We live in a noisy world. Noise seems to be everywhere - traffic, construction, loud music, crowded buildings. Noise can even be a problem in labs and offices. The problem has become so wide-spread we have even created a term for it: noise pollution. It may not be possible to stop all that noise, but thanks to advances in technology, there are ways to isolate ourselves from it. To understand how we can begin to isolate ourselves from all that noise, we need a basic understanding of how sound travels - not just through the air, but through walls, floors and ceilings.
Sound travels through the air in waves, and those waves cause the objects they come into contact with to vibrate. When a sound is loud enough, those vibrations can travel through walls, floors and ceilings transferring sound into our buildings from the outside or from room to room and floor to floor on the inside. The key to effectively stopping unwanted noise from invading our space is to stop the vibration.
In most homes and commercial buildings, walls and floors have an interior support structure of wood or steel studs or joists and are covered with some form of rigid sheeting like drywall or particle board flooring, leaving an air space between the walls, floors and ceilings. That air space allows for the easy transfer of sound waves with very little solid mass for the sound to vibrate through or slow its transfer. One of the most common methods used to reduce the transfer of that sound has been to insulate the wall, floor or ceiling with one of several types of insulation. This may reduce the transfer of sound vibrations through the air space, but does nothing to stop the sound transferred through studs, drywall, joists or flooring.
It’s also important to understand that not all sound frequencies are not the same when it comes to insulation. Lab tests show that low frequency sounds aren’t stopped by insulation, and high frequency sounds aren’t reduced significantly. Insulating the air space is only effective in deadening mid-range frequency sound.
Then how is sound transferred in an insulated wall? When drywall is nailed directly to wall studs, sound waves vibrate the drywall, that vibration is transferred to the stud, and is finally transferred to the drywall on the other side of the wall. That vibrates the air in the room and the vibrations become sound waves again. The industry calls this coupling.
One method to reduce this transfer of vibration is called de-coupling. De-coupling is nothing more than creating a space between the drywall and studs. This dampens the sound. That is, the vibration and resulting transfer of sound is greatly reduced. This can easily be done during construction by placing a resilient cushion between the drywall and stud to absorb the vibration. There are clips and channels available for that purpose. Another even more effective method is to install a cushioning sheet over the stud wall and under the drywall, or over floor joists and under sub-flooring, When combined with insulating the air space between walls and floors, there is a significant reduction in the transfer of high, low and mid-range sound frequencies.
It is also important to seal around all outside door and window openings with a good quality caulk. To reduce the transfer of sound from room to room, don’t forget to seal outlets and install duct liners in furnace and air exchange duct work. When used together, each of these methods will go a long way in controlling the transfer of unwanted sound.
So far we have considered reducing sound in a home, a commercial building or a single room or area. And these methods are really only practical for new construction. They also can’t completely eliminate sound - only reduce it to acceptable levels.
What can be done when retro-fitting a room isn’t cost effective and sound isolation is needed? The answer may be as small as a portable “mini” sound shelter or as large as a sound isolation room. There are any number of applications where sound isolation is required. Hearing testing, speech therapy, psychological testing and data recording and industrial applications are just a few.
To meet those needs audiometric booths, sound isolation rooms and noise reduction rooms are available. By incorporating innovations like carpeted vibration isolated floors, space-saver roof mounted ventilation, recessed electrical outlets, noise-lock doors, double glazed windows and double thick modular wall panels, sound can be controlled in small spaces such as a portable booth or as large as a room within a room.
Understanding a bit about sound, how it travels and what can stop it can help you decide what you need to do to control the sound around you. Whether you want to keep the noise of the outside world out, quiet a part of your home or commercial building or need an area of sound isolation, understanding the technology that is available can help you make a sound decision.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Radiant Heat - Red Hot Retrofit
ALTERNATIVE HEATING
Red hot as in sales, that is. The reasons behind the increasing popularity of radiant heat panels are ease of installation, quick warm up, dust free heat, and low cost relative to other alternate heating systems.
For the same price as a pellet stove, you could heat a 1,500 square foot home and not have to deal with locating, storing, and lugging 40 pound bags of wood pellets.
A U.S. Department of Energy sponsored study concluded that radiant heat panels were 52% less expensive to operate than electric baseboard heat and 33% more cost effective air to air heat pumps. The study concluded that “energy savings would be obtainable in a great portion of U.S. households”.
Radiant heat panels manufactured by Enerjoy are about 1 inch thick, and range in size from 2’x2’ to 2’x8’. They are textured to look like the ceiling and can painted to match the room’s décor with quality water based acrylic paint.
The panels operate at 150-170 degrees F. and radiate heat to objects and people in the room. The panel itself reaches operating temperature in only three to five minutes.
