Houston Home Security

Evaluating Your Home Security

2012-01-24T08:43:00.000-08:00

Are you doing all you can to discourage burglars from targeting your home? Is your home as safe as it could be? Even if you have a complete home security system, chances are that your home could be safer – and it might take no more than a few simple projects to make it safer. A home security inspection can help you pinpoint weaknesses in your security plan and which changes you can make to make your home more secure.

What to Expect from a Home Security Inspection

In the area of home security, some police participate in a program that provides free home security inspections to homeowners. You can schedule a security inspection by calling your local police department to get instructions on how to prepare and schedule an appointment with one of their trained officers. Many home security companies also offer home security consultations with no obligation to buy anything from the company.

Home security inspections are quick, generally taking less than an hour. The inspector will go over a checklist with you and take a look at your property as a whole to identify areas where your home is vulnerable. He or she will check your windows and doors and the locks on them, and may make recommendations about landscaping, lighting and other things that can make your home more or less secure.

Some of the suggestions a home security expert might make include the following.

Trim back trees and shrubs so that they don’t block the view from your doors or windows, as well as any overgrown landscape that can provide a hiding place for burglars to hide while he tries to break into your house. Shrubs should be no higher than 3 feet and trees should have branches trimmed up to 6 to 7 feet above the ground.
Consider using cactus, yucca or shrubbery with sharp, pointy leaves in front of ground floor windows to discourage burglars from attempting access that way.
Keep the exterior of your home looking clean and fresh. Homes that look as if they are well-maintained are less likely to invite vandalism.
Any nameplates on your door or mailbox should only have your last name. Anything that indicates gender or marital status can give burglars information about who lives in the home.
Make sure that your house number can be seen and read clearly from the street. This will make it easier for police or fire department to quickly locate your home in an emergency.
Invest in a home security system that includes a burglar alarm and alarm system monitoring to alert the authorities if someone attempts to break into your home.

For up to date information about the types of home security systems that are most appropriate for your home, contact a local home alarm company and schedule an inspection or consultation.

Before You Install a Home Security System

2012-01-07T19:29:00.001-08:00

Protecting your loved ones from harm is one of the most important considerations for any homeowner – with protecting your property from theft and damage running a close second. You can’t always be there to watch over your family and your property, but a good home security system can help keep you, your family and your belongings safe. Everyone would love to have a top-of-the-line alarm system, but the right security system for your home isn’t always the most expensive option. If you’re in the market for a home security system and alarm monitoring, Houston home security company Safeguard Home security offers a number of tips to help you make your decision.

Secure Your Property First

A home alarm system provides an added layer of security and safety, but your first line of defense is taking common sense precautions to make your property as safe as possible. Believe it or not, in close to one-fourth of all burglaries, the thieves entered the home through an unlocked door. You can make your home more difficult for burglars by installing secure deadbolt locks on all doors that lead into your house, including the door between your garage and your home.

Burglars also prefer properties that give them places to hide while they’re breaking in. Keep all bushes trimmed away from doors and windows, and avoid obstructing the view of entryways and windows from the street.

Lighting is an important part of your home security system. Install motion senor lights at all approaches to your home, including your front door and the back of your house. Motion-activated lights can actually be a more effective deterrent than lights that are always on because they startle would-be burglars and alert you and neighbors that someone has approached your home.

Ask for a Home Security Consultation

A consultation with an experienced home security professional can help you determine the right type of system for your home security. Houston police in most neighborhoods also have trained officers who can evaluate your home and make home security recommendations for your property.

Opt for Alarm Monitoring

There’s far more to a home security system than a burglar alarm. One of the most important parts of your security is home alarm monitoring. When you choose an alarm system with home alarm monitoring, you can be certain that someone will react if your burglar alarm is activated.

Have Your Alarm System Installed by a Professional

Professionally installed alarm systems ensure that everything is installed and working properly. In addition, many insurance companies will discount your property insurance if your home is protected by a professionally installed home security system.

Alarm System Monitoring Helps Deter CrimeMonitoring

2011-12-31T18:32:00.000-08:00

Can you afford to lose nearly $1,800? That’s the average loss reported in home burglaries around the country. There are ways that you can protect yourself from burglary losses, and one of the most effective is a burglar alarm with alarm system monitoring. These systems can be especially effective in cities like Houston, where the burglary rate is high and home security is an important part of protecting your family. How effective is alarm system monitoring? Safeguard Home Security, a Houston home security company, offers statistics that make it obvious how a burglar alarm with alarm system monitoring can reduce the risk of being targeted by burglars.

An unprotected home is 2 to 3 times more likely to be burglarized than one with a home security system. According to statistics compiled by insurance companies, homes with burglar alarms are much less likely to be the targets of burglary than those with no home security system. Burglars actively avoid homes that are outfitted with burglar alarms and home security systems – it only makes sense, after all. Why break into a home where you risk being caught by an alarm monitoring company?

About 85% of home burglaries take place in residences and other buildings not protected by burglar alarms. Wouldn’t you rather put your home in the 15% of homes that are statistically less likely to be targeted by burglars? It’s as easy as making sure that your home is protected by a home security system.

Contrary to popular belief, most burglaries do not take place at night. The overwhelming majority of home burglaries happen between 6 A.M. and 6 P.M. when people are most likely to be away from home. This also means that a basic burglar alarm system, which is intended to alert homeowners and nearby neighbors that an intruder has broken in, are less likely to be effective for one simple reason – your neighbors are likely to not be home to call the police if your alarm goes off. A monitored alarm system doesn’t rely on neighbors’ availability to notify the authorities if your home is broken into. Instead, your home’s alarm system is monitored 24/7 by professional alarm system monitors. Whether your neighbors are home or not, there will be someone to notice that your alarm is going off.

Alarm system monitoring is a valuable addition to any home security system. When you choose an alarm system with monitoring, you’re making an investment that pays off in security for your family and your property.

Don’t Leave Home Security to Chance

2011-12-31T16:17:00.000-08:00

Even home security systems and burglar alarms need some help to be effective deterrents to crime and burglary. Many people believe that they’ve done everything they have to do once they install a home security system with alarm system monitoring. While alarm systems have a definite place in protecting your home and your family from harm, they’re only one part of a comprehensive home security plan. Instead of relying completely on a burglar alarm and alarm system monitoring, make sure that you’ve covered all of these important bases in addition to installing the best home security system you can afford.

Doors Need Locks in Addition to Alarms

Every door into your house should be included in the alarm system, of course. Even ore importantly, every door that provides entry into your home should be fitted with a heavy-duty deadbolt lock. The Houston Police recommend that the bolt extend at least one inch into the door jamb with a metal strike plate installed with three inch screws.

Block Patio Sliders

Nearly every house in Houston has a major security flaw – glass sliding patio doors out to the deck or back yard. The latches on most patio doors are woefully inadequate. You should always use a track blocker to prevent the patio doors from being forced open. A wooden dowel in the track is a simple, inexpensive security tool for patio doors.

Make It Hard to Open Accessible Windows

Ground floor windows and windows that are accessible via trees, balconies and stairways are attractive targets for burglars. Make sure that any accessible windows are wired into your home security system. Use screws or other devices to prevent the windows from being opened more than six inches, and make sure that burglars can’t reach window latches through the open window. Finally, use a little creative deterrence – place burglar alarm decals prominently on ground floor windows.

Light Up Your House

Lighting is an essential part of your home security plan – both interior and exterior. Place lights where they’ll illuminate dark corners and any windows or doors that give access to the house, and put interior lights on a timer so that there’s always a visible “someone’s home” signal. Don’t just use the timers when you’re on vacation – that’s a dead giveaway to burglars who may have been watching your home.

The Place for Burglar Alarms

Any home security system must be installed and maintained properly. The most effective home security systems include a loud horn or bell that goes off when the security is breached – and that resets after a few minutes. Choose a security system with alarm system monitoring, and make sure that you keep your contact list up to date.

Your home security system is a valuable part of protecting your home and family, but it can’t do the job on its own. Making sure that you always keep your doors locked and take steps to discourage burglars from targeting your home are important factors in keeping your family safe.

The Importance of Alarm System Monitoring

2011-12-04T11:51:00.000-08:00

Home security systems are an important tool to help keep your family safe, but many people put far more time and energy into choosing the latest equipment than they do in choosing the most important part of their home security system – alarm system monitoring. A home security system is only as good as the company that provides the monitoring for it. The best state of the art home security equipment may alert you when there’s a problem at home, but your alarm system monitoring company is an essential part of keeping your family safe.

What happens when an alarm system detects an intruder? That depends on the type of home security system you’ve installed and the services for which you’ve contracted. The most basic alarm system simply makes a lot of noise and counts on the homeowner or a neighbor to alert the police that there’s a problem. While it’s better than nothing, you can’t count on a basic burglar alarm to protect your home and family because it relies on someone else taking an action.

More advanced home security systems are programmed to dial a number when the security is breached. You choose the numbers -- often, the system is set to alert you at work during the day, but some will alert the authorities directly. The biggest problem with these systems is the possibility of false alarms, which is so high in some areas that police departments have started charging homeowners for the cost of rolling a police car to check out the alarm.

Home security systems with home alarm monitoring are the preferred type of Houston home alarm system. When you add home alarm monitoring to a security system, you’re adding in a human element. Alarm monitoring companies have people manning their monitoring stations 24/7, 365 days a year. When your home security system detects an intrusion, it sends a signal to the alarm monitoring company. The operators on duty will attempt to contact you and determine if you need assistance or if the alarm was sent accidentally. If you don’t respond, the alarm system monitoring company will alert emergency services and send them to your home.

When you’re faced with a burglary, minutes are important. When you or someone you love is in the home with intruders – or any other emergency – an immediate response can literally save lives. When you choose a home security system with alarm system monitoring, help can be on the way within seconds, minimizing damage to your property and injury to the people you love.

Top Reasons to Have a Home Security System

2011-11-13T20:50:00.001-08:00

Top Reasons to Have a Home Security System

Securing your home is a must when wanting to protect not only your family, but also your personal property that you worked so hard for. Unfortunately many people are not sure of all the benefits having one of these security system installed in their home. Here are some of the top reasons why you should have a security alarm system installed in your home.

The most common reason why a person has an alarm system installed in their home is for protection of their family. Having a Security System installed in your home can give piece of mind knowing that your family and home is protected. These state of the art alarm systems can now monitor windows, doors and telephones lines to alert the 24 hour monitoring station if any of these things are tampered with when the alarm is engaged.

Home owners that travel for work find having an alarm system gives them added protection when they are away for extended periods of time. Since the home is monitored 24 hours a day when the alarm is turned on, one does not have to worry about their home being left unprotected when they are away. These digital monitoring systems will notify the monitoring station if the home is burglarized. The proper authorities will then be notified that there is a problem in your home. The monitoring station will also notify you as well.

A fire can be devastating to not only a home, but also to a family. When the Houston Home Security is engaged and a fire breaks out in your home, the state of the art security system will notify the monitoring station. Once the monitoring station is alerted, they will then notify the proper authorities of the situation. This cannot only help to reduce the damage to the home if a fire breaks out, it can also alert those that are in the home as well.

Many alarm systems are now equipped with a panic button on the control panels. This type of Security System is a huge plus in a home. If there is any type of emergency in the home such as a home invasion, fire or other type of serious emergency, all one has to do is push the panic button for help. The panic button will still work even if the alarm is turned off. This gives added protection if an emergency arises and a phone cannot be reached to call the proper authorities.

These are only a few of the reasons to have a Houston Home Security alarm system installed. These systems can be customized to fit your individual needs and many budget sizes. So instead of leaving your home and family unprotected, have an alarm installed to protect your most precious possessions.

Houston Police Offer Home Security Inspections

2011-10-19T08:55:00.000-07:00

Keeping up on the latest tips and trends in home security can help you keep your family safer. Your home should be your retreat, the place where you go to get away from the world’s dangers and discomforts. Investing some time and money into protecting your home pays off big dividends in peace of mind and family safety. When it comes to family safety, Houston home security resources are available.

By Texas law, your home insurance company will discount your home insurance premiums by 5 to 20% if you make certain home security provisions on your property. In order to qualify for this mandatory home security discount, your home must be inspected by a state-certified inspector for home security. Houston police departments often have one or more officers who have attended the training sessions and become certified. You can call your local police department to find out how to schedule a Houston home security inspection through them.

