Protect Your Home Or Apartment When You Go On Vacation

Going on a vacation is wonderful and you deserve it. Coming home to find that your home has been broken into will make all those good times be forgotten in an instant.

One of the times your home is most vulnerable is when it is left empty for an extended period of time such as when the occupants are on vacation or on extended business trips. Darkened windows, unretrieved mail or newspapers and closed windows in hotter weather all tell of your absence to a potential burglar.

The best protection for your house or apartment during your absence is to have a house sitter.

A friend you trust staying at your house can take care of your pets and/or plants in addition to making sure the house is occupied. Of course this scenario is not always an option. Here are some precautions that should be taken by the owner or inhabitants to take before leaving on their trip away from home.

• Have a neighbor check on your apartment or house while you’re away – turning on lights, radios or TVs and opening and closing curtains will give your apartment or house the appearance of someone home.

• If you don’t have a friend or neighbor to house sit or check your apartment while you’re away – perhaps even if you do – you should keep not only lights on but also a TV or radio on at all times unless you have a timer which is recommended. If you’re like many others you have your TV on almost all the time you’re home, not for viewing but just as background noise. It is the absence of the sound and that blueish light in the windows that announces you’re not there. Using readily available timers you could also have lights, radios, and TV’s going on and off at different times adding to the illusion to a potential thief that someone is home.

• Make sure whoever is checking your apartment or house while you’re away knows how to work any alarm system and who to call in case of a problem.

• Unless you have a house sitter, stop your mail by notifying the post office and any newspapers or other items that are delivered to your home on a regular basis. Nothing broadcasts an empty apartment or house better than a stack of newspapers or an overflowing mailbox. Ask a nearby neighbor if they could pick up any packages that happens to be delivered any way while you’re gone.

• If you have a garden or plants on your balcony, make sure someone is watering the plants regularly or put the plants where they can’t be seen. Plants slowly dying due to lack of water may announce your absence to the would be thief.

• If you rent check your lease. Many landlords require that you notify them if your apartment is going to be left empty for any period of time so they can enter in case of emergency even if they can’t reach you. Naturally if you’ve got a house sitter this isn’t necessary.

• If you are away from home in winter make arrangements to have your place shoveled and plowed. If you are away during the warmer months make arrangements for someone to mow your lawn if it looks like it needs some attention.

Of course, many of these recommendations are just common sense. With a little planning ahead and thinking on your part you can make sure there are no nasty surprises when you return from you vacation or business trip.

Home Security - Choosing the Right Product

The bad news is that crime statistics, death, injuries, home intrusions, and loss of property continue to rise.  It is hard to believe, but according to FBI statistics a burglary occurs every 15 seconds in the United States.

The good news is that there has never been a time when such a variety of quality security equipment has been available, and at such affordable prices.  Let's fight back!

When talking about home security equipment, one size does not fit all.  Security equipment must be tailored to meet the particular needs of each house or company.  One may need entry detection, while another needs camera surveillance, and another may need motion-detection floodlights.  Let us look at some of the many choices available. 

Home Security Systems - Many articles have been written on this subject and the basics are probably known by most readers.  Systems are either wired or wireless, just as the names imply.  For a renter, a wireless system is the logical choice, as the installation does little if any damage to the premises.  And, the system can be taken when the renter moves.  Wired is the system of choice in an owned residence, but it has its pros and cons.  Because wires are run from every protected point to the alarm control panel, holes must be drilled and wires fastened.  However, when done by a professional company, the work is done with care and is mostly concealed.  Labor is the main contributor to the high cost of a wired system.  At today's labor rates, several technicians working in your house for a week can run up quite a bill.  A money saving tip here is do-it-yourself.  If you have the basic knowledge to fix a lamp cord, you can read the wiring diagrams and install a wired system at a budget cost.  Your car, motorcycle, camper, or boat on trailer, can also be connected to the security system.  Many types of motion detectors are available, some even "pet friendly".  Regardless of wired or wireless, ultimately either system can sound a local alarm, connect to a monitoring station, call your mobile phone, or be custom tailored to meet the exact needs of the user.

Surveillance Cameras - Like home security systems, cameras come in two types, wired or wireless.  When the door bell rings, how comforting to see who is at the front door.  Now, even low cost systems can view multiple points, and display all cameras on just one split screen monitor.  Camera products change rapidly, offering more and more features at lower and lower prices.  One of the best recent offerings is an outdoor motion-activated floodlight and color camera combination.  It does not get any better than that!  Disturbing statistics show that we cannot always trust persons in our house, like the baby-sitter or a serviceman.  A wireless hidden camera provides an ideal solution for this case. It is, in fact, one of the most popular home security items.  Other uses for an indoor camera include keeping watch on your prized possessions, and of course keeping watch over your baby.

Home Automation - Here is an area of products you will want to look at while security shopping.  The evolution of security products has blended into a new category of home automation products.  We have traveled well beyond the wireless garage door opener.  Your home computer can now be used to control appliances, lighting, cameras, store camera video files, check on your home, turn on and off your security lighting and even your sprinkler system!

Safe Drinking Water in an Emergency or Disaster

Nothing makes clearer the importance of water than a large disaster; clean, fresh water becomes more valuable than gold. It’s easy to forget that without water, we just can’t survive. 60 percent of our bodies are water, in fact for infants, water makes up about 80 percent of their body, so it is even more vital they have access to clean drinking water.

Unfortunately, following large-scale disasters, it’s not unusual that water supplies may be cut off temporarily or be rendered unfit for consumption. Everyone should know the following tips about safe drinking water in emergency situations.

Preparedness is Everything: The advice comes over and over, but most people still are not ready when disaster hits. You must maintain a supply of clean drinking water someplace safe in your home. You can survive a week without food, if necessary, but even one or two days without water can be fatal.

