If you've stepped foot outside your house at all in the last year, chances are you've been on candid camera from some type of surveillance system. They're everywhere you look, right?
There are usually at least 2-4 at an intersection. These can be used to monitor traffic patterns, catch red light violators and/or just to run every single person through a face recognition software. I know, you're thinking, yikes! While these monitoring cameras can sometimes be beneficial in clearing up who was at fault in a fender bender, it seems like an invasion of privacy. I'm sure I'm not the only one who drives with my visor down when I'm traveling through a big city. Not because I have something to hide! I just don't care to have my face analyzed 100 times in the course of a visit to Costco for my monthly food run. Call me paranoid, but I like my privacy and I don't like having the government involved in every aspect of our lives!
I know I'm not the only one, either. When the technology for police to monitor homes with infrared devices mounted on their dashboards came out, the public screamed "invasion of privacy"! And they were right to do so. While some crimes may have been stopped by using this technology, you and I both know that police are human just like the rest of us and would be tempted to check out every home in the neighborhood. The likely hood of them being able to watch your intimate acts would make you feel uncomfortable doing anything in the "privacy" of your own home.
Now, ATM cameras, I don't have as much of a problem with. It is a high risk area with cash being taken out by every single user. This temptation for criminals can make them salivate with anticipation.
However, I'm sure I'm not the only one who has watched cop or forensic TV shows. How many times have we seen them solve a case or get a significant clue from an ATM camera? This may not happen quite as frequently in reality as on TV, but the resource is still available. Again, I don't have a problem with using the ATM cameras to solve crimes, but it can also capture you hiking up your pantyhose or adjusting an irritating wedgie when you think no one else is looking. Seems comical, but it is still an invasion of privacy.
It would be easier to list the places that DON'T use security cameras, but I'm fresh out of ideas for the types of businesses that wouldn't want to use them. Banks, kids arcades, hotels, supermarkets, any retail store, the list goes on....we've all seen the obvious security cameras. And while these do protect your business, I'm sure every security guard or camera monitor gets a huge laugh at least once a week from watching the clumsy idiot that tripped and fell flat on his face on aisle 3.
It puts me constantly on guard...and I don't like that feeling.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
The Driveway Report
Want some security options for the outside of your house?
Your driveway is a great place to start! There are certain detectors or alarms that will tell you if someone or something comes onto your property via the driveway.
The amount of different models and options can be confusing, so lets break it down.
First you have your plain Jane hose model. This involves stringing a visible hose across your driveway. A signal is then sent usually to a wireless transmitter around 600 feet away to alert you of company. The down side is that being visible, someone walking onto your property will try to avoid stepping on it not knowing what it is. This makes your "hose" useless unless a car drives over it.
Second we have the beam models. These have a signal beam (think laser) and a receiver; when this signal beam is interrupted from the receiver, the homeowner is alerted to a visitor. This method is a little more reliable since anything moving in between will result in a notice being sent. The down side? Leaves in a storm, tumbleweed, any sort of animal, or kids playing in your driveway will set off your system any number of times.
Third, there are wired and wireless models that use magnetic probes. When a vehicle comes within 14 feet of this probe, a signal is sent resulting in a chime or series of beeps. The downside of this is that a person would not be detected coming through your driveway. It could possibly pick up a kid on a bike just because it can have metal parts. But there is no guarantee with this unless all you want to monitor are vehicles.
The more advanced options for driveway alarms are sensors that, when activated will send a signal to a walkie-talkie that also has a screen for viewing incoming traffic. On some models, up to four different locations can be monitored on this same walkie-talkie as long as all the units (including the walkie-talkie) are within a two mile range of each other. I don't know how sensitive these sensors are. You could potentially get notified of every cat in the neighborhood wandering through your property at night.
There are also several wireless brands that work on either 430 mhz or 900 mhz. These units can transmit anywhere from 1,000 to 4,000 feet. The probability of interference could be great with all the different wireless devices we have in our world today.
What might be a great option for the small property owner is a driveway alarm with an adjustable sensitivity. This usually operates with a beam and can be programmed to ignore animals. The only downside is the transmitter is usually only good for 500 feet. So, in the country, it would be useless.
Last, but not least is a more affordable option. It works on PIR, or passive infrared, which uses a wireless beam to transmit up to 1,500 feet away. These models can be as cheap as $150, which is very reasonable when you consider the peace of mind it brings to know when someone is coming to your door!
So, if you're always answering the door in your bathrobe and curlers, or the family pet is constantly escaping when the door is opened, these systems will give you some extra time to get prepared.
