A Few Things You Should Know About Wireless Security Systems

If you are on the market for a surveillance system, your timing is impeccable because right now we are at the crossroads of this migration to a new, more efficient, and more cost-effective solution for home and business security requirements. In a world with increasing crime and criminals, wireless surveillance equipment has turned into an icon for security.

Like many people, I have been afraid of electronic products in the past. As soon as I started thinking of setting up my own surveillance system for business or home I realized that the Camera, is but one element of a multi part System.

Let's explore the make-up of today's complete wireless surveillance systems.

The 5 basic components of wireless video surveillance equipment are:


1. cameras


2. transmitters


3. receivers


4. Recorders (DVR/VCR) DVR=Digital Video Recorder. VCR=VideoCassette Recorder.


5. video displays(Monitors or Television)

All 5 of these components are fitted in some combination to create a complete video surveillance system.

How does a wireless Surveillance System Work?
The wireless camera transmits a signal to a receiver that is connected to the DVR or VCR.
Wireless cameras usually have a built-in transmitter that sends the video signal to a receiver. The receiver connects to your recording and/or viewing device. There the signal is either recorded or thereby saved or simply viewed.

Different Types of Wireless Cameras


 Dome Cameras are simply board cameras built into dome housing.

Day-night domes equipped with high-power INFRARED Leeds for use indoors, outdoors

and low-light conditions. The day/night feature makes the camera color in the day light and then automatically switch to black and white in low light conditions.


 Professional cameras can be mounted on walls, ceiling brackets, buildings,

indoors and outdoors. Professional security cameras can be weatherproof,

waterproof, day/night, low-light and even a snake camera that can access almost

any space. Professional security cameras are usually high resolution

resulting in a very sharp image with great detail. They come in color or black & white.


 Hidden Cameras are so small they are virtually invisible to the naked eye.

Hidden cameras are in disguise as common household items such as Baby Wipes,

dolls, clocks, teddy bears, smoke detectors and radios.

Transmitters


Wireless Cameras usually use 2.4GHz transmitter---Video and Audio whose standard range varies from 200' to 700' depending on environmental conditions. There are however more powerful transmitters on the market. You will find that most wireless cameras come equipped with transmitters.

Receivers


The receiver intercepts a signal transmitted by the wireless camera then feeds that signal into the DVR or VCR that it is connected to.

Recorders

VCRs - VCRs record to a video cassette tape which creates the need to change tapes. Recently released VCRs with time-lapse and video motion detection features allow the VCR to begin recording only while motion is detected. Time-lapse is a series of images taken in a set number of time intervals. This means that not every frame is recorded as it is with Real Time. Time-lapse and motion detection help space on your 9 hour videotapes.

Depending on how much activity is detected one 9 hour tape could last you weeks. Because it only records when motion is detected...cuts off after 30 seconds, resets itself and waits for the next movement.

Digital Video Recorder (DVR)
Unlike VCRs, DVRs record video to a computer hard drive or other media such as a CD or DVD. This makes a DVR easy to maintain because there are no bulky tapes to change or the risk of losing video quality when recording over previous footage. Many DVRs can be operated and monitored remotely from anywhere in the world using the Internet.

By selecting to implement this fairly simple solution for your business and home surveillance, you fulfill a clear need while gaining security and comfort.

Shopping malls, schools, hospitals, parking garages, office buildings, airports, casinos, government services, warehouses, estates and financial institutions all now commonly use video based surveillance equipment in order to protect their wares and limit costly losses.

In conclusion, for a business or home surveillance system it would be advisable to select a complete system. Being a simple system does not deduct from its importance, or its surveillance function. The expenses incurred from buying wireless video surveillance equipment is worth the effort and cost, because this equipment not only reduces the costs of security, but also helps in curbing crime and vandalism.

The Benefits To A Wireless Security Camera

Wireless security cameras offer many more benefits than the wired surveillance models. The ease in which they can move around is only one reason these security cameras have become so popular.

People generally use a wireless security camera to watch over areas that they need to know what is going on at all times. For example, an office or business. It could even be in your home so you can be sure the babysitter is watching your kids properly and not entertaining other friends while you're away.

You can never be too cautious when it comes time for your children. A security camera will alert you to any problems. I don't know about you, but I want to know that children are being taken care of the right way. You're putting your trust in someone who may be a stranger, or not very well known to you.

A wireless security camera will not only allow you to see that your children are safe, but that your home is safe as well.

Business owners find hidden security cameras especially useful in keeping an eye on employees. You'll be able to know if an employee is working or goofing off while you're away. These cameras can also be placed in sensitive areas where money is exchanged, such as a cash register or office. Theft is a serious issue for businesses and most of the time it occurrs from within, not from a robbery.

A wireless security camera is simple to install, and it is portable, so you can put it anywhere you need it. It's always ready to use and provides surveillance around the clock.

You can't be everywhere to look in and see what is going on. Now you can have some help with a wireless security camera.

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Wired And Wireless Home Security Cameras - Which One Is Better

Wireless home security cameras are becoming very popular these days. But how to decide which type of camera is suitable to you? Read on..

It is important that each and every house to have home security cameras these days. Even rural areas are not safe anymore. Most people have started installing surveillance cameras around their houses because of this. The surveillance camera, or in other words home security camera, is a piece of equipment that works like your eye but could monitor the all around the house all the time, even if you are asleep.

The purpose of installing home security cameras, as you know, is to protect your assets and also prevent theft and robberies. Apart from that there is another reason; that is protecting your house against any possible hazards, such as fire and so on. To serve this purpose there are two different types of home security cameras, they are the wired and the wireless home security cameras.

A simple camera, wired or wireless would cost not more than a thousand dollars. Many companies in the trade of home security offer both wired and wireless cameras at very affordable prices combined with special packages from which the customers can much benefit.

Deciding On a System

Irrespective whether the camera is wired or wireless it has to give quality pictures at least to identify, or clearly see, the face of the persons who are entering or trespassing the house or building. However, the expensive one has added features such as zoom function, infra red viewing, and so on. Perhaps theses features are not necessary for a house, yet sometimes they can be very helpful, especially if you are using the wireless home security cameras located far from the targeted spot where it is usually dark.

Anyway, unlike the wired ones, the wireless home security cameras have more maintenance to take care of, such as batteries, transmission and so on. When the data is transmitted on air over say ten meters you have to make sure that the path is clear without any disturbances. Finally, it is up to you to decide what is best for you. If you think you should spent bit more on securing your properties, then you could go for wireless home security cameras. On the other hand, if you are just looking for common and plan security system, and not willing to spend much or you can't afford much, then you might as well just go for conventional wired home security cameras.

How to Protect Your Property and Your Family

This article is going to be looking at Alarm systems. Alarm system means any mechanism, equipment or device which is designated to detect an unauthorized entry into any building or onto any property, or to direct attention to a robbery, burglary or other emergency in progress, and to signal the above occurrences either by a local or audible alarm or by a silent or remote alarm or that is designated to detect smoke or fire hazards.

A burglary takes place every 12 seconds and produces an average loss of $1,675 per event. Most homeowners only think about installing a home security system after they themselves or a neighbor has been a victim of a burglary.

Statistics show that homes without burglar alarm systems are four times more likely to be targeted. Therefore Alarm systems are seen to be a visual deterrent to burglary and a worthwhile investment in the protection of your home. Losses due to burglary average $400 less in residences with security systems than for a residence without security systems and 90 percent of police believe alarms deter burglary attempts.

All alarm systems generally have the same three components; the actual alarm, the sensor (which senses intrusion) and the control that causes the alarm to go off once the intrusion has occurred.

There are remote alarms which automatically call the local police department. On the other hand, there are also alarms that simply let out a siren noise. There are alarms that activate due to sensing motion, alarm systems that require an access code, wireless so that you can move them, alarm systems that will dial a neighbor instead of the police if preferred, and many more.

Burglary alarm systems can be divided into two broad categories: active and passive.
Burglary, robbery or other emergency alarm systems which use a local audible or visual alarm device to attract the attention of the public will be equipped with an automatic cutoff device which will terminate the audible or visual alarm within thirty minutes.
Whether you buy from a national alarm monitoring company, or choose to install your own alarm system, make sure you understand why you need an alarm

Just like your home, businesses without alarm systems are more likely to be burglarized than those that have an alarm system.
Alarm systems are also great for fires and other emergencies. Alarms systems for homes or small to even medium sized businesses can take up to eight hours to install.

Monitored alarm systems are a key component to deter crime, and protect your loved ones. The best alarm systems are those which combine perimeter and interior detection devices. Some alarm systems are tied to video surveillance systems so that current video of the intrusion area can be instantly displayed on a remote monitor, not to mention recorded. Most burglar alarm systems are equipped with sophisticated battery and/or cellular backup systems that kick in right away should your power or phone connection fail.