In terms of how much water is needed to be stored, you need to drink at least two quarts a day of water. Enough water for all the members of your family for at least a few days is a good idea. You can store water yourself in your own containers; anything glass, and clean, thoroughly washed plastic containers with caps work well. Seal water tightly in their containers and store them in someplace cool and dark in your home. Make sure to change new water regularly; once every six months.

Finding Safe Drinking Water: If you do run out of water during an emergency, or are trapped somewhere without ready access to clean drinking water, you’ll need to know what's safe to drink, and what isn't.

After a disaster, possible sources of safe drinking water in your home include the water from your hot water tank, the water from your toilet tank (not the bowl, but the water from your tank, but if it is chemical-free), and water trapped in your water pipes. Melt any ice cubes that you may have stored.

Avoid using water from waterbeds as drinking water, since they are treated with chemicals unsafe for drinking. You can use waterbed water for washing, though. Outside your home try to locate streams, rivers, lakes, or other sources of fresh water. Never drink floodwater; it is usually contaminated with bacteria and chemicals. Do save rainwater that may fall for drinking.

Purifying Water in an Emergency: If you cannot locating safe drinking water during an emergency, then any water you find that does not look clear, or which you believe may be contaminated, should be purified before drinking.

The best and easiest way to purify water is by boiling. Disease-bearing microorganisms cannot survive in high temperatures. Boil the water for about one minute. For improved taste, pour the water back and forth from one clean container to another.

If you’re unable to boil your water, treat it chemically before drinking. Household chlorine bleach can be used to treat your water. Use an eyedropper, to drop eight drops of bleach into each gallon of water to be treated. Make sure the chlorine you use lists hypochlorite as its only active ingredient; any extra chemicals or fragrances will only further contaminate the water. Stir the water and allow it to stand at least 30 minutes. When the water appears clear, it is likely safe to drink. If it is still murky or clouded, put in eight more drops and let stand another 30 minutes.

Home Security: Do It Yourself Home Security

In the last year that the Bureau of Justice released Crime Statistics (2004)

--77% of all crime was property related

--On average nearly 17 % of all crime domiciles were violated by a burglar

--In 85% of burglaries, the offender gained entry into the house or other building.

Ask any expert in the field and they will tell you that 90% of all burglaries are preventable. So if the odds are so good that it will happen to you and it is such a preventable event-what is it you have to do to stop the burglars? I am so glad you asked.

Sometimes the best home security is implemented when you are the one making the assessment and any corrective action- a do it yourself home security plan.

Here are home security tips to think about that will definitely discourage or flat out stop a potential intruder from entering your house. It is not an all inclusive list but one that if followed will certainly go a long way toward making your home more secure.

1.    <b>Take a critical look at your house from the outside.</b> Is your house well lit? Are there hiding places near doors and windows? If you can spot a potential weakness in your home’s “look” you can bet a professional burglar can exploit it. Remember that light is a burglars’ enemy-darkness a friend.

2.    <b>What could slow down a burglar from entering your home?</b> Simple home security devices such as locks on doors(deadbolts are best) and windows, bars, grates-items that are visible from the exterior of the house will not only act as a deterrent but slow down an intruder should he decide to try to enter. The more time it takes to break into a home, the more discouraged a burglar will become. Time is the enemy of the burglar.

3.    <b>How noisy can you make it if someone gains entry?</b> Noise is also the enemy of the burglar. There are many home security alarms activated by doors or windows opening or by motion. The sound of a barking dog, real or recorded, are very effective and will scare most burglars away.

Lights, noise and time-they are the three biggest enemies of an intruder. If you implement these home security tips to fortify your house you may well avoid a lot of potential break-ins. But there are some other things that will help as well.

--<b>Move valuables away from outside view.</b> Don’t risk tempting someone. Consider putting small valuables in Diversion Safes.

--<b>Start or join a neighborhood watch.</b> Strangers usually stick out in a neighborhood and should be reported immediately to police.

--<b>Make your house look occupied when you are gone.</b> Burglars are much less likely to consider a house they feel is occupied.

--<b>Lock your doors and windows</b> Even when you are gone for a short period of time. Summertime presents a huge temptation to leave doors or windows open. Don’t give in to the temptation. I have seen so many garage doors open only one or two feet to let the heat out-just enough to let a burglar in.

Many police departments as a public service will offer advice on how to make your home more secure. Call for availability in your area.

There are several simple things you can do to make your home less prone to intrusion by a burglar. Start with an assessment on how to make your home well lit, more secure, and in the event of an entry-how to make it very noisy. Light, time, and noise are the enemies of the professional burglar.

The Truth About Identity Theft

The Federal Trade Commission reports that identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America.  The term "identity theft" was not even coined until a few years ago. These days we seem to hear it every time we turn on the television or open a magazine. But what is the real truth about identity theft?

The United States Department of Justice offers this definition: "Identity theft and identity fraud are terms used to refer to all types of crime in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person's personal data in some way that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain." 

So how real is this threat?  Several of the world's largest banks and data collection agencies have suffered fraud affecting millions of people.  The IRS has stated that their networks of personal and financial records are not well protected. 

It appears that we are all at risk for identity theft, and there may not be anything we can do about it. In fact, many people who are at risk don't even realize it.

So what are some ways to stop identity theft?  How do you know if you are putting yourself at risk of becoming a victim?

Take, for example, your driver's license or health insurance card.  In many instances, the account or license number is the same as your Social Security number.  Calling a pharmacy, doctor's office, or car insurance company will often lead to you being asked for your Social Security number as a means of identification.

Your personal checks often include your name, address, bank account number, and signature.  They're often supplemented at the store's request with your phone number and driver's license number or Social Security number.  An unscrupulous store clerk may easily gain access to all this information.