Houston Home Security Inspection

The home security inspection generally consists of two visits by a police officer who is certified by the Texas Department of Insurance. These officers receive special training on home security systems and measures that Houston homeowners can take to help safeguard their property and their families. The officer will inspect the physical locks on your windows, doors and garage areas and look for specific things around your home.

How to Qualify for Insurance Reductions

According to the Texas code, your home will qualify for a 5 percent discount on your premium if it meets the following requirements:

Any exterior door must be a solid core door at least 1 3/8 inches thick. They must be secured by a deadbolt lock that locks with a minimum throw of one inch and penetrates a metal strike plate that is secured firmly to the door frame. If there is breakable glass within 40 inches of the lock, it must be a double-keyed deadbolt unless it is prohibited by the safety code.

Metal doors must also be locked by deadbolt locks that meet the same specifications. If you have double doors, they must also meet the same specifications. In addition, the inactive door must be secured by header and threshold bolts that seat into metal strike plates. If there is glass within 40 inches of the header and threshold locks, they must be flush-mounted.

Any sliding glass doors must be secured by a secondary locking device. Garage doors must be equipped with key-operated locks. Windows must be secured by auxiliary locking devices – in other words, the slide-catch locks on most windows are not enough. Those devices can include screws, wooden dowels and other methods that prevent windows from being opened far enough for entry.

Your property can qualify for a 15 percent discount if it is equipped with an electronic burglar alarm that meets certain specifications. Those specifications include contacting all exterior windows and doors, an interior and exterior siren, and alarm system monitoring by a U.L. approved central station. In addition, the installation, service and monitoring of your Houston home alarm system must be done in compliance with specific statutes of the Texas code, and the alarm company must be licensed by the Texas Board of Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies.

Installing a qualifying home security system is a win-win situation. Your family will be better protected, and you’ll save money on your home insurance premiums. How can you lose with a deal like that?

Home Security Tips from a Houston Home Security Company

2011-10-14T17:53:00.000-07:00

Living in Houston has its advantages. It’s a large, cosmopolitan city with world class restaurants and entertainment. It attracts the best and the brightest – international companies, world class researchers, the best scientists, artists and musicians in the world. Unfortunately, living in a big city like Houston also has its drawbacks. One of those drawbacks is the high rate of burglary. Safeguard Home security, a Houston home security and burglar alarm company, offers tips for homeowners to help prevent burglaries and keep your family safe.

Inspect your premises regularly. Look for the things that burglars look for – windows or doors that can’t be seen from the streets, broken screens and other things that make it easier to get into your house. Trim bushes and foliage that hide windows or doors and repair any broken screens or window latches.

Do the same inspection at night, looking for areas on your property that aren’t well lighted. Install security lights near any entrances to your home. Motion sensitive lights are especially deterrent to intruders because the sudden light calls attention to their movements. While they won’t substitute for a solid home security system and home alarm monitoring, they’re a useful addition to one.

Consult an expert in home security. Houston alarm installers are often happy to come out and do a security evaluation of your home and make recommendations for the best home alarm systems for your property.

Install grilles or bars on any windows that are accessible from the ground. There are many decorative options that will add to the appearance of your home while protecting your valuables and your family.

Invest in the best locks you can afford – and make it a habit to always lock them. An unlocked door is an open invitation to a burglar. Lock the doors even if you’re at home. A good lock will deter many would-be burglars and intruders who will simply move on to another home that doesn’t present as much of a challenge.

Consider a top of the line Honeywell security system that includes electronic locks and home alarm monitoring for the ultimate in safety for your home. Home security systems and alarm monitoring are surprisingly affordable, and the protection they afford is priceless.

A good home security system is the most important investment you can make in protecting your family. For more information on the many different types and styles of home security systems available, contact a Houston home security expert and schedule a consultation today.

Considerations for Home Security

2011-10-09T18:57:00.000-07:00

Protecting your home and your family is one of the most important tasks in your life. A good home security system helps make that task easier. Choosing the right home security system for your home, property and family relies on a number of different factors. Whether you’re looking for a new home security system or updating an already existing one, think carefully about your needs and your family circumstances when choosing a new home security system.

Basic Home Security Considerations

Before you even think about burglar alarms and monitored security systems, take a look at basic home security and safety. Installing an alarm system should never be a substitute for taking practical precautions that make your home less attractive and less susceptible to thieves and burglaries.

Install the most secure locks possible on every entrance into the house, including the door between your home and your garage – and get your entire family into the habit of using them at all times.

Clear away bushes and other obstructions that hide first-level windows and doors from the street and yard – burglars look for hidden areas where they can work unseen.

Make sure that your property is well-lighted to discourage home invaders and make it easy for your family and welcome visitors to get around your property.

Use secure locks on all ground floor windows and install stops to keep windows from being opened more than a few inches. Not only will it prevent burglars from getting in, it will protect your children and pets from falling out.

Consider the newest security locks that use key codes rather than physical keys. Physical keys can be copied or lost. Key codes are much more secure, and can be customized for each family member.

Home Security Systems

Choose the right type of home security system for your family. The newest security systems offer many customizations that make it easier for your family without reducing the security of the system.

If you have an elderly or disabled family member, consider an alarm system that includes a personal alarm component. That way, if your family member falls or has a problem when no one else is home, they can alert the alarm monitoring company to send help.

Teach your children how to arm and disarm the security system, and be sure that they understand they should never share the alarm codes with anyone for any reason.

Opt for a security system that includes alarm system monitoring. A monitored alarm system is the safest type of home security system because it doesn’t rely on neighbors to hear an alarm and report it. Instead, if the alarm system detects a breach in security, the alarm monitoring company is notified and will attempt to reach you. If they can’t, they’ll alert the police and send assistance.

Choosing the right home security system and making sure that your home is protected in all ways are vitally important to keeping your family safe. Do your homework and make sure that you understand the advantages and benefits of all the various types of security systems and burglar alarms.

Considerations When Choosing a Home Security System

2011-10-07T17:25:00.000-07:00

A home security system is a wise investment for any homeowner. Choosing the right home security system or burglar alarm system offers you more than a deterrent against theft and burglary. The right alarm system for your home can provide you with the peace of mind about your family’s safety.

Today’s home security systems are far more than just burglar alarms. The best systems include convenient ways to monitor your home when you’re away, allow service people and friends to access your home without handing out keys, have your kids check in after school and automatically turn on lights, televisions and other electronics whether you’re at home or away. If you’re considering installing a alarm system, here are just a few of the things you should consider when making your choice.

Unmonitored Vs. Monitored Alarm Systems

Unmonitored alarm systems are generally the less expensive option, but they have serious drawbacks when compared to monitored security systems. When you choose an unmonitored system, you’re relying on either being at home – and able to fend off an attacker or alert the police – or on neighbors who will contact the police if your burglar alarm goes off.

Home alarm monitoring companies, on the other hand, are on the alert 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If someone breaks into your home or otherwise breaches the security system, the alarm monitoring company will attempt to reach you, then alert the police if you necessary.

Wired vs. Wireless Security Systems

Wireless security systems are becoming more and more popular among homeowners at all income levels because of the convenience and other advantages they offer. Hard-wired security systems are generally more expensive and less flexible than wireless systems. You’re stuck with cameras placed where wires can be run, as well as where they can be plugged into an outlet for power. Wireless home security systems, on the other hand, provide far more flexibility for configuration and may even allow you to reconfigure the layout to meet your current needs.

Choosing the Right Houston Home Security Company

If you’re looking for home alarm monitoring, Houston has many options, some better than others. When choosing among them, keep these things in mind.

Having your home security system installed by the alarm monitoring company ensures that the equipment will be compatible with the monitoring equipment.

Professional installation guarantees that your home alarm monitoring equipment is installed correctly.

Most Houston home security companies will maintain and upgrade your home security system as required.

The best home security system for you offers far more than protection. When you choose the right system, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing your family is safe even when you’re not there to protect them.

The Beauties of Honeywell Security Systems

2011-09-14T09:34:00.000-07:00

Whether you’re outfitting a new home or upgrading the home security system on your current home, the name Honeywell is one that you should know well. Honeywell security systems are generally acknowledged to be among the best in the business. The company has over 100 years of experience developing, creating and building security systems for both the home and the commercial markets, and it regularly carries over the best practices and ideas from one market to the other. Honeywell home security systems are available through Houston home security companies such as Safeguard Home security. If you’re considering installing or replacing your home burglar alarm system with a new home security system, Honeywell products deserve a second – and even a third – look.

Honeywell offers a full range of home security products, and each is designed to be easy to use while providing the highest levels of security. Their systems are simple to operate, but include mechanisms to prevent some of the most common problems shared by home security systems.

Scalability

Honeywell offers security systems that run the gamut from basic burglar alarms to fully integrated security systems with home alarm monitoring capabilities. You can expect that all of their security products are capable of working with their other systems, so that even the most basic Honeywell security system offers scalability – when you’re ready to upgrade, you can build on the system you already have rather than needing to replace it in its entirety. That makes Honeywell the ideal choice for security-conscious but budget-constrained homeowners in and around Houston.

Home Security Innovation

One thing you can expect from Honeywell is innovation. The company’s development department works hard to bring the latest technologies into the home security field. That means that your new security system will contain state of the art components and the latest connectivity features to ensure that your family is protected. Some of the innovations that are included in nearly every Honeywell security system include:

Easy to read status display window so that you know whether the system is armed or disarmed

Capability for multiple passwords so that you can program the security system to recognize – and report – which family members have checked in and out of the house

Programmable time-limited security passwords and locks so that you can allow people to access your home without giving them a key that they can copy or lose

Pet aware sensors can be programmed to only respond to creatures that weigh more than 100 pounds, so you can let your pets roam freely in your home without worrying that they’ll trigger the alarm

These are just a few of the advantages of choosing a Honeywell security system for your home. A Houston home security company like Safeguard can provide more detail and information about the best known home security systems in the world.

Home Security Systems Options

2011-09-06T12:47:00.000-07:00

Home security systems have come a long way. As little as twenty years ago, wired home security systems and home alarms were a pricey option mostly available to those who could afford them. These days, advances in technology have brought the prices down so that most typical households can easily afford to protect their property and belongings with a home security system.

Houston homeowners have a wide range of options and choices for protecting their homes. In Houston, home security businesses offer low-cost IP security cameras as well as full-house and property security systems with alarm monitoring and panic rooms complete with provisions for survival if needed. The only limits on security systems for your home are your imagination and the price you can afford to pay.

Of course, the wide variety of choices can make it much more difficult to choose the right security system for your home or business. These factors can help you decide among the various home security systems and alarm systems available.

Wired or Wireless Home Security

Wireless security cameras and motion sensors allow you to put your security in places you couldn’t keep under surveillance before. A wired camera can deliver better picture and is often less expensive, but can cost considerably more if you have to run wire to it. Wireless systems can be moved around as your needs change, and you don’t have to worry about people tripping over wires. They’re also a good chance for hidden cameras, since the wires won’t give away their locations.

DIY or Installed

If you’re on a serious budget, you can find many DIY security systems on the market. They’ll save you money on installation, and allow you to choose your own configurations. They can be a good option if you’re handy with tools and understand the technology.

If, on the other hand, you’re technology-challenged, you can have your home alarm system installed by pros. One of the major advantages of having your home security system installed by a pro is that you can be sure all of the equipment is compatible with a local home alarm monitoring company. In fact, many installers work exclusively with alarm monitoring companies and supply systems that are most compatible with the monitoring company. Ensuring that compatibility could be difficult if you put your own home alarm system together.

Home security systems have come a long way in the past couple of decades, and those advances have brought the prices down considerably. If you thought that a security system with home alarm monitoring was out of your price range, check with a Houston home security company to get a price quote. The affordability might surprise you.

Houston Home Security Advice On What To Do If Someone Breaks Into Your Home

2011-08-10T10:19:00.000-07:00

Protecting home and family is priority number one for most homeowners. Protection includes installing locks and home security systems, as well as taking practical, common sense steps to make your home less attractive to burglars. Sometimes, though, bad things happen despite every attempt to prevent them. If you are faced with a break-in, these tips from Houston home security experts Safeguard Home security can help you take the safest actions.

If your alarm system monitoring service has notified you of a break-in at your home, do not enter the house. Wait outside or at a neighbor’s house for the police to arrive. By staying outside, you avoid putting yourself in danger from intruders who may still be inside, and allow the police to investigate first. You also avoid being mistaken for the intruder, which could have even more serious consequences.