Your driveway is a great place to start! There are certain detectors or alarms that will tell you if someone or something comes onto your property via the driveway.
The amount of different models and options can be confusing, so lets break it down.
First you have your plain Jane hose model. This involves stringing a visible hose across your driveway. A signal is then sent usually to a wireless transmitter around 600 feet away to alert you of company. The down side is that being visible, someone walking onto your property will try to avoid stepping on it not knowing what it is. This makes your "hose" useless unless a car drives over it.
Second we have the beam models. These have a signal beam (think laser) and a receiver; when this signal beam is interrupted from the receiver, the homeowner is alerted to a visitor. This method is a little more reliable since anything moving in between will result in a notice being sent. The down side? Leaves in a storm, tumbleweed, any sort of animal, or kids playing in your driveway will set off your system any number of times.
Third, there are wired and wireless models that use magnetic probes. When a vehicle comes within 14 feet of this probe, a signal is sent resulting in a chime or series of beeps. The downside of this is that a person would not be detected coming through your driveway. It could possibly pick up a kid on a bike just because it can have metal parts. But there is no guarantee with this unless all you want to monitor are vehicles.
The more advanced options for driveway alarms are sensors that, when activated will send a signal to a walkie-talkie that also has a screen for viewing incoming traffic. On some models, up to four different locations can be monitored on this same walkie-talkie as long as all the units (including the walkie-talkie) are within a two mile range of each other. I don't know how sensitive these sensors are. You could potentially get notified of every cat in the neighborhood wandering through your property at night.
There are also several wireless brands that work on either 430 mhz or 900 mhz. These units can transmit anywhere from 1,000 to 4,000 feet. The probability of interference could be great with all the different wireless devices we have in our world today.
What might be a great option for the small property owner is a driveway alarm with an adjustable sensitivity. This usually operates with a beam and can be programmed to ignore animals. The only downside is the transmitter is usually only good for 500 feet. So, in the country, it would be useless.
Last, but not least is a more affordable option. It works on PIR, or passive infrared, which uses a wireless beam to transmit up to 1,500 feet away. These models can be as cheap as $150, which is very reasonable when you consider the peace of mind it brings to know when someone is coming to your door!
So, if you're always answering the door in your bathrobe and curlers, or the family pet is constantly escaping when the door is opened, these systems will give you some extra time to get prepared.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Best Thief Deterrent!
When you think of home security, do you think of the best deadbolts and locks on the windows? Well, it's time to come out of the stone age!
Now don't get me wrong, these are essential to have, but there are so many other things available that can protect your home in more effective ways. And the majority of us probably don't think to install these extra security measures until it's too late and our homes have already been violated in some way.
The best thing you can possibly have to scare away a thief is a high-pitched alarm. There are many different ways to install a burglar alarm. You can opt to install it yourself, which, if effective enough, can usually scare away a thief.
And, of course, there are alarm companies by the dozen that will offer to set up your chosen system for you. These companies often require a monthly subscription to a service they provide, and this service will keep them apprised of any disturbances in your home. Usually your security system is set up to call the monitoring service automatically. The company then gives you, the homeowner a call to inform you that your alarm has been activated. Assuming you are at home, this situation can be an easy one to deal with. You check your house and surrounding area, then inform the security company that it is a false alarm. Alarm is silenced and no further action is taken. Usually if they don't get a response from your house, police will be dispatched to your residence to check out a potential break in. Sounds great, right? Well, sure, except when you stop to calculate the time spent on all these phone calls.
Suppose your alarm goes off and it sends an immediate trigger to the security company monitoring your account. The representative most likely has to look up your account to find your home phone number, right? 2 minutes tops. Then they place the call to your house. If you're not home, this phone call will last less than 1 minute. So then the security company tries your cell phone. There's another minute or two if you don't answer. The logical next step is to call the police, right? Assuming they dial 911 and are not put on hold, this call should take no more than 2 minutes. The dispatcher then gets on the radio to find the closest unit or dispatches someone that should be in that section of town. Now, we all love and respect our boys in blue, but we also know that they are only human and can only get to your house as fast as the traffic around them will allow.
So let's tally this up. We're looking at at least 7 minutes until the actual officers closest to your home are notified that there could be a crime in progress. If you live in one of the larger cities, the response time will vary, but on average it will be at least 5 minutes. So there are at least 12 whole minutes for your burglar to run through your house grabbing your precious keepsakes and antiques. If you have the patience, sit looking at a digital clock for a full minute. Now multiply that time by 12 and imagine yourself doing absolutely nothing for that period of time while your home is being vandalized.