No matter what type of data you are providing, whether it's to your doctor's office, your pharmacy, your bank, stores you make purchases from, schools, or even the IRS, this information has a chance of being compromised.  The internet has made spreading and selling the information not only easier, but more anonymous for the criminals.  The volume of information in today's society makes identity theft an ever-present danger.

Recently, companies have begun adapting to the changing environment and recognizing the very real threat that identity theft poses.  Those with large databases of personal and financial information are being required to better protect that data.  The United States government has joined by prosecuting identity theft criminals.  Credit card companies, banks, and insurance companies have begun to offer identity theft insurance.

Here are several places to search on the internet if you would like to learn more about identity theft and identity fraud, and what government programs have been implemented to help curb this financial threat. 

Department of Justice: www.usdoj.gov/criminal/fraud/idtheft.html

Federal Trade Commission: 
www.ftc.org

Identity Theft Resource Center:
www.idtheftcenter.org

Consult with your bank, your credit card companies, and your insurance company to see what steps they are taking to help prevent identity theft.  Find out what coverage they can offer to protect you in case it happens to you.  Make sure that you do business with companies which are supporting government legislation to curb identity theft and identity fraud.

The truth is that identity theft is out there.  It's not just a scare tactic used by insurance companies to sell needless coverage to unsuspecting clients.  The threat is very real, but with research and information, you can help lower your risk of becoming one of its victims.

Self Defense-Pepper Spray or Stun Gun-a Comparison

To be or not to be?
In New Mexico, the question is red or green? (referring to the chile)
In Chicago it's the Cubs or White Sox?

Okay so maybe it doesn't rank up there with those lofty questions, but people ask me all the time which is better a stun gun or pepper spray. Here is a comparison of stun guns and pepper spray using criteria that most people would consider before making a purchase.

<p><b>COST</b>—Pepper Sprays are less expensive but require refills or replacement. Stun Guns need new batteries occasionally. Pepper Sprays can run from$12.95 - $29.95. Stun Guns from $22.00-$79.95.

<p><b>EASE OF USE</b>---Both are equally easy to use.

<p><b>AIMING</b> ---Pepper Spray requires some skill and can be effected by wind and rain. With Stun Guns aim is not an issue.

<p><b>CLOSENESS TO TARGET</b>---Pepper Spray 6-18 feet; Stun Guns have to be right on the target.

<p><b>LEGAL LIMITATIONS</b>---Pepper Spray is legal in all states but some cities and states have restrictions. Stun Guns are illegal in some states. Check your local police or sheriff's department for specifics.

<p><b>LASTING DAMAGE</b>---Neither Pepper Spray nor Stun Guns have lasting damage to the assailant. 

<p><b>SIZE</b>---Lipstick size and larger for Pepper Spray. Stun Guns can be as small as a handheld blackberry and bigger. Both can be concealed in a purse.

<p><b>STOPPING POWER</b>---Pepper Spray if on target-excellent. Stun Gun-very good.

<p><b>PERIOD OF IMMOBILIZATION</b>---Pepper Spray will put someone out of action for 15-30 minutes. A Stun Gun will immobilize someone for 3-10 minutes. Both are long enough to get away and/or get help.

<p><b>INTIMIDATION FACTOR</b>---Pepper Spray will not likely intimidate anyone. However a fully charging Stun Master creates quite a sight and sound-enough to scare some assailants away.

<p><b>DISGUISABILITY</b>---Both Stun Guns and Pepper Sprays can be disguised as different objects easily.


On the face of it, trying to be objective, I would lean to the pepper spray all things being equal. The problem is all things are not equal. If the attacker is more than 6-10 feet away one or two things can go wrong that could cost you. And remember we are talking about the lives of you, your children, your spouse-you don't want to leave this to chance.

If the wind is blowing at more than 10-15 miles per hour, which really isn't much, it can cause the spray, mist or stream, to either go off target or worse blow back in your face. I am not sure which is worse. In any event it will not get you the desired result. You must have a hit right in the face preferably the eyes on the first or second shot. Can you hit that small a target from 10 feet away in the wind, in rain, under stress?

Practice might be one way to instill some confidence in your ability. Hook a string to a paper plate and hang it from a tree branch and fire away. This will instill some confidence in your ability to effectively use pepper spray.

There is so much at stake, potentially your life or those of your loved ones, why not have both?  They are both very easy to carry and conceal. Both are effective. Start with the pepper spray and end with the stun gun.

If you think crime can only happen to the other guy you are wrong.  The "other guy" is thinking the same thing and <b>YOU</b> are that "other guy". There is a reason why they call it self defense. You have to protect yourself, your family, your home and business!!

A Safe Apartment

There are special dangers involved with apartment living. This is because you live so close to many other people. Their actions can jeopardize your safety and so it’s very important for you to be aware of what you must do to safeguard yourself, your family and your possessions.

Fire Safety . . .

Fire is perhaps the greatest danger in apartment buildings. With so many units joined together, it doesn’t take long for fire to spread from one to another. The following guidelines are critical to your safety:

• Install smoke detectors in the kitchen, all bedrooms, the laundry area and hallways. You must test them every month and replace the batteries every 6 months. They won’t do you any good if they aren’t in working order.

• Keep fire extinguishers handy in the kitchen, laundry area and near your outside grill.

• Develop an escape plan. This plan should include two ways of exiting – in most cases, this will probably include the main door and either a window or door wall. If you live on a higher floor and don’t have access to a fire escape, purchase a rope ladder to use for exiting from windows or a balcony. Practice your escape plan regularly so each member of your family knows exactly what to do in case of fire.

• Never use an elevator during a fire.

• Never park in front of fire hydrants or in fire lanes and make sure your guests don’t either.

General Safety . . .

Fire isn’t the only danger in an apartment building. You must also be aware of hazards that can exist no matter where you live and take precautions to prevent them.

• Install a carbon monoxide detector.

