Security tips for the holidays

Home Security Tips For The Holidays

text size AAA By Michelle TakoΙ Published October 16, 2011

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The holidays are a time of peace, joy and wonderful family memories. But with all the decorating, shopping, gift giving and celebrating, attention to home security often slips just when it is needed the most.
According to the FBI, close to 400,000 burglaries take place in the U.S. between November and December each year. Burglars like a sure thing, and a house filled with expensive gifts and a lack of security is a temptation they might not pass over.
Remember that criminals shop for the holidays too; they just do their shopping by stealing what they want. Don't let your home become a statistic. Take steps to lower the risk of your house becoming a crime scene during the holidays.

Alarms and Lights

The long nights of winter provide hours more of darkness to cover a burglar's misdeeds. Discourage would-be prowlers with some easy steps.

• Your home should always be well lit around the perimeters, and it's even better if you have motion-activated lights that can scare a burglar away before he gets close.
• Consider an alarm system linked to a security company's central monitoring station. Display a sticker or notice with the alarm company's name in a prominent location near the front of your home.
• Don't underestimate the power of a dog as a burglar-deterrent. Thieves want to make a quick, quiet entry and exit, and a barking dog, even a small one, is likely to make them think twice about approaching your home.
• Keep your car alarm set when your car is parked in front of your home. It takes a professional thief just minutes to break into your car and steal your possessions.

When You Are Away From Home

An empty house is very attractive to criminals. Don't make it obvious you are away from home by leaving newspapers or mail piling up in front of the house, trashcans left by the curb after pick-up day or a driveway empty for days.

• Ask a neighbor or friend to bring mail, packages and newspapers inside. Have them park their car in your driveway periodically while you are gone.
• Have your neighbor return your trashcans to their normal spot after collection day.
• Use timers to set lights to go on and off in at least two areas of your home during the evening and early morning hours.
• Pay a neighborhood child to shovel snow from your front walk and driveway while you are gone.
• Don't leave your house key hidden under a rock or the front mat. Burglars will look there first. Give the spare key to the person watching your house while you are gone.
• Don't use social media sites to announce to hundreds of friends that you will be gone on vacation and your house left vacant. Depending on your privacy settings, you might be announcing your plans to strangers looking for empty houses to target.
• Have garden services continue as usual during your vacation. An overgrown lawn announces that no one is home.
• Keep shades and blinds partly open, or ask a neighbor to open and shut them each day. Leaving all your home's windows covered indicates that the house is empty.

Don't Flaunt Big-Ticket Purchases

Big-ticket items like laptops, televisions, video game consoles and music systems are wonderful gifts to find under the tree, but burglars like gifts too, especially if they are taking them from someone else.

• Don't leave valuables where they can be seen through windows. Avoid piling stacks of gifts underneath a Christmas tree displayed in the front window of your home.
• Put away wrapped gifts, boxes clearly indicating expensive electronic items and other valuables before guests arrive for an open-house party.
• Avoid leaving wrapped gifts, bags from shopping trips or big-ticket boxes in your car. Bring them inside as soon as you are home.
• Crush large boxes from expensive items and push them all the way into your trashcan, rather than leaving them folded on top or sticking out of the can. Those boxes will catch the eye of a crook.
• Don't announce expensive purchases on social media sites.

Basic Home Security

You should always be aware of basic steps to keeping your home secure.

• Don't invite burglars in by keeping gates, windows or doors open or unlocked.
• Keep bushes near windows and the front entry trimmed so they can't be used for concealment.
• Vary your routine occasionally by leaving for work or coming home at a different time.
• Secure your doors with a good quality deadbolt. Reinforce sliding patio doors with a patio bar or even a broomstick or two-by-four.
• Keep your home's address clearly displayed with reflective numbers on the curb or front of the house. This makes it easy for police or emergency responders to quickly find your home if there is an emergency.
• Take photos of valuables, and write down serial numbers. This may be the only way to identify your belongings if they are stolen.

The holidays are a time for joy, not heartbreak. Keep your home safe and secure by taking basic security measures, and keep the bad guys outside where they belong.

