security system features Archives - Page 2 of 4

Why You Should Use Security Cameras to Help Protect Your Business in Amarillo Texas

If you are like most business owners, your livelihood, including of your family and your employees, is tied to the success of your company. Protecting your business by using security cameras is one way to ensure this valuable asset is not threatened. Why monitor your business with cameras in addition to using a security system? The answer is simple. Security cameras can help prevent theft; they give you eyes on every part of your business when you are not there; security cameras provide a feeling of security for you, your employees; and your clients and they provide a way of documenting events and activities on your property.

Security cameras can help prevent theft

Using security cameras as a way to help prevent theft is often referred to as loss prevention. Almost every business is vulnerable to theft, whether it is from a shoplifter, a burglar or a dishonest employee. Cameras act as a deterrent to anyone thinking about taking something that doesn’t belong to him or her. Most criminals avoid places where their less-than-honest activities might be recorded.

Security cameras give you eyes on every part of your business

The owner of a business cannot be everywhere at once. Take a retail store as an example. The owner may be in the office doing payroll or at the front register cashing out customers. That means the owner does not have eyes on the stock room or in the areas of the business obscured by displays or signage. Security cameras give the owner eyes into all parts of the business. It makes it easier to see if a customer ducks into the stock room to pick up a “free” shirt or if an employee is slacking off.

Security cameras offer a feeling of security

The presence of security cameras makes it less likely someone is going to steal something, draw a weapon, or commit some other criminal act. This act of deterrence makes the premises more secure for you, your employees, and your customers. This feeling of security makes the workplace better for everyone.

Security cameras document everything

Security cameras are benign observers. They record everything. And you might be surprised when this silent documentation actually comes in handy. If you run a bar, for example, you know you have to be careful serving drunk customers. If one of them leaves your establishment and causes an accident, you can be held liable for pouring too much alcohol. If your cameras show you refused to serve an inebriated customer and offered to call a cab instead, your chances of being held liable are much less. Another example is slip and fall accidents. You have likely heard horror stories about customers slipping and falling, then trying to sue a business for millions of dollars. Cameras will show what happened and if the person making the claim did it deliberately or had a part in the event.

Adding security cameras to your business brings definite advantages

As mentioned above, security cameras give you eyes into areas that you were once blind to. They can help you keep your customers and employees honest. They can also help protect you from liability claims.

If you are interested in installing security cameras in your business, contact the security experts at 1st Alarm. They can help you with all of your security needs for your business and your home. Call (800) 276-5559 or (806) 352-5000 today. Request a Quote online or come by the office located at 3501 S. Georgia Street in Amarillo, Texas.

Wireless Technology Is The Latest Trend In Home Security Systems

Advancements in wireless technologies have transformed home security systems. In the past, these systems needed wires pulled through walls to connect everything, and installation was labor intensive and expensive. Today, home security companies can install a system in your home in Lubbock, Texas more efficiently, which saves you money. Knowing the differences between security systems of the past and modern home security systems can help homeowners understand the benefits of wireless home security systems.

Home security systems of the past

In the past, having a home security system was only for the rich or upper middle class. These systems required pulling wires through the walls to each window and door. Lubbock security companies were required to connect everything to a central controller, which managed the entire system. Installation of these systems also required a dedicated landline that the system would use to alert the monitoring service or emergency services.

Home security systems of the past were labor-intensive to install, so the installation costs were high. Making future changes required pulling new wires and rewiring the central control panel, adding even more labor and cost. The costs involved made most of these systems out of reach of most Lubbock homeowners.

Modern wireless home security systems

Today, advancements in wireless technologies have transformed the way people live. Instead of using landline phones, people rely on cell phones to stay connected. Wireless routers have replaced hard-line network connections for personal and work computers.

Wireless technologies have also transformed the home security system industry. Wireless alarms and sensors communicate with the central control panel, without any wires. These systems are easy for companies to install and configure. It is possible to install sensors at every window and door at a reasonable cost. The central panel can either be tied to a hard phone line or use wireless technologies to send alerts through the nearest cell tower.

Other wireless technologies that have become available, including home security video cameras and personal alarms. Wireless video cameras make it possible to monitor activity inside and outside your Lubbock property. Wireless personal alarms make it possible for someone to trigger an alarm, without being near the central keypad.