• Install screen guards or window stops and doorstops on your patio door to protect your children from falling.

• Keep your apartment and building number near the telephone so your family or babysitter can access it in case of an emergency. Remember that memories can fail during emergencies.

• Make certain your apartment number is clearly marked on your door.

• Be sure that each person in your family knows how to dial 911.

Protecting from Intruders . . .

There are many people coming and going in an apartment complex. Criminals count on this anonymity. That makes it very important to get to know the other tenants. When you do, not only are you better able to identify someone who doesn’t belong, it also makes it more likely that tenants will look out for one another.

• Consider forming an “apartment watch”. This is similar to a neighborhood watch but confined to your apartment complex. If a group of tenants is on the alert for suspicious behavior, they can prevent many problems from arising.

• Install quality deadbolt locks on your door and place a wooden rod or steel brace on sliding doors. One caution about deadbolt locks – don’t purchase those that require a key. In an emergency, you won’t have time to search for the key.

• Make sure your landlord has installed good lighting in all stairways, hallways, and common areas like the laundry room.

• Make sure that if your building has a common entry, the entry door locks so that only tenants can enter. Never open that door for strangers.

If you follow these guidelines, practice good common sense, and are alert to what’s going on around you, your apartment will provide a safe home for you and your family.

Effective technologies of delivering Web Advertisements

Have you ever wondered where you need to advertise your website in order to get the maximum viewer ship? How can you maximize your profit? If you are not aware of the web advertising solution, then you need the expert. At Traffic-Aim you get the most powerful internet marketing solution. The company though based in UK, but you can access the wholesale traffic from USA, UK and Canada. It offers great marketing service at “your doorstep” The Company has bouquet of offering for its customers. It is also backed up by a robust 24x7 technical support system. You are also offered a 30 day money back option and that comes with all their services.

If you require specific number of hits for your website the unique web hits service is the in thing for you. You are also guaranteed the service and they will deliver what they promise. Choose from their multiple traffic options. You can opt for a 5,000 package to a100, 000 package whichever suits your requirement. The rates are pretty reasonable starting from $25 and reaches only up to $100. But just remember the revenue you are going to earn from such guaranteed hits. Do not need to think twice about their service because you can access a third-party website to count the actual number of hits and this offer is absolutely free.  

Have you ever thought what will it be like to get you webpage available in all the major search engines, classified ad sites, directories and press releases? How much benefit will you derive from you webpage getting mentioned in the message boards and media contacts? The options are many with Traffic-Aim’s search engine submission service. They guarantee a submission in 1520 top search engines and 225,000 directories, classified ad sites and press releases. Yahoo, Google and AltaVista are all included here without paying any premium amount. What’s more the order is processed in less than 12 hours. Isn’t it amazing! However the indexing done by the search engines varies from 6-12 weeks subject to the individual company policies. This one too comes with a money back guarantee and the rates are as competitive. With prices starting from $15 a month to $95 for the entire year this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. The ranking is done independently but most of the clients of Traffic-Aim have very high rankings. 

The targeted traffic may not always be available at a single location. You need to keep your options open.  With the banner impression service of Traffic-Aim you get your webpage circulated in wide network of websites. 1000s of people can now view your webpage and this too at $16. The maximum rate is for $160 which guarantees 100,000 banner impressions and obviously with a money back guarantee. Here too you can view the counter on a third party website. It is quite transparent with no hidden costs. Last but not the least the adult hits option guarantees you 5,000 adult hits at a cost of only $50. The maximum hits offered is 100,000 which comes at a premium rate, but definitely backed by the 30 day money back program.

If you want success from your website then do not wait any longer. It is time to target your web visitors with Traffic-Aim.

How Home Security Monitoring Works

Home security monitoring does not mean that there will be 24 hour a day surveillance of your home to ensure that your home is protected from a burglar. At least it does not mean that in a literal sense but home security monitoring does provide you and your family 24 hour a day protection from burglars and in some cases, even fire.  The level of protection that you receive will depend on the complexity of your home security system and the capabilities of the security provider you have chosen. The one thing in home security monitoring that is relatively similar no matter which provider or system you choose is the sequence of events that occur while the security system is in use. This article will provide a brief synopsis of how home security monitoring works.

Just about every home security monitoring system is activated as the first step in the process. Usually the homeowner pushes a button or series of buttons on the keypad to turn on the security system. This sends the message that the security system should trigger if it is breached in any way. Once this happens the various components of the home security system are activated. This may include access contacts, motion detectors, security cameras and any other components of the home security monitoring system. These components remain activated until the homeowner returns home and deactivates the home security monitoring system. Again, this is usually accomplished by typing in a series of numbers in the keypad.

If there is a breach of security, the home security monitoring system will begin a sequence of events. In most cases the first event, upon detecting an intruder, is to sound a warning alarm. This is usually a low level alarm and the intent of sounding this alarm is to allow the home owner the opportunity to deactivate the alarm when they return home. The homeowner usually has approximately 30 seconds to deactivate the alarm before the home security alarm system takes the next step.

If the alarm is not deactivated two things happen simultaneously in the home security monitoring system. A loud alarm is sounded and a message is sent to the monitoring station that there has been a breach of security in the home security monitoring system. This message reaches personnel at a 24 hour per day monitoring station who respond to this message. The first response is to contact the homeowner to determine whether or not the home security monitoring system has been breached or it was a false alarm. If the homeowner does not respond to the home security monitoring personnel and supply them with a security password, the staff will contact the local police department and send them to your address.

Home security monitoring is a precise service that has a clear path of action. Most home security monitoring companies react and proceed in a very similar fashion when a security system in their network is breached. While each home security monitoring company may have differences they all generally work in the same way.

