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Video Surveillance Camera Placement Guide

After purchasing a video surveillance system, an installation technician is going to ask you where to place your video surveillance cameras. This is a question you should start thinking about before the technician arrives to do the installation. Common types of video surveillance cameras include outdoor and indoor cameras, built-in cameras, cameras for entryways, garages or warehouse entrances as well as other areas.

Outdoor video surveillance cameras

People are more likely to be dishonest if they think they are alone and unobserved. When you are putting video surveillance equipment outside, you should make some of them obvious. This obvious placement will act as a deterrent for would-be burglars, thieves, and vandals.

Hiding video surveillance equipment in inconspicuous places is also a good idea. Some criminals will take extra steps to avoid a video surveillance camera or may damage equipment to hide their identities. With a few hidden cameras, there is a better chance of recording activities and identifying suspects.

Indoor video surveillance cameras

How you use an indoor video surveillance camera depends upon what you need to secure. If you are trying to see what your nanny or housekeeper is doing when you are away, a hidden camera is the best option. This indoor placement will allow you to capture footage and review it when that person is not in the house.

For retail establishments, a combination of hidden and obvious equipment may be the best choice. Obvious cameras are good for deterring thefts, while hidden cameras can capture shoplifters and employees doing dishonest things.

Built-in video surveillance cameras

When you are remodeling, consider adding equipment into the walls. Instead of trying to mount a video surveillance camera in an inconspicuous location, you can hide everything but the lens. With the proper decoration on the wall surrounding the lens opening, no one will be able to tell that the equipment is even there.

Video surveillance cameras for entryways, garages, or warehouse access doors as well as other areas

All entry points to your business need to have a video surveillance camera. This placement allows you to track who is entering and exiting the business, and at what times. Ideally, you should have a video surveillance camera on both the inside and the outside of the door, especially if it is a solid door.

If your office or business is attached to a warehouse or garage, make sure the door in between is monitored by a video surveillance camera. You may not want customers in the warehouse or warehouse employees in the office. The video surveillance camera can tell you who is coming and going through the door.

If your office has windows on a side of the building that is not easily seen from the street, you need surveillance on those windows. This video surveillance will allow you to see if someone is trying to access the premises from a hidden spot. You can add the security equipment inside or outside of the building.

You may also have ongoing issues with vandals spray painting your back wall, or someone burglarizing employee cars in the parking lot. If you have one area where problems keep occurring, you should place a video surveillance camera in that area.

Keep your business and home secure by adding video surveillance equipment in the right spots. Let the experts at 1st Alarm guide you to the right system for your needs. Call us today at 1(800) 276-5559. You can also connect with us via email or visit us in person. We provide alarm services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

5 Questions You Must Answer Before Choosing A Security Camera

Having a home security system is great for keeping your family safe and adding video surveillance can increase your level of protection. However, you must consider these five questions before you choose your security cameras: Where do you want to install security cameras and what level of video quality do you need? Do you need night vision and do you want hidden or visible security cameras? Do you want to be able to see video footage from anywhere or just from one location? Answering these questions can help you decide what type of security cameras you need for your home video surveillance system.

Where do you want to install security cameras?

Consider where you need the protection of home video surveillance the most. Exterior security cameras are a good option for monitoring people who are on your property and can allow you to identify possible thieves and criminals. If outdoor cameras do not deter a break in, interior security cameras can record the criminal activities. Hidden interior cameras are also an option for your surveillance system. These security cameras can monitor nannies and other household employees as well as unwelcome guests.

What level of video quality do you need?

Video quality for home video surveillance improves each year. Today, you can choose from three levels in home security video quality: General, forensic and high detail.

General detail video is very low resolution and can only give you shapes and colors. Forensic detail video offers higher quality and can help identify faces and license plates. High detail video has very high quality resolution, offering the ability to see fine printing and logos on shirts.

Do you need night vision security cameras?

Night vision security cameras are more expensive than their daylight only counterparts, but they offer the assurance of recording events even during the nighttime. If you have proper lighting around your home, night vision is usually not needed.

Do you want hidden or visible security cameras?

Most people want visible security cameras on the exterior of their home. These cameras act as a deterrent to criminals and make it obvious to everyone that they are being observed.

Inside the home, hidden cameras are often chosen. You probably do not want your guests in your home knowing that you have security cameras. Plus, if you want to monitor the nanny or the housekeeper, you want to do it in secret.

Do you want to be able to see video footage from anywhere?

