Tuesday, March 27, 2007

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.

Sunday, March 25, 2007

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.

Thursday, March 22, 2007

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

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

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.

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

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!

Monday, March 19, 2007

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?

Saturday, March 17, 2007

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.

Thursday, March 15, 2007

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.

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

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.

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

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

Monday, March 12, 2007

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.