If you have a license to carry a weapon or have a weapon available to you, it could be tempting to enter the house and confront the intruder. Remain outside the house and keep your weapon in its place. If the police arrive, you could end up being mistaken for the intruder, or push an intruder into taking an action he didn’t intend.

If you’ve received a call from your alarm monitoring company, call the police before you arrive at your home and ask if the police have responded to the call yet. Identify yourself as the owner of the property and give the operator a description of yourself to be relayed to the responding officers. When you get out of your car, take your ID with you so that you can identify yourself to any officers on the scene.

Keep a flashlight in your vehicle or somewhere you can get it without entering your home so you’ll have it handy if the intruder tampers with your electricity.

Walk around the perimeter of your house to see if there are signs of a break-in. Look for open doors, broken windows or doors, or any signs of entry from the roof.

If you arrive home and note signs of a break-in, even if your security system company has not notified you, do not enter the house. Use your cell phone or a neighbor’s phone to call the police. If you have no access to a telephone, drive yourself to somewhere you can use a phone or to the nearest police station.

If you’re inside your house and hear unusual noises, or if you come upon an intruder, activate your security system panic button and get out of the house if you can. Do not put yourself between an intruder and the exit if you can avoid it. Most of the time, an intruder will bolt rather than stick around to hurt you. Leave his path clear and alert the authorities after he leaves.

Make sure that your entire family understands the above tips. Your home security system is there to protect you and to alert the authorities if someone breaks into your home. Don’t nullify it by putting yourself in danger.

Home Security Systems Don’t Go on Vacation

2011-08-05T18:14:00.000-07:00

Home security systems can help prevent you from becoming one of the growing number of homeowners targeted by summertime thieves. July and August are top months for break-ins and burglaries, says the Insurance Information Institute. Burglars keep an eye out for telltale signs that homeowners are away from home for extended periods or even that they’ll be gone all day long. Home security systems can keep you from being a victim, especially those that include home alarm monitoring. Houston police say that most thieves will avoid a home that has an alarm system in favor of more inviting targets.

While Houston crime rates – including burglaries – are down generally, Houston police also warn that the summer months are among the busiest for burglars and thieves. If you’re going on vacation, you need to be especially careful especially careful not to let burglars know you’re going away. Following these tips from the Insurance Information Institute can ensure that you don’t get home from a day at the water park to find your precious belongings gone.

Look at your home the way a burglar does to find easy entrance points. Those are the places that should be wired into home security systems.

Keep your bushes and shrubs trimmed, especially those that are near doors and windows. Give them a good trim before you go on vacation so that they don’t provide cover for burglars breaking into your home.

Choose a home alarm system that includes alarm system monitoring, and notify the alarm monitoring company that you are away from home so that they can immediately notify police if there is a problem.

Consider home security systems that sound a loud alarm if you have neighbors. Let a few neighbors know you’ll be gone. Neighbors are more likely to notify police of a burglar alarm if they know the homeowners are away.

Get the best locks you can afford for your outside doors, including the door between your garage and your home. According to police, 80 percent of all burglars come in through a door. If a thief has to work more than five minutes to get through a lock, there’s a good chance he’ll abandon the effort and move on.

Use photo-sensitive switches to turn on lights, televisions and radios while you’re gone. Automatic timers are cheaper, but savvy thieves will recognize a pattern if your lights go on and off at the exact same time each day.

Stop mail and newspaper deliveries while you’re on vacation. Piled up mail and newspapers are a prime clue to burglars that no one’s home.

Turn off the ringer on your telephone and lower the volume on your answering machine, or use a voice messaging service. A constantly ringing phone lets everyone know that you’re away from home.

Don’t Facebook or tweet your vacation plans. It’s a virtual invitation to burglars.

If you don’t have a home security system, get one installed. Wired or wireless home security systems with alarm monitoring can have police at your home before the thieves have a chance to make off with your belongings.

Home Security System Purchase Tips

2011-07-14T15:12:00.000-07:00

Home security is a major concern not only for homeowners but for tenants as well. The technology that powers home security systems is changing so swiftly that the system you buy this month could be outdated in less than a year. But that doesn’t mean you should hold off on purchasing an alarm system to help protect your family. While we’d all love to afford the best when it comes to protecting our homes and families, that’s not always possible. Choosing the right alarm system is a matter of weighing your needs, the costs and the benefits against each other and finding the home security system that works best for you.

Evaluate Your Needs

First, figure out how much of a security system you need. Consider the ways that you can reduce your vulnerability – will motion sensor lights make your home less attractive to burglars at night, for example?

The best way to figure out how much security system you need is to contact a local home security firm and schedule a consultation. Ask the security rep for a bare bones quote and a fully-loaded quote to get an idea of the range of security services available.

Secure Your Entry Points

At a bare minimum, your home security system should cover the doors and first-floor windows, which are the break-in points in nearly 95 percent of all home burglaries and invasions. You can reduce that somewhat if you use locking security bars on the first-floor windows.

Work with a Full Service Home Security Company

A burglar alarm is only one part of a home security system. You’ll need to have it installed, and may need to work with an alarm monitoring company as well. Your best bet is to work with a dealer of security systems who does it all. A good home security company will install many different types of alarm and security systems, including the top of the line Honeywell security system. In addition, they can provide home alarm monitoring and repair or adjustment services. When you work with a single company from start to finish, you don’t have to worry about miscommunication among the different companies responsible for the equipment, the installation and the security service.

Choose Upgradeable Components

Alarm, surveillance and security technology is changing rapidly with new developments every week. Choose alarm and security systems components that can be upgraded as new technology becomes available. More of the new tech is available in interactive smartphone apps that can easily be added to the right security systems.

Neat Things Home Security Systems Can Do These Days

2011-07-06T07:07:00.000-07:00

If you have an installed home security system, you probably know that it will make noise if someone breaks in, feed a signal to alert help if you need it and monitor your home for fire, flood and carbon monoxide levels as well as for break-ins. But, say the home security experts at Safeguard Home Security, a Houston home security firm, many of today’s security systems are capable of doing some pretty neat things. Sit down with the full owners’ manual that came with your home security system – you know, the one you tossed in the top drawer with the manual for the washer, dryer and refrigerator – and see if your home alarm offers any of these nifty perks.

Customize Your “Door Chime” Feature

Most systems will beep when someone opens the front door – they’re generally pre-programmed with that setting. But if you’ve got a whole house system, you can ask the installer to program it to chime if any of your windows are opened as well. Have him set it to chime if the second floor bedroom windows are opened and you’ll always know if one of your little ones may be in danger of falling.

Mommy, They’re Home!

If your alarm pages you when the alarm is tripped, you can probably have it programmed to let you know when other things happen. If you’re generally at work when school lets out, for example, you can have your home security system page you when the kids get home from school. That way you won’t be sitting worrying when one of them forgets to check in – and they will. Kids always do.

Get the Pets Fed When You’re Away

Okay, home security systems haven’t advanced enough to actually feed and walk your pets – yet – but they can make it easier for those you engage to make sure Fido and Fluffy are taken care of while you’re away. You can program your alarm system to turn off and reset itself at predetermined times, offering a window of time when the pet sitter can get in and out without you having to hand over your security code.

Lights On!

If you hate arriving home to a dark house, let your alarm system turn on the lights for you. You can use your cell phone to turn the lights on from your driveway before entering the house, or phone home before you leave the office. You’ll get home to a warm, welcoming home.

I Need Help Now!

Officially called a “duress code,” a panic code is a special code you can key in to let your alarm system monitoring company know that there’s a problem at your home and you need help immediately. It’s also often called a panic code, and is designed to alert the security company if an intruder forces you to disable the security system.

That’s only a short list of some of the neat features you’ll find in home security systems today. To find out what your alarm system can do, contact your alarm monitoring company and ask.

Reduce Your Insurance Costs With Home Security Systems

2011-06-09T09:13:00.000-07:00

When times are tough and money is tight, little cost savings really add up. If you’re considering a home security system to protect your property and family, don’t forget to consider the savings you might realize on your insurance when you install a burglar alarm, alarm monitoring or home security system. Some home security systems are worth more than others, but nearly any efforts you make in securing your home will probably result in lowered homeowner insurance premiums. If you’re protecting your home already with specialized locks, proper lighting, home security systems or a monitored alarm system, you should definitely mention it to your insurance agent. Here are some of the things you should keep in mind when shopping for home insurance – or Houston home security systems.

Alarm System Monitoring and Home Monitoring Services

Alarm systems reduce the risk that you’ll lose property to burglary or home invasion. Since insurance companies base the amount they charge you for insurance on the risk that they may have to pay out on a claim, anything you do to reduce the risk of loss to your property will result in lower homeowner insurance premiums.

The more you reduce that risk the higher the discounts you may realize on your insurance. That means that a burglar alarm is good as it often scares burglars off before they actually get into your home. A monitored alarm system is better because if someone does break into your home, you’ll have footage for the police to use in finding the intruder and recovering your property. A higher chance of recovery means a lower risk that the insurance company will have to pay out on a claim, which means lower insurance premiums.

In addition to the protection from loss, home monitoring systems, particularly personal alarm systems, can protect the insurance company from paying out on personal injury claims. More importantly, because home monitoring provides visual or voice contact with your home from outside, it can literally save a life if someone is incapacitated as a result of a fall or other accident.

Deadbolt Locks and Door Alarms

If your insurance agent doesn’t ask about the locks on your doors, you should bring them up yourself. but only if your doors are outfitted with heavy duty deadbolt locks and reinforced strike plates. Deadbolts and strike plates make it almost impossible for a burglar to slip your lock or force your door open, which reduces the chance that your home will be burglarized.

The benefits of home security systems don’t stop with increasing the safety of your family. You could also realize significant savings on your homeowners’ insurance when you install a home security system or burglar alarms, or subscribe to a alarm monitoring to protect your home and family.

Houston Burglar Alarm Companies Home Security Systems

2011-06-06T11:03:00.000-07:00

Whether you live in a single family home, an apartment complex or a condo building, proper home security is important. Even in gated communities or buildings with security doors, maintaining your own home security system is a worthwhile investment. If your home or retail building isn’t protected by a burglar alarm or security system, it’s worth your time to visit a Houston burglar alarm supplier or installer to learn about the different types of burglar alarms and home security systems available today.

Houston Burglar Alarms

According to home security professionals in Houston, burglar alarms that sound on your property can serve as a deterrent to burglary and home invasion. A basic burglar alarm system is designed to alert you if someone enters your home or breaks the perimeter you’ve established. There are many different types of burglar alarms on the market, but these are your basic choices.

The most basic home burglar alarm sounds only inside your home and for a short distance around it. It’s useful if there is generally someone at home to hear the alarm when it goes off and make a telephone call to alert police. Just as importantly, a loud alarm will usually scare off would-be burglars, who can’t know if the alarm sounds only on premises or if it also sends an alarm remotely to alert the police. On-premise alarm systems are the least expensive type of home security systems to install, and most cost nothing to maintain.

You can increase the effectiveness of your burglar alarm by choosing a louder alarm or one that can be heard by nearby neighbors. It has the same deterrent effects as an on-premises burglar alarm, and may alert neighbors who are home. If you live in an area where neighbors are likely to inform police about a burglar alarm, it may be a worthwhile investment. Just be sure to leave contact information posted where your neighbors or police can find it, so that you can disarm the alarm before your neighbors are ready to disarm you.

Remote Burglar Alarm Systems

Many alarm systems will notify you when they go off. They used to require a landline telephone line, but these days your remote alarm system can be set up wirelessly to use your Internet connection or your wireless telephone subscription. even better, if you have a smart phone, such as a Blackberry or an iPhone, many burglar alarm systems allow you to check in at home, disarm the alarm or forward the alarm to the police if needed.

In addition to burglar alarms, Houston burglar alarm companies offer the latest in home security systems and surveillance equipment. Keep your home and family safe. Contact a Houston home security specialist to discuss your options today.

Tips for Choosing the Best Houston Home Security System

2011-05-12T07:51:00.000-07:00

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, one in every five homes will have a break-in or home invasion this year, and the statistics suggest that the chances of home invasion are on the rise. Houston home security experts consider home invasion to be inherently more dangerous than a typical burglary because a home invasion occurs when someone is at home. The right home security system, such as a monitored alarm system, can greatly decrease your chances of being a victim of a home invasion. A monitored alarm system will also reduce your chances of being injured or killed during a home invasion because alarm monitors will get emergency assistance to your home faster.