With modern home video surveillance cameras, you have the option of being able to see footage through your cell phone. You can monitor when the kids get home or if a package is dropped off at the door by having an internet connection to the feed. However, adding an internet video feed may increase costs to your monthly monitoring charges from the security company.

If you are looking for home video surveillance or a home security system, let the experts at 1st Alarm guide you to the right system for your needs. Call us today at 1(800) 276-5559. You can also connect with us via email or visit us in person. We provide alarm services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

Why Every Business Needs An Integrated Security System

You may see a security system as an option for your business, but really, it’s more of a necessity. Some business owners may not want to invest. However, the installation of this product can pay off in the long run and provide many benefits. Take these access control benefits into consideration while you are weighing the possibility of purchasing an integrated security system.

Access control benefits from integrated security systems

Want to know who’s going in and out of your business and when? Keep track of employees as well as potential criminals with an integrated security system. The access control benefits feature allows business owners to note where people are at all times inside their premises. Having a sophisticated turnstile system – such as the ones showcased on the Daosafe manufacturing home page – at the entry of your premises can help to prevent access to people outside of the business, regulate the flow of those entering and monitor throughput.

CCTV allows motion sensors to deploy and video comings and goings of employees or intruders. Business owners can even track a particular individual’s movements. If anything suspicious happens, this is the best way to capture it for the police so business owners have proof of any criminal event.

Many people don’t realize that a perk of having an integrated security system includes fire safety. If or when an emergency happens, the security system can help by opening doors so employees can safely exit. Notify the police and fire department in seconds through your integrated security system, and protect your business assets.

Other integrated security system benefits

You can upgrade this product as you see fit and easily add to it. You can even use the integrated security system as the universal base for your business’s security plan. Having one singular point of contact is a definite benefit of using an integrated security system. Have peace of mind, keep track of employees, and know exactly what’s going on in your business, so you’ll be aware when something happens that shouldn’t. That peace of mind is worth every penny.

For more information about integrated security systems

Contact 1st Alarm today at 1(800) 276-5559 to get more information about purchasing and installing a security system at your home or business. You can also contact us via email. Browse our website to find out more about the services and products we offer, or get a quote for your alarm right away. Find a location near you and let us help you arm your business so you can breathe easy. We have locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo./

Types Of Home Video Surveillance Cameras

You might think that one home video surveillance camera is just like the next one. The fact is that there are many different kinds of wireless home security systems. Knowing what each type is will help you choose the best one for your home or business. Types of home video surveillance cameras include hidden or visible, wireless, closed circuit television, domed, and fake.

Hidden or visible video surveillance cameras

You can mount home video surveillance cameras where they are easily seen or make them blend into the surroundings. Whether you want a hidden or visible type depends upon what you want to accomplish with your security system.

There are plenty of reasons why you would want to hide a camera. You might want to see what your nanny or housekeeper is doing when you are away. There are also plenty of reasons to make one visible. Criminals are less likely to target your home if they see home video surveillance cameras on the outside. Hidden types also allow you to mount recording devices where you need them, instead of only where they can’t be seen.

Wireless video surveillance cameras

Today, wireless security cameras are the most common type found in video surveillance systems. These recording devices can be mounted or set anywhere. Wireless types run off of battery power and can send their signals to the central unit via a wireless signal. These devices can also have on-board memory to capture video without sending it out. Because they are not tied to physical cables or wires, wireless video surveillance cameras can be moved as needed. Most wireless devices are mounted inside. However, there are models that are weatherproof that can be used outside.

Closed circuit television

Closed circuit television, or CCTV, is the classic choice when it comes to home video surveillance cameras. The CCTV system uses wired cameras that are cabled back to a central DVR and offers the ability to watch the feeds live on a monitor. A camera can be installed both inside and outside. This kind of home video surveillance system requires professional installation to work properly.

Domed video surveillance cameras

A domed camera usually mounts on the ceiling and offers a protected 360-degree view. This type is most often used in offices and retail establishments and can be hardened to prevent damage from vandalism. A domed camera is often blended into the background to make it less obvious. This way of disguising makes it easier to capture useful footage of dishonest activity.

Fake video surveillance cameras

These replicas do not record video. However, just the appearance of a fake camera can have the same deterrence level as a real one. This security product is affordable and simple to install.