Because wireless home security systems require very little labor to install, they are affordable for most Lubbock homeowners. Home security systems have even been developed for renters who want to take the system with them when they move.

Most Lubbock security companies offer basic monthly monitoring at a great price. Companies may also offer additional services such as real-time alerts and online monitoring of the central control panel status. If home security video cameras have been installed, the feeds may also be available for online viewing.

Today’s home security systems have been made available to more homeowners than ever before and wireless technologies have made these systems even more efficient. If you are interested in adding a wireless home security system to your property, contact the experts at 1st Alarm. You can call us at 1(800) 276-5559 or send us an email for more information about our residential services. You can also email us to get a quote. We provide services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

Making Sure Your Home Alarm System Is Working Properly

Securing your home in Lubbock, Texas is easy when you install a home alarm system. It is important make sure your security system is working properly after installation. Having an accurate home alarm system that works properly keeps both your property and your family safe.

There are many ways to ensure that your home alarm system is working properly, including making sure everyone knows how to use the system. You can also conduct regular testing to ensure the system is working properly and keep everyone in the home informed of security code changes. When installing a home security system, consider placement of panic buttons and the interactions between internal motion sensors and pets. You should also be careful about where you place outdoor and indoor motion detectors. Finally, let house guests know about your home alarm system to keep it working properly.

Make sure everyone knows how to use the home alarm system

Many false alarms happen because someone does not know how the home security system works. Everyone in the Lubbock household should know how to activate and deactivate the system. It is also important to know how to contact the monitoring service to report a false alarm before the authorities in Lubbock, Texas are notified. Understanding the basics of home security systems will help prevent someone from accidentally triggering the alarm.

Conduct regular tests to ensure the home alarm system is working properly

When an alarm system is first installed, the technician will test it out to ensure it is working properly. After installation, the Lubbock homeowner must do monthly checks to verify everything continues to function well. Routine testing will identify potential problems that might cause false alarms to occur. If a problem is found with the home alarm system, it should be repaired as soon as possible.

Keep everyone informed of home alarm system security code changes

Most alarm companies recommend that their customers change alarm codes regularly for maximum security. If it is time to change the code, make sure everyone who uses the system knows of the change. A parent can change the code in the morning and a teenager use the old code after school, if the change is not known.

Consider the placement of panic buttons for your home alarm system

If your Lubbock home security system includes panic buttons, make sure they cannot be hit by accident. The buttons should be placed in locations outside of the normal movement patterns of everyone in the household. For example, don’t place panic buttons near a light switch. Someone fumbling in the dark for a light may accidentally hit the panic button instead.

Consider the interactions between internal motion sensors and pets

The most notorious cause of false alarms is the combination of motion sensors and pets. Many alarm companies in Lubbock recommend keeping pets outside or confined to a single room, although this is not a viable option for many pet owners. Fortunately, technology has improved significantly. There are more advanced motion sensors available that can separate pet motions from human motions.

Be careful where you place outdoor and indoor home alarm system motion detectors

Flocks of birds or wind chimes are just two things that can accidentally trip an outdoor motion detector. Before you decide on where to place outdoor motion detectors, consider the movements going on around your Lubbock home. You don’t want a herd of deer triggering a false alarm next time you are out of town.

Wind blowing through an open window or door can trip motion detectors inside the home. While it is nice to have fresh air in the house, windows and doors should be closed if the alarm system is armed.

Motion sensors can malfunction if cobwebs or dust build up on the sensor itself. Be sure to place motion sensors in accessible areas so they can be cleaned regularly. A simple dusting once a month can keep your alarm system motion sensors working properly.

Let your house guests know about the home alarm system

Anyone who is going to be staying in your Lubbock home, or accessing it when you are gone, needs to be aware of your home security system. It is easy for a guest to go outside to get a forgotten item out of the car and accidentally trip the alarm.