It is crucial to assess your home security needs before you begin consulting with a home security advisor or alarm company. With the variety of alarm systems out there, it is important to understand what you need before you begin shopping.

Summertime and the Thieving is Easy!

There is no doubt that the long lazy days of summer perk us all up and put a smile on our faces. No doubt either that the burglar is also perked up by summer because it is the season that many homeowners make things so easy for him.

The summer warmth means that it is time to open up the windows and let the breeze blow through the house. After all you are at home so what risk is there in opening up a window or two? Unfortunately many a homeowner has suddenly made the decision to take advantage of the weather to go out back and attend to a spell of gardening, forgetting that the windows at the front of the house are open.

Along comes Mr. Opportunist burglar. It does not take him long to size up the situation and see his opportunity. He may not even need to climb in through the window, he sees a couple of your items that are close, reaches in and takes them. The thief is not particularly looking for a rich haul, just something he can sell on to a fence to get him his fix for the day.

If he does climb into your home and rummage through your stuff, you will be unlikely to hear him; you are preoccupied with tending to your gladioli and hollyhocks.

Worse than leaving windows open and working in the back yard is making a trip to the store and leaving open windows. You are not safe by leaving upstairs windows open. Some burglars are very agile and it is no problem for them to climb on top of your garage or find some way to get in the window.

Burglars have also been known to climb in the open window of one room while the family sat in front of the TV in another room, no doubt with the sound turned up a little too loud.

Consider fitting window alarm screens. That way you can enjoy air blowing through your home and a good degree of protection. (You should not leave your home with the windows open even with alarm screens.)

Summer is vacation time, the great get-away. And that means more opportunity for the burglar. Before you leave for the big trip arrange with a neighbor that you trust to keep your lawns cut and your garden tidy. Ask you neighbor to pick up your mail and any flyers left in your porch, perhaps even park his or her car in your drive for part of the day. The idea is to make your home appear occupied.

Timer switches are not expensive and can be set to make a good job of switching on and off lights, TV sets and radios. Exterior lights should also be controlled by a timer. Activate your alarm system before you head off and have your home phone divert to your cell phone.

The longer summer days, in some neighborhoods, mean an increase of gangs and groups of teenagers hanging around street corners. Most of these mean no harm but sometimes can get a little rowdy. For others the longer days mean increased vandalism and petty crime. Not much you can do on your own, but by being an active member of your neighborhood watch you help prevent things getting out of hand.

Enjoy the summer, it is over much too soon, just take simple precautions to prevent the burglar from enjoying summer too much.

Managing Home Automation Products

Newer ways to manage your home automation systems are soon appearing in markets. There are some leading providers of home automation systems in the US who are making use of networking technology to reduce and manage consumption of energy. They have introduced a new integrated circuit, which promises to simplify and speed the functioning of home automation products, much faster and convenient then it is now at present. There are some transceivers available in the market today, which allow manufacturers to create home control products that are networked and automatically get installed when they are plugged into some wall. This reduces the fear that most consumers face or think of when they consider home automation product installation and other technology complication. These new transceivers are really making all the home automation hardware and software products really popular in home control markets.

The main idea behind efficient home automation is that of effective energy management and all the devices that help in making homes more convenient, such as air-conditioners, blinds, lights, fans, etc are already well wired to the power supply. The power line technology helps to connect these devices wirelessly to the network. All these home automation appliances come with an in built smart chip which facilitates easy and automatic installation the moment all the devices are connected to the network. So these smart chips are giving rise to wireless networks for home automation systems in homes, which are completely installation and other general setup related hassles free.

The best part about these solutions is that is extremely convenient, easy to set up, available at affordable rates and does not need an electrician to come over and do all the installations. Just look at the amount of time, effort and money one is saving in this process! This new chip technology makes an allowance for all those products that were created in agreement to the CECED, the European community of domestic appliances manufacturers. It is inexpensive to create and can be manufactured without problems.

Outdoor Security Cameras - Keeping Reality TV Larger Than Life

Big Brother and Cheaters have one thing in common: an abundance of people who gossip and connive against each other. The two shows have another similarity, too: the presence of an army of cameras.

Reality TV has a glut not only of eager participants, but also outdoor security cameras that monitor these participants' interaction with one another. In fact, in a reality TV set, it is not uncommon for there to be as many as ten outdoor security cameras. What goes on outside enclosed spaces is just as interesting as the goings-on from within, after all.

What Are the Functions of Cameras in Reality Shows?
Reality shows focus on human activity and interaction – from the mundane to the unusual. For each reality show episode, it is not uncommon for hundreds of hours of film to be shot. That's right—hundreds of hours! To ensure that the juicier parts of these activities and interactions are captured, cameras are placed in strategically located places. Inside Big Brother's house, it's not very easy to hide these electronic eyes. Outdoors, however, outdoor security cameras can be quickly camouflaged to lull people into a sense of complacency. People are at their most honest when they are at their most unguarded.

Are Outdoor Security Cameras As Useful As Indoor Surveillance Cameras?
In reality shows, indoor and outdoor cameras have equal importance. Again, what goes on inside the house is just as telling as what goes on out of it. In Cheaters, for example, many a husband or wife has been caught in flagrante delicto with a lover inside the master's bedroom. Outdoor security cameras are as effective as indoor cameras. Guilty parties have been captured by outdoor security cameras riding boats, having picnics, and even using a car for more than driving!

What Is an Outdoor Security Camera?
Outdoor security cameras are one type of surveillance camera. They are used for a variety of everyday purposes, such as securing banks and homes. There are several reasons outdoor security cameras are ideal for filming reality shows:

- The lens is protected from rain and snow. This ensures that the lens remain clear and dry.

- Outdoor security cameras can work even in complete darkness. This feature is particularly useful for shows such as Cheaters, where there is a need to catch those who believe that night time is the right time.

- Outdoor security cameras do not produce any noise or flash. This helps the camera remain hidden.

- Outdoor security cameras do not require wires or film. This makes the filming of reality shows lighter on corporate pockets.

- Outdoor security cameras don't need to be focused, and they have no complex settings. This makes it the perfect device for upholding the rule of KISS (Keep it simple, stupid).

- Outdoor security cameras contain a time and date setting. Therefore, it's easier to organize the miles of footage shot for each reality show episode.

Reality shows hold audiences spellbound because they depict what people do in real-life situations. They provide us with mirrors we can use to look at ourselves. Some say reality TV has peaked and will soon lose its popularity. Whether or not reality TV continues its iron grip on primetime ratings, one thing is certain: as long as there are reality shows, there will be outdoor security cameras.

Garage Door

If you've ever driven through Levittown, Long Island, you've seen the paradigm of post-World War II housing. Designed for the young parents who were giving birth to the baby boom generation, Levittown houses were built in accordance with the principles of pre-fabricated housing constructed for servicemen, but they incorporated the "must-haves" of post-war life: big yards, modern appliances, a television antenna, and other conveniences. Promotional photos for Levittown over a period of years show that the evolution of the garage followed major trends in the changing American lifestyle.

The earliest house plans from the 1940s show boxy, Cape Cod-style homes with a living room, dining room, bath, and two bedrooms. There were no driveways: the single car owned by most families was parked on the street. By 1950, the company brochure offered five houses in a modified Cape Cod/Ranch style, each with a driveway leading to a single attached carport. And in the sister suburb of Levittown, PA, in 1954, the developers presented a variety of homes that incorporated the latest essential in home design - an enclosed garage.

Today, if you drive through even the most moderate suburban neighborhood, you're likely to see a gaping, two- or three-car garage opening directly onto the street, with living quarters sprawling behind and above. The garage has become the façade of the modern American home.

The growth in the importance of the garage has coincided with the presence of more and more cars in the typical American family. When Henry Ford lowered the price of his Model T so that "the workers who build them can afford to buy them," the option of owning an automobile became a reality for families of modest means, and through the decades from 1910 to 1930 car ownership grew steadily.

Auto sales fell as World War II limited both income and the availability of raw materials, but millions more women learned to drive as they filled jobs previously held by servicemen. By the time the subdivision building boom began shortly after the war, nearly any young couple could afford a house for $8,000 and an $800-dollar station wagon. Typically, after driving her husband to the commuter train station, the housewife used the car to shop and run errands. (African American and other minority families, including Jews in many suburbs, were shut out of housing opportunities by restrictive covenants in the North and Jim Crow laws in the South. But that's another story.)