Home Invasion: The Most Dangerous Type of Burglary

Many law enforcement experts consider home invasions to be the most dangerous type of property-related crime. About 70 percent of all home invasions involve the use of a weapon, most often a knife or a cutting instrument. Nearly half the time when someone is at home during a break-in, someone in the family is injured by the intruders. Nearly one in five victims of home invasions are over the age of 60, not a surprising statistic when you consider the chances of a retired or elderly person being at home alone. Other victims include children and teens at home alone after school and stay-at-home mothers with young children.

Home Alarm Systems and Security Tips Against Home Invasions

The first step in protecting your family is to secure your property and prepare your family to be alert in case of home invasions and break-ins. These tips from Houston home security specialists can help you protect your family from burglars and intruders intent on harm.

Replace any hollow core entry doors with solid core doors fitted with heavy duty locks. Use 3-inch screws to install heavy duty lock strike plates in door frames to make it harder for burglars to get through your front and back doors.

Install a home security system that includes perimeter security. A wireless or wired alarm system that will sound or send a signal if someone opens a protected door or window is best. Make sure that your home security system covers all entry points into your home—front, back and garage doors, as well as first floor windows at a minimum, as well as any doors or windows that overlook a patio or roof that can be used to gain access to your home.

Install motion-sensor light systems to illuminate the area if someone enters your back or side yards. That’s often enough to scare off a potential burglar, especially if the area can be seen from nearby homes.

Choose a Houston alarm system that includes 24-hour human monitoring for the highest safety levels. Monitored alarm systems are far less expensive than most people think.

Teach your family to always close doors, flip the locks and arm the alarm system when they enter or leave the home. Even the best alarm system is useless if it’s not armed when a burglar breaks in.

Educating yourself and your family and protecting your property with common sense precautions and a good home security system can help keep your family from becoming just another home invasion statistic.

Three Important Reasons to Install a Home Security System

2011-05-04T08:10:00.000-07:00

A home security system can ensure your peace of mind in more ways than one. While most people think of home security as a burglar alarm or a monitored alarm system that alerts the police if someone breaks into your home while you’re out, today’s home security systems are capable of far more. Houston home security companies often install alarm systems and security systems for homeowners who have other important reasons for wanting the added peace of mind that comes with knowing everyone you love is safe.

Elderly Parents

As people age, they face many challenges that can make it unsafe for them to live alone at home. If you have an elderly parent, consider what would happen if he slipped and fell while no one was home. How many hours might your father lie there, unable to move or reach the phone to call for help?

A home security system that includes a personal alarm can ease that concern. If your parent falls and is injured, he can simply push the button on a personal alarm device he wears around his neck or carries with him and call for help. A remote alarm monitoring station will pick up the alarm and either call you or alert emergency services to dispatch assistance. How much is that peace of mind worth to you?

Monitor Teens Coming and Going

One of the most innovative features of today’s home security systems is smartphone integration. When your keyed entry is connected to your smartphone, you can set it to let you know whenever the door is opened. For many parents, this provides an easy way to be sure that a child arrived home after school as expected. It takes the onus off your child to remember to make the phone call to let you know he’s home, and ensures that she is, indeed, calling from home. An alarm system can also make it much harder for your child to sneak in our out of the house undetected, and while every parent might like to believe that his child is an angel who’d never sneak out at night, many parents also believe that they’re better safe than sorry.

Home Alone

If you’re home alone for a good part of the day, a home security system can ensure that you’re safe and really alone in your house. A wired or wireless home security system can alert you if someone enters your house while you’re out in the yard or working in a room upstairs. By the same token, it can allow the homeowner to contact emergency services in the case of a break-in or home invasion while they’re inside the home.

As you can see, home security systems provide a great deal more than protection from burglars. If you’re in the market for a good home alarm, contact a Houston home security expert to discuss the best options for keeping your family safe.

Honeywell Security System More Than A Burglar Alarm

2011-04-10T12:57:00.000-07:00

Honeywell stands at the forefront of an entire new industry, providing the next step solutions to home security systems. A Honeywell security system that features access control gives you far more than a burglar alarm. Depending on the options you choose and the customizations you request, a Honeywell system can provide surveillance, alarm monitoring, alarm notification and access control, all packaged into an unobtrusive, easy to install system.

In a time when burglaries and home invasions are rising, a home security system can give you peace of mind. Knowing that your property and your family are protected, even when you’re not at home, is a priceless feeling. Honeywell, the world’s largest supplier of home security and surveillance systems, goes even further in giving you the tools you need to ensure that everything at home is safe and sound.

Home Access Solutions

A Honeywell security system allows you to control access to your home, even if you’re not there. You don’t have to hand out keys and worry that they’ll get lost or fall into the wrong hands. You don’t have to be there to let someone in, and you can easily revoke access that you’ve granted without asking for your key back. A home access solution gives you the flexibility to schedule repair appointments without worrying about taking time off from work. Simply instruct the repairman to call you when he arrives at your home, and you can reset the access code to your front door on the spot from the office, and then change it back to prevent anyone else from using the code to enter. You can start with a home access security system for just one door, and expand to a second, third or fourth door if necessary.

These access solutions are also ideal for a small business in Houston, such as a beauty shop, a restaurant or a real estate office. The business owner can control access to the building or facility with access codes, and not have to worry if an employee leaves without returning a key. When you control access through codes, it’s easy to change the code when someone leaves, and issue codes for various areas of the facility so that you have complete control over who can enter secured areas.

Combine a Honeywell security system with a surveillance system and a monitored home alarm system to provide total security for your home or place of business. A Houston home security specialist will be happy to discuss all of your options with you.

Is Your Houston Burglar Alarm System Legal?

2011-04-05T07:53:00.001-07:00

Is your burglar alarm legal? In the city of Houston, burglar alarm systems are only legal if the alarm subscriber, who is usually the owner of the home or business where an alarm is installed, holds a valid permit for that system. If you’ve had an alarm system installed and activated without a permit, the police department may refuse to respond to alarms from your home, and the city may impose fines and penalties on you.

Why You Need a Permit for a Burglar Alarm in Houston

In a city ordinance approved April 30, 2008, the Houston city council noted that, in fiscal year 2007, the Houston Police Department had received over 150,000 alarms and dispatched a patrol car in response to over 90,000 of them. According to the Houston PD records, 95% of those alarms turned out to be false alarms. The total cost of responding to alarms was over $11 million—nearly 30% more than the amount budgeted for alarm responses. With a 95% false alarm rate, that means that false alarms cost the city nearly $10.5 million. When you look at those numbers, it’s understandable that the city council wants to get a handle on cost of responding to false alarms.

What Your Alarm Company Should Tell You

The alarm company must provide you with the current Houston police department’s policy with regards to responding to alarms that don’t have a current permit. In addition, the alarm company must keep a record of all alarms they install and provide them to the police department at least once a year or if the police chief asks for it. This ensures that the Houston Emergency Center will have a record of burglar alarms that are capable of being activated within the city.

Who Must Have a Permit for an Alarm System?

In apartments or condos in multi-unit buildings, such as apartment complexes, the tenant, lessee or an adult legally living in the unit can be issued a permit for a home alarm system. In other residential buildings, the owner or a legal adult tenant can be issued a permit for a home alarm. In non-residential buildings, the owner or lessee of the property must apply for and be granted a permit for an installed alarm or notification system.

The applicant for an alarm permit must provide at least two telephone numbers where the police can attempt to reach someone and confirm the alarm if it is activated. In a multi-unit building, the applicant must also provide the name of the owner or of a person who can grant the police access to the unit for alarm inspection and in case of alarm activation.

A residential Houston burglar alarm permit costs $30 for a system without a panic function and $50 for one that has a panic button that can be manually activated. The permit is good for one year, and the city will notify you at least 30 days before your permit must be renewed. If you go to the trouble and expense of having your home protected by a security system, it only makes sense to get a permit and make sure that the police will respond in an emergency.

Alarm System Monitoring Protects Your Home From Intruders

2011-03-15T08:45:00.000-07:00

Did you hear the one about the burglar who decided to take a shower? A woman in Portland, Oregon, returned home from shopping one afternoon to find a burglar taking a shower in her bathroom. It sounds like the setup for a joke, but it’s true, and it’s not even the oddest and funniest story about home break ins that cross the news desk each day. In this case, the burglar made the news by calling 911 himself to report the break-in, but in the majority of home burglary cases, the burglars get away clean—and not because they take the time to shower first, say the police in Houston. Home security systems can help increase the odds of catching the thieves, and, more importantly, prevent the break-ins from happening.

Chances are that the homeowner who came home to find that a burglar had cooked himself dinner in her kitchen didn’t have a home burglar alarm or home security system installed in her home. The fact is that she’s lucky to have only lost a steak and some vegetables. In most cases, burglars get away with far more than a meal and a few gallons of water, and if they find someone at home when they break in, the consequences could include terror, injury and even death. A home security and alarm system can alert homeowners, awaken neighbors and even call the police to let them know that an intruder has attempted to break into your home.

Monitored home alarm systems offer even more security for your home and your family. Among the most popular types of home security systems available today, monitored systems are connected to a company that provides 24/7 live burglar alarm monitoring, which may include audio and video fed directly from the monitored homes. If someone breaks into your home while the alarm is armed, the system alerts the alarm monitoring company, which can then survey the situation and alert the appropriate authorities to send help.

Whole-house monitored alarm systems are a major selling point on new high-end homes in and around Houston. Home security companies are also seeing an uptick in the number of existing homeowners who are looking to upgrade to a more secure monitored home security system. Houston security companies note that monitored alarm systems and personal alarm systems can also allow elderly parents to maintain their independence while providing their adult children with peace of mind. If you’re considering installing a home security system for your home, consult the best home alarm company to learn about the advances in home alarm monitoring Houston companies and home security systems.

Home Security System Tips

2011-03-04T07:56:00.001-08:00

In July 2010, the Houston Chronicle reported an alarming increase in home burglaries in the Houston area—an increase of 22% over the past four years. Many burglarized home owners had been hit more than once, and a few as many as four times. It’s no wonder that one of the most sought after features in new homes in Houston is a home security system. Houston law officials report that there’s a break-in somewhere in the city every 30 minutes, around the clock. You can reduce your chances of becoming a victim of a home break-in by following some basic home security tips offered by law enforcement and home security system experts.

Case your home the way a burglar would: Look it over carefully from the street. Are there overhanging bushes that give you a place to hide while you break a window? Can you easily sneak around to the back without being seen by neighbors? Are there low windows that you can climb through? By looking for vulnerabilities in your home security, you can take steps to neutralize them.

Lock your doors and windows: As basic as the advice seems, police report that in many cases, thieves simply opened an unlocked front or back door and walked into the house. Invest in secure locks on your doors and windows and always lock them to keep unwanted intruders out.

Make sure that your property is well-lighted: Reduce the chance of night-time break-ins by making it harder for thieves to work under cover of darkness. Porch lights at the front and back doors are helpful, but also be sure to set up security lights to cover any dark areas of your yard. Motion-detector lights are especially useful as burglary deterrents – the sudden blast of light is often enough to drive potential burglars away and alert neighbors and home residents that someone is trying to break in.

Install a home security system: Home security systems tilt the odds in two ways. The very presence of an alarm system monitor package will scare off many burglars, reducing your chances of being burglarized. If you choose a monitored alarm system, especially one with video or camera, you’ll increase the chances of tracking down the perpetrators if you are burglarized.

If you choose a wired home security system, make sure that all wires are concealed: Experienced burglars often look for exposed or visible home alarm wires so that they can disconnect or cut the wires and disable the security system. Newer home security systems, particularly monitored home alarm systems, will send out an alarm if the system is disabled that way.

A Houston home security specialist can evaluate your home and suggest other measures you can take to prevent burglaries and home invasions, as well as suggesting home security systems that best suit your needs.

Honeywell Security Systems – Prepare for the Future

2011-02-15T12:00:00.001-08:00

Honeywell security systems are among the top quality and most popular home and business security systems installed by Houston home security firms, and with good reason. Honeywell, formerly Ademco, stays on top of its field by keeping up with changing technology and offering cutting edge security solutions. In addition, it makes sure that its dealers stay on top of the rising trends that can affect their business—and your home security—as well. Most recently, it has been touring the country with a presentation about how the rising trend of cable and IP telephone will impact the home security system and the way you protect your home.

If you’re one of the growing number of people who have given up your traditional phone system for a VOIP line, such as Vonage or one offered by your cable company as part of a bundle, many of the security systems offered by mostHouston home security firms just won’t work for you. Alarm system technology has been slow to catch up and many legacy systems rely on the presence of an actual land line to report break-ins and incursions in your home. Without that landline capability, your choice of home alarm systems is severely limited.