The alternative? Absolutely have a burglar alarm connected to a monitoring service! My advice? Have your home equipped with hidden security cameras connected to a stand alone DVR that is remotely accessible via cell phone or internet.
So let's try this scenario again. Your security company calls you within 2 minutes of your alarm activating. You then take around 1 minute to access your cameras from your cell phone or internet connection. Assuming you see a burglar or broken window in your video feed, you can immediately call the police on your cell phone directing them to your house.
Well, let's see, we made that call within 3 minutes! So you have saved around 4 minutes and have been proactive in the process. You could even place a call to your neighbors and direct them to yell outside that the police are on their way!
I don't know about you, but I would definitely opt for the remote access cameras!
Now don't get me wrong, these are essential to have, but there are so many other things available that can protect your home in more effective ways. And the majority of us probably don't think to install these extra security measures until it's too late and our homes have already been violated in some way.
The best thing you can possibly have to scare away a thief is a high-pitched alarm. There are many different ways to install a burglar alarm. You can opt to install it yourself, which, if effective enough, can usually scare away a thief.
And, of course, there are alarm companies by the dozen that will offer to set up your chosen system for you. These companies often require a monthly subscription to a service they provide, and this service will keep them apprised of any disturbances in your home. Usually your security system is set up to call the monitoring service automatically. The company then gives you, the homeowner a call to inform you that your alarm has been activated. Assuming you are at home, this situation can be an easy one to deal with. You check your house and surrounding area, then inform the security company that it is a false alarm. Alarm is silenced and no further action is taken. Usually if they don't get a response from your house, police will be dispatched to your residence to check out a potential break in. Sounds great, right? Well, sure, except when you stop to calculate the time spent on all these phone calls.
Suppose your alarm goes off and it sends an immediate trigger to the security company monitoring your account. The representative most likely has to look up your account to find your home phone number, right? 2 minutes tops. Then they place the call to your house. If you're not home, this phone call will last less than 1 minute. So then the security company tries your cell phone. There's another minute or two if you don't answer. The logical next step is to call the police, right? Assuming they dial 911 and are not put on hold, this call should take no more than 2 minutes. The dispatcher then gets on the radio to find the closest unit or dispatches someone that should be in that section of town. Now, we all love and respect our boys in blue, but we also know that they are only human and can only get to your house as fast as the traffic around them will allow.
So let's tally this up. We're looking at at least 7 minutes until the actual officers closest to your home are notified that there could be a crime in progress. If you live in one of the larger cities, the response time will vary, but on average it will be at least 5 minutes. So there are at least 12 whole minutes for your burglar to run through your house grabbing your precious keepsakes and antiques. If you have the patience, sit looking at a digital clock for a full minute. Now multiply that time by 12 and imagine yourself doing absolutely nothing for that period of time while your home is being vandalized.
The alternative? Absolutely have a burglar alarm connected to a monitoring service! My advice? Have your home equipped with hidden security cameras connected to a stand alone DVR that is remotely accessible via cell phone or internet.
So let's try this scenario again. Your security company calls you within 2 minutes of your alarm activating. You then take around 1 minute to access your cameras from your cell phone or internet connection. Assuming you see a burglar or broken window in your video feed, you can immediately call the police on your cell phone directing them to your house.
Well, let's see, we made that call within 3 minutes! So you have saved around 4 minutes and have been proactive in the process. You could even place a call to your neighbors and direct them to yell outside that the police are on their way!
I don't know about you, but I would definitely opt for the remote access cameras!
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Recall for Home Products
Well, the latest scare would be fire hazards in the home. Back in August, there were more than 200,000 Frigidaire and Kenmore smooth top oven/ranges recalled. This was due to the fact that over 100 reports were made about the stove tops coming on all by themselves! Even more astonishing was the fact that this wasn't some short where it would come on and go off immediately. The elements will just turn on without being switched on, and they will stay on! Talk about a fire hazard! Several people have even been burned, not realizing the burners were on.
What if you weren't home? Suppose there was a dish rag or paper towel in contact with the stove top? How long do you think it would take for that paper towel to get hot enough to ignite? Not long enough, in my opinion!
Access to your home's security cameras via a streaming DVR would save thousands if not hundreds of thousands in getting fire officials to your address sooner! If caught early enough, a neighbor could even break in for you and hose down the fire.
While I hate to be obnoxious about the usefullness of security cameras, they are a definite necessity!
What if you weren't home? Suppose there was a dish rag or paper towel in contact with the stove top? How long do you think it would take for that paper towel to get hot enough to ignite? Not long enough, in my opinion!