Don’t let the possibility of a false alarm prevent you from getting a home alarm system. With a few simple steps, you can drastically reduce the likelihood of false alarms and ensure your system is working properly. For more information about maintaining security systems, contact the security experts at 1st Alarm. You can call us at 1(800) 276-5559 or send us an email for more information about our products and services, or to get a quote. We provide services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

Professional Installation Ensures Home Alarm Systems Are More Effective

Professional installation of home alarm systems in Lubbock, Texas ensures that your system is effective. However, online videos and blogs make doing most things sound extremely easy for an enterprising Lubbock homeowner. Most things, like installing home alarm systems, are best left to the professionals. There are many benefits to professional installation of a home alarm system, including accuracy. Professionals can install home alarm system sensors and motion detectors in the best locations and give you hands on training. Professionals will test home alarm systems after installation and will save you time by doing all of the work. Professional home alarm system installation technicians can also help with other areas of security.

Professional installation of home alarm systems is accurate

There is no guesswork when you leave the installation of your home alarm system to Lubbock professionals. Home alarm systems usually involve a number of technological components that all need to work effectively. Installing sensors, motion detectors, keypads, and control panels can be straightforward. However, it can be difficult to get all of the components to work together properly. Professional installers have the expertise and equipment to get the entire security system up and running efficiently.

Professionals can install alarm sensors and motion detectors in the best locations

Many of today’s Lubbock home alarm system components are wireless, which lowers the cost of installation by removing the need to pull wire through the walls. Using wireless components brings the challenge of placing sensors at strategic locations that have a clear communication path to the control panel. If a sensor’s signal does not have that clear path, it may not be able to alert if someone tries to break in. Installation of home alarm system components is more effective when left to the professionals, because they know of the best locations for the components.

Professionals can give you hands on training about home alarm systems

If you do a do-it-yourself (DIY) installation of a home security system, you don’t get any hands-on training. You might see a few videos or a manual showing you the basics, but this is not effective for installation or maintenance of the system. With a professional installation, you get a trained expert who can walk you through every step of installation, maintenance, and functionality of the alarm system. The technician can train you and your family on how to arm and disarm the system and answer any questions you may have.

Professionals will thoroughly test home alarm systems after installation

Once all the sensors, keypads, and control panels are in place, the installation technician will test each one to verify that the system works. Then, the installer will hook the system up with the monitoring service and verify they are receiving clear signals from all of the sensors also. In a DIY installation, you may think that everything has been hooked up effectively. However, if something is not done correctly, a false alarm could alert the Lubbock police of a non-existent threat.

Professional installation of home alarm systems saves you time

If you don’t want to dedicate your weekend to installing a home security system, then leave it to the professionals. Installation technicians can do the job effectively in a matter of hours. With professional installation, there is no guesswork on your part, only a feeling of security once the job is done.

Professional home alarm system installers can help with other areas of security

Professional installation of a home security system is more effective than installing a system on your own. However, professionals can also help with other areas of security. As the security system installer walks around your Lubbock home, they are looking at how to best secure the premises. Installers often make recommendations on exterior lighting enhancements, landscaping changes, and other areas of security that can make your home safer.

These are just a few reasons why professional installation is the best and most effective choice for your home alarm system. If you would like more information about home security or home alarm systems, call 1st Alarm at 1(800) 276-5559. You can also email us to learn more about our products and services, or to get a quote. We provide services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

A Home Alarm System Can Help Prevent Seasonal Break-Ins

Residential break-ins seem to increase during the holiday seasons, including summer and winter. These are the times when many homeowners are away from their properties in Lubbock, Texas. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make your property more secure during peak break-in seasons, and throughout the year. These steps include increasing your outdoor lighting and making it appear as though you are not away from home. You can also install a home alarm system to help prevent seasonal break-ins.

Increase outdoor lighting to help prevent seasonal break-ins

At night, you should have enough light to see if anyone is walking around your Lubbock property. Burglars rarely enter the front door in daylight, preferring the dark shadows of the night or hidden access points like a garage window or back door. Lighting hidden areas is one way to prevent break-ins throughout the year. You can use lights that go on at dusk and turn off at dawn. You can also use motion sensor lights that will only light up if something moves as part of your home alarm system.

Prevent seasonal break-ins by making it appear that you are home

When you go on vacation, your Lubbock property takes on a different appearance than if you are just away for a few hours. Most people turn the lights on and off at random times when they are at home. The TV or radio may be on and routine lawn maintenance is done. When you are on vacation, the lights are not turned on and off randomly. The TV or radio are not typically on and your grass grows high because no one is mowing it. These are all signs that homeowners are on vacation. Whether or not you have a home alarm system, it is advisable to make it appear as though you are at home while on vacation. Another option is to hire a vrbo management company to lease out your home for the season, to holiday makers. This way, your home really is occupied and the chances of a break in are significantly minimised.

