically, emotionally, and financially, only to slowly lose these capacities as we age. While it may be a cruel irony, aging is a fact of life. When evaluating the home security needs of elderly relatives, we have to make a realistic account of what they are still capable of doing, and of the reverse, without any regard to the way things "used to be." Unfortunately, to protect our loved ones, it is sometimes necessary to look at things with a clinical eye.

Even if older people are insistent that they are still totally capable of doing all the things that they used to do, they also need to acknowledge how they look to the outside world. Elderly people are often seen as frail, slow-witted, and out of touch with the current realities of how the world works. For all these reasons, they are often seen as easy targets by criminals, especially when living alone. One would think that all the life experience of older people would actually produce the opposite effect in criminals. It's not hard to imagine that an older person might have been through one or several break-ins earlier in their life, actually making them more prepared for crime than younger people moving into their first apartment. One might also think that because older people may believe that the bulk of their lives are behind them, they might be more inclined to take riskier actions to prevent a break-in or stop one in progress, thus making retaliation against a burglar more likely. The criminal mind, however, is not necessarily built to handle logic. Again, above all, it is most important to be realistic about elderly relatives' security needs.

When discussing a home alarm system with an elderly relative, in addition to hitting the above points, it might be helpful to discuss the home monitoring aspect that is typically a part of these systems. Older people often face risks doing day to day tasks that younger people would not even think twice about doing. A miscalculated reach for a pot or pan might cause a debilitating fall; a forgetful "senior moment" might lead to an overheated iron setting fire to the drapes; and well, anyone with an aging parent could probably run through a million other nightmare scenarios. A security system can literally be a life-saver for an elderly relative, and indeed for anyone who needs a little assistance caring for themselves from day to day.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5987330

If you are thinking of having a home security system installed call Safe Side Security, Inc! For the past 26 years, we have provided design, installation, monitoring, servicing and inspections of security and fire alarm systems. We are the "local" company serving Yolo, Sacramento, Placer, Solano Counties and the surrounding areas. As active members in the Sacramento Area Alarm Association and the California Alarm Association, we continue to work with our fire departments and law enforcement agencies on local and national industry issues.

1-800-794-7575

Business Security Alarm System - Protecting Your Investment

Having a business security alarm system is a must for any business. In order to protect yourself and your business from the risk of burglary or other intrusions, you need to have a security alarm in place. In order to find the right product for your needs, there are many different things to consider. You have to look at your budget, your options for security companies, and other elements to make sure that you get the best one for the best price. Here are some tips:

Always find reputable companies first
A business security alarm system is a big deal, and you shouldn't trust just anyone to install it. You need to check out the reputations of various companies to figure out which one is the best for your needs. There are so many different companies out there that you should always make sure to take the time to check them out and choose the most reputable one.

Your budget does matter
Make sure that you consider costs once you have found reputable companies. The goal is to take the time to figure out which companies are the right ones and then determine which of those have the most affordable prices for their services. Always consider the best deal for your money, and not just the lowest price.

Look at the systems that are available
Compare these systems to the needs of your business to determine what is best. After all, it makes no sense to pay for a system that doesn't really help you or that is too much for your needs. In this situation, it's sometimes best to get a consultation from the professionals, who can tell you what you really need. The only thing that matters is that you get the right system for your business, no matter what that entails.

Finding a business security alarm system doesn't have to be a complicated experience by any means. All that you need to do is take the time to see what options you have, find the solutions that are most affordable, and choose the system that fits your business needs best. It's fairly simple to find the right business security alarm system as long as you are willing to invest the time and effort to look. With so many companies to choose from, it can be difficult to know who to trust. However, with a little research you'll have the right system in no time at all.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5073360

Commercial Security Alarm System - Protect Your Business

Just as a home needs to be protected from burglars, businesses need to be protected in the same way. Any business who wants to protect their assets needs to invest in a commercial security alarm system. There are many different types of systems to choose from, and it is up to you to figure out what is best for your type of business. Take the time to think about the space that needs protecting, the budget that is available and the type of security that makes the company feel safe or that is easy for people to operate.

A commercial security alarm system will offer a great defence against people trying to break into the business or access unauthorised areas if you have them. There are a number of different security companies to choose from, and you need to find the best one available. The best company will install a top-rate system and offer 24/7 surveillance for your protection. After all, security is supposed to help you relax and feel safe, so 24/7 surveillance is simply a standard requirement in most cases. When it comes to choosing a system, that's where using professionals comes in handy.

A top-rate security company will help you choose the best commercial security alarm system for your needs, no matter what you might be looking for. There are so many systems available and you shouldn't have to spend time learning about them before you buy one. You should work with a company that can explain these systems to you, help you understand what your business needs, and give you their opinion on what is best without simply trying to up-sell you to the most expensive model available. Motion sensors are a good choice in a security system, as are keypads that can allow you to arm and disarm your system with ease.

Your commercial security alarm system should also have video surveillance to ensure that identification is possible if someone does break in. Once you install a security system that covers all the bases, you will be able to have the peace of mind that your business is safe, regardless of whether you are there or not. There are many security companies to choose from but you need to make sure that you take time to figure out exactly what you need and which systems are right for your business type, size, and budget.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4699389

Home Security: Keeping Your Loved Ones Safe in Your Home

Although most burglaries happen without the need for violence, homeowners still shouldn't feel so lax about it. Many things can go wrong especially when events spiral out of control. A burglar may have initially wanted to just break inside your house and steal your money, jewelry and other valuables but if one of your family members catches him while doing the act, he could harm him or her out of panic. You can avoid this from happening in the first place by taking the necessary steps to keep your home protected. With this, you will need to invest in a Home Security system.

There are so many stories about violence rooted out of home burglaries. However if you have the right security system, you can greatly reduce or lessen the chances of you falling victim to such acts. Having security systems can help deter or stop burglars from targeting your place. Although it might not actually stop them from attempting to break into your home, it will, however, stop them from taking away your money, jewelry and other valuables. If you do everything to heighten your Home Security, you can help prevent your family from getting hurt as well.

A lot of homeowners are not really keen on matters regarding their home security. This is mainly because they have other things in mind too. Aside from that, they consider purchasing security products a total waste of time and money; they would rather use locks and window grilles instead. The only time they decide to purchase alarm systems is when they themselves become victims of burglaries. This should not be the case; homeowners should be taught about the importance of having Home Security devices in their homes.

There are two types of security alarms that are widely promoted in the market. The first one is the wired or traditional alarms and the second one is the wireless security alarms. The majority of the consumer population are finding wireless home security a lot better than their wired counterparts in terms of features, functions and technology used. Most of the home security product you see on the market nowadays are wireless. Don't worry about the costs; wireless alarms are generally affordable too.

Home Security devices are not only good for deterring crimes from happening, but they also help alert homeowners of accidents that may happen inside the house. All standard security equipment that you see on the market has sensors in them. Even an ordinary home security alarm has sensors. These sensors can detect fires, floods and even earthquakes.

If you are planning on getting the best home security systems for your home, you can turn to the internet for advice. There are a lot of websites which have reviews. They are particularly helpful in helping you identify the kind of security system you definitely must have in your home.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6902621