Clock In With Covert Hidden Cameras

Of the numerous different ways in which to disguise covert hidden cameras, clocks have, by no means, been left out of the equation. They are just one of the many items being used that cleverly allows you to keep an eye on things. There are a couple of different types of clock radios that contain covert hidden cameras. One is shaped like a cube and is a fully functional clock radio besides, offering a choice of black and white or color pictures.

Another one contains not only a hidden camera but a transmitter as well that will penetrate between two to three interior walls that are up to six hundred feet away. These covert hidden cameras also have a signal that travels up to fifteen hundred feet away from the camera to your VCR and or your TV. You can also move it from room to room as easily as you would any regular clock radio.

If you believe that having your covert hidden cameras inside of a clock radio just would not be classy enough for your living room, library or office, then you might want to take a look at the covert hidden cameras that come inside a mantle clock. This beautiful Seth Thomas mantle clock contains either a black and white low light or color/black and white high-resolution camera with a motion activated DVR, which is hassle free and easy to use.

By using a wireless remote control, you activate the arm button, and then the moment any motion is detected, the video camera begins running and will continue to run for fifteen seconds after the motion stops.

Today’s Home Security

Security is the most important aspect of life, most so in the case of home security. In the days of ever increasing crime and theft, it is all the more imperative for us to have a safe and strong home security system. The miscreants are well exposed to the modern methods of surveillance and monitoring making normal life highly vulnerable even inside our own home.

Many a careless family would tell their horrifying experience of house breaks and thefts that had happened to them out of sheer negligence and lack of proper security system.

Home security systems of varied nature and methods are plenty available. A simple warning signal by means of a security tag from a reputed security agency itself acts a deterrent for the robbers. However it is wise to choose an effective and economical system to make the security at home really effective. A good monitoring system to work in your absence and that would react when triggered enabling someone to see, or a system that produces an alarm, that can be directed to the Police or emergency service, is an ideal choice.

Use of variety of locks is another option to protect the house in one’s absence. Protecting the family and the belongings from the vulnerability of thefts and house breaks is no small task. One has to be quite relaxed when one is away from one’s house and has to ensure the possessions are quite safe even in their absence.

Wireless home security system, the modern effective way of protecting the home and the family, though a new concept, is really effective. One has to know the basics of wireless home security system before choosing the same.

The first aspect to be considered in a wireless security system is to determine the number of doors and windows that could be brought under the system. The placing of the control panel and keypads is an individual choice, while some prefer it near the front door, others find it convenient to be on the side of the bedroom.

The doors and windows need to be near to the sensors to enable them to communicate with the sensors. Various choices are available in monitoring systems; one option is to hire a company for a nominal fee. If on the other hand one choose to spend less, a basic system with a dialer connected to the telephone, that can dial the chosen numbers would be sufficient.

Motion detectors is normally a good option, unless of course the pets in the home roam around, during night or when the system is enabled making unwanted alarms or warning signals.

One should entrust the home security system to a reputable and trust worthy security agency. The wireless home security system chosen should monitor every zone in the house. Further the system should be user friendly and effective during an emergency.

The batteries used in the contact devices tends to be a costly as the same is to be replaced and each service call needs to be paid. The system therefore is a bit expensive compared to a hard wired system. One has to be a little technical savvy to avoid such expenditure and capable of reinstalling the batteries by oneself.

Installation of the wireless security system is quite easy and once the control panels and sensors are properly placed at desired points, the system is operational and you stand protected. Alternatively one can also get the system installed by a contractor or a company specialized in the service at a nominal cost.

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Simple Tips For Preventing Break-Ins At Your Home

© 2006, All Rights Reserved

You've lived here for years.  You've never had any trouble.  But one otherwise quiet night, you hear a strange noise.  It sounds like the jiggling of a doorknob.  Is someone breaking into your house?  Are the kids still in bed?  Where did you leave the phone?  It's three o'clock in the morning, and there is no one around to help.  With no home alarm system, your mind starts racing a million miles a second trying to think of ways to keep your family safe and - at the same time - work out an escape route. 

This is a situation all too many people find themselves in every year.  The middle of a potentially life-threatening emergency with no security alarm system is no time to discover you need additional help.  The best time to work those things through is right now when all is well.  There are some simple ideas you can put into place right now that can help prevent break-ins at your home.  Even if you have a home alarm system, these tips go a long way to give added safety.

<B>Leave the Outside Lights On Every Night</B>

Most people never turn on the outside lights unless they are leaving.  While they believe turning outdoor lights on when they leave is a safety measure, they are only partially correct.  Why?  Because if the only time you turn the outdoor lights on is when you leave, you're sending a glaring signal to burglars that says, "Hey!  I've gone out for several hours tonight so help yourself.  I'll turn the lights off when I get back so you and your buddies will know not to come around."

Turn your porch lights and other outdoor lights on *every* night, whether you're leaving your home or not.  This way, you accomplish two things.  First, you shed light on dark areas that might otherwise help to camouflage burglars.  Second, you take away the signal burglars are waiting to see that tells them you're away from home.  Alarm systems are fabulous for helping in times of emergency, but prevention is still the number-one cure for break-ins.

<B>Un-Clutter Windows and Doorways</B>

When you give burglars plenty of cover, they will likely take advantage of it.  Tall bushes and shrubs that fully or partially cover windows make great hiding places.  Burglars can easily squat behind a bush as they work on prying open a window for entry.  Likewise, tall topiaries, statues or other objects that offer cover to burglars should be removed from around your doorways.  Don't provide anything that would give a robber a hiding place.

<B>Make It Too Much Trouble</B>

Most burglars are looking for an easy score.  If they think entry will be too difficult or that there is a high risk of being caught (as is the case with security alarm systems), they will probably move on to another house.  If you currently have a home alarm system, place the signs and window stickers in prominent places where they can be readily seen. This practice is frequently recommended by police departments because of its effectiveness.  Motion detector lights are also good deterrents.  Security pins for sliding doors and windows would definitely be too much trouble for your average burglar to fuss with.  In addition, double-paned windows are extra trouble to break (and extra noisy!) giving burglars yet another reason to look elsewhere for a victim.

