security systems Archives - Page 7 of 10

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.

Benefits Of CCTV Video Security Systems

CCTV (closed circuit television) has been the foundation of video security systems for decades. CCTV has become the favorite of businesses who want to deter shoplifters and vandals. The popularity of this type of video surveillance system has made it a favorite with homeowners as well. CCTV offers certain benefits for commercial and residential properties in Lubbock, Texas that other security systems cannot match. These benefits include preventing theft, promoting adherence to protocols, and preventing vandalism. CCTV security systems offer convenient remote viewing, increase chances of criminal prosecution, and decrease chances of fraudulent insurance claims. CCTV security systems also offer employee surveillance, lower insurance premiums, and off peace of mind.

CCTV video security systems prevent theft

CCTV surveillance prevents shoplifting and other forms of theft. Thieves do not like their activities captured on video. In a retail store, prominent cameras can keep shoplifters away. Cameras also deter burglars who want to enter a property after dark.

CCTV video security systems promote adherence to protocol

Having a CCTV video security system promotes adherence to health and safety practices. Businesses have an obligation to keep the workplace safe for employees and customers alike. Video can help determine if employees are following proper procedures and practices for your business in Lubbock. Video footage can also serve as a training tool for what to do and what not to do in certain situations.

Vandalism can be prevented with CCTV video security systems

Using a CCTV video security system can help prevent vandalism. Outdoor surveillance cameras act as a deterrent by showing vandals that they will be recorded if they commit a crime. If a vandal sees a camera, that person is less likely to do damage and if they do commit a crime, it will be recorded.

CCTV video security systems offer remote viewing

Remote viewing is one of the wonders of the Internet age. CCTV systems can be tied into the network, allowing Lubbock property owners and the monitoring service to see what is going on in front of the cameras. Video footage is also helpful in guiding police and emergency workers to the right spot on a property during an emergency.

CCTV video security footage increases chances of criminal prosecution

CCTV surveillance increases the chances of criminal prosecution once a criminal is caught. If the cameras capture the face of a criminal in the act of a crime, the chances of a successful prosecution are higher.

CCTV security systems decrease chances of fraudulent insurance claims

Video security systems decrease the chances of fraudulent insurance claims. Today’s world is highly litigious and people often sue over just about anything. A simple bump against a display may turn into a someone claiming they have an injury that requires extensive treatment. Video surveillance footage can show exactly what occurred in situations where insurance claims are involved.

CCTV security systems offer employee surveillance

CCTV video surveillance systems make it possible to monitor activities within a business or home in Lubbock, Texas. Business owners can monitor their employees, but household employees can also be monitored with this system. Many families have a housekeeper or nanny to help with things around their home. That person is often left in the house without the homeowners being present. Hidden surveillance cameras can give the homeowner proof of the employee’s activities if they do something unethical or commit a crime.

CCTV video security systems can lower insurance premiums

The benefit of having lower insurance premiums is one that many Lubbock property owners don’t consider. A full security system, including video surveillance, can lower insurance premiums by up to 20 percent. These savings can actually help pay for the security system and save you money in the future.

CCTV video security systems offer peace of mind

Having a video surveillance system offers business owners and homeowners peace of mind. When you know that you have video protection in place, it promotes a sense of security that can’t be found with other types of security systems.

If you are interested in adding a video surveillance system to your home or business in Lubbock, Texas, contact the security experts at 1st Alarm. You can call us at 1(800) 276-5559 or send us an email with your questions and concerns. 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.

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.

Should Video Surveillance Be Used In Care Homes?

The question of whether or not video surveillance should be used in care homes is based upon the safety concerns of residents, family, and staff. Care homes, such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities and residential care homes, have a great responsibility to residents and their families. Both clients and family members trust that the staff within a care home will treat their residents with dignity and keep them safe. However, trust is often broken by staff who neglect or abuse a care home resident.