Install a home alarm system to help prevent seasonal break-ins

The best home alarm system can keep your Lubbock property safe when you are at home or on vacation. Your alarm system can alert you of many emergencies, including break-ins, fires, and gas leaks. If your home alarm system is triggered while you are on vacation, Lubbock emergency personnel can handle the situation.

One of the most frustrating things for police is having a burglar keep striking the same neighborhood, but never being able to catch them. A home alarm system can help prevent break-ins, but also help catch criminals. With a home alarm system, Lubbock police can be notified when a crime is in progress, which could give them time to catch the criminal. If you have cameras monitoring your property, inside or outside, the cameras can help capture video of the criminal. Having video footage can be helpful during times when seasonal break-ins are prevalent and criminals have not been caught.

Installing a home alarm system will help keep your property safe during the holiday seasons, as well as the rest of the year. If you want to learn more about installing a home alarm system, call the experts at 1st Alarm. You can contact us at 1(800) 276-5559 or send us an email for more information about our products and services. We provide services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

Home Alarm Systems Are For More Than Burglaries

The threats of burglary, theft, or vandalism are primary reasons why many homeowners in Lubbock, Texas choose to install home alarm systems. For some residences, they feel the need to plan their estate in case something were to happen. Installing an alarm system is great, but you may also want to plan your estate too! Alarm systems are designed to protect homes and alert homeowners when someone tries to enter without permission. However, these systems offer more than just burglary protection. Home alarm systems can help protect your home and family from fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Home alarm systems also offer personal emergency protection and preventative surveillance.

Home alarm systems can protect against fires

Most homes have at least one smoke detector that will alert occupants of a fire. However, that alarm is only good at protecting the home if someone is there and can call the fire department once they evacuate the structure.

Many home alarm systems come with fire alarm protection as part of the service. If the fire alarm goes off, it will alert anyone in the structure with an audible alarm to get out. An alert is sent to the monitoring service, who can call the Lubbock fire department directly as the occupants of the home evacuate. This protection allows the fire department to arrive quickly, extinguish the fire, and protect your property and family.

Home alarm systems help protect against poisoning from carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless, clear gas that can penetrate every crevice in your house, without you knowing anything about it. A carbon monoxide detector can alert you if this gas is detected. If you are home and can respond, a gas detector is a great way to protect your family. However, carbon monoxide poisoning can occur if the gas leaves you unconscious. Consider if no one is home but the family pet and carbon monoxide begins to leak. Having a carbon monoxide detector is only useful if you are at home or aware of a gas leak.

With a monitored carbon monoxide detector, you can have protection against the gas, even when you are away. The alarm system monitoring service will get an alert if any level of the gas is detected. The service can try to contact the home’s occupants, while alerting Lubbock emergency services at the same time. Having protection against carbon monoxide poisoning is an important benefit of installing home alarm systems.

Home alarm systems offer personal emergency protection

First response emergency devices, like bracelets or pendants, can protect an elderly, disabled, or ill family member. There are times when nobody can be home to help protect their family members. What would that person do if an emergency occurred while they were alone? Having personal protection along side your home alarm system can help protect your family members from falls, heart attacks, and other emergencies.

When the button on the alarm device is pressed, an alert goes out to the monitoring service. The alarm service can set up a two-way communication link to allow the person to inform them of what is happening. If no one is responding, the monitoring service can have emergency personnel dispatched to the Lubbock property quickly.

Home alarm systems offer preventative surveillance

If you have a nanny, home aide, or housekeeper, you are trusting that person to do their job without harming your family or your property. However, you cannot know what is happening if you are away or not in the same room with these employees. Interior home alarm system cameras can give you peace of mind when you are away from your property in Lubbock, Texas. Cameras can allow you to verify that nothing is happening within your house, or give you evidence if a crime is being committed.

