J.E. Davis — Stop Violence

A home security system can provide general, overall protection to your home, but there are a number of ways to increase security in specific areas of your house.  Most burglars will at least expect the possibility of an alarm going off but they’re much more likely to be caught off guard by an outdoor motion detector or steel door brace.  We’re not suggesting you completely pad lock your home with stainless steel, but if there is a particular area you are concerned with there are always ways to further secure your residence.

1. The dual function door security brace from Safety Basement is a 20-gauge steel device that can be inserted under a door knob to prevent someone from entering your house even if they have a key.  This device is adjustable to fit different size doors and is easily installed and removed at your convenience.
2. While your alarm system protects the inside of your home it probably is not doing much to guard your outdoor belongings.  A motion detector is a very useful device for monitoring outdoor activity.  The Caddx Wireless Long Life Pet Immune PIR uses infrared technology to detect any unexpected visitors and then alert a control panel inside.  You can set this device to not pick up animals in order to reduce false alarms. Read more…

Everyone knows that expensive electronic systems, jewelry or firearms are targets for theft, but these aren’t the only ones.  One of the biggest mistakes made by homeowners is to leave anything valuable sitting out in plain view of a person passing by.  Think of it like window shopping, you’re much more likely to walk into a store where you’ve seen clothes or products you like displayed in the window.  Next time you’re cleaning up the house, look around to see if you’re leaving any of these valuables exposed.

Especially now that technological advancements have practically turned cell phones into mini-computers, these are a very appealing sight to a thief.  Many people leave their cell phone on a kitchen counter over night, where they plug it into charge.  Another common mistake is leaving your phone unattended in your car.  Not only does this tempt a burglar to break into your home or car and take your phone, you are also leaving your identify unprotected.  Personal information stored inside a smart phone can be used for identity fraud or as a way to find other information such as your address or bank account. Read more…

Two of the most influential trends within our society today are the wireless revolution and the age of the smart phone.  Both of these technologies have drastically changed the way we go about our day to day life.  As it turns out these advancements are having a profound effect on the home security industry as well.

Wireless home security systems are rapidly becoming the standard for new installations.  We know that wireless internet and wireless phones have far reaching advantages, but what makes wireless home security systems better than traditional hard wired ones?  The ease and convenience of installation is one of the most notable differences.  A wired system requires cutting into walls throughout the house to install the system and unless this is done when the house is built, it is an extremely messy and time consuming process.  With a wireless system you save time and money with easy installation.  Read more…

Locking your doors, setting your alarm and keeping valuables out of sight are key ingredients to a safe home.  But, unfortunately, even taking these steps doesn’t ensure you won’t ever be the victim of a robbery.  In order to ensure that the losses you suffer are minimal, consider investing in a safe.  These devices can protect against man and nature, and will ensure your most valuable possessions are always safe.

When purchasing a safe, there are a few features you should look for. Some safes offer fire protection, others protect against flood.  However, the best safe, though it may cost a bit more, has multiple protective features.  The Sentry Electronic Fire-Safe will protect your items for up to 2 hours while in a fire.  It is also water resistant and can be bolted to the floor to prevent a burglar from attempting to carry it away.  An electronic key pad also ensures that you’ll never find yourself having lost the key and therefore having no way to get to your belongings.  If you’re looking for a discreet and easily hidden safe, the Sentry Floor Safe is a cylindrical safe that can be installed into wood or concrete. Read more…

You may think you’ve covered all your grounds and your house is perfectly safe but there are a probably a few things you might be overlooking.  Police officers have managed to gain a great deal of information from convicted burglars as to what they look for in a home.  In order to keep your home as safe as possible, make sure you don’t fall into one of these vulnerable categories.

1. Most home owners make the mistake of hiding all their valuables in predictable places.  Even though you think putting jewelry or cash in a sock drawer or under a mattress is secretive, this is usually the first place burglars look.  It is usually assumed that nothing of value will be found in a child’s room or a guest bedroom.  Therefore, these areas of your house make good hiding spots.  Although, we don’t suggest telling your five-year-old where the hiding spot is. Read more…