Potential Blunders in Home Security by Homeowners – Strategies to Steer Clear
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In today's world, ensuring the safety of our homes is of utmost importance. Here, we delve into common mistakes homeowners make when setting up security systems and provide tips for creating a secure living environment.
A Layered Approach to Home Security
A layered approach to home security, incorporating external detection, internal sensors, and remote access control, offers better coverage and peace of mind. This includes the use of smart CCTV with motion analytics for external detection and motion-sensor timers for lighting in vulnerable areas.
Common Home Security Mistakes
Homeowners often fall prey to certain pitfalls when installing security systems. Poor camera placement, inadequate lighting, improper camera positioning, relying on limited or single-point locks, DIY installation errors, lack of system integration, and neglecting professional monitoring are some of the common mistakes to avoid.
Poor Camera Placement
Installing cameras too high, at wrong angles, or in locations that miss key entry points leads to ineffective surveillance. Failing to keep camera software updated can also render cameras non-functional or insecure without homeowners realizing it.
Inadequate Lighting
Relying on just a single floodlight at the front of the house leaves side paths, rear access, and other vulnerable areas in darkness. Lack of motion-sensor or timer-controlled lighting significantly reduces visibility and increases burglary risk.
Improper Camera Positioning
Installing cameras in locations that infringe on privacy or hiding them where views are obstructed can cause legal issues, false alerts, or poor coverage.
Relying on Limited or Single-Point Locks
Not using multi-point locking mechanisms can make physical breach easier.
DIY Installation Errors
Many homeowners who install systems themselves fail to set up notifications properly, do not choose ideal equipment, or incorrectly install devices. This can lead to false alarms, limited system functionality, and voided warranties.
Lack of System Integration
Choosing security systems that do not integrate with other protective technologies can slow response times and reduce overall security.
Obstructed or Poorly Lit Entryways
Paving directly up to the house without securing or lighting vulnerable access points creates easy targets.
Not Covering All Vulnerable Areas
Focusing security measures only on front entrances while neglecting side or rear doors and windows reduces protection.
Other Considerations
Installing cameras in the wrong place, such as bathrooms or neighbor’s property, can cause legal issues. It's important to read up on home CCTV laws and garden lighting laws to avoid unintentionally invading neighbors' privacy.
Improving Home Security with Smart Locks and CCTV
Smart locks like the Chrome Conexis L2, Yale Linus smart lock L2, and Simpled Smart locks offer digital access control for doors. These locks can be unlocked with a key tag, phone tag, or smartphone via their respective apps. However, potential vulnerabilities, such as the possibility of doorbell cameras being hacked, should be considered before purchase.
Perimeter beams like the Infrared Security Beam can be used for external detection in home security systems. Proper planning and high-quality doors and windows can also enhance home security. Lisa Clark, director of Bell Fire and Security, advises homeowners to 'hard wire' systems when renovating for reliable home security.
In conclusion, homeowners should carefully plan camera placements for comprehensive coverage, use multiple motion-activated lights, consider professional installation or thorough DIY setup including notifications and monitoring, and ensure system integration for best security outcomes. Having a professionally monitored system also ensures emergency response when the homeowner is away.
- A layered approach to home security is beneficial, incorporating tools like smart CCTV with motion analytics and motion-sensor timers for lighting in vulnerable areas for better coverage and peace of mind.
- Homeowners should avoid common mistakes such as installing cameras at incorrect heights or angles, in locations that miss key entry points, or failing to keep camera software updated.
- Inadequate lighting can increase burglary risk, so it's important to ensure that side paths, rear access, and other vulnerable areas are well-lit using motion-sensor or timer-controlled lighting.
- Installing cameras in privacy-infringing locations or hiding them where views are obstructed can lead to legal issues, false alerts, or poor coverage.
- Using multi-point locking mechanisms and professionally installed security systems can help prevent physical breaches and provide reliable home security.
- Smart locks like the Chrome Conexis L2, Yale Linus smart lock L2, and Simpled Smart locks offer digital access control, but potential vulnerabilities, such as the possibility of doorbell cameras being hacked, should be considered before purchase.
- Proper planning, high-quality doors and windows, considering professional installation, and ensuring system integration can further enhance home security, and a professionally monitored system ensures emergency response when the homeowner is away.