Access to your home's security cameras via a streaming DVR would save thousands if not hundreds of thousands in getting fire officials to your address sooner! If caught early enough, a neighbor could even break in for you and hose down the fire.
While I hate to be obnoxious about the usefullness of security cameras, they are a definite necessity!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Flash Forward
I'm LOVING the new show Flash Forward! If you haven't seen it, make a point to!
Take a look at the nanny getting busy with the boyfriend on the couch while the little girl is sleeping upstairs! Proves my point that even the most trustworthy employee or nanny needs to be watched.
Protecting your child, your security, home or investment should be your top priority. Covert cameras are now the new norm and it will take a load off your mind!
Take a look at the nanny getting busy with the boyfriend on the couch while the little girl is sleeping upstairs! Proves my point that even the most trustworthy employee or nanny needs to be watched.
Protecting your child, your security, home or investment should be your top priority. Covert cameras are now the new norm and it will take a load off your mind!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Security Logic
I recently saw an article about how Firefly is marketing a cell phone for 4 year old children! The phone has only five buttons and two can be programmed to call mom or dad.
Come ON people! Sure, my four year old had a blast "talking" on the phone. Did anyone understand a word she was saying? NO! Since when is a child that young in need of calling mom or dad? I can just see the preschooler whipping out a phone and chatting away with Mom at work or in the gym.
These are supposedly brightly colored phones that can be programmed with age appropriate ring tones, but when is a child too young for a cell phone?
A lot depends on the situation and the maturity of the child, but I'll tell you what....no 4 year old I've ever seen is in need of a cell phone!
My vote, 12 at the youngest, but it's probably not necessary until 14.
Of course, my daughter is 6 1/2 and will, I'm sure, be begging at age 9 for a phone she saw her friend "using". Are we ruining their childhood?
And, shouldn't kids learn to write before they start texting and butchering, excuse me, abbreviating every word in the English language?
Keep in mind that 1/3 of teens in the U.S. have used their cell phone to cheat on school exams. Use your good judgement, friends!
Come ON people! Sure, my four year old had a blast "talking" on the phone. Did anyone understand a word she was saying? NO! Since when is a child that young in need of calling mom or dad? I can just see the preschooler whipping out a phone and chatting away with Mom at work or in the gym.
These are supposedly brightly colored phones that can be programmed with age appropriate ring tones, but when is a child too young for a cell phone?
A lot depends on the situation and the maturity of the child, but I'll tell you what....no 4 year old I've ever seen is in need of a cell phone!
My vote, 12 at the youngest, but it's probably not necessary until 14.
Of course, my daughter is 6 1/2 and will, I'm sure, be begging at age 9 for a phone she saw her friend "using". Are we ruining their childhood?
And, shouldn't kids learn to write before they start texting and butchering, excuse me, abbreviating every word in the English language?
Keep in mind that 1/3 of teens in the U.S. have used their cell phone to cheat on school exams. Use your good judgement, friends!
A Rude Awakening!
Something you might want to know....
Carbon monoxide and smoke alarms are among the essential items to install first in your home. Whether you just had your home built, or are buying a used home; your #1 priority should be to check the CO and smoke alarms before moving in.
With over 400,000 fires in the US every year resulting in over 2,500 deaths, a $10 smoke alarm can be the best investment you've ever made! What's the reason I am suggesting a renewed vigilance in checking these alarms before moving in? Around 75% of deaths occurring from a fire in the home were in houses that had broken, disabled or non-existent smoke alarms.
Now, carbon monoxide deaths are much less frequent, but you could still be among the 500 Americans that die from it each year. The average alarm would cost you around $40, and is essential for any home that has fuel powered appliances. If you have any kind of flame related heating device in your home; anything that runs off of natural gas, wood, oil, gasoline or propane....PLEASE install a CO alarm!
Carbon monoxide and smoke alarms are among the essential items to install first in your home. Whether you just had your home built, or are buying a used home; your #1 priority should be to check the CO and smoke alarms before moving in.
With over 400,000 fires in the US every year resulting in over 2,500 deaths, a $10 smoke alarm can be the best investment you've ever made! What's the reason I am suggesting a renewed vigilance in checking these alarms before moving in? Around 75% of deaths occurring from a fire in the home were in houses that had broken, disabled or non-existent smoke alarms.
Now, carbon monoxide deaths are much less frequent, but you could still be among the 500 Americans that die from it each year. The average alarm would cost you around $40, and is essential for any home that has fuel powered appliances. If you have any kind of flame related heating device in your home; anything that runs off of natural gas, wood, oil, gasoline or propane....PLEASE install a CO alarm!
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