Soon, though, a single car wasn't enough: Dad wanted the family car, and Mom needed her own. By the 1960s, it was not uncommon for a teen to get a vehicle - often a grandparent's old car - for his 16th birthday. Instead of parking on the street or under a single carport, a family now needed at least a double garage plus room to park a third or even fourth vehicle. Today, in addition to a garage for two cars (or, more likely, one car plus an attic's worth of clutter), many suburban and rural homes include an additional, oversized garage for the RV.

Garage doors have changed, too. The earliest ones in the late 19th century were simply barn doors that allowed a farmer to bring a horse-drawn buggy into the garage for loading and unloading or storage out of the weather. They hinged outward or rolled sideways on steel tracks like a sliding closet door and were used for mechanized vehicles - tractors, cars, and trucks - as they came into wider use. Carriage houses, originally built by the wealthy for horses and carriages, also began to hold automobiles.

By the early 1920s, as more and more middle-class families could afford Model Ts, a modified version of the garage appeared. Usually a small shed (often only eight or ten feet wide), the garage wasn't wide enough for a sliding door. A single hinged door would be too heavy and ungainly to move, so a split, hinged door, each half three or four feet wide and seven to eight feet tall, was used instead. These old wooden doors can still be seen in rural areas; they often look homemade, with small windowpanes and one-by-six-inch diagonal cross-braces across the front. But their weight put great stress on hinges, screws, and the frame, and, when there was snow on the ground, it had to be shoveled out of the way before the doors could swing open.

The invention of the articulated (folding) door was the first real innovation in garage doors. A door split into hinged vertical sections could slide or roll back into the garage itself. In 1921, Mr. C. G. Johnson designed an overhead garage door with horizontal articulation. Lifted from the bottom, the door rolled up and out of the way, each section leveling out as it followed the curve of parallel steel tracks. Five years later Johnson invented the electric opener, to assist people without the strength to raise the heavy door. Johnson's company became the Overhead Door Corporation, still a leading manufacturer of garage doors.

Later developments included the slab door raised on a strong track, and doors using lightweight materials, like Styrofoam-insulated steel, and steel alloys and fiberglass that roll into a compact space - the roll-down security doors seen at many businesses today.

Along with changes in technology came changes in style. As garages were gradually incorporated into houses - that is, going from a separate building to an attached one to part of the structure itself - the look and palette of garage doors evolved. No longer limited to the red-stained barn-door model or the white paint of early 20th-century design, they began to echo French Provincial, English Manor, Colonial, and California Ranch houses, among other popular architectural styles.

The modern garage, far from being an outbuilding or an afterthought, is as much a part of the typical American home as a family room and kitchen. And, in accordance with that status, garage doors today come in all the materials and styles favored by homeowners: traditional wood - with or without glass inserts and with or without resin impregnation - articulated steel and alloys, fiberglass, vinyl coatings, and aluminum.

Do You Need a Panic Room in Your Home?

You have a safe to store your valuables, so why not have a safe to store your most precious possession of all: your life?

Escape to a Panic Room

A panic room, a room in your house that is outfitted with reinforced walls and insulation and features sturdy metal doors that lock tight, acts as a vault for people. Inside, you can keep comfort and survival items like cots, canned goods, water, a cell phone, and a radio.

Keeping Safe

Arizona couple Ed and Patti Warner feel safe in their 3 million dollar, 10,000 square foot secluded home because they have a 4 foot by 6 foot fireproof panic room tucked under their staircase. "If you go in there and shut the door, nobody can get to you – nobody. You could take your cell phone and call the police – it would be safer than running outside," says Patti.

Think it sounds a little paranoid? Not to the millions of American families who are building additions or retrofitting their homes to include a panic room. The price of safety and peace of mind can range from around $3,000 to over $1 million. But no matter the price, the purpose of the panic room is the same: to protect you in an emergency.

The idea of a panic room became more popular nationwide after the terror of 9/11 and the release of the Jodie Foster movie Panic Room, in which Foster and her character's daughter are sequestered in their home's panic room when their house is invaded. The idea of a safe haven in the home took off with worried Americans who feel more and more threatened in this modern society.

"Business spiked a little way up after Sept. 11, and it's mellowing out a little now, but this is an industry where demand goes up every year," says Bill Rigdon, vice president of construction for Los Angeles' Building Consensus, which designs and builds panic rooms for wealthy clients ranging from movie stars to CEOs. "Since 1995, there's really been an uprising for these rooms – people don't even feel safe in their own homes."

When Do You Use a Panic Room?

There are multiple scenarios in which a panic room can save lives.

Home Invasion: If intruders invade your home, you can immediately retreat to the panic room and remain out of harm's way until the police arrive.

Hurricane: A panic room's reinforced walls make it the room in your house most likely to survive a major storm. As long as your home is not threatened by the deadly storm surge, you can ride out a hurricane in your panic room until it clears.

Tornado: Hurricanes are predictable and you have plenty of time to prepare, but tornados put the "panic" in the term "panic room." In the event of a tornado, you may have only seconds to seek shelter, and an easily accessible panic room at the center of your home could literally save your life. You can stay safe there until danger passes. The rest of your house may crumble, but a panic room is designed specifically to withstand disaster.

Yesterday's Fallout Shelters

Today's panic rooms are yesterday's fallout shelters. Both reflect the fears of their time: nuclear war and modern terrorism in all its forms. But today's panic rooms are a little more high tech than their cousins of yesteryear.

Available Features of a Panic Room

1, Dummy electrical wires (So the intruder thinks he's cutting the power, but he's not.)


2, Steel-reinforced walls that deflect armor-piercing bullets.


3, External ventilation systems.


4, A separate phone line.


5, Bathroom facilities.


6, Security cameras.


7, Shielding from nuclear rays.

A panic room can be anything you dream it to be. It can be as complex as a multi-room bunker or something as simple as an extra-sturdy walk-in closet stocked with a few days' survival supplies. All panic rooms offer the same basic benefit: safety and peace of mind in an emergency situation. Everyone wants to know they have a place where they can be safe. Do you?

"People are transformed when they go into one of these rooms or areas," says Al V. Corbi, president of The Designer, which designs high-end residences. "It's like you can see them exhale for the first time in years. We're always on our guard, even driving to work. A safe core is the only place where you can really let down your guard."

Home Safes Explained

Why use a home safe?

Well things have changed a lot in modern society, more and more of us have a lot more valuables or items of sentimental value. We also need to protect important documents too in this day and age. Identity theft is a fast growing crime and a safe can prevent this.

What type of safe do i need?

A commonly asked question by our customers and a very relevant one too. Before purchasing any type of safe you need to write down a list of what you want to protect and also what from. By this we mean do you just want to stop a thief from taking your valuables? Do you need the safe to protect documents against fire? Do you need to protect valuable data in the form of computer media from theft and fire? Have you been asked to get one by your insurance company?

Once you know what you require of the safe its time to look at the options available.
If its an insurance requirement they will normally specify an amount it should cover. What this means is that safe has a "cash rating" or "jewelery rating" of X amount. As a general rule the jewelery rating is normally ten times more than the cash rating. For example a safe with a cash rating of £1000 has a jewelery rating of £10000

Now you know the cash rating they require you can start to look at the next options available. Firstly how big does it need to be? what are you going to put in it? ie: a laptop or just small items like cash, passports etc. Once you know how big it needs to be you need to work out a suitable place for it to be fitted. Ideally the safe should be bolted down to the floor and or to a wall for maximum security. If space is limited there is the option of having a floor or wall safe. A floor safe can offer excellent security but isn't suitable for many home uses and is inconvenient to retrieve items from. A wall safe is easy to use and can be hidden behind a picture etc but generally these safes don't have very high cash ratings.

Another option you have when choosing a safe is the type of locking options available. You may have key operated, digital electronic keypad, combination or a mix of these. Key operated safes are usually quite reliable and you only have to keep the key safe. These types of locks can go on for years without any problems and are a cost effective choice. Digital locks offer convenience and can also allow the user to change the code if need be. The downsides are you need to change the batteries every so often and also electronics don't always offer the same longterm reliability that a key operated safe can. The manufacturers are bringing out better products all the time to combat this downfall and there are some excellent digital locks on the market now. Unfortunately digital locking options can be more expensive over a key operated option. Combination locks are popular in America but not so common in the UK on home safes.Lots of commercial safes are fitted with them and they offer good levels of protection. The code can be changed by the home user but its not always an easy procedure to tackle first time.

Lets not forget about the cheap safes you see everywhere now with digital keypads and also overide keys. Ok they are a safe but they offer a very limited amount of security (the reasons why are another article in itself). We get a lot of calls to these types of safes where the keypad has failed or the keys are lost and generally the charge to open it is more than what the safe cost to buy, so choose carefully.

