The Signs that You Require Better Security

You may think that simply because you live in a nice neighborhood, you are even more of a target. Yes, when a thief is trying to steal things, they want something that will be of the greatest value. If you live in a nice neighborhood, it is safe to assume that most people have nice things, such as high price items. No one is exempt, no matter where you live in Colonial Heights, VA. Do you have enough security to avoid a break-in? If you’re not certain, then you may be susceptible to a break-in. Our locksmiths at Colonial Heights thought it might be helpful to determine whether or not you have sufficient security for your home or business. There may be some things that you have already considered and have either addressed it or simply ignored it. We hope that you didn’t ignore them and experienced a break-in. Take notice of the list below, you will find a couple of things to consider to determine if you require better security.

You may think that simply because you live in a nice neighborhood, you will not experience a home invasion. This is not true. If you live in a nice

• Routine Lock Maintenance – You should seek ongoing lock maintenance from a reputable locksmith service so that you can maintain your locks and they continue working properly. When locks are affected by the weather, over time they begin to rust and this will hamper their ability to do what they are supposed to do. It doesn’t matter if you use reputable brands, such as Kwikset, Schlage, Arrow or ASSA, they still need to be properly maintained. Have your home locks evaluated annually to make sure none have been compromised and that if there are any rusted, they can immediately be changed for newer more durable locks. Do you have locks that are old and dated? If so, you may need better security by having newer locks installed.
• A Break-in Occurred – If someone broke into your home, there was a reason they felt that your home was an easy target. It is up to you to find out what this may have been. Did you leave a window unlocked? Was there a patio door that you didn’t put the latch on? Did you leave lights on that made it possible for them to watch your home and see that there is no one there? Do you have weak locks that were easily compromised? All of the aforementioned questions have to be answered in order to figure out if your security is what it should be. In short, you definitely could use some better security if someone was actually able to break-in. Perhaps you need an alarm that would immediately alert the authorities when unauthorized entry has been obtained. This is a good start. If you have a security system but it isn’t being monitored, having it monitored would undoubtedly provide you with better security.
• Your Travel for Work – If you live alone and are away from home a lot, you should definitely make sure that you have enough security to keep out intruders. An intruder will often watch your coming and going. Someone may already be aware of the fact that you are away a lot and begin determining how they can get in when you’re not there. This might mean that you’ll need more security to catch the person in the act. A good option would be a surveillance camera. Other options to consider when you travel a lot and live alone are have a lock installed on your garage door, a more durable lock on your patio or deadbolts on every exterior door. You could also ask someone to stay at your place when you are out of town. A person is less likely to break-in when they do not know whether or not someone is going to be home.
• Children in the Home – You definitely need better security if you own a gun. The security that we are talking about is a durable safe. Any locksmith service in the area should be able to install your lock. This added security is a source of protection and for you. In the event that a child, yours or someone else’s, is harmed by you will be held liable if it was not in a safe. Why would you ever take such a chance when all you need to do is secure it in a safe? 

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How to set up a DIY home security system

By David Nield

3 ways to protect your house

Image source: popsci.com

You can set up a home security system without expert help.
Nest

You don't have to invest in a multimillion dollar surveillance system to keep an eye on your property and possessions. In fact, you might be able to do the job with gadgets you already own, paired with free software. We've collected three types of systems you can pick from: free software on an old device, off-the-shelf cameras, or a DIY setup. Here's how to assemble each option as quickly and easily as possible.

Repurpose your phones, tablets, and webcams

If you've got an old phone or tablet lying around, then you can turn it into a home security camera. Choose this option if you have just one or two rooms to keep an eye on. This setup will miss out on a few of the more advanced tricks offered by dedicated security devices (more on those below), but it will also save you some cash.

To turn your device into a security camera, first choose a location for it. If you're using a phone or tablet, you might need to set up a custom mount for it to ensure the camera covers the right areas. Select a position where the device can plug into a power source and connect to your Wi-Fi network—you don't want to lose the video stream suddenly because an old phone's battery drained or its cell signal dropped. Next, if you're turning a phone or tablet into a dedicated surveillance device, free up some room by removing any superfluous apps. The final step: Install a program that can transmit a live video feed to the web.

For example, the app Manything can do this job, and it's free to use on a single device. You can check into the live stream from anywhere on the web, and get alerts whenever motion is detected in front of the lens. If you upgrade to a paid version of the app, Manything will let you save recordings to the cloud and install the program on multiple devices.
 