Yankee Security Convention 2011

Yankee Security Conference & Trade Show
October 19-23, 2011
Sturbridge Host Hotel, Sturbridge, MA

5-day Event Schedule

WEDNESDAY OCT. 19
Yankee classes 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Free Night Classes 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
THURSDAY OCT. 20Yankee classes 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Free Night Classes 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
FRIDAY OCT. 21Yankee classes 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
ILA Certification Test 9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.Click here to download form
Free Night Classes 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
SATURDAY OCT. 22ALOA PRP TEST 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
To register for testing, Click Here
YANKEE TRADE SHOW 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
SUNDAY OCT. 23YANKEE TRADE

SCHLAGE LiNK™ FE599GR Electronic Door Lock Kit - Wireless Remote Control Security - Bright Brass

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Absolutely fantastic. We used to pay somebody to change our lock code. We can even reduce energy consumption of our rental house. It will pay for itself. Martin, Quebec, Canada

Very easy to install, look great for residential application and they are fulfilling the client’s needs! I have already recommended them to other homeowners. Jenni from Nebraska

The Schlage LiNK Wireless Remote lock was easy to install and configure. They have an iPhone App that allows me to monitor and unlock the door from across the country. I use this to unlock the door with the maid standing at the front door. I can also “check” to see if I remembered to lock the door. It is a great addition to my home. This is a great product for anyone needing remote unlock capabilities. William from Maryland

I enjoy the Link FE599GR and thermostats, but there is a problem with the bridge disconnecting almost daily. Eddie, Washington, D.C.

Excellent way to enter your home...will be doing business with you in near future, as well as recommending, to friends and family. Gus & Amy from Texas

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Genius Invention Grabs Headlines As Nothing Short of AmazingTen minutes down the road it dawns on you. Did you close the door? Did you lock it? Did you turn the lights off? Imagine possessing the power to check from your cell phone and reassure yourself. Or maybe you sit in a meeting and worry whether the kids made it in the house okay. Feel your phone vibrating? Your new text message just arrived alerting you they made it home safe! Welcome to the future; undreamed-of conveniences and top level security because of SCHLAGE LiNK™. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, LiNK™ grants you virtual oversight and real-time command of your residence, vacation home, or small business. Rental guests arrived early, need to let them in? LiNK™ in from your cell or PC and you can. Kids stranded outside the house after school because they forgot their key? In a split second you can open the door for them. Contractor left and want to verify your doors got locked? ...once again LiNK™ covers you. Limitless applications abound, and Schlage made the entire system keyless. No more keys to carry, or lose. Can you even put a price on the freedom and flexibility SCHLAGE LiNK™ offers. You'll now have the upper hand on the safety, security and peace of mind everyone looks for. "Hey, LiNK™ sounds great, can it do anything else!" You bet. The underlying technology making it happen for you comes by way of Z-Wave®. Z-Wave products such as security cameras, thermostats, interior lighting, and any appliance with an on/off switch, (even your TV) allow you to manage and monitor them remotely. Using the same interface for remotely locking and unlocking your doors, you can remotely turn off your lights, and adjust room temperatures to your perfect comfort level for when you get home. You can even look in on the kids, and your family pet! With SCHLAGE LiNK™ you call the shots.
Features