Getting a home alarm system is a great way to protect your property against burglary and theft. The best home alarm systems will protect your property and loved ones in Lubbock, Texas from many other forms of harm as well. If you are interested in learning more about home alarm systems, contact the experts at 1st Alarm. You can call us at 1(800) 276-5559 or send us an email for more information about our products and services, or to get a quote. We provide services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

Home Alarm System Protection Levels

With so many home alarm system protection levels available, it can be difficult to decide which system is the best for your needs. You can choose a basic system for adequate protection or install a security system specifically made for your protection needs. Before choosing a home alarm system, it is important to understand the protection levels that basic alarm systems and monitored alarm systems can offer. You can also consider installing a home alarm system with motion detectors, one with cameras, and an alarm system with sophisticated features.

Protection level of a basic home alarm system

The simplest security you can have on your home is a door alarm. If someone comes through the door, the system will trigger a loud alarm. The loud noise will scare most intruders away. The downside to such a simple security system is that it is easy to disarm or avoid. If the home is isolated, someone may not hear the alarm going off.

Protection level of a monitored home alarm system

If you want something a bit more secure than a door alarm, a simple monitored home alarm system may be your best option. These systems include sensors on key entry points (windows, doors, etc.) which connect to a central control panel. A keypad attached to the control panel allows the homeowner to program and control the alarm system. When everyone is active, the system is disarmed. When everyone leaves, or is sleeping, the security system can be armed. If someone tries to enter the home at a sensored point, the alarm will be triggered if it is not disarmed in time. The control panel also sends out an alert to the monitoring service, who tries to contact the homeowner and the local authorities.

Protection level of a home alarm system with motion detectors

A basic monitored home alarm system is enough for many homeowners to feel protected. However, there are options that can make a simple system a bit more sophisticated, including motion detectors.

Motion detectors will trigger lights or alarms if motion is detected within a monitored perimeter. In the past, motion detectors got a bad reputation for being triggered if a cat or dog walked by. Technology has improved detectors, however, preventing these kinds of false alarms. Motion detectors are great for detecting movement through indoor and outdoor areas that should have no one in them.

Protection level of a home alarm system with video surveillance

It is impossible to watch every area within your home, even if you are at home. A home alarm system with video surveillance cameras allow you to see what is happening around your property, whether you are away or at home.

Exterior cameras, placed in optimum positions, can capture footage of people entering and exiting your property from many angles. Interior cameras, usually hidden, can tell you if your nanny or housekeeper are doing their jobs correctly. If the surveillance cameras are hooked into a live internet feed, you can see what is happening through a mobile device.

Surveillance cameras are great for identifying problems that you suspect, but cannot prove. Cameras can also capture video footage of criminals, which helps if prosecution if necessary.

Protection level of a home alarm system with sophisticated features

The best home alarm systems have surveillance cameras and motion detectors. However, there are other options available that give your security system even higher levels of protection.

There are detectors that let you know if glass within your home is broken. Some burglars will break through a pane of glass at the door or window to unlock it from the inside, so this feature greatly enhances safety.

Pressure mats can slide undetected under rugs. If someone steps on the pressure mat, an alarm is triggered. This feature is good for detecting an intruder when someone vulnerable is home, such as an elderly parent or small child.

Panic buttons allow an individual to set off an alert, without the need for a phone. The individual wears a pendant or bracelet with a panic button imbedded. If a situation arises where the individual needs help, a simple press of the panic button will contact local emergency personnel.

Once you have done research and decided what level of security your home needs, you can decide on a home alarm system. Call the security experts at 1st Alarm today at 1(800) 276-5559 to find out about installing your own security system. You can also send us an email for more information about our products and services or to get a quote. We provide services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

How To Choose The Best Home Alarm System

When you decide to purchase a home alarm system, it may be difficult to decide on what features you need. Before you start calling alarm companies, you need to do some basic research. This preliminary work will help you determine the features you need in your new security system. After you have done some research, you can begin to decide which home alarm system is the best for your family.

Do some basic research about home alarm systems

Home security system features range from basic to elaborate. Most homeowners find that a mid-range alarm system best fits their requirements while staying within a reasonable budget. One way to conduct research about what alarm system features you need is to survey your home.

Count the number of windows and doors you will need to monitor with the security system. Include all entry doors and any windows which are particularly vulnerable to intruders. You should also determine where you want the control panel located. The panel is what controls the entire security system. This panel should be somewhere close to the middle of your home, so that it can connect easily with sensors, motion detectors, and other system features.