Image source: popsci.com

MANYTHING
The Manything app can turn your phone or tablet into a home monitor.
Manything

Another app option, which works similarly to Manything, is Presence. Again, you set it up on your Android phone or iPhone, position the device where you want to see, and then log into your portal on the web to watch the video feed. Presence includes motion detection alerts for free, and if you upgrade to a premium account, you can store more video recordings in the cloud.

You can also use your computer's webcam as a security camera. For Windows users, free iSpy software has you covered. It lets you set up multiple webcams, saves recordings and snapshots to the web, and can be configured to detect movement. You get a lot of ways to extend the service too, such as alerts sent over text and Twitter when you're away from your desk.

Finally, you can even use the video chat program Skype as a simple security surveillance tool—though you probably should set up a separate Skype account just for this purpose. First, install Skype on any webcam-equipped computer in your home, and then set the app to answer incoming video calls automatically. You'll find the setting under the Calls tab in the Options dialog box. Call your dedicated Skype account from any other computer or phone, and you'll get a window into whatever's happening at home.

Set up an off-the-shelf camera

Taking the most convenient option usually means paying the most money—and it's the same story with home surveillance. If you want an out-of-the-box, off-the-shelf solution, then you're going to have to put your hand in your pocket. What you might not know is that the latest security cameras are quick to set up, simple to operate, and packed with features. You can literally be up and running in minutes.

As more and more web-connected security devices join an increasingly crowded field, we picked out a few favorites. The Nest Cam, offered by Google's parent company, is reliable and intuitive. It has motion alerts, a built-in speaker and microphone, and night vision capabilities, plus the company also sells an outdoor version. If you want additional features—like more advanced alerts based around particular zones and the option to store recordings in the cloud for later review—you'll need to fork out a monthly subscription fee on top of the camera's roughly $165 price tag.

Image source: popsci.com

NEST CAM
Nest makes cameras for indoor and outdoor use.
Nest

Unlike the two Nest options, the Netgear Arlo works both indoors and out. It's also battery powered, so you won't need to trail any cables to or from the camera (although you will have to keep an eye on battery life). Netgear offers a generous free plan, with support for up to five cameras and the ability to keep seven days' worth of recording in the cloud.

For a more all-around security solution, the Canary hub is worth a look. You can see and hear what's happening in your home at any time, get motion detection alerts wherever you are, and even sound the alarm remotely if something looks amiss. For a simpler and less expensive Canary option, check out the Canary Flex. With both devices, you can pay a monthly subscription fee to Canary in order to get more cloud storage space for your surveillance videos.
 

Image source: popsci.com

CANARY FLEX
The Canary Flex, built to withstand the elements.
Canary

Like the Canary, the Piper NV camera streams high-quality video to wherever you're checking in from. It also provides two-way audio and has excellent night vision. Buying the Piper sets you free from monthly contracts, as it includes all the cloud storage for free, letting you save and review your videos. The camera includes a backup battery too, so your home will stay safe even if the power goes out.

If your budget can handle it, a modern security camera is the easiest way to set up a surveillance network at home. Using these modern devices doesn't require any advanced technical know-how—you can handle all of the setup and configuration through user-friendly menus, with just a few clicks of your mouse.

Build a DIY camera system

Of these three sections, the most difficult way to secure your home is to create your own home surveillance system. However, thanks to the latest in DIY technology, it's easier than you might think—especially if you're already a keen tinkerer. While the other options we've listed are more straightforward, this one is inexpensive, very customizable, and gives you the sense of satisfaction you get from doing a job yourself.

You've probably come across guides to using a Raspberry Pi to build a home security camera. For DIYers, this mini computer is a great way to control your surveillance setup. You can pick up a Raspberry Pi for under $40 at the time of writing. Once you've got the brains behind your system, all you need is the official camera module and a free app like MotionEye. Then it's up to you to fashion the housing and configuration you want. For more detailed instructions, check out the many tutorials available online.

Image source: popsci.com

RASPBERRY PI CAMERA MODULE
The Raspberry Pi camera module makes building your own security camera relatively straightforward.
David Nield/Popular Science

The Arduino processor, like the Raspberry Pi, gives you a basic controller on a very small board. It will set you back less than $30. Again, you can tap into the collective knowledge of the web for detailed instructions on how to get your DIY home security camera up and running. With Arduino, the process isn't quite as straightforward as it is with the Raspberry Pi, but the options for customization are virtually limitless.

Raspberry Pi and Arduino are the two main pieces of hardware that DIYers should look into. However, if you know your way around an electronics board, you can set up all kinds of custom camera configurations.

Article Source: How to set up a DIY home security system

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If you need the best security products as well as professional help with their installations, visit www.locksmithcolonialheights.com