If you want a safe for fire or data protection you need to choose wisely and consult your local safe supplier for more in depth information.

Safes can be expensive items to initially buy but look at them as a long term purchase. A good quality safe will give you many many years of trouble free security which can be taken from property to property. The peace of mind provided by having one is a small price to pay.

Upgrading to Keyless Entry in the Home

These days, most vehicles include keyless entry, which allows car owners the convenience of unlocking doors with the push of a button or code. So why do most home owners still fumble with keys when it comes to unlocking the doors in their homes? Home door locks that incorporate technology such as fingerprint recognition, electric and digital keypad locks and combination locks are convenient alternatives to traditional keyed locks. As keyless door lock technology has progressed, the equipment has become increasingly affordable for the average home owner. Keyless door locks provide benefits and convenience with the potential to one day take the place of keyed door locks as the standard in new homes.

When considering installing a keyless access system in the home, you will notice that there are mechanical and electric systems with diverse capabilities on the market. Keypad door locks require that you enter the correct code on a keypad to gain access to the home. Parents particularly value locks with keyless access because multiple children can learn the code and enter the house, eliminating the need to keep up with a key. Keypad door locks also offer the flexibility to change the code whenever necessary. A homeowner may give the home access code to a temporary worker who needs to enter the home on a particular day, and change the code thereafter.

Fingerprint recognition door locks are also growing in popularity in the keyless entry arena. Fingerprint recognition is the most accurate system of authentication, and has long been established in the security and criminal investigation fields. Today, door locks for the home utilizing fingerprint technology are widely available in the consumer market. Installing and programming a fingerprint recognition door lock allows every member of a household to access the home by simply touching a pad. Like keypad door locks, many fingerprint recognition systems can also be easily programmed to allow temporary access to workers or house sitters who have specific business in the home. Workers' fingerprints can be pre-programmed to grant them permission to enter within a pre-established time range, giving the homeowner peace of mind and heightened security.

Upgrading to a keyless entry system in your home is surprisingly easy and affordable. Many keyless locks offer a combination of access options, such as fingerprint recognition and a keypad, adding to the convenience that keyless access to the home provides.

There is No Other Flooring like Garage Flooring

Garage flooring offers some very unique flooring options. If you are looking for style then you might be looking to install a fancy tile floor. If you simply wan to protect your garage flooring then you several other options to consider. This article will look at garage flooring options you might consider.

Garage flooring unlike other flooring solutions comes in many different styles and colors. The checkered look is one of the most popular garage flooring looks you will find. The choice of garage flooring that suits you best will ultimately depend on the type of use your garage gets.

If your garage is used for classic cars then you may want to consider a stylish tile flooring that will give you grate options in a classis look that will make your car stand out and shine. There is sense of pride that comes with garage flooring that simply is not found in any other flooring solution in your home.

If you use your garage for a work shop than you may want to consider coating your flooring with one of the many types sealant that protects the cement form damage. If you will be working with wood or other materials you wan to make sure it is easy to clean.

You may also consider a mat type of garage flooring material. Garage floor mats come in many types of style sot meet most anyone's needs. They are extremely durable and can be replaced when damaged.

Like most any other flooring there will always be garage flooring materials that will be more expensive than others. The higher the quality the more you will pay, but you do not need to get the highest quality garage flooring to be happy. There is some very durable and economical garage flooring solutions on the market.

One reason why garage flooring can get expensive is in trying to get the coolest looking flooring. If you are not stuck on a certain look or style then you will be able to find some very nice garage flooring solutions on the market.

Concrete Sectional Garages - Which Type Of Garage Is For You?

A prefabricated sectional concrete garage, however, allows you the flexibility and structure you need to consider putting a garage up on your property. Unlike prefabricated lean to garages, the concrete sectional garages do not need to be propped up against a supporting structure like a house. Concrete sectional garages are the perfect solution.

If you are on a budget, there are still a wide range of garages available for your use. While the design specifications may not be as fancy or as nice as some of the more expensive models, they will still get the job done and well, too. They come in a range of styles, sizes, and colors to help you fit it right in with the rest of your property as well.

If money is less of an option, then you may want to look at a concrete sectional garage with all of the nice features to dress it up. Your prefabricated sectional garage can include things such as archways to liven up the look of it, to a wider variety of styles and roofs, to extra windows and doors to let in just the right amount of light.

Concrete sectional garages are weather resistant so that your car and other property is protected from the elements, and you will adore the storage space that you can include if you choose a style that is a bit larger than you need for you car. The extra storage or work space can be quite the blessing for someone with limited room in their home.

In addition to the wide variety of buildings available when it comes to the sectional garages, you will also enjoy the ease in which they are installed. A professional team will come out to your home with all the parts they need to install the garage you have ordered, and they won�t be done until you approve what they have set up for you. This means that you don�t have to worry about mucking up a complicated installation.

Once the concrete sectional garage is installed and standing, you will love how well your chosen design and color fits in with the rest of your property. These sectional garages are fully customizable to make sure that you get exactly the out building that you wanted for your money, and the installation as well, which is usually included in the price of purchase.

No matter what part of the UK you live in, the weather will be a concern for at least part of the year. Whether you are worried about your favorite hobbies being made a mess of or your car being weathered, a garage is the solution to your weather woes. There is no kind of garage that is more convenient, nicer looking, or easier to install than a concrete sectional garage.

Cooling Off In Apartments or Rentals

You sit in your favorite recliner, the sweat running down your back as you fan yourself with the newspaper. "Blast this 100-degree heat and humidity," you think to yourself. "If only I had some air conditioning, this wouldn't be so bad." This is the plight of anyone who lives in an apartment or a rental home during the height of summer. Who wants to invest money in a permanent air conditioner that you will need to leave behind when you move out? Well, there is finally a great solution to this dilemma: get a portable air conditioner. You will be able to cool off in your apartment or rental home, and then when you are ready to leave, your handy portable air conditioner can come with you, too.

One of the nice features of portable air conditioners is that you can find them in several sizes, so you can get just the right one to meet your cooling needs. If you have a small place, there are portable air conditioners that can beautifully cool 200 square feet. For larger areas, you can find great portable units that will maintain a comfortable temperature in 500 square feet, and any range in between. As the name implies, these air conditioners can move because they have coasters on the bottom that allow them to roll effortlessly from place to place. If you want to cool the bedroom at night, and an office area in the morning, you can do it all with a portable air conditioner.

If you have allergies, then air quality is a huge issue for you. Many portable air conditioners can actually improve the air circulation in rooms with poor ventilation, and can use ionizers and filters to trap impurities from the air. Dehumidifiers are also available in some units.

Some of the portable air conditioners are very small, and run very quietly, which is a plus if you have it in the bedroom and you are trying to sleep. They come in manual and remote control varieties.

A permanent air conditioner can be a big power waster. In contrast, you will enjoy cost savings due to the efficient manner in which portable air conditioners function. Many recycle the moisture captured in the room, and use that water to cool the cooling coils. This helps the unit to run more economically, because it is not over-taxed by the demands placed on it.

Probably the best part of having a portable air conditioner is the fact that when you decide to move out of your apartment or rental home, the air conditioner will be going with you. No more money down the drain--now your super-functional portable air conditioner is yours to keep.

Log Cabins Make the Ideal Home Office

Do you want to work from home but there isn�t any space? Are you working from home but family members and friends distract you? Do you need more space for your office, but an extension is too expensive and time consuming?

A Log cabin, as a home office could provide a quick and easy solution to your problems, and are gaining in popularity. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, look attractive and can be built in less than a week. Being located in a beautifully designed log cabin could enhance your company, be developed as part of your company�s branding and become a valuable business asset.

A one-room log cabin in a square or rectangular design is the most prevalent shape for an office, although you could have an L shape, a hexagon shape or have one designed to your exact specifications. The size of the log cabin is often dictated by the available space in your garden. The smallest size for a log cabin office is generally 8� x 10� and the most popular sizes are 12� x 8� and 12� x 10�. Ideally you should have a clear space of least 18� wide on all sides to ensure easy access for installation and future maintenance. Log cabins are easy to maintain once they are erected. To help prolong the life of your log cabin, once a year the external timber should be treated with a quality wood stain and the windows and door hinges should be oiled regularly.

If you regularly have customers visiting your office, a loft-designed log cabin may be your choice. The upstairs area could be your working area and the downstairs used as a meet and greet area; furnished with comfortable sofas and chairs, coffee table and a tea-and-coffee making area. Customers will not want to leave!