The presentation by the company points out four things that home alarm systems will have to do to remain competitive and provide state-of-the-art security. Those things include sending signals over an alternative to traditional phone service, such as over the Internet or using GSM frequencies. In addition, home security systems should all offer two-way voice capabilities so that an alarm monitoring service can communicate directly with the home in the event of an emergency, much like vehicle safety systems do now. They should have the ability to upload and download and allow remote services, such as being able to connect to your home security system via your cellular phone. After all, if you can start your car with your cell phone, shouldn’t you be able to change the security code on your front door without having to physically punch it in?

In addition to those standards in home security, Houston security companies who want to stay on the cutting edge should offer monitored access control and IP video so that you can check in on your home when you’re not there.

If you’re not sure about your current security needs, contact a Houston home alarm system dealer and learn about the new Honeywell Security Systems products and how they can keep you more secure.

Options for Home Security Systems

2011-02-08T14:00:00.001-08:00

According to the Houston Police Department, residential burglary is the most common crime committed in the United States, with a burglar invading someone’s home once every 15 seconds. A home security system and alarm monitoring by a Houston home security firm is one of the best ways to make sure that your family’s home doesn’t become one of the statistics.

Finding the right security system can be tricky, though. Before you choose a security system for your home, you should consider your needs and get familiar with the many options available for guarding your home and your family’s safety.

Home Security Systems and Burglar Alarms

While there are many security systems and burglar alarms on the market, most tend to fall into one of two basic types—electrified systems and motion detection systems. They’re defined by the mechanism that triggers an alarm. In an electrified system, it’s triggered when someone breaks an electrical circuit, generally by opening a window or door that has been wired. A motion detection system sends an alarm when it detects motion in the area that is covered by the monitoring system.

Electrical circuit alarms are the simpler, less expensive type of system. They’re essentially “perimeter alarm systems,” and are set up to protect the access points—the doors and windows—that a burglar may use to enter your home. Motion detectors work by detecting motion inside a protected area by way of radio waves. They’re generally more expensive, and will detect burglars once they’ve managed to get inside your home.

Combining the two types of alarm systems to protect the perimeter and detect motion inside a protected area with an alarm system monitoring service, along with other common sense protections, can offer your home the highest level of protection from burglars.

Types of Protection

The actual nuts and bolts are only part of an effective home security system. After all, an alarm is only as good as the response that it triggers. There are several levels of security coverage that go along with alarm systems.

Single premises alarms are the least expensive type of alarm. If the alarm is tripped, it makes a noise or otherwise alerts the family that an intruder has broken into or is attempting to break into the house. They also serve the secondary purpose of scaring off the potential burglar.

Local area alarms set off a siren loud enough to be heard outside the home. If you live in a close-knit community or in an apartment building where you can count on neighbors hearing the alarm and alerting police, it may be all the protection your home needs.

Telephone dialer systems represent the next level of security. They’re pre-programmed to dial a number and play a prerecorded help message when they’re tripped.

The final type of home security system is a continually monitored system. It is both the most effective and most expensive. When something triggers a monitored security system, it alerts your security monitoring company. Depending on the complexity of the system and your contract with the monitoring company, they may contact you, alert the police or do a combination of both.

Home Security Systems and Vacation Peace of Mind: A Great Combination

2011-01-16T20:07:00.001-08:00

Imagine this scenario: You are finally going on that long anticipated family vacation. The car is packed. The family is seated with their seat belts fastened. You start the engine, and then drive away smiling. You feel like you don’t have a care in the world because the home security system is switched on and standing guard in your absence. The drive ahead of you is now the focus of your thoughts.

It may seem a little “over the top” to paint as picture like this, but don’t, we ALL want to go on vacation and leave the cares of the world behind us? We work so hard to create lovely homes for our families, but with the crime rate so high, it’s normal to feel a sense of concern about leaving it unattended

There are a few other things you can do to secure your home before you leave for your vacation.

· Ensure that all valuable items are out of sight and locked away

· Don’t forget to stop the newspaper from being delivered

· Redirect your mail to a postal box if possible

· Tidy up the grounds and ensure that there are no bushes or trees obstructing a clear view of your windows and doors

· Arrange for a friend to come over regularly and be a visible presence in the house and garden

· Turn down the telephone ringer

· Use automatic timers for sprinkler systems if installed as well as for interior lighting

· Arrange for the lawn to be mowed and yard to be kept up

· Install an effective alarm system, monitoring your home all the time you are away

Many people wonder about the expense of an alarm system and whether they provide value for money. If you haven’t considered a system for your home, now is a good time to explore the options available to you.

Most companies are willing to provide you with a consultant to discuss your budget and special requirements. Whether you want security installed in a home or a home and office combination there will be a suitable option for your special needs and budget. Next time you go on vacation, you will have prepared your home and switched on the home security system—then you’ll be able to travel with little thought or concerns about your home affairs.

The Peace of Mind That a Home Security System Can Provide

2011-01-03T12:00:00.001-08:00

Every home needs a home security system. The peace of mind that comes from knowing that a security system is in place that will warn of intruders is something that many people feel is a good financial investment. And with good reason—here are the benefits you should know about.

What are the Benefits of a Security System?

Security systems installed in homes offer a network of trained professionals who are focused on providing the best possible protection for families and their property. When a break in occurs, there is an immediate reaction by the monitoring system

Monitoring Teams and Immediate Responses

Within minutes of an alarm sounding, help is dispatched by the security firm. Wherever the owner may be at the time, risk to family and property is minimized by the response of the security team.

Home Security Sold World Wide

Whether a person’s home is in London, Sydney or Houston, home security is available. The customer service team will discuss the security options available to the customer. Trained installers will install the system and provide instruction on arming and disarming the system correctly.

Cost of Home Security

Many home owners are concerned about the cost of home security systems and feel that it will be too expensive for their budget. But property lost through robbery in an unprotected house may end up costing the owner more than the annual cost of a security system Home security systems are available which are very affordable for most home owners.

Other Services

Families who care for elderly relatives may not realize that many security companies also provide a twenty four hour medical monitoring service. This service enables the occupant of a home to summon help immediately they are in need of medical attention. This service may be the difference between someone needing to be hospitalized in a nursing home or being able to stay in their own home.

Can Anyone Afford Not to Have a Monitor?

With the crime rate in the USA alone reaching over twelve and half million in the two years from 2008 to 2010, can anyone afford not to be protected by home security? Robberies occur every few minutes, and the chance of a home not being burglarized at least once is minimal.

A home security system provides the best possible protection and ability for early intervention to prevent robbery, and no home can afford to be without one

Leave Houston Home Security to the Experts

2010-11-30T20:45:00.001-08:00

While there are families who leave Houston home security completely to the hands of “destiny”, there are others who make the effort of obtaining adequate security provisions for their home but prefer to go through with the installation and setup process all by themselves, presumably with the hope that they would be able to cut costs.

This is really not a good approach; when you have decided to have security measures put in place at your home, it is advised that you go through with the process with a suitable security provisions company that will be able to handle every aspect of the installation. Essentially, you need to understand and appreciate the fact that the company have been in the Houston home security business for a long time and know exactly the kind of security that a property like yours would require.

For instance, while some properties may need the setup of a home alarm, others may require a much more comprehensive security system. On similar lines, another very important decision that needs to be taken is with regard to the brands of the security devices which are setup. While there are a significant variety of different brands in the market, other factors that come into play include your budget as well as your specific requirement. Of course, highly reputed and prestigious security offerings such as Honeywell security system repeatedly come to mind, whenever one conjures reliable and long-lasting security provisions at home.

The last mentioned point of durability is especially very pertinent; while a self installation may not be as long-lasting, installation, set-up and maintenance as performed by the experts ensures that your security system remains in place.

Home alarm monitoring in Houston is all about taking away worries with regard to home security, right? So bring on the professionals who will take care of any worries of security as well as any concerns about the durability of the alarm monitoring Houston homes need.

Better safe than sorry…

2010-11-30T20:30:00.001-08:00

We've heard the phrase "better safe than sorry," but do we really believe it, especially when it comes to home security? Houston's population has been growing lately, especially after many people came to the city because of Hurricane Katrina. A large influx of people in any city can cause disruption and worry.

Thanks to speedy advances in technology, today it is not that difficult to implement security systems at home. For instance, you can easily install a suitable alarm system monitoring mechanism at home, which will alert you in case of an intrusion or even as much as a presence of any undesired element at home.

Rest assured, Houston home security can get you exactly what you are seeking, within your budget. Further, you need to look at home alarms in Houston as an investment and not as an expense. This is because that whatever provisions that you make for securing your home will come handy, long after you have made the investment.

You must not forget that these are uncertain times; with socio-economic woes growing across the country, especially in large cities such as Houston, it is essential that you exercise extra caution at every possible step.

Further, it is not just theft or damage to property which is the risk; it is your own personal safety that is the biggest concern. Otherwise, a lot of individuals live with the assumption that since they do not have any major material possessions with them, they are not prone to any threat…that is an absolute fallacy. Remember that all material objects, however expensive can probably be replaced in some way or the other, but when it comes to human life, there is no way one can bring about a reversal in the state of affairs, once existence has actually been snuffed out.

In this regard, take suitable steps to safeguard your home and hearth, by installing appropriate home security systems. Remember that it is never too late to do so, so in case you haven’t yet installed such a system at home, now is just the perfect time to do so.

Like we said, better safe than sorry and better late than never…

5 Top Types of CCTV Cameras for Home Security

2010-07-21T15:26:00.001-07:00

CCTV cameras aren't needed in every home - but when they are recommended, there really is nothing that can replace them as a home security tool. Top level businesses and homes across the world still rely on CCTV monitoring to both identify dangerous situations and catch criminals after the fact ... and they are just as useful in private homes! There are 5 major categories of CCTV cameras used as part of Houston home security systems - today we look at which type is most appropriate for you.

Outdoor cameras

CCTV camera systems made for outdoor placement can be high resolution, infra-red capable and able to record in colour - but they are also constructed to best deal with the pressures of outdoor living. They are dustproof, water-resistant, and have very discreet designs to help deter and prevent vandalism. They cannot be removed from their mounting without triggering an alarm system monitoring call.

Indoor cameras

Indoor cameras can have all the same technological features as outdoor ones, offering very high quality colour recording for some models - but are much cheaper because they don't need the extra environmental reinforcement.

Infra-red cameras

If your indoor or outdoor camera is infra-red capable, it will pick up movement of people even in zero-light conditions - although lower-end systems will still need at least 1 lux of light (about the strength of half a moon) to work. Given that recording quality isn’t always the best, you'll probably want this type of camera system hooked up to your alarm system monitoring contract to avoid being burgled with no recourse.

High resolution cameras

The highest resolution available with most CCTV camera systems is about 750 pixels horizontally. They can pick up motion up to 240 feet away - although of curse, this capability would only be needed in non-standard properties!

Micro lens cameras

These are an excellent alternative to using 'nanny cams'. They are unobtrusive, and not prone to being tampered with, since in most cases an intruder won’t even notice them. They don't always provide the highest resolution, though - have these hooked into your alarm monitoring system, also.

Should I Get a Wired or Wireless Houston Home Security System?

2010-07-05T20:13:00.001-07:00

The 'wired versus wireless' debate is actually becoming fairly ubiquitous in our lives now! It wasn't that many years ago that the only product you could reliably buy in a cordless version was a home telephone. That has all changed, with the wireless home security systems of today offering quite a few advantages over the wired ones. Today we check out whether a wired or wireless Houston home security system will suit you best.

Understanding Wireless Home Security Systems

Wireless house alarms are pretty much like the wired ones - the main difference is in ease and cost of installation, as construction professional involvement can be needed to install wired systems, whereas wireless systems are easy for the security company to pop in. Their main components are much the same, though, and include:

Control unit: This is the central part of a wireless alarm, receiving signals form the switches and triggering the alarm if necessary. It can be powered by mains with battery backup, or entirely by battery.
Switches:These are the parts of your security system that tell the control center if there has been an unauthorised entry. They are magnetic devices fitted to all windows and doors, and send a signal if the circuit breaks. It is the switches and control center that are connected wirelessly.
Alarm:The alarm can be either a silent model, designed to call your Houston alarm monitoring company,or a noisy model designed to wake you up and attract attention. Monitored alarms are always recommended, for the safety of your neighbours and passers-by as well as the security of your belongings.
Panic button:This will either activate the alarm or call the security company when pressed , even if the alarm isn’t armed.