Decide where the keypads need to go within your home. The keypads are where you program the control panel and arm or disarm the alarm system. Most alarm systems have a keypad at the main entry door. You can also have additional pads in other areas of the home, such as near bedrooms or by the garage door.

Consider whether you would like a wired or wireless home security system. A wired alarm system used to be the only choice available. Running wire through existing walls is labor intensive and expensive. If you are building a home, you might consider adding a wired security system. Modern home security systems tend to be wireless, however. It is cheaper and more flexible to install a wireless alarm system. Wireless systems also make it easy to increase or decrease the size of the system.

When looking for the best home alarm system, consider various features of each system. Cameras are great for capturing video of people who enter your property, whether invited or not. Motion detectors can be triggered if an intruder gets past your window and door sensors. Many home security systems allow for integration of fire and carbon monoxide detectors, as well. Your sense of security will likely be enhanced with these features, although they do come with a higher price tag.

Making a choice on the best home alarm system

Once your preliminary survey is done, you can start talking to home alarm system companies. It is best to talk with at least two companies, though more is better. Talking to alarm companies allows you to get a good idea of the pricing and features available for different systems.

Let the security company do its own survey of your home. This survey allows the company to see exactly what your property looks like and how the security layout would work. Be available to answer any questions for the company representative.

Consider the interfaces the security company provides. You want a user-friendly interface that everyone in the family can use. The alarm system should not involve a complicated process or require constant use of a user’s manual to do routine tasks.

Review the security company’s recommendations, because they may offer options you did not know existed. You may find that the recommendations of one company are very different than those of another.

You should also ask questions of the alarm company, if you have any. If one company offers an extremely low or high bid, you should ask why. You can also ask why each company recommended the features that they did. This information will help you determine the best home alarm system for your needs.

Once you complete all of your research, you will have enough information to determine which security system is right for your home. If you would like more information about home alarm systems, contact the security experts at 1st Alarm. You can call us at 1(800) 276-5559 or send us an email for more information about our products and services, or to get a quote. We provide services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

Selecting A Video Security System That Meets Your Needs

A good video security system will protect you and your property in Lubbock, Texas, so selecting a system that meets your needs is important. A video security system will alert you when someone tries to intrude on your property and will protect you and your home. Using video surveillance is a great way to capture evidence in case someone commits a criminal act.

There are many reasons to invest in a video security system, but you must determine what your needs are before purchasing a system. You can determine where to place cameras on your Lubbock property, consider what video quality you need, and decide where you will place the recording equipment. Finally, determine whether you need a monitored video security system.

Determine where to place video security cameras on your property

The first thought many people consider before getting a video security system is how many cameras are needed. However, it is best to determine where cameras will be placed before deciding how many are needed. Consider where criminals would most likely be entering your home in Lubbock, Texas. Doors, windows, gates, and garage doors are all likely entry points. Some of these entry points are better for criminals because they are hidden from neighbors’ site lines or the road.

Visualizing where you want security cameras is a good way to get started. Before you purchase a video security system, you should create a plan about where the cameras will go and what direction they will be facing. A sketch of your Lubbock property will help you lay this plan out and possibly help you identify areas that need coverage that you didn’t consider before. The sketch becomes your working guide in directing the system installation.

Video security cameras can be hidden or placed in visible positions around your home. Many Lubbock homeowners use both hidden and visible cameras to get the best security coverage.

Hidden cameras are great for capturing what is going on around your property, without anyone being aware of the surveillance. Hidden video cameras are good for monitoring the activities of employees such as housekeepers or nannies.

Visible cameras are great for deterring criminal activities. Burglars and other criminals depend on stealth to commit their crimes. Criminals are less likely to approach a property that has visible security cameras that are ready to capture their activities.

Consider what video quality you need from a video security system

The quality of video you get from a particular camera depends on how many frames per second (fps) it captures. You can get cameras that capture anywhere from 8 fps to 30 fps. For most residential video security systems, 15 fps will provide adequate security by capturing enough detail to identify a criminal.