These camera types are a few of the video surveillance options available for your home or business. You can use one kind or a mixture of types that work for your security needs. To get more information, contact us here at 1st Alarm. Give us a call at 1(800) 276-5559 or send us a message via email. We have locations in the following Texas cities: Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

The Benefits Of Installing Video Surveillance Systems At Work

Are you unsure about adding a video surveillance system to your business’s security? While adding video surveillance does cost money, there are certain benefits to having it as part of your security system. These benefits include the ability to monitor customers and employees. This system also helps prevent theft, break-ins, and vandalism. Above all, video surveillance systems provide the ability to protect your business with the highest efficiency.

Video surveillance systems give you the ability to monitor customers and employees

A video surveillance system allows you to see what is going on all around your business. Cameras on the outside give you a view of who is entering and exiting your property at any given time. Cameras can also show you if someone that is not supposed to be on the property is there. Cameras on the inside can tell you if your employees or customers are being dishonest. With a video surveillance system, you can monitor your customers and employees to make sure no one is stealing money or merchandise. The images can be recorded and reviewed later. You can also use captured video as evidence of wrongdoing for the police.

Video surveillance systems help preventing theft, break-ins, and vandalism

Obvious cameras act as a deterrent to theft and break-ins. The threat of being recorded on a video surveillance system often makes criminals think twice before breaking in or stealing something. If burglars decide to continue with their activities, the video will show what they are doing.

Hidden cameras can also have a deterrent effect. If a store becomes known for using hidden cameras to monitor customers and prosecute thieves, the criminal element may start going elsewhere.

Criminal activity is not limited to theft and burglary. Vandalism costs businesses billions of dollars every year. A video surveillance system can also prevent vandalism from occurring by deterring some acts or recording others. If you aim a camera towards a wall that is continually painted with graffiti, you can capture images of who is doing the damage. That is evidence that you can give to the police to find and prosecute those doing the damage.

Video surveillance systems provide the ability to protect your business with the highest efficiency

A video surveillance system is on duty all the time. Unlike employees, a security system takes no vacations and never gets distracted. Cameras can capture everything within their view 24/7, cutting down on your personnel costs without compromising security. A video surveillance system can also monitor areas that are not easily checked by security guards.

Crime is always a concern for any business. Adding a video surveillance system to your business can help you deter criminal activity and keep your premises safe. If you want to speak to someone about adding a video surveillance system to your business, contact us here at 1st Alarm. You can reach us at 1(800) 276-5559 or send us an email. We have locations in the following Texas cities: Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

Tax Deduction For A Security System

You are interested in a residential or commercial security system, but you aren’t sure about the cost. Is it possible that you could claim a tax deduction for a security system? The overall answer would be no. However, there are special circumstances. There are tax deductions for working from home and you can use your security system as part of these deductions. When doing your taxes for a home office, just use the maintenance or installation of the product as a deduction like you would other utilities. There are many financial benefits of installing a security system even if you can’t claim a tax deduction. This product increases your home’s tax basis, which can increase the value of your house if you choose to sell it. A security system can also reduce your homeowners’ insurance premium and prevent burglars from stealing your valuables, saving you money.

Tax deductions for working from home

The only way your wireless home security system could be tax-deductible is if a portion of your house is used for work. If you have a home office, you can use this product as a tax deduction. When you do your taxes, use the system and maintenance, or installation, as a deduction just as you do other home office deductions, such as utilities.

Another way you could use your security system as a tax deduction is if you run a home daycare center. Also, only a portion of your expenses are tax-deductible, since you are only using a part of your home for work purposes.

Financial benefits of installing a security system

Even if you can’t claim a tax deduction, there are financial benefits to having a wireless home security system. This product increases your home’s tax basis, which means it can increase the value of your house if you choose to sell it.

Another financial benefit of having a wireless home security system is the fact that it can reduce your homeowners’ insurance premiums. Since your house is less likely to be burglarized, it can reduce your monthly insurance costs when you install a home alarm system.

Having an alarm system prevents criminals from taking your valuables, which could be costly to replace. This is another ironclad financial benefit of having this product in place. It’s a worthwhile investment to put one into your home for the present and for the future. You can’t put a price on your safety and peace of mind.

For more information about security systems

If you are interested in a wireless home security system but you need more information before installing, contact 1st Alarm. Give us a call today at 1(800) 276-5559 or contact us via email with your questions about residential or commercial security. We have locations in the following Texas cities: Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

How To Replace A Security System Backup Battery

Every security system needs a backup battery. This item is required in case of an emergency, such as a power outage. The backup battery may only power your alarm for up to 8 hours. However, this can be crucial to your peace of mind and safety. Since security system batteries last for years, you don’t have to switch them out very often. When it’s time to replace them for new batteries, you will notice a blinking “low battery” icon on your alarm pad. First, put your security system in test mode and make sure the power is off. Then, switch the batteries. Finally, turn the power back on and remove your security system from test mode.