Advantages of wireless security systems

Wireless security systems are ideal when:

You are fitting to an existing house
You can't do the DIY work to hide the wires
You are happy to pay for a top-quality system that offers maximum reliability

Advantages of a wired security system

Wired security systems have their own well-defined 'specialities', however! These include:

Pricing - wired security systems are much cheaper than wireless ones
They offer maximum reliability - if wires are damaged or cut the alarm goes off or security company is notified

If you are fitting a security system in conjunction with a home build or renovation, wired systems would be recommended.

Houston Living in a Secure Home

2010-06-21T18:09:00.001-07:00

Living in Houston, Texas, brings a lot of family fun, night life, shopping -- as well as crime. The more people you have in a city, the more crime you will eventually experience. You should still be able to live in a big city such as Houston and feel just as safe if you were living in a country town with a population of 500. No matter where in Houston you live, whether downtown in the middle of the action or on the outskirts of the city, having a dependable security system means the difference between security and someone invading your home. Houston home securitysystems are top of the line when it comes to protecting your family and belongings. Installing a Honeywell security system is affordable and user friendly. There are many different approaches to take to protect your life, but one of the most dependable ways is installing a home security system you know will be monitored 24 hours a day.

Online you can begin your search for the perfect home security system whether you want the basic keypad or additional equipment which includes several forms of alarm system monitoring. From cameras to motion sensors, you can be sure that after you have your Houston security system installed you are in good hands. Never worry about your home being invaded when you rely on the people who know how important home security monitoring is to you and your children. You will find that when you become a member of the Houston home security team you have access to affordable packages whether you're having an alarm system installed in your home for the first time or simply switching service. There is a package for everyone’s home security preference.

Installation of your home security system will be done by a trained professional who will walk you through every detail of operating your home alarm system as well as all the functions your system supplies. If you have questions or concerns after your alarm system has been installed you can rest assured you will be assisted by a professional who has the compassion and understand to walk you through your new alarm system. Protect your home and your family today and log on to the site that knows how important home security is for your life.

Your Home's Invisible Saftey Net

2010-06-16T17:51:00.000-07:00

The saying “You can never be too careful” rings true in today’s crime-infested world. You really never can completely relax and enjoy life without having the slightest thought that something could possibly go wrong. Unfortunately this feeling will never go away. Let’s face it; we live in a world full of unexpected happenings. Life is unpredictable. The key is not to avoid life’s low blows. The secret is to be prepared when they come at you. Houston home security is something to look into when protection is needed. You will never feel unprotected when you have a home security system installed and working for you.

Home alarm systems companies have been installing security systems for years in the Houston area. Online you will find there are companies based out of Houston, Texas, and that pride themselves on being locally owned. Alarm companies want you to know the people are protecting and not just simply sending out a representative that is not going to take the time to get to know you and your security needs as a clients. Not only will you find the perfect home security system but you will enjoy workinng with companies whose goal is not to burn a hole through your wallet either. You deserve and want affordable service and protection that your family can rest upon easily. Home security companies of Houston online understand that your loved ones and valuables are important to you so you will find them putting forth all of their energy in making sure that your home is protected. Shopping options online give you the insight to services including burglary, fire, and medical emergencies.

Another great perk of choosing your home seYour Homes Invisible Saftey Netcurity system online is discounted prices. The deals that you will discover are out of this world because the Houstong companies desire is to save you money any way possible. Log on to your computer and discover the current specials running righ now for you new home security system, free professional installation, extended warranty plan, and low monitoring fees starting at just $19.95 a month! That is a ridiculous deal that you cannot afford to pass on. The real question is how important to you is your family’s well being? Can you really put a price on safety after all? Do the right thing. Make that phone call that is going to protect your family and your valuables. They really are irreplaceable. So if you are living in the Houston area and have decided that home security is the right home protection for you log on today and start protecting your loved ones and property. Signing up for a new alarm system or replacing the one you have now has never been easier.

Home Security You Deserve

2010-05-17T09:43:00.001-07:00

Are you looking for the home security system that is right for your family? Well, look no further! Safeguard Home Security is just the answer for you! We are the perfect solution to any security problem you are facing. With the rising crime rate and cut backs in government security wouldn’t it be nice to be able to count on your family’s protection? We think so! The truth is that you never can tell what is just around the corner. We would like to believe that nothing wrong can happen to our loved ones and valuables but it does not always work out that well. The answer is not avoiding problems, but being prepared for if and when they do happen. That is exactly why Safeguard Home Security is here to serve you.

Safeguard Home Security is located in Houston, Texas. We have been serving our community for over three decades and enjoyed every minute of it. One of the pride and joys of our company is our staff. We have experienced licensed alarm professionals who are ready and willing to serve you around the clock. Our guys know the ins and outs of every alarm system that we carry. When it comes to your home security Safeguard Home Security does not play around. Our alarm monitoring systems protect against every type of emergency there is. We aid against burglary, fire, and medical emergencies. Did we mention that having a home security system can add value to your property and possibly cut down on insurance? The benefits of protecting your home through Houston’s number one choice for home security are endless! You do not want to fool with any old security system. You should go for the best!

It even gets better! If you sign up now then you will get a free safeguard security system, free professional installation, our extended warranty program, and not to mention low alarm system monitoring rates! All of this for a low fee of $19.95 a month! No one can beat that! Not only can we guarantee great customer service, you will not go into debt paying for your family’s protection. Certain things in life are necessary. The safety of your valuables and family just happen to be one of those necessities. There is no ‘redo’ button when a tragedy strikes. Why not get it right the first time? Please call Safeguard Home Security. We are waiting to serve you!

Extra Security for Your Houston Home

2010-05-04T09:41:00.001-07:00

Have you found yourself lying in bed listening to the sirens of your local police department’s cars as they fly past your home rushing to a call? Do you find yourself watching the news and then laying in bed staring at the ceiling while your children are asleep in their beds on the other side of the house and you realize you would not know if their windows were opened or if someone entered your home in the middle of the night? Houston is one of the largest cities and of course with that comes a large crime area. However, there are ways to protect yourself through home security. You do have a solution to your sleepless nights or the nights of tossing and turning wishing you had some way of knowing if, after you fall asleep, someone enters your home uninvited.

Sign into the website of a company that offers you the protection for you home that you need and deserve when living in the heart of Houston. There is no longer a need for you to contemplate leaving the city you love due to your lack of safety. You will find security systems from your basic home security to video surveillance that is accompanied by a twenty four hour group of trained professionals monitoring your home and its surroundings. When you have a Houston alarm system installed in your home you not only are protecting your home and your family but you are entering a world of savings. You are offered wonderful alarm systems at amazing prices as well as enjoying discounts in your homeowner’s insurance policy. So not only are you protecting your family but you are increasing your financial security in a time when crime is on the rise and financial security is questionable.

Logon to safeguardhomesecurity.com and with the assistance of friendly and professional customer service representatives start the process to owning your own Houston home security system and putting an end to restless nights. With the assistance in locating the perfect home security system, the affordable pricings and the dependable twenty four hour monitoring by professionals you never have to worry about unwelcome intruders rather your home or away.

State of the Art Home Security

2010-04-17T19:04:00.001-07:00

We are all too aware of our imperative need for protection in our communities today. Even inside our own homes we cannot feel the comfort of complete safety. Alarm systems are not a new trend. They have been serving your community for years. At Houston’s Safeguard Home Security Systems we are committed to showing you a new side of the company. We are dedicated to protecting you and your family no matter what emergencies present themselves. Not only is your family’s safety an important asset to our company, your priceless belongings are our high priority. Safeguard Home Security does not want to see your family devastated by fire or burglary. Our fast response times offer you the comfort you need to feel safe in your own home.

We have a limited time offer going on now for your convenience. We are offering 24 hour monitoring for $19.95 a month! The other features includefree installations , extended warranty plans, and low monitoring fees. Who can go wrong with that much coverage for that low of a price? Take advantage of this limited time offer for your home security. The deal will be gone before you know it!

Another thing that Safeguard Home Security has to offer is our experience. We have been in this business for thirty years. We love what we do, but even more than that we love the satisfaction of your happy and protected home. We do not just simply offer the average alarm system. We offer cameras at your request for extra home protection and coverage. There is no way for an intruder to slip out of reach when we are looking in on them. Another great benefit of installing cameras is the video to show the insurance company. In case of a fire you are going to want to know what happened and when it happened. All you have to do is replay the tape. No more deceitful insurance companies with their bottom line policies. It is irresistible to ignore video footage. So the next time you are looking for that extra protection please check out Houston’s Safeguard Home Security Systems. We would be delighted to serve you, your family, and your belongings! All are important in your life so they are important in ours too! There is no fooling around when it comes to safety. Our job and your lives are taken very seriously. Visit our FAQ section if any questions were not answered.

Home Protection You can Rely on

2010-04-13T08:38:00.001-07:00

We are all aware of the crime rate in America today. Big cities are especially rampant with crime. The problem with crime in cities is the amount of people that need protection. The city cannot possibly hire protective service to sit outside everyone’s homes. You cannot be left helpless, though. That is what Safeguard Home Security is here for. We are a security company in Houston, Texas, dedicated to your safety. We want to protect you, your home, and your family from every unwanted evil trying to creep its way into your house. We understand how uneasy it can be to know about so much crime happening in our world and not be able to do anything about it. That is the reason we specialize in what we do. We are not simply protecting material items. We protect lives. There are some things that just cannot be bought or replaced. The smart decision would be to protect them while you can.

You should not be made to pay a ridiculous fee either. This is protection we are talking about here! It is your right! For a limited time only we are providing 24-hour home monitoring for a low fee of $19.95 a month with no charge for activation! Can you really put a price on protection? The reward of knowing your family is safe every night is enough payment for us! We have no need to price gouge. Safeguard Home Security also has another exclusive deal going around right now that does not charge you any money down. We even waive our $99 installation fee! Other features that security systems offer are lower insurance rates for most policies and increased property value.

Our alarms systems are foolproof, too. We understand that storms will blow into town every once in a while, and we do not want to give intruders any time to squeeze in through the doors. Our alarm systems have back up batteries that last for hours. They kick in as soon as an electricity fail is detected. Your home will be safe no matter what conditions may arise outside. If you are anxious about installing one of alarm systems then we can have someone out to your home within three days. No one should have to wait for protection. So check out the crime statistics in your area and feel free to give us a call. We would be proud to serve and protect you.

Peace of Mind

2010-03-20T19:03:00.001-07:00

There is no doubt that we live in an age that crime finds its way into even the best of neighborhoods. Having a home security system is essential to keep you and your family safe from the crime that can be right outside your window.

I wouldn’t live in any home that isn’t protected by a Honeywell security system. I found out how very important this protection is a few years ago when my kids and I were home alone while my husband was away on business. I was waken at 2am by the alarm going off. I ran to collect the kids together and locked the bedroom door behind us. The security people called to assure me that the police were on the way and that we should stay in the room.

When the police got to my house they found the back sliding door had been forced open but didn’t find the intruder anywhere. He must have run as soon as he heard the security systems alarm going off. It took less than seven minutes from the time the alarm went off until the police showed up. It seemed like much longer and my kids and I were terrified but I felt so much better knowing that as soon as the alarm went off I had somebody taking care of me.

It is a very comforting feeling knowing my family has 24 hour protection from caring people who tend to the alarm system monitoring facility. As soon as an alarm is tripped at our home a signal is immediately sounded at the headquarters and police are alerted. Within 30 seconds of the alarm somebody is calling our home and police are dispatched. You can’t get much better than that unless you have an armed guard stationed at your doorway. I sleep much better knowing my home is protected and we are being watched over.

Safe and Sound

2010-03-09T11:46:00.001-08:00

My husband and I moved from a very rural area in Alabama to a very urban area of Houston, Texas. Neither of us had ever lived in such a large city before and when we bought our home we decided we should install a home security system. It was more so for the peace of mind than anything else. We were out of our comfort zone and didn’t know what to expect.

The Houston home security company we picked to install the system had over 30 years experience in protecting people’s homes and we felt very secure knowing that when we went to bed every night we had professionals watching over us as we slept. It was quite a change moving from the country, where our only security alarm was our two big dogs out in the yard. It seemed strange to have to be so careful when all our lives we never feared any type of crime such as burglary.

