How to Make Your Home a Safer Place with Security Systems - By: Kathryn Dawson

In creating a fool proof security system, the layered defence approach comes in phases. This only means it is not as simple as investing CCTV equipment such as an IP camera or spy cameras but involves many other methods. Most equipment needed are not expensive and you might be surprised to realise that these are equipment that already exist in your homes.

The first layer of defence is having warning signs, fences, security lighting, trenches and even hedges to serve as a barrier surrounding the perimeter of your property. The main objective here is to deter any kind of danger. While these items are common, security lighting is another matter. These can be anywhere from floodlights to sensor activated lighting such as passive infrared security lighting that only switches on when a person nears it. Some security lighting can be configured to work with your alarm system so that when the lighting detects movement, it may alert you of the activity. Many do not see the real value of security lighting and only see it as added expense. In reality, it is a necessary preventive measure since it gives you enough time to contact the authorities of unlawful behaviour and activate your home security system while serving as a threat and a surprise to potential attackers. Ask yourself if you would rather detect an intruder from outside your home or from inside.

The next security layer is the mechanical layer. These are doors, gates and locks. While keys are still in popular use today, it would be best not to leave them under door mats or flower pots where it can be easily picked up by people you do not know. Using keys presents the problem of losing them easily. If you are looking for alternative to the traditional keys to enter your home, door that are electronically activated are your best option. These doors use electric locks that are usually connected to an access control system. You may open these doors in a number of ways. One is through a numerical code usually four to six digits long or by entering a password or passphrase. Another is through security tokens such as a smart card, a proximity card or the infrared of a personal digital assistant. Biometrics such as fingerprints and retinal scan can also be used to gain access. The last method is through RFID tags that can be read from meters away even if it is not within the line of sight.

The third layer is installation of burglar alarms or intrusion detection system. There are many alarms that can be configured to work together or with your whole security system. Alarms are not really a deterrent but more of a way to alert you of intrusion. These can come in a variety of prices from the most basic to the most sophisticated. Some alarms are even capability of alerting a security group of intrusion as soon as it goes off. There are different sensor types for alarms. Passive infrared detectors are the most commonly used by homeowners and work be detecting the change in temperature that generally means a person or object is present. Ultrasonic detectors work when the frequency of sound waves shift due to the presence of an object. There are many more kinds of alarms available for user consumption. It is all a matter of what you want and how much you can afford.

The last layer of course is video monitoring or CCTV security systems. Video cameras work better as a tool of identification rather than a preventive measure. Many criminals have been caught by reviewing footage of criminal events taken by spy cameras. There are different security cameras readily available in the market. Due to technological advancement, the latest feature that has been implemented is the ability to watch live footage from an IP camera. This only means that as long as you have a device that can access a web interface, you can view footage in real time wherever you are around the world.

As long as these four layers are implemented, you will never be an easy target for potential attackers and you can start sleeping soundly at night knowing you are well protected.

About the Author

Kathryn Dawson writes articles about CCTVdirect, where you can find a huge selection of top of the range security systems. Browse their online catalogue for any security products you desire, from an ip camera to the latest range of spy cameras, cctv monitors and more.

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