Another good idea is to survey your home and think like a burglar.  If you were trying to break into your own house, how would you do it?  What would you need to be successful?  If you find easy ways to break into your home, chances are a burglar will, too.  Make notes as you walk around your house and then take immediate action to stop trouble before it starts.

What Are Disaster Recovery Templates And How Do They Help?

Understanding the Need for Disaster Recovery Templates

All around the world, the weather has been proving to be strong and unpredictable. From a tsunami to hurricanes and earthquakes, just about every corner of the world has been impacted by unpredictable weather. For this reason, many individuals, families, and communities are realizing the need for disaster recovery templates.

Disaster recovery templates are organized plans of action that should be implemented in a time of need. A natural disaster is the most common situation which may call for a disaster recovery plan, however, disaster recovery templates are used for a wide variety of other events and disasters. As the result of the many terrorist attacks around the workd, disaster recovery templates have become more readily available and easier to use.

Disaster recovery templates are developed and used all over the world. They may offer preparation and help for handling a natural disaster, however, the majority of plans are focused on the recovery and rebuilding process.

The 2005 hurricane season overwhelmed the Gulf Coast region of the United States. After a large death toll and constant media attention, it became apparent, that disaster revovery plans are essential. If a community implements a recovery plan, everyone, employees to citizens alike, need to understand the procedures. Disaster recovery templates usually fail if there is a lack of awareness about what is going to be done. Therefore, disaster recovery plans need to be clear enough to be understood by everyone.

Disaster recovery templates are especially important in areas where damage or destruction may occur unexpectedly. Although their paths may change, hurricanes are generally easy to track, and their courses are not difficult to predict. This allows residents in the path of a hurricane to take the appropriate steps to secure their property and evacuate. Tornados, flash floods, and earthquakes are examples of natural disasters that provide little or no warning to area residents. Disaster recovery templates are very important for people who live in areas where these disaters are more likely to occur. Without the proper warning, residents may be in danger, and a large amount of property may be damaged.

A disaster recovery template can be planned and developed by a family or a small group. However, the majority of disaster recovery templates are developed for whole communities and specific organizations. In the event of a natural disaster, it is not uncommon for churches or local community groups to get together and offer assistance to the community. Their recovery plans may be a little bit different from traditional state or community disaster recovery templates. On their disaster recovery templates, they usually have listed as a major priority searching, finding, and rescuing area residents or pets who may be stranded or injured.

Many families or organizations may plan and test run their own disaster recovery templates, however, often trained professional may be called in. There is a good selection of pre-established disaster recovery templates available for use. In addition to pre-established disaster recovery templates, there are many companies or individuals who have experience and are propely trained to develop such plans. Disaster recovery templates are an important tool in a time of need. Having a disaster recovery template in place can save lives and offer guidance in a time that is normally characterized by panic and confusion.

Surveillance for the homeowner

So you’ve paid off the loan, and the mortgage, done the renovations, the paperwork and now your home is finally your own house. You can’t help feeling, however, that you aren’t quite ready to sit back and rest easy. What if someone breaks into your house, damages and steals your property? What can you do to safeguard your space against burglary?

For a medium or large residence, surveillance just might be a good idea. Before you start picturing Richard Dreyfuss and Emilio Estevez in Stakeout, let’s define our terms.

Surveillance is, quite simply, the process of monitoring people, objects or processes for conformity to certain expected norms. More specifically, it consists of monitoring for deviations from safe, non-threatening behaviour. It may or may not interest you to know that, in French, the word means ‘watching over’.

Surveillance includes any form of observation from afar by means of technological devices. This refers to phone tapping, directional microphones, bugs, subminiature cameras, closed-circuit television or CCTV, GPS tracking, airborne or satellite reconnaissance as well as computer and internet surveillance.

CCTV is perhaps the most relevant device for you, as a homeowner, so let’s look at it in some more detail.

CCTV consists of a camera, or cameras, linked up for the purpose of surveillance. The cameras are all directly liked and viewable through monitor screens. CCTV was first pressed into service to help watch against bank robbers, but the applications have increased to the point where the technology is easy to use, and relatively affordable enough to be used in home security set-ups.

CCTV is supposed to aid in crime fighting in two ways –deterrence and detection.

It’s assumed that the presence of clearly visible cameras in an particular location would serve to scare of would-be thieves. But the criminal mentality is notoriously hard to fathom, and this isn’t always the case. Interestingly though, CCTV systems do seem to be most effective as safeguards against car theft. Still, it’s worth assuming that the presence of a CCTV system should put off a fair number of would-be burglars.

CCTV has made a remarkable difference to crime detection, that’s for sure. Several prominent murder cases worldwide were solved with the aid of CCTV footage, and CCTV has also been useful in locating missing persons and runaways. Look at it this way – if it comes to the worst, and your house is burglarised, CCTV footage can provide crucial clues to the police and help in capturing the criminals and recovering your belongings.

CCTV technology has developed to the point where you can use wireless or USB still cameras to take high-resolution pictures at intervals. You can either program the cameras to take pictures on a time-lapse basis or to be triggered by unexpected motion. The quality of these images is superior to other surveillance cameras, and provides investigators with a wealth of useful detail. Models like Canon’s S2iS, Nikon’s P1 or Kodak’s Easyshare One are all affordable and reliable options. You can easily download these images onto your PC and share them with the authorities, all in a matter of seconds.

This is in fact the best option for you as a homeowner. Traditional CCTV is more adept at providing a flow of images to be constantly monitored by security personnel, while this new technique, dubbed Closed Circuit Digital Photography (CCDP) does not require around-the-clock observation, and produces high-quality images that can be used in the event of a burglary. As in the case of CCTV, it is worth considering that the presence of a surveillance system will itself serve as some amount of deterrent, if clearly indicated.