The Honeywell security system we had installed covered all the bases. If we had a fire the alarm would go off and the fire department and police were contacted. If we had a break in, the police we contacted immediately and the company would call our home phone. The alarm that goes off is incredibly loud and would alarm every neighbor on our block. It’s safe to say if it ever does happen a robber doesn’t have a chance of getting away.

My husband has to travel periodically for his work and the first time he left me alone in our new house I was a little nervous but I certainly felt much safer knowing we had such a reputable home security and a large professional team watching over our house. I sleep very well knowing we are protected and should something ever happen, I know we will get a very quick response from the police. That kind of piece of mind makes all the difference when you are in a new place. I'm thankful for the home security we have for our home.

5 Reasons Why Every Home Should Have a Safe

2010-02-17T19:26:00.001-08:00

Safes are often seen as the exclusive domain of the rich and famous … only for those who are quaint enough to keep cash is a sack rather than a bank account, or those with James-Bond style technological valuables. In fact, if every home in Houston kept their valuables in a safe, Houston home security companies would be much quieter! Today we look at the top five reasons why every house should have a safe.

Valuables aren’t always replaceable
Your grandmother's pearl earrings … your wedding photos … the locket your husband bought for you on your first date … these things have a monetary value, and that is all the insurance company can give you if they are stolen.
Non-replaceables aren’t always valuable
Now that does not make sense! But in a way, it does. Your personal papers, identity documents, passports and so on can all be used by thieves for activities that can have a huge impact on your future life. If your identity is stolen in a home break-in, you may end up taking years to fight credit card companies and other providers to get your clean records back. It is preferable to not have to deal with that bureaucratic nightmare in the first place!
Safes are fireproof
They are not only burglar-proof, but they act as a fireproof box in the event of a house fire. Perfect for storing insurance records, and any non-replaceable valuables.
You won’t want to etch some items
The standard advice to homeowners is to etch their details into valuables - for example, a serial number, their driver's license number or phone number. However, you really don't want to have to etch some thing! Jewelry and furs, in general, can't be etched, and neither can coin collections. A safe adds to your home security by keeping these difficult to identify things … safe!
Safes can be bolted to the floor
A simple locking box can be picked up and moved, taken with the burglar until they figure out how to get to the contents. Safes, on the other hand, can be bolted to the floor. If they really want to get into the safe, they'll have to stay in the house … and then they'll have the alarm monitoring service to deal with!

Home Security Reality Check - January Property Crime Rundown in Texas

2010-02-09T08:35:00.001-08:00

It can be easy to get complacent about home security -- especially when you don't regularly hear sirens in your neighborhood, you haven’t been broken into while living in this house, and you don't tend to read the newspaper. Unfortunately, that complacency is the reason why so many break-ins occur! Today we are looking at home security in Houston -- the crimes and criminals that provide plenty of incentive to start thinking about your security systems.

Man scares off burglar

In Corpus Christi, a man scared off a burglar as he was preparing to go to work on January 28. He walked into his living room and found a man standing there. The suspect ran away, but this does not happen in every case -- sometimes would-be burglars use violence to try to subdue or scare their victims into not reporting the crime.

$1,000,000 of stolen property recovered

Arlington police have successfully used a database of pawn shop information -- serial numbers and so on -- to return almost a million dollars' worth of stolen property. While this is the happy ending to many sad stories, it doesn’t always happen for people. All that property had to come from somewhere -- and installing a home security system is the best way to ensure that your property isn’t among the statistics.

Teen would-be burglar shot

In a sad case of failed burglary, a 17-year-old boy was shot by a homeowner after he found him on his property late in January. Home security systems perhaps would have simply scared the boy off, and prevented such a tragic outcome.

Burglary at Holiday Food Store

Businesses are also targets of burglars, due to the high likelihood of cash being available -- selling stolen property is always risky. On January 14, the Holiday Food Store was broken into. Cash and cigarettes were taken.

Pan/Tilt/Zoom Cameras - A Worthwhile Part of Your Security System?

2010-01-16T18:54:00.001-08:00

It can be difficult to know what level to go to with your home security system. There are so many different factors to consider: is there really a price you can put on your family's safety -- wouldn’t you prefer to spend a little extra to deter anyone coming near the house than risk harm to them? Then again, what are the real chances of suffering a break-in, and would all that cash be better spent simply on day-to-day living? From James Bond-like devices down to simple locks and bolts, there is a lot in-between that can help you reach a level of home security you are comfortable with. One of those in-between items is the pan-tilt-zoom camera. Today we are looking at whether it is a worthwhile addition to your home security.

Price factor

Yes, pan/tilt/zoom cameras are the most expensive available on the market. They can rotate a full 360 degrees, including below the camera, and the zoom function means that any footage they get will be as useable as the camera resolution allows. If your house is robbed, the police are much more likely to be able to make a positive identification from the picture of a pan/tilt/zoom camera than from any other surveillance camera on the market.

Deterrence factor

A big part of creating a home security system is ensuring burglars will be deterred from trying to enter your house upon seeing it. Putting your family in danger and creating a hassle for yourself probably isn’t worth the righteous feeling of almost catching a crook. Pan/tilt/zoom cameras are housed within one way reflective domes, so from the outside people cannot tell where they are pointing -- a major deterrent.

Programming

The movements of a pan/tilt/zoom camera are typically controlled by keyboard. You may be able to have your camera monitored centrally through an alarm monitoring system -- if not, then you need a top of the line model that is programmed to move by itself. Connecting devices like motion detectors, magnetic door locks and panic buttons will allow the camera to function on its own, although the effectiveness is more limited than having a human behind the desk.

Cost effectiveness

We believe that pan/tilt/zoom cameras are not usually the ideal home security solution for the average family. Large houses with expensive equipment may find them useful -- but a combination of sensible maintenance of your house, and alarm system, and other low-tech devices like window films and deadbolts is generally a better option.

4 Unconventional Fence Types As Home Security Systems

2010-01-04T10:56:00.001-08:00

Strangely enough, there is a lot of debate in the home security world as to whether fences make for a desirable part of your security system, or not. The main controversy centers around whether they provide cover for burglars to work undetected from the street, or whether the deterrent of actually having to climb a fence (and possibly be seen doing so) is stronger for potential burglars. Today we are looking at several alternatives to the traditional wood fence that could be better suited to your security needs, depending on your particular situation.

1. Rose bushes

Rose bushes don't seem very scary, and hardly seem like a deterrent to potential burglars. They just have pretty smelling flowers, after all! In fact, even quite thick pants are subject to being ripped by rose bushes, and those thorns do more than tickle! If people have to either go through somebody else's yard to get to yours (doubling their risk of being caught), use a ladder to get over the bushes, or pick the lock on a gate, it makes it much more difficult for them to get into your home -- and increases your home security.

2. Concrete fences

In order to provide home security benefits over and above a traditional wooden fence, a concrete fence must be much higher. One benefit of this is that it is much harder for people to see into your home from the street, even if you accidentally leave the blinds open at night; a second benefit is that unless you have an army cadet burglar on your hands, they will probably need a ladder to scale the fence.

3. Invisible dog fences

This is quite an unconventional approach to creating a security system -- but if you simply keep your dog in the yard by means of an invisible fence, any intruders can see that big, mean doggie much more easily -- and he can see them approaching more easily too, either warning you or chasing unwanted visitors away.

4. Alarm System Monitoring

This fence is situated inside your house, and consists of a barrier which cannot be crossed without alerting the security company. There aren’t many fences that will give you that sort of guarantee!

Door Peephole, Video Door Phone or Door Viewer?

2009-12-08T08:10:00.001-08:00

Your home security when you aren’t at home is about protecting your possessions, saving you from making costly insurance claims and destroying your sense of safety in your own home. This doesn’t mean that you can ignore your home security when you are inside the house, though. When you’re inside, there is something much more valuable than possessions inside your home … you and your family. Knowing who is on the other side of the door is critical to your personal safety and home security -- but what product helps assure your safety best?

Peepholes

These were once common in homes, but have recently fallen out of favor. They don’t always do what they are designed to, as intruders could easily duck out of the peephole's way, or turn their back. Our natural curiosity means that we usually open the door anyway! Open style peepholes are a safety risk, with people able to poke things through them. And even if nobody who means you harm ever comes to your door, people can't escape the uncomfortable feeling that someone can see them, but they don’t have the same ability, when there is a peephole in a door.

Video door phones

Obviously, despite the problems with peepholes, they are the cheapest way to add to your home security by discovering who is knocking on your door. Most models today are quite vandal-resistant, and some have built in infrared illumination to allow you to see who is at your door even in dark conditions. While the audio version is obviously cheaper, being able to see exactly who is at your door gives you greater opportunity to assess their intentions and truthfulness.

Door viewers

In technicality, these land somewhere between ordinary peepholes and video door phones. They also land somewhere in the middle price wise, and are currently the preferred solution for many home security experts. You can get up to around 200 degree viewing angle quite easily, and while they need more knowledge for installation, builders are usually sufficient -- not as expensive as electronics experts. Look for one with an inner privacy lens cover, and expect to pay between $20 and $50.

4 Door and Window Solutions to Support Your Alarm System

2009-12-02T20:51:00.000-08:00

While an alarm system remains the gold standard in home security (watch your insurance premiums fall of a cliff after you install a monitored alarm!), they are meant to deter burglars at quite a late stage in the break-in process. You can help ensure that you don’t have to deal with the mess of a break-in (completed or not) by securing your doors and windows. Today we’re looking at products to help you secure your doors and windows and support your monitored alarm system.

Electronic Deadbolt Locks

These work in a variety of different ways -- some use a PIN, some use a remote control, some use fingerprints. Some also have keys to activate them. Because they are electronic, they can’t be picked, but there are still methods to circumvent them or hack them. They aren't a replacement for your security system, but are an excellent addition.

Magnetic door sensors

This one is cheating a little -- because it really ties your window and door security, and your monitored alarm system together. A magnetic sensor will trip an alarm and a back-to-base call if the magnetic circuit is broken -- by someone opening the window or door, that is. They differ from other sensors in that the presence or absence of light doesn’t affect how well they work.

Glass break sensors

All the window locks in the world still leave your house vulnerable to someone with their hand wrapped in a towel to break a window and do a smash and grab. You need to tie your monitored alarm system to window breakage, either with an older style alarm that bonds metal strips to the window -- when they break apart they open an alarm circuit -- or a newer style system that detects the sound or motion of breaking glass.

Window films

These can not only help secure your home by preventing someone breaking your window glass to get into the house, they also add value to the home, guard against UV fading inside the house and help in disaster-proofing.

What Do Social Media and Home Security Have in Common?

2009-11-11T20:28:00.001-08:00

Truthfully, not much! However, your use of social media outlets can definitely impact on your home security. When you post photos that include your home, you are giving potential burglars inside information. We you talk to someone on your wall about an upcoming vacation, you are letting the baddies know when your house will be unattended, and how long before you get back to find the damage. You never know what information people can use to compromise your home security -- and you don't need to post your monitored alarm system code online to feel the full effects.

Facebook users may have noticed a recent change to the "News Feed" style where your friends' interactions with others are posted on your wall. For example, if your brother shared a picture with his workmate, you can see it. It is system-wide changes like this that often create security breaches … what can people use the information on other people's movements and activities for? Keep up to date with these changes via the site blog.

What else can you do to protect yourself and your home when using social media?

Check the privacy settings for whatever site you prefer. Allow only people you have become 'friends' with to access your profile and information. Look for external guides to the site's privacy values if you need decoding of the info.
Clean out your friend list periodically. Many people have friend lists containing hundreds of people … and unfortunately, some that were previously friendly may now harbor ill will. Keep your friend list to a minimum.
Make sure any pictures you share are cropped to exclude unnecessary detail
Don't let people know of your new address or phone number via social media
Make use of the private messaging services (your inbox) more than the public ones (like Wall posts and status comments)

Some sites advise that if you must use social media, to ensure you balance pictures of your prized possessions (or even just incidental house photos with your family in them), with pictures of your home security measures like whatever big mean dogs, guns/tasers/capsicum spray or monitored alarm systems you have in your home. This has both an upside and a downside. You may deter some burglars, but for the determined ones, you've just given them the information they need to better plan to burgle your house. Social media is best kept to a minimum - look at everything you put up there through the eyes of somebody who wishes you harm … and be careful!

Four Free Ways to Increase your Home Security

2009-11-02T21:02:00.001-08:00

Having a security system is certainly the gold standard in home security, and for many people, it is the only acceptable way to protect their home. However, there can still be damage done, even with a security system. Here we look at four of the best free ways to protect your home, following basic principles that make you less attractive to burglars.

