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Labels: HDTV, Home Automation, Home Security, Home Technology Installers

Most criminals will break in during the day, while you're away at work. However, for the "opportunity thief", they'll usually try to break in at night, from the rear of the home where it's darker and less chance to be seen.

A loud alarm might try to stop some inexperienced, drunk teenager but not a thief who does this for a living - most people are away during the day and won't call the police. And if the alarm goes to a security service, they know they'll be long gone by the time the cops arrive.

Most thieves are in an out in less than 10 minutes. They will scan bedrooms and bathrooms for money, jewelry, prescription drugs, guns and weapons, and high-end but small electronics like cell phones and laptops. A thief will avoid your basement and your second or third floor and your attic because there's too much chance they could get cornered and caught by police.

How Can You Protect Your Home?

• Installing Security Cameras - as mentioned, an alarm system is virtually useless because thieves are in and out in no time. However, a security camera system can help you monitor your home while you're away (remotely, from a computer or even a cellphone) and, if you're recording on a digital video recorder or VCR, you'll be able to help identify the thief for police.
  
• Put Up Signs - avoid the fake security signs and put up a "Beware of Dog" sign (even if you don't have a dog.) Fake security cameras are easy to spot by the career criminals, but neighborhood watch signs let them know that you're interested and paying attention. If you have a security camera system with "hidden" cameras it won't hurt to advertise that fact. Thieves won't mess with any property they consider difficult. Even a sign that lets the thief know that you've "marked" all your valuables could be a helpful discouragement.
  
• Be Discrete - when you buy a new computer or plasma TV, don't put the box out with your regular trash. Fold it up and put it in the trash can. You don't want to let a thief know you've got money and big ticket items in the house. Don't give all your details to workers who come to your homes - only show them areas that will be worked on. Don't give them details about your work schedule or show where you keep valuables.
  
• Install Lighting - sensor lights that are tripped when someone comes near the home are a great way to show how attentive you are to making sure your home is safe. This is a deterrent. Even when you're home, it's a good idea to have lights on timers. If they're casing your house, the light will go on and off at the same time whether you're in the house or away on vacation. Another deterrent. To keep things interesting, you can put your TV on a timer - it can act as a light source in a room while you're gone (as well as sound!)
  
• Secure Doors & Windows - thieves will only come in this way so make sure you've got deadbolts on all exterior doors and windows locked. Don't depend on nails in the window frames or broomsticks on sliding glass doors. Consider using devices specifically to keep windows locked and installing motion and glass-breaking sensor alarms on all windows. If you're truly concerned it would be best to replace all or most windows with tempered glass or plastic or even wire-lined glass (aesthetically not pleasing, but will keep your home safe.)

If you need to find a local Home Security Expert to evaluate your home or to install security cameras, you can find one on ConstructionDeal.com. On our site, you can post your request in minutes and receive bids from multiple companies - for free.

Labels: Home Security, Security Cameras

Home automation and home security installations have always been about adding convenience for the homeowner - an easy way to monitor your home, turn on and off various devices, and to handle mundane tasks. Everyone wants a "smart home."

The next wave in automation and security will not only allow more convenience but also allow remote connection. As fast as cell phones, PDAs, and Internet connections are evolving, the new trend is going to be wireless applications.

Imagine that you receive a message on your cell while you're in a meeting in another state - your house is notifying you that someone has broken in. You check a live video feed on a computer to see what has happened. It turns out your dog has knocked something over into a window. It's a false alarm. No need to notify the police of a burglary.

Our ability to communicate wirelessly - and cheaply - is allowing us to plug in to our homes without a cord. Instead of hiding expensive video cameras around the room to monitor your babysitter and then coming home to review them after the fact, you can watch live feeds on your PDA. Or, if you've left home and you forgot to turn off the oven or turn on the security lights, you can do it all from your cell phone.

The best part is that a lot of the home security and automation products can be used with a wireless router, which means you won't need to run a lot of expensive wiring throughout the house.

Home security and automation requires hardware installation and possibly some software may be required but you've already got the tools to talk to your house with phones and Blackberry's and a remote high-speed computer. Talk with home security installer find out what can be done to add a whole new level of convenience - and safety - to your life and the lives of your family. The home tech expert should be able to put a package together, at your budget, that will give you the tools to be able to communicate with appliances, lighting, temperature, and security equipment from nearly anywhere in the country or the world.

ConstructionDeal.com can get you 4 quotes from security and automation installers in the same day - sometimes within minutes - at no cost.

Labels: Home Automation, Home Security, Smart Homes