Another factor in video quality is how well cameras capture details at night. Some video security cameras only work well in moderate to high light levels. If you need to capture video during the night, you may want a camera that captures infrared light. You can determine how well a camera captures footage at night by checking the lux rating. A lower lux rating will indicate that the camera is better for capturing night footage.

Decide where you will keep the video security recording equipment

You will need DVRs to capture what your security cameras are seeing. The equipment needs to be in a secure area that is hard for most people to access. In a home, this area might be in a secured room or closet. The recording equipment can also be secured in a DVR lock box.

The DVR may need to be located close to the network router. The recording equipment should also have an Uninterruptable Power Source (UPS) to protect against power outages and power surges.
Decide if you need a monitored video security system

A video security system is only one part of securing your home in Lubbock, Texas. Consider what would happen if a criminal decided to enter your home when you are not there. Video cameras will capture a person entering the home, but will not alert anyone to the activities going on.

The best solution is to install a full security system that includes video surveillance. These systems come with monitoring services. If someone tries to break into your home, an alarm will go off and an alert will go to the monitoring service. The monitoring can call the police and alert you immediately to what is going on in your home.

Adding a video security system to your home in Lubbock, Texas is a good investment into your home and family’s safety. 1st Alarm can help you select a video security system that meets your needs. Call us today at 1(800) 276-5559 for more information or send us an email with your questions and concerns. You can also get a quote for a security system. We have locations in the following Texas cities: Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

Consider What You Need In A Video Surveillance System

When considering installing a video surveillance system in your home, it can be easy to get caught up in the number of available options. You can end up spending thousands of dollars on a state-of-the-art system, but do you need all available options or a basic system? Two of the most important things to consider are your options for video surveillance cameras and how you will capture the camera’s feed.

Considering options for video surveillance cameras

Video surveillance is what allows you to see what is going on around your home, even when you are not there. Cameras come with a number of options and upgrades that can enhance the details of what you can see.

Video quality is one important factor to consider when choosing a camera for your video surveillance system. Surveillance cameras don’t take the same quality video that you see on television or at the movies. A typical camera used for home security captures between 8 and 15 frames per second (fps). Casinos and police video surveillance systems use cameras that capture 30 fps. There is no need to choose cameras with the highest fps rate on the market. A camera with a 15 fps rate will capture enough detail to identify most people who come within its range.

Do you need movement capabilities like tilt, zoom, or panning for your surveillance cameras? When you add movement to a camera, you are adding a lot of cost as well. Most home security cameras are fixed in one position, pointing at a specific view (front door, driveway, back door, etc.). In most cases, you are not going to be actively monitoring the surveillance camera. Not being at home to monitor the camera defeats the purpose of being able to actively move and adjust the camera’s angle.

Consider if you would like your cameras to see clearly at night. Intruders often use the cover of darkness to mask their approach, so having cameras equipped with some form of night vision can be useful. Infrared cameras use LEDs to create the infrared light the camera can see.

You can also consider whether you would like color or black and white camera footage. Having color cameras in a home security system may seem logical. However, color footage can actually be a detriment. Color cameras do not get the best resolution in low light conditions, while black and white cameras have good resolution in low light. In addition, color cameras are more expensive than black and white cameras.

Capturing the video surveillance camera feed

Besides cameras, you will need a device that captures what the cameras are seeing. In the past, capturing video surveillance was done with a VCR and an endless amount of video tape. Today, DVRs are the standard recording devices for video surveillance systems.

DVRs connect to cameras using cables or through a wireless connection. A DVR can only handle a certain number of cameras or wireless channels. Most DVRs can handle four or eight channels, so if your home has four cameras, you can use a single four-channel DVR. If you have five or more cameras, you will need to choose whether to use a single eight-channel DVR or two four-channel DVRs.

You also need to consider how much storage a DVR has. An older DVR might offer 30 gigabytes that can capture 30 hours of black and white footage. Modern DVRs have 500 gigabytes (0.5 terabyte) and are considered sufficient for video surveillance systems that monitor 24/7. Of course, you can add more storage space if needed, but that is an additional cost to your video surveillance system.

The best way to address your home’s security needs is to have a professional assess your situation and provide recommendations. The experts at 1st Alarm can help you choose a home security system or video surveillance system for your home. Call us today at 1(800) 276-5559 or send us an email with your questions and concerns or to get a quote. We provide services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.