1. Become friends with your neighbors

You probably notice quite a bit about your neighbor's comings and goings, and don’t think much more of it. If something out of the ordinary were to happen at their place while they weren't home, you would almost certainly notice -- and would be the most valuable tool in preventing loss or damage to their property. Your own home security can obviously benefit from your neighbors' eyes, as well as your own. The simple act of going outside and asking someone close to the house if they can help them is enough to discourage most burglars.

2. Trim your trees and shrubs

Having a lush garden looks gorgeous during the day, but provides a wealth of opportunity for burglars to get close to your house unobserved at night. Think about whether you really need all that greenery around the front of your house. If the answer is yes, make sure for your home security's sake that they remain well-trimmed. Consider implementing extra measures if you have an especially leafy front yard, like amonitored alarm system.

3. Curtains and blinds

Use lace curtains on your windows for home security. They won’t physically stop a burglar, but will stop them seeing what is inside your house during the day. Never leave your curtains or blinds open at night, for best home security -- anyone on the street can see in, but you can’t see who is looking.

4. Lock your keys inside the house

Sounds strange -- but it is an effective, real-life way to make you think about how someone without keys can gain entry into the house. Arrange it so one of your family members can let you in -- but don’t make it too easy for yourself! Alternatively, some alarm system monitoring firms offer this assessment service.

Home Security Tips for Your Garage

2009-10-12T20:12:00.001-07:00

The number of callouts that alarm system monitoring companies get to houses where the burglar has gained entry through the garage is amazing. Most residents leave the door between their home and garage unlocked at all times, for convenience … and simply don’t connect the fact that their garage has thin, easily accessed windows, a less secure door, and possibly an automatic opener that high-school kids can hack into. Home security efforts must extend to your garage as well -- we look at the top ways to secure this unusual room of the house.

1. Always lock the door into your house

Your garage is inherently less secure than the rest of your brick-and-mortar home. Yet many of us leave the door from the garage to the interior of our homes open all day, every day. Just don’t do it! Make the only convenience of having a garage connected to the house the fact that you don’t have to walk outside in the rain.

2. Ensure your security system covers the garage also

Your alarm system monitoring company can make sure there are sensors in your garage also -- use this safety measure. A major portion of the time taken to break into someone's house is spent actually gaining entry -- if you give burglars that free ride at the start, you may lose more of your possessions.

3. Upgrade your door opening device, and lock your door manually when you go to work

Upgrade your door opener to a newer, more secure model that uses a variable radio code each time you open your garage door. This will prevent thieves using a code-recording system (a code grabber), and inputting your frequency into another opener. It will also prevent burglars randomly driving around the streets, clicking their own remote to find a house that uses the same frequency as theirs!

4. Upgrade your garage window-glass

Use window films, glass reinforcing or double-glazing to make your garage windows more difficult to break, especially if they are located below head height. Make sure that you have window locks and use them. A good security system is one where you utilize what you have!

5. Mark your possessions

This home security practice is applicable to every valuable item in your home, but especially so in your garage -- because most of your valuable in here are engravable metal or heavy duty plastic. Even if they are stolen, they are more likely to be recovered because pawn shops don’t like trying to sell items with somebody's name, address and phone number all over them.

Home Security -- What You Can DIY, What You Can't

2009-10-08T20:48:00.001-07:00

Home security is definitely a collaboration between the home owner and the alarm systems monitoring firm. Each half of the collaboration fulfils roles that the other simply cannot. Here we look at the steps you can take to secure your own home, and the home security steps you'll need to call in pros for.

DIY Tasks for home security

Visibility: Home owners need to be the ones to take responsibility for trimming trees and shrubs, and ensuring that there are no major blockages that help provide cover for burglars.
Motion detector lights: The procedure for installing these is fairly self-explanatory. You can get motion detector lights at most hardware stores, and they will come with comprehensive installation instructions. You can get a security assessment through many home security providers, which may offer you advice on placement and angling.
Locking: You are the only one that can make sure your home is locked each and every time you go out. Not locking that door is an invitation to opportunistic burglaries.

Call in the pros for these home security tasks

There are some things you just can’t do yourself, and even the most watchful neighbors can't do for you! The following are recommended home security tasks that you may need professional help for.

Lock installation -- In some cases a qualified locksmith will be needed to install locks with a good security level on your doors and windows
Alarm system installation -- These typically involve quite a bit of work, placing wiring, programming the system and making connections. You could have a few hours of high-pitched noise on your hands if you try to install one of these yourself! Alarm system monitoring companies generally also provide installation services.
Alarm system monitoring -- If you have an alarm system, there is little benefit unless it is monitored. Some thieves will simply keep working if they know that the alarm system is not monitored -- unfortunately public police calls in response to alarms are less common than you might think.
Camera system installation -- These systems are typically quite complicated and may need to be installed by a qualified electrician.

McGruff Wants You to Know...

2009-09-28T20:07:00.001-07:00

Everyone knows McGruff the Crime Dog – So we enlisted his help to get the word out about home security. McGruff let us know that:

38% of all assaults occur during a home invasion.

60% of all reported rapes occur during a home invasion.

Homes on a corner lot are more likely to be burglarized.

If your home has had a burglary, the odds of being burglarized again dramatically increase. The stolen items have been replaced with new items. Over 2.7 million burglaries were reported to law enforcement agencies in 1994 (the latest published data), with 2 out of 3 being residential. Sixty-seven percent of all burglaries involved forcible entry. Over half (52 percent) of the burglaries occurred during the daylight hours. The value of property stolen during burglaries was estimated at over $3.6 billion in 1994 and has consistently been on the rise since.

McGruff also wants us to know that a few simple changes to your landscaping can help to protect your home from would-be burglars. They are looking for a home they can get into and out of quickly; the more time they spend in your home the more chance of getting caught. Their best target is a home surrounded by tall hedges and shrubs, which restricts visibility from the street and your neighbors' houses.

Trim your shrubbery and trees so that your doors and windows can be seen by neighbors, and from the street; by forgoing a little privacy you will not be providing a hiding place for a burglar. If you have more than one floor, prune trees away from upper floor windows to prevent an intruder using them as a ladder, also make sure any trellises won't provide a convenient ladder to gain entry to the upper floors.

All planting close to the sidewalk, driveways, doors or gates, should be kept low; no more than two feet in height. As you move further away from the sidewalk you can increase the height but keep it down to no more than four feet. Any plant under the window should be kept below the windowsill. Trees should have their lower branches trimmed to at least seven feet off the ground.

Be sure to keep your lawn trimmed; an uncut lawn will indicate to a potential burglar that you have been away from your home for some time. By placing gravel on the ground under windows you will be warned if someone walks on it, this can be a useful psychological deterrent. Remember not to have any large rocks or stones near glass windows or doors. There's no point in providing a burglar with his tools!

Gain Peace of Mind

2009-09-17T09:41:00.001-07:00

Imagine that you’re out to dinner with friends and family. It's been an enjoyable evening -- laughing, dancing, eating fine cuisine, and generally enjoying the company around you. You swing by the sitter’s on your way home to pick up the kids, make your way back and settle in for the evening. Perhaps you’re planning a little midnight snack for a late-night movie as you pull into the driveway and tell the kids that it’s time for bed.

As the family gets out of the car, and heads up the walk to the door, you notice something amiss. The front door is ajar…and as you draw closer, you notice that the door has been pried open. As you try to wrap your mind around what you’re saying, your spouse pushes the door open to reveal the shredded mess of the contents of your home.

As you hold the children back, you cautiously step through the door, wondering if the perpetrator is still inside your home. As you look around the room, you notice that your grandmother’s silver is missing, you glance at the empty space above your fireplace where television used to be and a thousand concerns flood your mind. You begin to feel violated, afraid, and unsettled in your own home.

As your spouse picks up a telephone call the police, you pick up your son’s baseball bat among a pile of rubbish on the floor and you slowly make your way up the stairs. You notice that every bedroom has been ransacked, every television is missing, your daughter’s stereo system is missing, and as you walk into your own bedroom you notice your jewelry box is gone, the antique cufflinks that your great-grandfather had passed down for generations are no longer within your reach and the story continues to unfold…

The good news is that all of this can be prevented with the simple installation of a home security system. Unfortunately, we live in a time of uncertainty and cruelty. There are thousands of people looking for something for nothing and they simply don’t care who they hurt to get it. When someone breaks into your home, you feel unsafe and unsettled in your own surroundings. A man’s home is supposed to be his castle, when that castle is pillaged, there is no more comfort. If you’re hoping to keep home “home sweet home,” consider looking into your home security options. Remember, all it takes is once to ruin your peace of mind.

Home Security Facts and FAQs

2009-08-20T14:48:00.001-07:00

We’ve recently completed some research pertaining to the most frequently asked questions in home security, and having derived much of our information from the Home Security Facts statistics report, we’ve put together the following compilation of answers to the most frequently asked home security questions.

A man's home is his castle, as the saying goes. But homes today don't normally feature ramparts, drawbridges, moats and six-foot-thick stone walls to keep out unwanted visitors. Today, a house alarm, and preferably a managed home security system, is needed to ensure your home's security. Not only does installing a home security system improve the safety of your family and possessions, but it can also decrease your home insurance costs. The Top Five House Alarm and Home Security Devices list highlights ten devices and features of home security systems that can make your house a safer place.

Talking Devices help you to understand the status of your home and monitoring as well as program the system. Some security systems feature talking master control panels, key pads or remotes. The talking feature may not result in great conversation, but it will help you understand your system a little better.

Some home alarm systems include extras like Key Fobs and Remotes to control the system at a distance. Somewhat similar to a car's key fob, home security key fobs include buttons to activate and deactivate the house alarm system. Some even include a panic button that activates the house alarm and alerts the proper authorities in the event of an emergency. Remote controls are similar and often larger. The features of remotes vary greatly and can include a full key pad, a talking feature and a panic button as well.

Yard Signs and House or Window Decals advertise your home's protection. A recent study of residential security found that homes without alarms were 2.7 to 3.5 times more likely to be burglarized, and that the most effective deterrent was the alarm monitoring company's yard sign (SIA Research Update, Security Industry Association, October 2001). Some choose to post the signs to deter possible break-ins without actually installing a home alarm system. While this effort will lower the odds of an attempted burglary, a yard sign alone cannot fully protect your home.

Wireless Systems protect your home without adding extra cords to trip over or extensive installation of in-wall cords. In wireless house alarm systems, each sensor or keypad communicates with the master control panel via radio frequencies or existing wiring in your home. A burglar will never be able to disarm the system by snipping the wires. This ensures the system is fully integrated and monitoring all parts of your home without using up your outlets or creating an obstacle course of wires for you.

In the coming weeks, we’ll have more on proper home security and what it can mean to you!

Keep Your Castle Secure

2009-08-15T13:41:00.001-07:00

As a homeowner, one of the more important things on your mind should be your home security. Your home is your family’s sanctuary and it’s the place you should feel the most safe and secure. Unfortunately, we live in a time when crime rates are high and security is hard to come by. The good news is that there are things you can do to protect your home and to provide yourself and your family with peace of mind in terms of home security.

Believe it or not, the primary goal of most burglars is to find an easy target. That means that homes with extra precautions taken in terms of home security are not desirable targets. So what are some of the best ways to protect your home against would be burglars?

First and foremost is the addition of a quality home security system. More than 90 percent of thieves will pass by a home with a security system and move on to one that’s left unprotected. Your first step for absolute home security should be to purchase and install a high-quality home security system, and then display indication (signs and stickers) of your installation on or near your home’s exterior.

You should also look into some standard security practices that include keeping shrubs and trees around windows trimmed so that thieves are less inclined to view them as concealed entry points. Vary your routines when possible so that burglars can’t monitor your daily comings and goings and pinpoint the times you won’t be home. Be sure and lock your doors when you are away, and even when you're home alone if this helps increase the level of security you feel in your home.

You should also be sure and take proper security measures when you’re out and about. Don’t allow strangers to view your address, keep your house keys secure, and make sure you don’t broadcast impending trips and vacations to people you don’t trust. Always assign a house sitter to keep an eye on your home and get your mail while your away. Usually, a friend or loved one makes a great house sitter choice.

Remember, your house should be your family’s castle, and that means it’s your responsibility to protect not just your home, but your family as well. Again, number one on your list should be the installation of a high quality security system…you’ll sleep a little easier. We can guarantee it.