These breaches of trust have brought up the subject of placing video surveillance cameras in care homes, to monitor staff and ensure resident safety and well being. It is good to understand arguments that are for and against video surveillance in these facilities, as well as the reality of running care homes. Understanding these factors can help you understand why using video surveillance can help protect both staff and clients.

Arguments for and against using video surveillance in care homes

Those that support the installation of cameras in care facilities believe it would help end resident neglect and abuse. Video surveillance would also improve the quality of care available and keep vulnerable patients safe. This type of security would keep staff members from abusing or neglecting residents because they know their actions are being monitored. Theft of personal items, along with other petty crimes that occur in some care homes, would also be reduced. Some patients suffer with nursing home abuse while in the hands of people they thought they could trust. Abuse in care homes such as assisted living facilities happens all over the world. Luckily, you can get a lawyer involved who can help you with assisted living abuse (or as the Spanish would say “abuso de vida asistida“). It doesn’t matter where in the world you are, there is always someone who can help you.

Those that argue against video surveillance in care homes believe it is an invasion of privacy for both the residents and the staff. Even those that might consider this type of security want to know who would have access to the video footage. Other concerns include if the system would be monitored through an internet connection and if the video could be turned off during private moments.

The reality of running care homes and using video surveillance

Care homes serve vulnerable populations, but sometimes staff members may get frustrated and act out against a resident. Neglect becomes a possibility due to high stress levels. Without video surveillance to monitor staff and residents, small problems can turn into large problems.

Video surveillance offers a way to keep monitor care homes, without the need to hire additional staff. This type of security lets facility managers see how staff members treat residents or if a resident is not being cared for within prescribed guidelines. If issues do occur in a care home, video surveillance can stand as evidence in a court of law.

Although there are concerns about using video surveillance in care homes, more and more are choosing to use them as part of their security systems.

Using video surveillance in care homes can protect staff and residents

There are certain measures that a care facility should take to balance privacy concerns and safety when installing and using a video surveillance system.

Personal privacy for residents must be a priority for care homes. Video cameras in common areas should be clearly marked with visible signs, which alert both staff and residents to the presence of cameras. Cameras should not be used in private areas like restrooms, changing rooms, or shower areas.

If the care facility decides to add video cameras to resident rooms, there are a few things that need to addressed before installation. First, staff and residents should be able to turn off, and even lock, cameras in individual rooms. This feature allows monitoring to be turned on and off based on the resident’s wishes, or those of his or her family members. Second, cameras in resident rooms should never be turned on without clear consent from either the resident, if capable, or the resident’s family members. Third, surveillance footage of resident rooms should be strictly private and only accessible to appropriate staff when needed.

If a care home fails to embrace video surveillance as part of its operations, family members often will. Cameras in a resident’s room can capture evidence of abuse and neglect. It is better for staff, residents, and family members that video surveillance is used in care homes to protect everyone.

Would you like more information about video surveillance and security systems for care homes? 1st Alarm can help your facility with any security needs you might have. Give us a call today at 1(800) 276-5559 to learn more about our commercial and residential products and services. You can also email us with your questions 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.

Video Surveillance For Businesses

Video surveillance can be seen all over local and national news casts. It is not uncommon for someone to rob a convenience store or gas station while the store’s video surveillance cameras catch them in the act. Video from these security systems helps capture thieves and deter criminals at the same time. If you have a business, especially a store that is open to the public, you should consider installing video surveillance for your commercial security system. It is important for business owners to understand how criminals react to video surveillance and how to protect their property with video surveillance.

How criminals react to video surveillance

The truth is that most crime is a matter of opportunity. Criminals often feel like the potential payoff is greater than the chances of being caught. However, researchers have asked criminals if they would have committed a crime if they had known they were being monitored with video surveillance. The vast majority of criminals asked this question said that they would not have committed their crime if they knew a camera was watching them.

