Installing security cameras is the most reliable to way achieve extensive home security and surveillance. Security cameras give you the ability to record and monitor who enters your home and nearly everything they do. There are several questions you need to take into consideration before integrating security cameras into your home. (1) Where are the best locations to place your security cameras? (2) Do black and white or color security cameras better fit your needs? (3) Do you want hard-wired or wireless security cameras?

With this information at hand, you will know precisely which functions you need your security cameras to perform, and be able to tailor your home surveillance to fit your needs.

Location

To ensure the most effective surveillance of your home, the placement of your security cameras is of utmost importance. First and foremost, all entry points need to be monitored by high resolution security cameras of superior quality, permitting the recording of close-up face shots of everyone entering your home. Inside your home, wide angle color security cameras should be placed in all high traffic areas and rooms in which valuables are located.

The proper placement of security cameras permits you to maintain a record of many activities in your home, and you will be able to easily identify a person by the color of the clothes he or she is wearing. Having a high-resolution, close-up shot of a perpetrator’s face, knowing the color of his clothes, and a possessing a video recording of his activities is extremely valuable as evidence in court.

Black and White or Color Security Cameras

Black and white security cameras are most often more cost-effective and can “see” better in lower light. Color security cameras give you the ability to obtain a more identifiable image of people and activities taking place in your abode. If you have a tight budget, keep in mind that installing black and white security cameras, which are lower priced but not as detailed as some color security cameras, is better than no security cameras at all.

Wireless or Hard-Wired

Choosing between wireless and hard-wired security cameras is can be a daunting task. Wireless security cameras are often preferred. Why? (1) Quickly installed wherever you need without a professional (2) Ability to take with you if you move (3) Extremely inconspicuous, without wires attracting attention.

Hard-wired security cameras are the ideal choice for permanent areas that need constant monitoring, or if your current security system is hard-wired and wireless security cameras are not compatible. Wireless and hard-wired security cameras both get the job of monitoring your home done, and ultimately the choice is what you feel fits your needs best.

Security cameras, either black and white, color, hard-wired, or wireless, give you high quality home protection by constantly monitoring particular areas of your home. The incorporation of security cameras gives you reliable assurance about the state of your home security–which is of utmost importance.

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Thinking about home security isn’t terribly exciting, but if someone breaks into your house and steals your belongings, or even hurts someone in your family, you’ll be regretting your lapse later. Why take that risk when it doesn’t require much money or effort to keep burglars away from your home? Wouldn’t you rather rest peacefully, knowing you’ve done what you can to protect those things in life that are most dear to you? I thought so. Let’s take a look at some smart and easy home security tips:

– If you have a burglar alarm or home security system, test it regularly. Also make sure all family members know how to work it.

– Keep the exterior doors (including the door to the garage) locked at all times, even if you think you live in a “safe” neighborhood (just because your neighbors won’t rob you, doesn’t mean random burglars won’t prowling through looking for victims).

– If your front door doesn’t have a “peep hole” or other door viewing device, install one so you can see who’s outside before opening the door.

– Don’t hide spare keys outside the home, such as under mats, under rocks, or in that special ultra secret place that no one will ever find (trust me: burglars know all the good spots… it’s their job). If you have problems with losing your keys, consider a thumbprint door lock.

– Install a security chain on your exterior doors. This way you can sign for packages and talk to strangers without putting yourself at risk.

– If you have a big dog, it may deter burglars, but don’t rely on your “guard dog” as your only home security defense. There are many cases where homeowners thought their dog would guard the house and instead it let burglars waltz right in and steal the proverbial china. If a burglar doesn’t show fear, chances are Fido won’t react much to him, especially once he’s in the house.

– Don’t have your name or anything beyond your house number on your mailbox. That gives anyone driving by too much information about you, information they could use against you.

– If you go on a vacation, first arrange for someone to collect your mail and pick up your newspapers. Otherwise, burglars will have no problem figuring out that nobody’s home (which is the perfect time for them to risk breaking in and stealing all your stuff).

– Get to know your neighbors, and consider starting a neighborhood watch in order to keep the block safer. At the very least, let the people across the street and next door know when you’re going to be out of town, so they can report any suspicious activity.

– Pay attention to your landscaping by keeping shrubs trimmed back from walkways, windows, and doors. Overgrown foliage can shield intruders, abductors, etc. so they can ply their vile trade in peace.

– Teach children not to give out personal information on the telephone. Also make sure they know what numbers to call, and what to do, in the event of an emergency.

As you can see, most of these security tips are just a matter of common sense. You don’t necessarily need to spend tons of money on expensive burglar alarms or high-tech video surveillance systems (half the time the family probably forgets to turn them on anyway…)

Just make a habit of applying these simple but smart home security tips, and you and your family will be much safer in the long run.

For more information on keeping your home and your family safe, visit the author’s Home Security web site.

Before you choose a home security system, it’s important to take the time to review your needs. There are 3 primary areas to look at: your security needs, the reputation of the security company and your budget.

Starting with your security needs, you’ll obviously be the best judge of what your needs actually are. It pays to have a security expert come in, however, to offer suggestions that you may not know of or think of yourself.

An expert will look at your house with a trained eye, finding the spots most vulnerable to intruders. Things like a windows facing an open field, out of sight behind the house or a balcony with a climbable tree right beside it.

The security expert will give you a list of all these problem spots and can recommend the best types of equipment to protect them. They will also be able to tell you exactly how many motion sensors, video cameras, contact sensors, etc. you’ll need to protect your home effectively.

The reputation of the security company is the next consideration. Are you going to install a stand-alone security system or are you looking for central monitoring? If you are away frequently and your house is somewhat secluded, central monitoring is important.

After all, what good is a screaming alarm if there’s nobody around to hear it?

Look for a security company that offers 24/7 monitoring services and has a good reputation in the industry. If possible, get some references from them of other customers and contact them to see how happy they are with the service.

You should also check to see if the monitoring station is UL (Underwriters Laboratory) certified, if it has power backups in case of a power outage, has a good staff training program and has a good relationship with the local authorities in case of an alarm call.

The final thing to consider is the cost. You’ll obviously need to make a choice that fits within your budget. But remember – many home insurance policies offer discounts when an alarm is installed, so this may help to offset some of the cost of the security system.

John Lenaghan writes about alarm systems and other related topics on the Home Security Guide website. For more information visit http://www.home-security-guide.com