Used in conjunction with motion sensors, as well as anti-burglary devices such as alarms, high fences, trap wires and the like CCDP can form the basis for an effective and reliable home surveillance system. One that lets you finally kick back and relax in the comfort and security of your own home!

Protect Your Cabin With "Off the Grid" Home Security

Securing your cabin can be a difficult task - especially if you're "off the grid" and don't have the easy luxury of electricity and an "alarm system". But, there are some common sense steps to follow and a couple tricks of the trade, that'll help secure your property in the off season.

If you're in the position of not having purchased your cabin or land yet, you might begin by considering the security conundrum right off the top. Location, location, location is imperative here, and if you can avoid purchasing a piece of property that is overly exposed to the public and main thorough fair traffic than you're definitely ahead of the game. Private access roads and secured gating are both pluses.

If you're building your cabin from scratch think about limiting expensive building materials. You might also go for the "shabby chic" cabin look over designing with lush curtains and fancy, expensive furniture- these tend to be indicators of more wealth inside. If you must have such luxury items at least store them away as best as possible when you're away - or take them home!

Think about security as you're building your cabin and build the home in a way that intruders won't be able to get in.

When you leave for the season, make sure you seal up everything. Try putting boards or barriers on your doors and windows. Go as "fortress" like as you see fit- esthetics won't matter so much when you're not at home! Intruders generally go for path of least resistance- so don't give them any opportunity to think yours will be an easy steal. If you're not intending to board up your windows, at the very least put up some dark blinds and close them before you go. You don't want your valuables to be visible.

You can also install heavy duty dead-bolts on all doors and use lock-bars on sliding doors.

Never leave alcohol in your cabin. Much of the trespassing population tend to be young kids looking for a "cheap" or for that matter a "free" good time. Some people even put up signs: "No Alcohol on the Premises", as a deterrent for the cheap thrill type of vandals.

Never leave firearms on the premises. If you have to, then make sure they are trigger locked and kept in a locked gun cabinet.

If you can, hire someone over the off season to keep your lawn mowed, plants and flowers watered, the driveways plowed and sidewalks shoveled - anything and everything to give the appearance of a constant presence.

Although you may not be capable of installing a full alarm system if your cabin is "off the grid", you can try trip-wire systems. With such systems you can trigger a sound device to go off, or rig it so objects fall with a crashing sound. Yes, it's sort of a seemingly archaic alarm system, but you have to work with what you got. And you'd be surprised at what'll work. Some systems will allow you to trip-wire to a battery operated alarm system or camera monitors that you can see from home!

If you're looking for protection and safety while you're at the cabin, a dog with a good strong bark is a good idea. Not only will they protect the fort, but you'll have their canine companionship to boot!

One last hint: remember that not all intruders are human. Thrill seeking teenagers are one problem, but rats, mice and bugs are a whole other ball game. The best way to avoid rodents is to ensure that there isn't a scrap of food in the house when you leave. Foods also have the potential to attract wintering insects as well, so take it all - sugar, flour and every measly scrap you find.

Be smart and thorough in securing your cabin for the off season and you'll have much less of a problem with intruders of all kinds!

Wall Safes: The Safest Walls On Earth

With the increasing crime rates these days, it is best that you find ways to protect your belongings whenever you are indoor or outdoors. But the most important thing you have to protect is your home, especially if you and your household members are not at home most of the time.

By equipping your home with security gadgets like wall safes, you can eliminate the worries that fill your mind knowing that your most valuable possessions are safely intact.

Nowadays, keeping valuables in a bank’s safety deposit box is no longer the only available way to safeguard your valuables. With the advent of technology and creative inventions, wall safes are now considered as the next best thing to safekeeping.

Generally, wall safes are mounted and permanently pierced into the walls of your house. Because of its nature, you may mount your wall safes while your house or your office is still under construction or you may opt to mount it a little later. If you prefer to do the latter, mounting wall safes will not be very difficult because most wall safes are equipped with “flange”, thus, you don’t have to re-cover your walls.

When buying wall safes, there are certain elements you need to check first:

1. The ratings.

A quality wall safe has an Underwriters Laboratories rating. This means that the capability and efficiency of your wall safes is manifested by its ratings.

Basically, a safe with a Class-A rating can endure an inferno with a maximum of 2,000-degree heat for long hours. Whereas, a Class B-rated wall safe means that it can only endure a fire with 1,850-degree heat and will last for only two hours. The last rating, class C means that the safe is capable of enduring 1,000-degree heat and last for about an hour.

Like any safes, wall safes are also operated through a series of number combinations, keys, or electronic lock. Its function varies depending on the type you have chosen. It is upon your discretion which type of wall safe would best serve you most.

2. The price.

As with all commodities and products, wall safes are not created equal, and so, their value in the market will also vary from one to the other. Their variations may be due to the quality of composition or the dealer that distributes the material.

In most cases, the average wall safe will cost $400. And so, you have to shop around in order to get the best bargain. You may look at the Internet for available wall safes that will suit your needs.

However, when buying safes online, it is best that you see the items personally so as to scrutinize and evaluate if what the manufacturers claim online is actually true. After all, it is your money that is at risk and also your other valuables, so it is best to obtain a wall safe that can offer you both the protection that you need and the quality that you are looking for.

Generally, wall safes are used for the safekeeping of your valuables like jewelry, money, and even pertinent papers like contracts, deed of sales, and receipts. With wall safes you can be assured that all of your most treasured possessions are kept safely against burglars and accidents like fire.

So, for people who value their possessions, it is best to get wall safes. Not only are they easy to install, easy to access, and easy to manipulate but they are also house-friendly because you can place them in any part of your house without having to destroy or modify your interior decorations.