Put your security system in test mode and make sure the power is off

Before you crack open your security system, you will need to contact your alarm monitoring company. While you work on your security system, it needs to be in “test” mode. If the alarm goes off while you are working in test mode, the company will know you are not really in danger. Going through this process will ensure that the alarm company won’t send anyone out to check on the situation.

Make sure to power down the security system before you work to avoid any injury. Disconnect the transformer or flip the circuit breaker switch to ensure power is off while you replace the old battery with a new one.

Switch the batteries

Use the right tools to open up your system’s control panel in order to access the battery. This may require either a screwdriver or a control panel key that unlocks the panel. You will see the battery, as well as a black lead and a red lead. Carefully disconnect these leads in order to remove the security system battery.

Remove the old battery, and replace it with the new battery. Insert the plugs into the correctly colored leads, and replace the control panel case.

Turn the power back on and remove your security system from test mode

Power up your security system by plugging everything back in or flipping the circuits back to the “on” position. Your “low battery” light should flicker off, and now you can call your alarm company back and alert them to remove your system from its “test” mode since you have replaced the old battery with a fresh one. You shouldn’t have to change out your battery more often than every three years, though backup batteries can last as long as five years.

For more information about security systems

To find out more about residential and commercial security systems, contact 1st Alarm at 1(800) 276-5559 or send us an email. We provide alarm services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

Buying A Video Surveillance System For Your Business

Having a video surveillance system is critical if you want to keep your business secure. Before you sign a contract or start ordering equipment, you need to consider what you want to do with a commercial video surveillance system. There are many things to consider including what you want to monitor, resolution types, how you will monitor the video, and what types of cameras you will use.

What do you want to monitor?

Think about the reason you want a commercial video surveillance system in the first place. Do you want to monitor who is coming and going out the front door? Do you need to see who and what is going in and out of the back door or monitor customers and employees? Do you want exterior cameras to help deter potential criminal activity?

What type of resolution do you need?

You can get cameras for your commercial video surveillance system in a wide range of resolutions. The lowest resolution cameras will record basic shapes and colors, but not the details that would help you identify a license number or a face. The highest resolution cameras give you enough detail to read the smallest lettering on a shirt logo and there are plenty of options in between.

How will the video be monitored?

The standard option for monitoring a commercial video surveillance system is to feed the video to a recording device and review it when needed. Another video surveillance option is to have live feeds that an employee or security contractor can monitor. You can even have a live feed that is sent across the internet that you can watch on a cellular device. This option allows you to connect with your video surveillance system and see who is coming and going and what might be happening in the background.

What type of cameras do you need?

To monitor the outside of your business, you will need cameras that are built to be weatherproof. Indoor and outdoor cameras for your commercial video surveillance system also need to be hardened to prevent vandalism.

Infrared cameras offer you the ability to monitor what is going on at night or in dim conditions. This type uses infrared light to illuminate the area so it can capture the action. Day or night security cameras work well in low-light situations and have chips that are extremely light sensitive. While this type does not work in absolute darkness, it does work in low-light conditions like moonlight or street lighting.

Another type for your commercial video surveillance system is the bullet camera, which is small and compact. This camera is perfect for monitoring areas in secret and is lower in cost than many others. The bullet camera is easy to install and manage. Even smaller than the bullet camera is the mini security camera. This type can be smaller than a matchbook but still have good resolution and is easy to hide.

Dome cameras are standard in the video surveillance systems of many retail establishments and are professional and streamlined in appearance. This type can blend into any color ceiling for unobtrusive observation and can be hardened to prevent vandalism.

There are many options available when it comes to adding a video surveillance system to your business. If you want to learn more, contact us here at 1st Alarm. You can call us at 1(800) 276-5559 or send us a message via email. We have locations in the following Texas cities: Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

3 Main Objectives Of A Wireless Home Security System

No matter where you live, being at home should always feel safe. Having a wireless home security system can give you the added peace of mind you and your family need to feel safe around the clock. When you consider purchasing a security system, there are three objectives the device should meet. These objectives include minimizing break-ins, protecting your possessions, and avoiding danger.