• Out of the box ready. You'll be up and running in 30 minutes time, so easy a young kid could put it in
• Starter Kit includes 1 lock for door, 1 bridge device (the black tower), and 1 light module/signal repeater
• You'll install the lock on your door, and plug the bridge into your router. Bridge then communicates with the lock, through low frequency radio waves, and communicates with your unique internet gateway, through the router. To manage your lock, you log into your unique internet gateway. Communication is done via the internet.
• Safe and quick installation. Screwdriver is all that's needed to mount lock, bridge unit is plug-n-play assembly
• Auto-locking, passage mode option
• Kit consists of lock, wireless bridge, and Schlage light module - Want to expand to other doors? See LiNK add-on locks here
• To enable your wireless capabilities all you do is login to the SCHLAGE LiNK™ website. This is where you will also download software to your web-enabled cell phone (*Wireless management subscription required - see details below)
• Excellent protection. Uses highest commercially available level of encryption
• *Remotely (from your phone!) setup temporary 4 digit pass-codes (code expires in 24 hours)
• *Remotely (from your phone!) lock and unlock your doors (when you want to remotely let someone in simply activate lock from your cell phone to allow the person standing in front of the door to enter - they then have 5 seconds to do so before the lock times out and re-locks - you cannot remotely unlock the door for an indefinite amount of time; when you don't know exact time someone is coming to property, simply assign them a temporary pass-code)
• *Receive emails and text messages when a PIN code is used to unlock your door. For instance; know when your kids get home from school
• System stores last 90 days worth of activity so you know who was in your property and when
• Setup unique 4-digit pass-codes for your family members, guests, or office staff (1 master code, plus 18 user capacity)
• Radiant bright brass finish. See aged bronze and satin nickel
• ANSI Grade II quality certification
• *Remotely add, change, or delete user's pass-codes in real-time from your phone or internet connected PC
• Great for interior and exterior use on front entry doors, door to garage, back door. Weather-rated
• Wear-proof keypad is back-lit for easy night-time access
• Emergency key-override
• 1 year manufacturer warranty

Specs

• Dimensions: Outside housing; 6.844" H x 3.012" W x 3.247" D. Inside housing; 8.196" H x 3.20" W x 3.135" D
• High-speed internet connection (DSL, or cable) required for wireless remote lock, unlock, and monitoring features from a PC. Cell phones must be web-enabled
• Bridge unit should be placed within 100ft - 120ft of door lock and light module. By adding more Z-Wave control modules (i.e., more locks, light modules, other Z-Wave® enabled products) you strengthen the signal. Each add-on lock and module (available at checkout), gives you another 100ft from that add-on device
• Handing: non-handed, fits virtually all swing doors
• Door thickness: 1 3/8" ~ 1 3/4" (99.9% of all doors)
• Backset: Universally made for 2 3/8" and 2 3/4" preps
• Battery powered: 4AA's with appx. 3 year life. Included with purchase. Low-battery auto-indicators on lock and web interface

*$8.99 monthly fee can be paid monthly, quarterly, or annually. Pay annually ($99/yr.) and receive 1 month of service absolutely FREE. Once you receive your kit, you will be provided detailed instructions on setting up your wireless remote management, and payment directions.
(For under $.30 cents per day (LESS THAN WHAT YOU SPEND FOR MORNING COFFEE) you can have serious security & convenience with WIRELESS ACCESS & MONITORING CONTROL)

This is a great key entry control for home office or business. You can also get a deadbolt feature for added security

WSN recommends this product for added key control in many applications:

Wireless day/night camera system with data capture(dvr)