The log cabin used as an office, should contain sufficient desk and file storage space and be at the correct temperature so it can be used all-year-round. A thermostatic heater, double-glazing, insulated walls, floor and ceiling, can help maintain a comfortable working temperature in the winter. In the summer, with the doors and windows open you can create a refreshing atmosphere to work in. If you choose a log cabin with a veranda, not only will it enhance the look of your office, but you�ll also have the choice of working outside while enjoying the fresh air. You�ll be the envy of everyone who has to work in a stuffy office!

Log cabins can be built from scratch or by assembling a DIY kit. DIY kits only need a basic selection of tools, such as: a hammer, screwdriver, power drill, spirit level, an adjustable spanner, a knife, stepladder and safety goggles. This could be an interesting project for any DIY fan. However, if the thought of assembling your own log cabin fills you with fear, don�t worry. There are companies that specialise in designing and constructing log cabins specifically for offices. They understand the needs of a log cabin when it is used as a home office and will work with you from the planning stage, right through to the finished construction. They will ensure there is enough power and telecom points fitted for all your electrical equipment, plenty of room for shelves and cupboards to hold your stock and accessories and adequate lighting so you don�t strain your eyes while you�re working. The log cabin is then fitted with a secure locking system to keep your business safe.

So, don�t just dream about having a home office; a log cabin could be the answer.

Are Home Security Systems Enough To Protect You And Your Family

It seems like everywhere you go or look today you see info about home security systems. Every advert or report you see informs what the cost is for every system, and that the security system can help save you and your family's life. What they do not inform you is that the modern day world is full of safety issues and that no single system can protect you from every potential problem or danger. This is not scare mongering its just an unfortunate truth. Hopefully after reading this article you might have a better idea of the individual elements you might need to protect your family, home and its contents.

You only have to watch television to see that home security systems alone are probably not enough, even with the huge advances in technology like wireless technologies. Lets face we are guilty of ignoring the darker side of modern life. Hopefully you will never have to experience anything that brings you back to reality but hope is not really enough is it. Going back to television the recent craze for crime based programs like the csi series can actually be helping the criminals with how to avoid detection and making them bolder.

If we actually look at reality it does not really matter what system we get as the criminals will eventually figure out a way of bypassing it, just look at car alarms. Among the prevalent crimes in today's world is property crime. It is not the only crime obviously but it is one of the ones we need to be most concerned about. Property crime is not just breaking and entering or burglary, it takes many other forms. Today's modern day burglar may just hack into your computer and steal from you that way obviously the most worrying is the violent burglar who may injure or even kill after he has committed his crime.

When someone forces their way into your home whether by stealth or strength this is burglary or breaking and entering. If they use excessive force then that is aggravated burglary. More over criminal by nature can be impulsive. Lets face it can we all control our urges all of the time. The startling thing today is that more and more crimes are being committed by the white collar set, it is no longer the domain of the low income or under privileged.

I realize this may paint a dark picture but if you take the right precautions you can decrease your chances of being involved in a crime considerably. Do not just stick at a home security system for your house. Make sure you have an up to date car alarm and tracking system if possible and take adequate precautions to make sure you computer is well protected both from online intrusion as well as at home.

Internet Business From Home – Basics of Internet Home Business

Obtaining an ideal Internet business from home is extremely easy and can be attained if you are sentient of the basics of the business. The first thing that you should decide are the goals of the Internet business you are willing to begin from home.

The basic step is to decide the working hours, the costs, the capital and the economic returns you believe you can get from your Internet business. After making a calculation of all these aspects, you will be able to decide whether Internet business from home is a business for you or not.

There are number of costs that you will have to incur when you start Internet business from home. The biggest cost is of making a web site. Along with it there will be cost of advertising and marketing. Decisions regarding the type of publicity that you would like to have is also an important one. You will have to decide whether you would like to advertise through local markets or use Internet marketing strategies. The costs for the two will be quite different. Also the type of clients coming from the two kinds of advertising will be different

The next big thing that you will have to decide is that what inventory you would need for starting the Internet business from home. You will have to find out whether you need to attain a license to start the type to business you are planning.

Once you make the above decisions and plan your things properly, Internet business from home can offer great returns

How Do Wireless Home Security Alarm Systems Work?

Owning a home is a wonderful feeling. It is your home you can do with it as you want. Decorate it. Make improvements to it. Alter the layout and configuration. You now have a place a place for your family to call their own and to keep your belongings.

Most homeowners feel secure in their home. The exterior doors have locks and dead bolt locks on them. Some homes have steel exterior doors. These things make the home more secure; however, not as well as you might think.

Insuring that the house, and the people inside of it, is protected is important. It doesn't matter where the house is located. It doesn't even matter if the home is in a rural setting. Any house that has no deterrent to someone breaking in and stealing or harming a family member is asking for trouble.

What can the homeowner do to protect family and assets?

Consider installing a home security alarm. In the past having a security system installed required having cables pulled all over the house. Having the installers drill holes in the wall cavity to pull wires to each door, window, and sensor in the house. You have to move your furniture out of the installer's way. Even the most careful and thoughtful installer will still make a mess that you have to clean up.

There is now available to a homeowner a wireless home security alarm. That means that there doesn't need to be wires all over the house for the system to work.

Wireless home security alarm, the easier way to protect your home.

The wireless home security alarm is still monitored around the clock. In the event of a break in or fire the monitoring company will call the police or fire department as needed.

The alarm will still sound off so someone knows that there is an alarm. This is great because if the loud alarm sounds and it will most likely send the intruder running away.

Wireless Home Security Alarm Options

With any new wireless home security alarm comes many options for the homeowner to consider.

• Have alarm system secure the doors and windows.Installing glass breakage detectors.



• Installing motion detectors in the major spaces in the house.
• Wireless security cameras around the perimeter of the house.
• Have the alarm system actively monitored?



• Integrate the smoke / fire detectors into the alarm system.

Another significant décor item is the alarm interface panel. You will need to decide where to have it installed so that you have enough time to disarm the alarm system before it thinks you are an intruder.

Many new panels are nice enough that they won't look cheap in the house. Consider the many options available and take some time to decide on what is best for the home and family.

A wireless home security alarm system offers home owners many different choices and options with minimal installation mess and hassle. Wireless alarm systems by their nature can be easily expanded and additional security devices added to the alarm system. A wireless home security alarm will give the home owner peace of mind and protect all assets including the most valuable thing in the house: the family.

Home Security - It's Not Just Locking The Door

When the topic of home security springs to mind, most people seem to think of burglar alarms and little to nothing else. Alarms can be a great way to protect your home, although they are only a small part of what makes up an effective home security system. Burglar alarms are a key to protecting your home – although there are other things you'll need as well.

Believe it or not, the windows are actually the key to home security. Homes that have poor constructed windows tend to get broken into a lot more than homes with secure and sturdy windows. When you are dealing with your windows, you should make sure that you have tough glass and locks that fit to the windows. When you are away from home, you should always make sure that your windows are locked. Even though some windows may be hard to reach, you should always lock them. Burglars make a living out of stealing – and they will normally find a way in if they see the opening.

Along with the windows, doors are also known to be a weakness of security around the home. Doors should always be strong and sturdy, complete with tough locks that aren't easy to force open. If you have a spare key, you should be careful where you leave it. Losing your keys can also make you a target, especially if you have anything on your key ring that reveals your home address.

To better protect their homes, most people choose to invest in a home surveillance system. These systems are great for monitoring the home, as they can record video and keep it stored for you to view later. If you travel a lot, a home surveillance system can be an ideal way to keep a check on your home while you're away.

Guard dogs are also common with home security as well. A guard dog can protect your home from burglars, thieves, and other types of trouble. Guard dogs can be very handy to have around, as most dogs are more than capable of scaring away trouble with their bark. The only downside to guard dogs is the fact that you'll need to train them and ensure that they always have food and water.

Last, but certainly not least are burglar alarms. Burglar alarms can be effective to an extent, although they are primarily good for scaring thieves away. If you put an alarm in a visible location from the outside of the home, most burglars won't even attempt to enter your home. Even though burglar alarms are great for scaring off thieves – you'll still need to have other areas of your home safe and secure as well to get the most of your home security.

Using Rubber Roofing Products

There is a wide range of rubber roofing products available for your roof. They are designed for both types of roofs, flat roofs as well as sloping roofs. You may use these rubber roofing products in your office building or your home building. They are suitable for both. Usually while the roof is being constructed, whether a flat roof or a sloping roof, there is hardly any seams when you install a rubber roofing products. This makes it the best option for office buildings where it is difficult to maintain. Thus in these types of installations, in less maintenance roofs, very little repair work needs to be done. But if unfortunately any leaks develop then you may have to get some repairing work done.