Criminals are going to choose the easiest targets. If your business has no visible video surveillance, you are a prime target. The neighborhood you live in does not matter to criminals that are looking for unprotected businesses. Video surveillance can protect you and your business simply by making you less of a target.

How to protect your business with video surveillance

You can secure your business without spending a great deal of money, which is good news for small businesses. Wireless commercial security systems have made cheaper security possible. You can place wireless cameras at strategic locations to capture most of your store. The video cameras feed back to a digital recording device, which records the footage. The footage allows you to see what is happening, even when you or your employees are not looking. Video surveillance can capture any criminal activities that might be going on indoors or outdoors.

Before you purchase an off-the-shelf security system and try to install it yourself, consider having an alarm company do the installation for you. Security companies can provide all the equipment and wiring needed to get the surveillance system working quickly. The convenience of the installation allows you to keep focusing on your business and your customers.

The alarm company can also hook up an entire security system at the same time. While video surveillance is great for capturing crimes during business hours, how do you protect your store when no one is there? An alarm system, hooked to a central monitoring service, is a great choice. If someone tries to break in, the system will alert the monitoring service, who will then alert you and the police.

Don’t let your business become an easy target for criminals. Get a security system with video surveillance so you can deter criminals or capture them in action by calling the security experts at 1st Alarm today. You can reach us at 1(800) 276-5559 or send us an email with your questions and concerns, or to get a price quote. We look forward to working with you.

How The Right Video Surveillance System Will Make Your Home Safer

Even if you live in a great neighborhood with little to no crime, safety is still an important issue. You need to take whatever steps you can to ensure the security of your family and your home. Adding a video surveillance system to your property can make your home safer and give you peace of mind at the same time. Having video surveillance added to your home security system allows you to monitor outdoor and indoor activity and protects against crime. The wireless capability of video surveillance within a security system allows you to monitor your home and family from almost anywhere. If you’re really serious about improving the security of your home, you may also want to click here to look at private hire security and groundstaff.

Monitor indoor activity with a video surveillance system

You can monitor the activity happening within your home with a video surveillance system. You trust your nanny to care for your children when you are at work, but is that trust placed in the right person? Most nannies are good childcare providers and do not mistreat the children they watch. However, a hidden camera can help you confirm that your nanny is trustworthy.

Video surveillance systems can let you monitor anyone within your home, not just nannies. If you have a housekeeper who comes to your home, you need to make sure that person is doing his or her job properly. A video surveillance system can help you do verify your housekeeper is legitimate. You can make the cameras visible or install hidden ones. A quick review of your home security system video surveillance feeds will tell you what is going on within your home.

Monitor outdoor activity with a video surveillance system

A video surveillance system gives you a record of what is happening on and around your property. Do you suspect the neighborhood kids of using your front yard as a playground when you’re not home? You may be wondering about other issues or strange occurrences. By adding video surveillance to your home security system, you can monitor your outdoor property, even when you are not home.

A video surveillance system can protect you against crime

Video surveillance systems offer a record in case criminal charges need to be filed. A home security system can alert the authorities if someone tries to break into your home. However, a video surveillance system can capture footage of a criminal’s face and their actions. Having security footage is priceless when it comes to prosecuting a thief or vandal.

Having a video surveillance system can act as a crime deterrent. Criminals don’t want their faces captured when committing a crime. Cameras mounted in prominent places can help deter thieves, vandals, and other criminals from targeting your home.

Wireless capability of a video surveillance system

The wireless capability of video surveillance systems allow you to see what is going on from almost anywhere. Many video surveillance systems allow you to access live feeds via the internet. You can be at work and see if your kids got home from school on time or if your family pet is getting into trouble. You can even check to see if a package was left at your front door.

If you are interested in adding video surveillance to your home security system, contact the experts at 1st Alarm. You can call us at (1-800) 276-5559. You can also send us an email to learn more about our products and services or get a price quote. We provide services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.