SVAT's GIGAXTREME 301 system can be used to monitor and record video and audio in any indoor or outdoor space at any time of the day. This wireless plug and play system allows for easy set up in a matter of minutes and the included 2GB SD card can record up to 350 minutes of continuous audio and video footage. The wireless, weather resistant security camera included with this system has 18 infrared LEDs that allow you to see up to 40ft away in the dark. You can view your footage through the 7" monitor or, for a larger view; you can connect the monitor to another television using the included A/V cable. Ideal for monitoring entrances, backyards, valuables and employees, the GIGAXTREME 301 system can be used in any situation you need.
Digital Wireless Technology
The GIGAXTREME 301 series comes equipped with Digital Wireless Technology that ensures there is no messy wiring involved when setting the system up. This advanced system connects automatically on its own so you will be watching clear, interference-free footage in a matter of seconds. Superior digital functionality ensures that the signals passing between the security camera and handheld screen remain strong as you monitor your business or home wirelessly, up to 100ft away.
SD Card Recording
Feel comforted knowing you can check if anyone was on your property when you were not there. This system includes a 2GB SD card that can capture up to 350 minutes of footage and audio. You have the option to continuously record, only record when motion is detected or set a schedule to only record during certain times of the day.
Long Range Night Vision
The indoor/outdoor security camera provides you with a clear, secure picture even when you monitor after-hours or in a dark location. The camera comes equipped with advanced night vision and 18 infrared (IR) LEDs that let you see clearly in the dark, up to 40ft away! The LEDs activate automatically when it gets dark, and deactivate during the day to save energy (CDS sensor). With this system, you can rest assured, knowing that you will have around the clock protection.
2 Way Intercom Feature
Communicate with visitors or employees from a distance using the 2 way intercom. The monitor and camera have a built-in microphone, so you can safely communicate with people from different areas of your property. You can even put the camera at your entranceway so you do not have to open the door to strangers.
Convenient 24/7 Lifetime Manufacturer Live Support
Assistance is available for you whenever you need it. Our customer support team can be reached by phone 24/7, by email or by live web chat services so that you will always have access to an expert.
Indoor/Outdoor Wireless Camera
The included indoor/outdoor wireless color camera provides you with clear, crisp and enhanced video. Built for indoor or outdoor use, the camera's durable aluminum housing resists rusting, deterioration and can weather any season. The attached sun shield helps prevent glare from the sun and other bright objects. The camera also has a built in motion sensor so you can be sure you will always be alerted when motion is detected.
Expandable up to 4 Cameras
The GIGAXTREME 301 series allows you to secure several vulnerable spots on your property easily. This system can support a total of 4 cameras so you can monitor multiple offices, entrances and other outdoor areas. The compatible camera is SVAT's Model # GX301-C and is available at checkout. (Recording in quad mode not supported.)
Motion Detection Settings
Motion settings give you flexibility so you can choose when the unit will start recording. You have many options, such as only recording when movement is detected. Using these easy to adjust settings will conserve your SD memory space so you can monitor longer. Simply turn on the motion recording and when the cameras detect movement the unit will begin recording. You can even set the system to sound an audible alert to notify you that motion is being detected.
24 Hour Scheduled Recording
Setup your preferred scheduled recording time throughout a 24-hour day. Record during peak business hours or record when you are not home and ensure that you will never miss a thing. This system allows you to record video footage using three different types of recording modes: manual, scheduled, and motion activation.
7" LCD Monitor
Review your footage easily on the 7" LCD monitor. Its functional design allows it to be wall mounted or placed on a table. Keep the monitor in a location that is easily accessible to you at your business or home, so you can review footage easily and at any time. Use the screen saver feature, which displays your choice of one of 5 images on screen, to fit in with the surrounding decor.
Remote Control Access
Control your system directly from the monitor's joystick or from a distance with the included remote control.
Easily Connects to a TV
You have the option of connecting the GIGAXTREME monitor to a television using the included AV wire. This gives you a larger view of your business or home.¹

Features²

• 2 Way Intercom Feature
• SD Card Recording
• Long Range Night Vision
• Digital Wireless Technology
• 1 Digital Wireless Camera with 8ft Power Cord
• 1 x 7” LCD Monitor with SD Card Recording
• 1 x 8ft Power Adapter for Camera
• 6ft Power Adapter for Monitor
• 1 Camera Mounting Bracket
• 6ft AV to RCA Wire
• Remote Control
• Mounting Hardware
• 4 Window Warning Stickers
• Instruction Manual

Specs³
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DISCLAIMERS:
* IR illumination range up to 40ft under ideal conditions. Objects at or beyond this range may be partially or completely obscured, depending on the camera application
* Although the cameras are water resistant they are not waterproof. Cameras are not intended for use in direct exposure to water, rain or snow
* Recording in quad screen mode not supported. Single channel recording only
Source: www.svat.com {Home > New Solutions > GX301-010} Note: Photos courtesy of www.svat.com

Perimeter Alert Systems

When we think security  for home or business the first place to consider is the outer perimeter. Whether you are protecting a home store front and back, an out door facility, or alleyway, you want to know early on there has been a breach.
  I like the wireless approach for easy installation and practicality. Many of the new systems will let you add more sensors so protecting a large part of your property is convenient. If you at question for placement, the end of a driveway, back yard area with a fence that someone could climb over, or near and alley way coming to your door are just a few suggestions. Many of these sensors are small enough to hide and concealment is your best form of detection. Also remember, these are detectors and not alarms, so there monitoring devices for the user. You can set the detectors to turn on lights on approach to your property and that may stop the advance of an intruder. A little innovation and thought goes along way in today's high tech world.