Repairing roofing material

Repairing rubber roofing is a very simple job and does not require any elaborate measure like the other type of roofing shingles. Roofing shingles are used in commercial buildings chiefly for this purpose only because they hardly need any maintenance. The contractors or the consumers, anyone can directly buy these roofing materials. There is a large variety of these roofing materials available.
An interesting aspect of rubber roofing material which many people do not consider is the other uses of these materials. Rubber roofing materials can be used as an extra protection cover for your boat, or as a protective cover for your pet dog's house and if you are planning to water proof your storage building then also you may use rubber roofing material. Thus there are many other practical uses of these cover.

Rubber Roofing Products

Rubber roofing products are available everywhere and you just need to go to your local store or visit innumerable online stores and with a few clicks of the mouse you will surely find a material of your choice. There is wide variety available and you are sure to find one that suits your requirements. You may need a professional to get the rubber roofing installed. If you are experienced and know how to do it you may do on your own and thus save on the labor costs. If the repairs are small then you may consider doing the repairs on your own but in case of elaborate repairs you may need a professional.
However before you start attempting any kind of repairs be sure of the type of roofing that you have. The subsequent products that you may use on your roofs depend on the present roofing material. It is obvious that the new and the old materials should be compatible with each other. Otherwise they will look odd and will mar the entire look of the house. In case you plan to install the roof yourself do make sure that you know how to do it. Nothing could be worst than getting stuck in the middle of it and not knowing what to do next. Give the idea a great deal of thought especially if you are attempting roof repairing for the first time.

Hence once you select the right material for your roofs you will have the satisfaction of knowing that your house is well protected and your investment is safe. The various rubber roofing products and the roofing materials that are available do help in protecting the house.

Why Choose Resilient Flooring?

How do you choose the flooring for your home? Does it have to be comfortable under your feet, durable, cost effective, easy to install and with aesthetic appeal? Resilient flooring has most of these characteristics. Resilient flooring is effective and cost efficient for both residential and commercial applications including stores, schools and health care facilities. Resilient flooring is also becoming popular with modern laboratories, computer rooms, dormitories, spas, restaurants and libraries because of its performance, wide range of available designs and a myriad of colors to choose from.

For residential application, resilient flooring is more often installed in entryways, kitchens, bathrooms and in areas where heavy traffic is often expected. More and more apartments are also using resilient flooring, which replaces old carpets. This is increasingly becoming popular especially for people with known allergies to dust and mites because this doesn't trap dust like carpets. Resilient flooring is also easy to clean and maintain.

All synthetic and resin based floor coverings are considered resilient flooring. Linoleum, cork, rubber, vinyl tiles and sheet floorings are all resilient floorings. However, linoleum is no longer as popular as it used to be in the past and is rarely used today.

Resilient flooring is very practical for families with small children. This is because of its flexibility, resistance to water and stain and it is very easy to maintain. Its soft property helps muffle noise and is comfortable to the feet and legs. Additionally this type of flooring offers a higher chance of survival for a dropped glass, because of its "bounce back" property.

Resilient flooring is also considered one of the least expensive types of flooring materials available in the market today. It is also the easiest and quickest type of flooring to install. Although it is cheaper to install resilient flooring compared with other flooring materials, it doesn't mean your design is compromised with the low price tag. Forget the old look linoleum floors found in your mother's house. New resilient floorings are already available in a wide variety of colors and designs, which range from simple geometric and graphic designs to sheets that mimic other types of floors. You can commonly find resilient flooring designs that imitate wood, marble, brick or ceramic tile. Creating your own design with resilient flooring is easy because each sheet is easy to cut, making design coordination with your existing flooring a breeze.

Designers suggest that you choose small design patterns for smaller rooms and large design patterns for larger rooms. It is important to choose designs that coordinate with the design elements of the room. Be aware that light colored floors require frequent cleaning. Be careful in choosing the color and pattern of your floor. It is often a mistake to choose a pattern from a small sample. Pattern from a small sample may look beautiful but the pattern repeat can become overwhelming once on the floor.

Finally, you will love resilient flooring because it will give you the opportunity to be creative. This will allow you to create a unique floor pattern that is distinctively your own style and taste. The next time you visit your favorite home building store, look for resilient flooring. You might just find something nice for your flooring project.

Pepper Shot Spray Helps subdue Thieves

I have been security guard in a major department store for over 20 years and have always carried Pepper Shot spray. One of my primary duties is to watch for shoplifters and to detain them once they go outside the store. You never know how a person is going to react when they are being detained for shoplifting. Some people are flustered and come back quietly, while others attempt to run or even attack you. I am not a large lady, but I carry Pepper Shot spray as one way to protect myself against shoplifters who would rather fight than surrender.

Every year on my birthday, family members would give me new cans of Pepper Shot spray—it got to be a family joke about mom taking down the bad guys. Sometimes I grew tired of this joke, but never again!

I usually detain several shoplifters everyday. It is amazing the number of people who think they can walk into a store and steal merchandise. Even if I do not spot them, the surveillance cameras throughout the store are monitored constantly by other employees. When someone is seen putting items under their clothes or into bags, the floor guards are alerted to the situation. We put ourselves into positions where we can watch the potential shoplifter and the exits.

On this particular day, there were three men stealing merchandise. They were spotted on the surveillance cameras working a scam on the sale person in the jewelry department. They would keep her moving back and forth between them asking to see different pieces of jewelry, then; they would pocket items when she was busy with the other person.

I saw the men working their scam from a distance and was momentarily stunned that they were all so big. I had a gut feeling that they were not going to be willing to stop when we approached them outside of the store. There were 2 fresh cans of Pepper Shot spray in leatherette holsters with belt clips attached to my uniform—birthday gifts from my family that were meant to be a joke. Carefully, I handed a can of Pepper Shot spray to my partner and also put a can in my hand and unlocked it.

We were standing by an exit door and were ready to stop the shoplifters as soon as they exited the store. Once the three men left the jewelry counter, they split up and each headed for a different exit. The man coming toward us was extremely large and muscular. All I could think of was 'how in the world' were we going to stop him. He was moving quickly and was through the door in a flash with the two of us behind him.

Once challenged, he did stop immediately, but he turned and came charging back at us. The Pepper Shot spray that hit his face immediately caused swelling in his eyes and difficulty in breathing. He went down quickly—never expecting a female security guard to stop him.

Guard America
10657 San Sicily Street, Las Vegas, NV 89141
Phone/Fax: (702) 914-3722
info@guardamericaselfdefense.com

Welding Fabrics Using Battery Powered Heat Guns

The heat gun is an extremely versatile tool and can even be used for fabric welding. The restricted hot air blasting from the heat gun helps fuse sheets of plastic tarpaulins together creating an impermeable seam that is capable of withstanding stress while in use. The seam therefore becomes as strong as the original material because the heat gun melts the fabric together.

Plastic sheets can be welded together to make tarpaulins and customize them for a large number of uses. With the heat gun this can be done faster than usual and the process becomes extremely easy. This helps you to make customized pieces of durable plastic sheets in practically no time at all. The added benefit is that you can use such customized pieces for a variety of tasks as the tasks may require different sized plastic sheets. Many people use such plastic sheets to make covers for their boats or trucks and other such vehicles. With your heat gun you can therefore create a cover to shield your goods while in transit.

To weld two pieces of plastic fabric into one you need to cut both pieces according to the required size with an inch and a half of extra material to be used while making the seam. The next step is to lay the sheets out making sure that the extra material overlaps by an inch. A slit nozzle is then attached to the heat gun and the hot air produced from it should be directed over the overlapping material so that it melts and is welded into one piece. You will then need a feed roller to press the area of the seam.

With a heat gun you will realize the potential to create customized pieces of sheeting that can be put to a variety of uses. They can range from vehicle covers to coverings for your patio. With the many diverse uses of a heat gun one of which is to weld together two pieces of fabric, you will be able to use this instrument in a vast way.

Defend Yourself Against Attack!

Our streets and public parks can be very dangerous. Mugging, rape, stabbing or baby theft. It seems to be getting worse!

But we are not allowed to carry a weapon to defend ourselves.

But the Mugger or Rapist is out there, ready and waiting. For who?

Me? YOU?

In your home, it's different. If you found an intruder in your bedroom you would be fully entitled to use appropriate force. Leaflets are available from police stations giving full information about your rights in such a situation.

But on the street or in the park, it's different: what can you do?

I recommend you carry an umbrella. It is not a legally prohibited "weapon" like a knife or gun. Sunny or wet, no matter what the weather it is never "wrong" to carry it. Sunshade or rain guard, especially as a walking stick – it is never out of place.

