Archive for April, 2007

Home Security Alert Regarding Window Bars

Monday, April 30th, 2007

Window bars may be great deterrents for burglars, but you might also want to consider fire safety when getting your home window bars. There was an event ten years ago wherein a fire in East Palo Alto killed nine people because the window bars made it difficult for the firemen to get into the dwelling and safe the victims.

True, burglary is getting common nowadays and people are employing all means possible to avoid being the next victims of burglaries and break-ins. This includes using window bars. But do not forget that lives are also on the line when a fire breaks out and no one can get out because your window bars are barring you from getting out of your own home.

There have been some campaigns and laws made to address this problem. At least one window in every room should be big enough to crawl through and if the windows have bars, make sure that they have a release mechanism.

Firefighters would rather not have any obstacles in getting into a house, window bars included. But they have taken into consideration the growing rate of burglaries, and have instead instilled in them the mindset that window bars are just another challenge for them.

Webcam Software For Home Security

Monday, April 30th, 2007

THE PERISCOPE WEBCAM: Released just last week, the Periscope webcam software for Mac OS X offers a cheap way for home security. It costs only $ 29.95 and has a trial version ready to be downloaded.Periscope

The Periscope webcam software is compatible with just about any webcam. Capturing images will be made easier. The software can capture pictures whenever the camera senses some movement or when the microphone hears a noise. You can also program the software to capture images when timers go off or when a remote control triggers an action.

More information on Freeverse Periscope.

USB BB Gun

Friday, April 27th, 2007

Home Security System would rather you stick to safe and secure home security measures. Home invasions and burglaries have people shaken up, however, and many companies grow more aggressive at protecting homeowners and their homes by improving and creating home security systems.

One of the latest innovations in home security is the USB BB Gun, further explained by Engadget:

While there’s certainly a variety of options to keep watch and protect your property from curious intruders, the latest branch of vCrib gives a new meaning to being on guard. Crafted by the designer of the Virtual Crib home automation software, the USB BB gun sports automatic firing, manual reloading, and the ability to fire based on commands given remotely on a PC. Moreover, the weapon actually packs a webcam on the barrel, allowing users to login via computer, tilt / swivel the gun with simple mouse flicks, and fire away if you spot any intruders within its broad line of sight. It shouldn’t need mentioning that we’d make absolutely sure our landlord was cool with mounting a remotely-controlled weapon in the window, but if you need to take home security into your own hands (without actually being at home), be sure to click on through to see this controversial creation spittin’ hot fury.
Source: USB BB gun sports barrel-mounted webcam, ensures home security

This gun doesn’t shoot out bullets, actually. This is actually an airsoft gun which fires 6mm plastic balls. The main point of this device is that it’ll give the burglars the idea that someone’s watching them, and the physical appearance might make them think that it could be a gun.

Home Security Becoming a Necessity?

Thursday, April 26th, 2007

It is still up to the homeowner if he/she wants a home security system for his home or not, but generally, home security systems are becoming a necessity for every home. This is mainly due to the increasing number of burglaries and break-ins happening in the country. And while there is the probability that your home won’t be broken into, one cannot deny the probability that the opposite can happen anytime.

Many approaches are being employed right now for home security.

First of all, before buying a monitored home security system, consider and do what you can on your own first. You can replace weak doors with strong solid ones made of wood or steel. You should also get some deadbolts and locks; they are very effective in deterring burglars and break-ins. You can also become a part of the Neighborhood Watch and cooperate with your neighbors in looking out for each other.

In choosing your home security system, you have to pick one that will can accommodate your home and your family’s safety. Home security companies will sit down with you and talk you over their packages and benefits, as well as ask for your opinion and suggestions, to further improve upon the security of your home.

Home security habits are also being emphasized. When you’re not home and are away for a long time, suspend all subscriptions and make it seem like there’s still someone at your home. Ask your neighbors to help maintain the illusion that there’s someone present at your home, like, for example, by parking his/her car in your driveway from time to time.

Getting a monitored security system is preferred, of course, since home security companies like ADT and Brinks will be able to guard your house 24/7. They’ll also be able to contact the authorities in cases of emergency. There is the problem wherein the authorities take some time to arrive at your home when the alarm takes off. But, at the very least, you and the authorities will be immediately informed of what’s going on in your home.

The latest method being used by homeowners nowadays is setting up surveillance cameras. This way, even if the intruders were able to get away, you still have the footage or pictures to help the authorities track them down.

There are others who would prefer to have guns by their side. There is no doubt that guns have also become good deterrents of burglaries and break-ins. Who’d want to go into a house wherein the homeowner could just shoot you when you’re caught? But always remember that your own guns can turn against you when you take the law into your hands.

Natural Gas Sensor for Home Security

Monday, April 23rd, 2007

Natural gas is one of the most widely used sources of energy, especially in our own homes. It’s used for heating, cooking, for generating electrical energy, and other things. It’s now wonder why natural gas concentrations have risen very fast. While natural gas is basically harmless, levels at 4.4% to 15% can cause explosions.

PerkinElmer IR Natural Gas Sensor PYM 151Last 2005, PerkinElmer Optoelectronics, the leading supplier of integrated solutions of biomedical and industrial applications, introduced the PerkinElmer IR Natural Gas Sensor PYM 151 for home and industrial alarm systems. It uses infrared (IR) absorption technology to sense levels of natural gas concentrations in your place or area.

Additional Information can be found in PerkinElmer Inc.’s website at www.perkinelmer.com

Do It Youself Lasershield

Thursday, April 19th, 2007

For those who’d rather have a do it yourself home security system, Lasershield could be the answer.

Easy-to-use and simple, Lasershield consists of a central alarm that connects your landline and a laser-powered motion detector. The alarm is easily set off by the slightest unusual movement, and if it isn’t disarmed in 20 seconds via its keychain remote, then the system will notify its monitoring service (monthly fee of $20).

You can add up to 12 wireless detectors for $60 each , and comes with a pet shield, at $200.

Source: www.lasershield.net

2008 Conversion To Digital Service

Thursday, April 19th, 2007

There are plans that starting next year, February 2008, cell phone towers will no longer be offering analog service and only digital. While this may be alright in the cell phone domain, there will be problems concerning home security systems.

The same signal used when talking on the cell phone is also used by many home security systems, and most homeowners specifically use analog cell phone service. There is a possibility that when the analog service will be cut nest year, the homeowners may not be able to communicate well with the authorities through their home security control panels during emergencies.

Home security companies will have to solve this problem by replacing every home security system they have given that is only compatible with analog service. Other companies begin by sending notices or letters telling the homeowners to get a digital transmitter for their home security system.