Home Security & Surveillance

Home security is increasingly becoming more and more important. The same technology that makes life easier to manage also makes property more desirable. People are working longer hours, sometimes leaving children and pets home alone or with caregivers. Home security advances make it possible to monitor home and business from a distance, providing peace of mind to home owners.

Parents can work better and rest easier knowing that with a click of a mouse or a touch of the keypad on the cell phone, they can instantly see what’s going on with family members, employees or property. The simple nanny cam has given way to all sorts of hidden and plain-sight home security cameras.

Home security protection signs can be found on many lawns and businesses. The careful placement of the right type of camera lets the boss know who’s shirking and who’s working. Parents can see what the nanny is really doing while they’re gone. They can also see if their little angel has a dark side.

The prevalence of drugs and the rise in teen drinking have added another element to home security for parents. Spying on family members isn’t a recommended practice but when it comes down to life and death issues, a well placed camera could save a teen’s life.

Many Americans are now part of the sandwich generation - sandwiched between raising children and caring for elderly parents. It isn’t unusual for home security to now include making sure that grandma and grandpa are well cared for and are not getting into harm.

Home security cameras and systems allow those responsible for elderly or ill family members to monitor the situation from somewhere other than the bedside. Such cameras can be a lifesaver for family members dealing with a loved one confined to bed or facing Alzheimer’s.

Affordable home security cameras, available at many discount stores, make it possible to feed camera images to other rooms in the home. It’s still possible to do laundry or prepare meals and still keep an eye on Grandma.
Maintaining Home Security

Simple home security precautions help provide home safety. Locks on windows, well trimmed shrubs, strong doors and proper outdoor lighting make the home less appealing to burglars. Making sure that valuables aren’t easily visible from windows is another way to avoid inviting break-ins.

Installing and using a home security system provides reassurance while affording the ability to monitor situations. Home security systems are only as good as the user, so it’s important to install a system that everyone can and will use.
Systems come with a variety of options which can be tailored to fit family and individual needs. For instance, in the home of someone with Alzheimer’s, sensors can be set to alert family members if an appliance is turned on. Sensors can be set to monitor motion and provide alerts when someone leaves or enters a prescribed area.

Pet owners can purchase home security systems without worrying about their pets triggering alarms. Most home security systems today are set up for pet owners so that pet activity isn’t a problem. No matter who or what is being protected, home security can be configured to meet the need. It doesn’t take a lot of money or a lot of time to set up home security and protect the people and things that are loved.
by Anders Eriksson

Home security surveillance options include hidden and visible cameras. Cameras are available in wired or wireless styles. Recording options include digital and DVR or VCR.

Hidden cameras are ideal home security surveillance options. They are small enough to place almost anywhere and are often inexpensive. Although hidden cameras can be purchased already hidden (they appear to be plants, clocks, toys, etc.) the image quality may be poor. If the image cannot be seen, the camera is useless.

Web cams can be visible or hidden. The same camera that computer users use to transmit their own image while computing can be used to monitor a room or area. These cameras are also inexpensive. Potential camera locations are limited by the length of the USB cord unless the camera is a wireless version.

Camera lens determines what images are captured. Dome shaped, wide-angle camera lens produce distortion free images and have a larger field of view than standard camera lens.

Homeowners utilizing cameras for home security surveillance options should consider lighting. For low-light or night light recording, infrared capabilities are required. The infrared gives the camera night vision, resulting in captured surveillance images.

Wireless cameras are available almost everywhere. They are excellent home security surveillance options. Easy to install and easy to use, they can be placed almost anywhere. Homeowners can use as many cameras as necessary to monitor home or property.

Images can be viewed on cell phones, televisions and the computer. Some hand held gadgets allow viewing of images.
Wired cameras are usually installed by experienced installation technicians. Installation can be done while a home is under construction or added later. Adding them later can result in a mess and some expense.

Digital recording video allows homeowners to capture more footage, and gives more recording and viewing options. The DVR can be set to capture the image feed from the camera constantly or only when certain actions or events occur. Captured home security surveillance images can be viewed remotely via Internet. Newer systems now provide for the addition of a wide variety of add-ons. Motion sensors, temperature change sensors, lighting change sensors and smoke detection sensors are some of those available. The DVR can be set to notify the homeowner should a sensor be activated.

Homeowners considering home security surveillance options can often get free assessment sheets from local surveillance and security companies. By answering the questions on the sheet, the homeowner can better determine what kind of security and surveillance is best.

Size of the area to be monitored, conditions and budget are considerations. Homeowners who choose to sign up for subscription monitoring of the home security system will have to decide which company to go with. The most popular, and largest, security companies will charge hefty fees and may require long term contracts as well. Newer providers are becoming available with lower prices. Price shouldn’t be the only determining factor when considering a home security company.

Home security surveillance can be as simple as a web cam and a laptop. It can also be as involved as installation of a complete hardwired system. Looking at what is available and comparing that to what is actually needed will help homeowners decide.