Particularly importantly, a young man can carry one perfectly legally. He does not need a knife or gun to defend himself. The umbrella is a very effective and dangerous spear. Powerful and devastating. Easily able to cope with a knife – if you have studied and practised it.

Amagasa-jutsu is a newly developed martial art detailing ways of surviving a street confrontation using your umbrella. Giving you a chance of staying alive, un-broken and un-stabbed. Quickly and relatively easily learnt even by the ordinary, non-aggressive elderly man and woman.

Apart from sun, rain and walking stick use, its main function is as a spear. That is, thrusting into the attacker. Target – eye, throat.

You must make absolutely sure to get a strong model. If it is flimsy, it wil break and leave you defenceless in your emergency. I myself use the Unbreakable Umbrella, powerful, very strong and quite apart from its 'spear-like' function, it is able to really smash into a leg or face – after the initial thrust to target.

Don't buy down to a low price. That could be your death! Buy 'up' for reliability and strength.

But like me, you may be weaker than you were twenty years ago. You may be unfit and elderly. Overweight, out of training. So how could you batter a fit vigorous mugger senseless? Of course, you cannot.

I recommend the Amagasa-jutsu technique termed the Billiard Thrust.
With the tip on the ground at your right side, flip the end up into your left hand and like a billiard cue thrust directly into his throat or eye, withdrawing it in the instant. The action must be very fast – or even faster than that! Practise against a cardboard box in the garden to develop speed and courage. WHACK!

Ferociously dangerous, Yes, of course!

But what is he trying to do? - he's trying to rob, stab or rape you. What choice do you have? You must Survive!

Should I Add Motion Sensors To My Home Security System?

So you may have a security system already.
Yes, you may have several of your doors & windows protected...
But what if you did not have ALL of your doors and windows wired for contacts?

You may be suprised that the majority of homes that have security systems are actually under protected. Thats right, due to finances, many people choose a security system that protects only 2-3 doors or windows?

In fact...
In some areas where the older homes were not pre-wired for security beforehand, some people choose to simply protect their front and back door only.

What does that mean for you?

While it is true that some protection is better than no protection, it concerns me that a burglar may enter any window of the house and not trip the burglar alarm.
Now you can see why a motion sensor comes in handy.

How A Motion Detector Works
Imagine a decvice that is approximately 3" X 4" that is strategically placed in a corner of your home so that the stairway that leads to your bedrooms is protected.

Now imagine an invisible beam that casts a web up to 40 ft long. Anything or anyone that crosses that invisible barrier will trigger a security alarm signal immediately notifying the authorities.

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Different Kinds Of Motion Detectors Available
1) The Standard Hardwired Motion Sensor: this motion sensor will be installed if your home has been pre-wired for security or you have basement access to run wires for it. If you have an inside pet this may not be the option for you as it will set off false alarms as it detects their movement.

2) Pet Immune Motion Sensor: this motion sensor ignores pets that weigh under 60 lbs and will eliminate the false alarms caused by small dogs and cats.

3)Wireless Motion Sensor: You will use this when the home is not pre-wired for security & you do not have access for an alarm technician to run wires later on. Wireless motion detectors are available in both the standard & pet immune variety

4)Duel Tech Motion Sensors: This specialized motion detectorr not only works like the Pet immune sensor...It goes one step further.

It not only detects motion ...it also requires detecting body heat before sounding an alarm. As you can imagine this is the best motion detector available. But it also is the most expensive. Sensors are available in both hardwired & wireless variety.

Motion sensors give an extra line of defence to your security system. They really come in handy when protecting a basement that has many windows. any movement downstairs will trigger an alarm scaring a burglar away. Which motion sensor seems right to you?

Why not talk to a security system consultant to find out how you may add one to your existing system?

Look At Your Shutter Hinges

When you think of your shutters, the last thing that you are concerned about is the shutter hinges. Well this is a completely wrong approach. In most cases we do not even consider them since it is very rare that the shutters are used or moved and as long as the hinge works, we are happy. Well this should just not be the case. The shutter hinges that are available now are state of the art and much more visually appealing than their predecessors. In most cases we do not even realize what our shutter hinge will look like or what kind of condition that it may be in. However we do nee to look at this periodically and determine if they function and look at it from the point of a buyer and try to determine what they would see, like, or dislike in reference to your shutters and your hinges. Make sure that you inspect and check these hinges to make sure that they are working. At one point you too were the home buyer and you wanted to explore every inch of that home and what it brought to you.

Another item that we rarely look at in our homes and owe a lot more attention to is the window hardware. In many cases just like the shutter hinge, as long as the window will open and close and that the window locks we do not care very much about the window hardware. It is when something is actually wrong that we will finally go to take a look at it and realize that hey this could have been avoided if only we would have done some regular maintenance on them in the first place. If we do not do regular maintenance on the windows we may find ourselves doing some unwanted and unscheduled home improvement projects down the road. Simple oil and cleaning will work wonders to keep everything running smooth in most windows and costs little to no money to do so.

So by keeping up on regular tasks on these two items and by updating them as necessary you will be able to avoid a lot of headaches and problems for yourself down the road. Take into consideration all that needs to be done and how little time it will take to keep up on these things so you are not caught with a big surprise in the middle of the winter when you least expect it.

Electrical Appliances - Living In The Fast Lane

What is that we strive continuously and almost endlessly for? This is the irony that we put at stake the only thing we work our lifetime for. Comfort is what we continue to seek in every realm of human activity and this has kept us moving so far. To a large extent this has been the governing principal behind all the inventions and discoveries. So, when it comes to electrical appliances and electrical goods, the day by day progress of market and technical advancements does not come as surprise, rather it has become a never ending process of striving harder than ever.

Degrees may vary, but all of us depend upon electrical goods and appliances is an undeniable reality. Some of these appliances come under basic necessities while some of them may be included in the category of luxury. Electrical home appliances not only simplify the tasks and daily chores but they also make us a proud home owner. To an extent, some of these electrical appliances may signify the much coveted tag of 'status symbol'.

Electrical appliances have an extensive range of products and come in multiple quality options. Since they are electrical, it is strongly recommended that one should go for brand and reliability and not short term benefits such as low cost. Let us not go much into the list of products as the range encompasses vacuum cleaners, laundry, fridges, dishwashers, cookers, kitchen appliances and what not!

One can not thank Internet enough for what it brings to our doorsteps. Unquestionable service in quality products is almost synonymous to online shopping websites and standing up to this, online electrical goods shops are making the world around us even more electrical, fast and efficient.

Personal Protection - Our Right - Our Duty

Our country's foundation is based on its people having "certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness". Our government, "deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed", provides for our national, state, local and individual safety and security. It provides our armed forces, police forces and fire departments. The government cannot protect us from everything however. Therefore, we also have the right, and the duty, to personally protect ourselves and property. There are passive and active ways to do this.

Passively we stay vigilant about our surroundings. We stay away from dangerous situations and do not leave our belonging in places where they may be taken. We are careful about fire and electricity. We obey speed limits. There are other things as well, but you get the picture.

The simplest active option, used by most people, is locking doors and windows. What are some other active options? We can use weapons, both lethal and non-lethal, alarms and surveillance devices.

Most people are uncomfortable using lethal weapons such as guns and knives. Too many bad things can happen with them. Alternatives include mace/pepper spray, stun guns/tazers, whistles and martial arts. The idea with these alternatives is to stall the attacker for enough time to get away or bring help. Alarms and surveillance devises are used to protect our property and to make sure the babysitter is behaving.

Making Your Home More Burglar Resident

Windows

Many burglars enter homes by simply breaking glass windows. A good deterrent is to have better quality glass installed at vulnerable points around the perimeter of your residence. Most burglars avoid attempting to break the following types of glass due to the fear of attracting attention:

LAMINATED GLASS is made by a vinyl or plastic interlayer sandwiched between two layers of glass. This type of glass adds additional strength to your windows. To gain entry, a burglar would have to strike the glass repeatedly in the same spot in order to make a small opening. Most burglars are reluctant to create this type of noise for fear of being detected.

TEMPERED GLASS is made by placing a piece of regular glass in an oven, bringing it almost to the melting point, and then chilling it rapidly. This causes a skin to form around the glass. Fully tempered glass is four to five times stronger than regular glass.

WIRED GLASS adds the benefit of a visible deterrent. Extra effort will be needed to break the glass and then cut through the wire located within the glass, in order to gain entry.

PLASTICS: Plastic material is divided into two types : acrylic or polycarbonate. The acrylics are more than ten times stronger than glass of the same thickness and are commonly called plexiglass. Polycarbonate sheets are superior to acrylics and are advertised as 250 times more impact resistant than safety glass, and 20 more times than other transparent plastic.

