Everyone wants to feel safe at home. You want to know that your family is protected, your possessions are secure, and that you can relax at home with peace of mind. But with so many home security options available, it can be difficult to know where to spend your money and how to get the most bang for your buck.
While there is plenty of great new home security technology, from night vision cameras to smartphone enabled home monitoring, the reality is that a mix of security technology and old-school physical prevention strategies will be your best bet when it comes to keeping out intruders.
Not only will this type of hybrid security system help to deter intruders and burglars, but it will also help the whole family feel safer and more secure at home, and may even help to lower your insurance premiums.
So let’s have a look at some essential security upgrades you can make around the home.
1. Security cameras
Security cameras are a great addition to any home security system. With a CCTV camera system, you can strategically place cameras around your home to monitor the vulnerable entry points as well as particular areas inside the house that you may want to keep an eye on.
The latest CCTV systems are wifi enabled and feature a battery back up. Footage is uploaded directly to the cloud and the live camera footage can be accessed via a smartphone app. This means that you can see what’s happening in and around your home at any time, from anywhere in the world. This isn’t just useful for home security; you can also use the system to check on the kids or pets, monitor tradespeople or receive deliveries when you’re not home.
Home security camera systems can also be set up to send SMS or email alerts when motion or activity is detected.
In the case of break-ins, police can use the footage to try to identify the intruders. The footage can also come in handy when trying to make a claim with your insurance company.
2. Monitored alarm system
While monitored alarm systems are more expensive than unmonitored systems, they provide a greater degree of security and a quicker response in case of a break in or emergency.
Monitored security systems are systems that are actively monitored by a professional home security company. When the system detects a break-in, fire, or other emergency, it notifies the security team and, in some cases, emergency responders.
Monitored systems will also generally include panic buttons. These can be buttons on the alarm panels or wireless pendants designed to call for help in emergency situations. This could be in the case of a break in, fire or medical emergency. Panic buttons can be set to silently alert the security monitoring company, send a text or email alert to the homeowners or to trigger a siren, alarm or other deterrent device.
3. Video doorbell / intercom
A video doorbell / intercom system offers a range of benefits. First and foremost, a video doorbell and intercom enables you to screen visitors before opening the front door or gate. This prevents strangers and potential intruders from entering your home and is particularly valuable if you have small children answering the door.
Video doorbells and intercoms can also be a powerful visual deterrent. A potential burglar may think twice before trying to bypass a video intercom system and more than likely will move past your house to look for an easier target.
You can also integrate a motion sensor into the system. This will automatically record footage of anyone who comes to the door, whether you are home or not. This helps you to screen visitors and keep track of who is visiting your home and when. It’s also useful for receiving deliveries. You can set the system up to deliver smartphone alerts when someone comes to the door and speak through the intercom via your phone. This is great for handling deliveries when you’re not home or creating the illusion that someone is home.
4. Motion sensor lighting
Burglars love to work in the dark. Shine a light on their shady activities with some strategically placed sensor lighting. Use sensor lighting as a deterrent across the major entry points and dark areas around your home. These systems are fitted with motion detectors that turn on the lights whenever movement is detected.
Combine motion lighting with your security camera system and your cameras will start recording as soon as the motion sensors are tripped.
5. Secure entry points
Despite the advances, home security isn’t all about the technology. The most sophisticated camera and alarm system won’t do its job without adequate physical barriers to keep out intruders. To give your security system the greatest chance of success, you need to ensure you have secured all the primary entry points.
For obvious reasons, doors and windows are the most common entry points for break-ins. So the easiest way to secure your home is to upgrade security around those obvious entry points. And this means securing your doors and windows.
When it comes to doors, there are a number of things you can do to make them more secure. We recommend upgrading all locks to deadbolts. Any glass should be replaced with toughened security glass. You can also add security screen doors as another layer of protection.
You should also ensure that the doors themselves, as well as the door frames, are strong and sturdy. If you have hollow or old doors, you may want to upgrade them to solid wood or even steel doors for maximum protection. You should also ensure that all door hinges are on the inside so intruders can’t simply knock out the hinge pins to remove the door.
To upgrade your window security, make sure that every window has a lock. You can also install window sensors and glass break detectors. These will set off an alarm if an intruder attempts to open a window or the glass is broken.
Using security cameras to secure doors and windows is also a great way to deter break-ins.
If you need help designing or installing a home security system, then contact the experts at Security Camera Specialist. We supply and install premium CCTV security cameras for homes and businesses throughout Melbourne. Our team can provide expert advice and tailor a security system to your specific requirements. To find out more or get a free quote, give us a call today on 0424 726 104 or contact us online.