And so, it is better to think of your family and your finances’ safety now. As they say, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Do not hesitate to invest a little amount of money on wall safes. You’ll never know what can happen next, so it is better to be safe than sorry.

Secure your Computer for Safe Internet Usage

From email to online banking and investing to shopping, today people are using their computers for many things that used to be done only offline.  As we do these things on a more regular basis, unfortunately we open ourselves up to a new breed of criminals and their new weapons like spyware, viruses and email scams.  While some may be looking to phish your personal information and identity for resale, others simply just want to use your computer as a platform from which to attack other unknowing targets.  As our use of computers and the related potential for risk increased, it is import that we make sure we have taken steps to protect ourselves.  Just like the advice of not walking alone at night, there are things we should and shouldn’t do on the internet.  Below are a few easy, cost-effective things you can do to make your computer more secure.

- Viruses can cause your computer to fail unexpectedly so always make backups of important information and store in a safe place separate from your computer. 

-Computer software is being continuously updated and criminals are continuously finding new ways to attack.  Update and patch your operating system, web browser and software frequently.  Because Microsoft’s operation systems like XP and Vista are on most home and business PCs, they are the biggest targets of fraudsters.  Make sure you have the latest software by going to Microsoft’s website and running the update wizard.  This will help you find the latest patches for your Windows computer.  Also look for updates to any other Microsoft software you have at the same location.

-Install a personal firewall.  A firewall is software that protects your computer by not letting some programs do things that could be dangerous.  Without a good firewall, viruses, worms, Trojans, malware and adware can all easily access your computer from the Internet.  There are a range of great firewall programs and hardware available at any budget.  If you aren’t comfortable selecting or installing this type of software check with your local computer store for assistance.

-Review your browser and email settings for optimum security.  Why should you do this?  Active-X and JavaScript are often used by hackers to plant malicious programs into your computers.  While cookies are relatively harmless in terms of security concerns, they do still track your movements on the Internet to build a profile of you.  Consider setting your browser security setting for the “internet zone” to High, and your “trusted sites zone” to Medium Low.

-Install antivirus software and set for automatic updates so that you receive the most current versions.  As with firewalls, there are great alternatives available on the internet and in stores.  -Once you install software, though, it is very important that you keep it up to date.  Make sure you allow the software to automatically update itself to ensure you stay protected.

-Do not open unknown email attachments unless you are sure they are safe. Unfortunately some viruses can spread emails that look like they came from a source you know.  If you are not expecting an email, even if is from someone you know it is best to confirm before opening.

-Just like unknown email attachments, do not run programs from unknown origins.  Also, do not send these types of programs to friends and coworkers because they contain funny or amusing stories or jokes.  They may contain a Trojans horse waiting to infect a computer.

-Consider turning off your computer and disconnecting it from the internet when not using the computer.  A hacker can not attack your computer when you are disconnected from the network or the computer is off.

The ability to shop from home, email friends and family are great benefits of the internet.  Unfortunately, along with everything new comes the opportunity for criminals to use it for bad purposes.  By taking just a few simple precautions you can rest assured that you will get the benefits without becoming a victim.

Planning And Building A Security System That Works

First of all a security system is not an alarm system, although the alarm system plays an important part in the overall security plan. In fact,no single component should be seen as most important, although as I will explain some measures provide greatest value for the security money you will be investing. The first step though is a survey of the premise, including how it is used, for what purpose and by whom, and of course the physical layout. Risk factors and loss potential are scrutinized as these greatly influence the budget.

Barrier security will be the first step in the implementation of the security system and devices such as window bars, security gates, security film, security grilles and good locks provide the greatest value for the money you will be investing. Barrier security can also be achieved through installation of security films which are fitted onto existing glass,  security films such as Profilon tm, made by Haverkamp in Germany  provide a near invisible coating that transforms glass into transparent armor.  Security films are especially useful for strengthening glass in offices and homes.  Typically thicker films work best for security applications and fourteen mil security film is currently consider minimum for commercial applications.

Security films work best on larger surface areas.  Installation is very important and is as important to the barrier security as the choice of film. The glass type is also important with ordinary annealed glass as the design favorite. However if possible the glass should be changed to a laminated glass as that is the best substrate for security film. Installing on tempered glass should be avoided due to break characteristic of that glass. This is of utmost importance as door glass must conform to a safety code and that is almost always done with tempered glass and forced entry through glass accounted for two thirds of all break-ins. Unless the glass is changed to annealed or laminated glass single pane commercial doors should not be fitted with security film. It simply will not work. The mechanical bond of security film to the edges will add to or decrease the value of security film as barrier security and if possible security film should be fitted under the glass retaining stops.

To increase the effectiveness of security film in the security system the alarm system should include glass break detectors of the dual technology type or signature type.   Very loud siren horns and or strobe lights outside over the glass is an excellent way to augment the effectiveness of security film in the security system.

The first line of protection in barrier security are the locks and their effectiveness as a security barrier depends entirely on the small details of the installation. Burglar bars, window bars, security bars, different names same meaning are available over the counter or custom built in many shapes and sizes.  Window bars are probably the best single investment of barrier security and because burglar bars have been used in the security system for thousands of years many examples of good design are readily available. Security bars are especially useful for protecting basement windows or for protecting windows in warehouses as they provide visual deterrence as well as providing barrier security. A visual display of security is very useful when planning a security system as opportunistic thieves can be easily persuaded to move elsewhere by carefully planned barrier security.

As risk increases the security system becomes layered so that thieves are forced to spend valuable time after detection but before penetrating the barrier security to get to the reward.

Planning and designing an effective security system is as much art as science, but more than anything else involves common sense and while there is temptation to rely on high technology the opposite is true. The best system is simple and relies heavily on barrier security with electronic systems as back up.