Minimizing break-ins

The main purpose for having a wireless home security system is to minimize break-ins. Just the simple fact that you have a security system could keep a potential burglar away from your house. Decals in your windows or a sign in your yard advertising your security could keep a burglar from attempting a break-in. Criminals don’t want to get caught and know there is a high chance of being stopped because of a security system. Therefore, your wireless home security system has already done something without even having to be triggered.

Protecting possessions

Replacing your possessions is hard and some things, especially sentimental items, cannot be replaced. Having a wireless home security system means that you can worry less about a criminal breaking in and taking your items. If a criminal does actually get into your house, he or she will only have seconds before the police are alerted. This means you may not suffer a loss as large as one you may have incurred if you didn’t have the system in place.

Avoiding danger

Nothing is more scary than having to fight off or confront a burglar in your home. You may not be equipped to handle this type of situation, so leave criminals to the police, even when you have a wireless home security system. If you come home to an alarm going off, you know there is a chance someone entered your house. You can avoid danger by staying out of your house until the police arrive to investigate.

A home security system isn’t just a deterrent for criminals. This product can also keep you safe from a fire or other disaster. Connecting the unit to a fire alarm can alert you within seconds if there is a fire. The product can even alert the police and fire department.

Have questions about what type of wireless home security system is best for you? Contact 1st Alarm at 1(800) 276-5559 for more information about installing a security system. You can also contact us online with your questions, comments, or concerns or to get a price quote for your wireless home security system. We have locations in the following Texas cities: Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

4 Ways To Get The Most Out Of Your Wireless Home Security System

You installed a wireless home security system. You think you are safe, but are you really? A wireless home security system is your first line of defense for keeping your residence in Lubbock, Texas safe and sound. However, this form of security should not be the only line of defense you have. If you want to make the most out of your wireless home security system you just installed, you need to take further action. Use heavy-duty deadbolts on each entry point. Install motion detector lights outside and eliminate hiding places. Also, used timed devices, stop the mail, and notify neighbors when you are going on vacation.

Use heavy-duty deadbolts on each entry point

A determined burglar or home invader in Lubbock, Texas is not going to let much get in his way. Heavy-duty deadbolts, however, will make it very difficult for him to gain entry to your home through the doors. Make sure these deadbolts are made of hardened steel and installed by a professional. When you leave the house, arm your Lubbock wireless home security system and lock those deadbolts.

Install motion detector lights outside

Burglars and other criminals in Lubbock, Texas love the back yard, with no lights on, because they can gain entry into your home without anyone detecting them. With motion detector lights installed around the perimeter of your home, the dark won’t be an aid to burglars anymore. These lights will make you feel even more safe with your wireless home security system. When the light goes on, it may scare the criminal away. If not, it will at least alert you or the Lubbock police as to where the burglar is. Plus, if you need to go out at night for any reason, you will have lights go on automatically, making it safer for you.

Eliminate hiding places

An open garage, a dark unlit porch, or even an overgrown shrub, all make great hiding places for criminals. Take a walk around your home in Lubbock, Texas and see where there may be potential hiding places. Then, take steps to eliminate these hiding spots. Keep the garage door shut and get motion sensor lights on both the front and back porches. Also, trim hedges and plant prickly plants in areas where you cannot add light or eliminate the barriers. Taking these steps will help you get the most out of your home security system.

Use timed devices, stop the mail, and notify neighbors when you are going on vacation

Burglars will often stake out a house to see if anyone is at home. Having your lights, radios, televisions, and even small appliances go on occasionally will help deter their interest.

Stop the mail and Lubbock newspaper or have someone pick them up each day. A pile of unread newspapers or an overflowing mailbox are all signs that a homeowner has not been there in awhile. You can contact the post office and the Lubbock newspaper company to stop delivery until you get back. Alternatively, you can ask a neighbor or family member to come by each day and take these things inside.

Notify the home security company and your neighbors when you go on vacation. The home security company can send emergency responders instantly if they know you are not there. Your neighbors can also make sure that no one suspicious is hanging around your property in Lubbock, Texas when you are not there.

For the times when a burglar does try to break into your house, your wireless home security system will alert the proper Lubbock authorities. You can be rest assured that you, your family, and your belongings are protected with these tips and a good home security system.

If you are in the market for a home security system, give us a call here at 1st Alarm. We have locations in the following Texas cities: Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo. Give us a call today at 1(800) 276-5559. You can also contact us via email. We look forward to providing you with the best home security system available.