With SLIDING WINDOWS the primary objective is to keep the window from sliding or being lifted up and out of the track. There are many manufactured products available for securing windows. Here are some of the suggestions:

PINNED WINDOW ANTI-SLIDE BLOCK SLIDEBOLT: It is not recommended that you lock a window in a ventilated position. This is an invitation to a prying action which can result in entry. Key locking devices offer no real security, and they can be a fire exit hazard.

CASEMENT WINDOWS are the simplest to secure. Make sure the latch works properly and that the "operator" has no excess play. If so, replace the worn hardware.

DOUBLE HUNG WINDOW latches may be jimmied open. If a window is not used, screw it shut (except bedrooms). For windows in use, drill a sloping hole into the top of the bottom window, through and into the bottom of the top window, and insert an easily removable pin or nail.

LOUVRE WINDOWS are bad security risks. Remove and replace with solid glass or other type of ventilating window. Or protect with a grate or grille (except bedrooms).

WARNING: One window in every bedroom on the ground and second floor must be left available as a fire exit, particularly for children and guests in your home. At night, the bedroom window may often be the quickest and safest means of getting out. Because of the danger of fire, decorative grilles are not recommended on bedroom windows.

Doors

Begin with a home "security" check. Start with the front door and work clockwise around the entire inside of your home, finishing with the back yard, fence and shrubs, gates and garage.

Shrubbery should never block the view of your front door. This allows an intruder the opportunity of privacy to gain entrance. A wide angle viewer in the door lets you know your visitor in advance. This item is recommended over a chain lock.

LOCKS, BOLTS AND HINGES

A DEAD-LATCH is an inexpensive lock set which keeps the burglar from simply slipping your door open with a plastic credit card. This method of entry is common in many areas, but very easy to prevent.

AUXILIARY DEADBOLT: 1" deadbolt, single cylinder with hardened cylinder guard, and thumb turn.

For extra security, a single cylinder dead bolt lock, with one inch throw and case-hardened insert, is recommended for all exterior doors. If you have easily breakable glass within 40 inches of a deadbolt lock, it should be augmented with a stronger type of glass or plastic to provide adequate security.

Most police departments do not recommend deadbolt locks for residential use. You may be adding additional security at the expense of personal safety with a double cylinder dead bolt. For example, you could lock yourself in and not be able to escape in case of fire or other emergency.

THE RIM LOCK is a 1" dead bolt lock which is installed on the inside surface of the door. It is less expensive than other types of locks, but equally effective for security.

THE "JIMMY-PROOF" RIM LOCK is another lock which is installed on the inside surface of the door. But this lock has vertical dead bolts, which is an approved locking device.

CANE BOLTS: 1/2" in diameter by 12" high installed at the top & bottom of the inactive door offers minimum security. Many homes with pairs of doors, use half-barrel slide bolts on the inactive door. These are weak and totally inadequate.

FLUSH BOLTS: Installed at the top and bottom of the inactive door or a pair of doors, flush bolts offer additional security, since the intruder cannot get at these devices to tamper with them if the doors are locked.

HINGE PROTECTION:

Some exterior doors are improperly installed so that the hinges are installed from outside. To protect such a door from being lifted from its hinges by pulling the hinge pin, follow these simple steps: (1) Remove two screws, opposite each other, from both leaves of the hinge. (2) Insert screw or concrete nail into jamb leaf, protruding 1/2". (3) Drill out the opposing screw hole in the door. Do this in the top and bottom hinge of the door. When closed, the hinge pins may be removed, but the door will remain firmly in place.

Burglar Alarm

Burglars dislike noise - it attracts attention. A barking dog is the best deterrent in preventing burglaries. However, a watch dog cannot always be depended upon. Some professional burglars have been known to carry delectable "dog snacks" in their pockets - and with a full stomach, some watch dogs make friends easily and forget their purpose of guarding the premises. The most reliable safe-guard to protect your home and possessions is a reliable alarm.

Many types of burglar alarms can be obtained for residential use. It is advisable, however, that basic hardware security measures be followed first. If additional security is desired, the following recommendations could be helpful.

1. Obtain estimates from three alarm companies, notifying

each of this procedure.

2. An audible alarm is recommended over silent alarms

for residential use in order to first protect persons and

secondly, property.

Don't depend entirely upon an alarm system to protect you - be sure to use proper locking devices. Any alarm system should include:

A. A battery-powered fail-safe back-up.

B. Fire-sensing capability.

C. Read-out ability to check working of system,

D. Horn sounding device installed in attic through vent.

If you don't have the money to invest in an alarm system, you can use the products sold all over the net. to rig up an effective alarm system. I like the magnetic door / window alarms and the motion detector alarm with remote for a low cost set up. You can also rig up an old car horn to a 12 volt battery and a trip wire rigged to you main entrance.

SECONDARY BARRIER

If the value of small personal items warrants protection, a secondary barrier is an additional safeguard. On a hinging closet door, install a 1" dead bolt lock. Store your jewels, furs, cameras, guns, silverware and other valuables behind this barrier. Be sure to "pin" the hinges (as outlined in section on doors above.

A good safe is a good investment, a large fireproof gun safe would more then pay for itself in the event of a break in, even one of the cheaper non fireproof safes sold in the spotting goods section at Wal-Mart for around $100, would beat having nothing. Put the safe in the closet as an extra deterrent.

Extra Precautions

A residence which presents a "lived-in" appearance is a deterrent to burglars. Never leave notes that can inform a burglar that your house is unoccupied. Make certain all windows and doors are secured before departing. An empty garage advertises your absence, so close the doors.

When going out at night, leave one or more interior lights on and perhaps have a radio playing (TV sets should not be left unattended). Timers may be purchased that will turn lights on and off during your absence.

Do not leave door keys under flower pots or doormats, inside an unlocked mailbox, over the doorway, or in other obvious places.

WHEN PLANNING VACATIONS OR PROLONGED ABSENCES - Discontinue milk, newspaper, and other deliveries by phone or in person ahead of time. Do not leave notes.

Arrange for lawn care and have someone remove advertising circulars and other debris regularly. On the other hand, several toys scattered about will create an impression of occupancy.

Notify the post office to forward your mail or have a trustworthy person pick it up daily. Apartment house tenants should also heed this hint since stuffed mail receptacles are a give-away when no one is home.

Inform a neighbor of family member that you trust, of your absence so they can be extra alert for suspicious persons. Leave a key with them so your place may be periodically inspected. Ask them to vary the positions of your shades and blinds.

When you leave, do not publicize your plans. Some burglars specialize in reading newspaper accounts of other people's vacation activities.

If you find a door or window has been forced or broken while you were away, DO NOT ENTER. The criminal may still be inside. Use a neighbor's phone immediately to summon police. Do not touch anything or clean up if a crime has occurred. Preserve the scene until police inspect for evidence

Which Benefits Could Be Added for Easier Home Surveillance?

Once a basic Home Surveillance system is in place and running, it may be the right time to consider which benefits would provide a few additional accessories.

One of the first priorities should be implementing provisions to limit the duration of time required for reviewing the long footage of recoded tape. Just imagine the time savings achievable if only significant images were to be reviewed.

A useful recorder known as time-lapse can be programmed to collect less than the ideal number of frames per seconds (24-30 for giving the illusion of continuity). The film viewed at normal speed will look jerky but essential information will be there. A lot of tape footage will be saved, permitting tape change at longer intervals.

Another way to perform the same task can be easily accomplished by having installed a device capable of operating camera and recorder only when some action is occurring in the field of view. Indeed there is no use in recording a still image for hours when luckily nothing happens.

These kinds of devices are known as video alarms or motion detectors. A few types are available based on various physical principles. They can be passive, if they stand there and collect the temperature changes caused by passers by, or active if they emit continuously a signal whose impact on the surroundings is analyzed to detect an alarm event that triggers the recorder operation start.

A different type of device, called an Image Processor is based on a software program operating within the camera that works all time. Here a portion of the scene is continuously scanned for change. Any detected variation is programmed to operate the recorder.

Additional accessories may be needed to manage the views streaming in from different cameras placed in strategic locations. These devices provide means of recording images from multiple cameras onto a single recorder, either by supplying the views in succession through an automatic switcher or sequencer, or by reducing the area of the images (multiplexing) to pack them together in a regular monitor screen.

Date and time can be added if needed for documentation.
In conclusion it is recommended to start with a simple system, one that is easily installed and operated, and then in due time to expand it by adding the benefits one prefers, through careful selection of suitable devices to the existing system.