Advantages of Radiant Heat Panels
Heat loss from ducts, even insulated ones, reduces the efficiency of forced air systems. Additional leakage is created by the internal air pressure generated by forced air systems. No duct, No pressure, no leakage problems.
Since the need for a blower to circulate heat is eliminated, so is the cost of electricity to the blower motor. Without a blower, there are no filters that need to be replaced.
Heating without moving air also eliminates drafts and prevents dust and pollen from circulating while maintaining the air’s moisture content.
Radiant heat panels require no maintenance or service because there are no moving parts.
With separate thermostats for each room, zoned heating is easy as turning a light switch on and off. Significant energy savings can be realized by allowing only the occupied areas to be heated. The quick response time radiant panels will return an unoccupied room to a comfortable temperature in minutes.
Radiant Heat Panel Applications
Radiant heat panels are an excellent source of heat for bathrooms (no more foggy mirrors), log homes, gazebos, screened in porches and stables. If you’re heating a greenhouse, radiant heat will protect your plants in the absence of sunlight by maintaining root temperatures.
Replacing a wood stove with ceiling mounted panels in auxiliary buildings such as workshops or studios allows the use of all available floor space.
Radiant Heat Panel Installation and Cost
The low amperage requirements for ceiling heat panels can usually be provided by existing 120 or 240 volt circuits. The 30%-70% wattage reduction over electric baseboard heating eliminates the need for dedicated wiring. Wherever a single panel is installed, the existing 120 volt capacity circuit is usually adequate for the additional load.
Installation of radiant heat panels typically cost between $1.25 and $1.50 per square foot of heated space. For a 1,500 sq. ft. house the estimated cost would be $1,900 to $2,300. That’s considerably less than the cost for a complete forced air system.
Disadvantages of Radiant Heat Panels
The major limitation of radiant heat panels is the absence of a cooling function. Installing a ducted central air conditioner would undermine many of the advantages of using radiant panels.
One way around this would be to install a mini-split air conditioning system. The mini-split, like radiant panels, is also a cost effective retrofit solution and can be zoned to cool only occupied rooms.
If controlling heating costs is your primary concern, radiant heat panels offer an easy, cost effective and healthy way to retrofit your home with comfortable, reliable heat.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
Red hot as in sales, that is. The reasons behind the increasing popularity of radiant heat panels are ease of installation, quick warm up, dust free heat, and low cost relative to other alternate heating systems.
For the same price as a pellet stove, you could heat a 1,500 square foot home and not have to deal with locating, storing, and lugging 40 pound bags of wood pellets.
A U.S. Department of Energy sponsored study concluded that radiant heat panels were 52% less expensive to operate than electric baseboard heat and 33% more cost effective air to air heat pumps. The study concluded that “energy savings would be obtainable in a great portion of U.S. households”.
Radiant heat panels manufactured by Enerjoy are about 1 inch thick, and range in size from 2’x2’ to 2’x8’. They are textured to look like the ceiling and can painted to match the room’s décor with quality water based acrylic paint.
The panels operate at 150-170 degrees F. and radiate heat to objects and people in the room. The panel itself reaches operating temperature in only three to five minutes.
Advantages of Radiant Heat Panels
Heat loss from ducts, even insulated ones, reduces the efficiency of forced air systems. Additional leakage is created by the internal air pressure generated by forced air systems. No duct, No pressure, no leakage problems.
Since the need for a blower to circulate heat is eliminated, so is the cost of electricity to the blower motor. Without a blower, there are no filters that need to be replaced.
Heating without moving air also eliminates drafts and prevents dust and pollen from circulating while maintaining the air’s moisture content.
Radiant heat panels require no maintenance or service because there are no moving parts.
With separate thermostats for each room, zoned heating is easy as turning a light switch on and off. Significant energy savings can be realized by allowing only the occupied areas to be heated. The quick response time radiant panels will return an unoccupied room to a comfortable temperature in minutes.
Radiant Heat Panel Applications
Radiant heat panels are an excellent source of heat for bathrooms (no more foggy mirrors), log homes, gazebos, screened in porches and stables. If you’re heating a greenhouse, radiant heat will protect your plants in the absence of sunlight by maintaining root temperatures.
Replacing a wood stove with ceiling mounted panels in auxiliary buildings such as workshops or studios allows the use of all available floor space.
Radiant Heat Panel Installation and Cost
The low amperage requirements for ceiling heat panels can usually be provided by existing 120 or 240 volt circuits. The 30%-70% wattage reduction over electric baseboard heating eliminates the need for dedicated wiring. Wherever a single panel is installed, the existing 120 volt capacity circuit is usually adequate for the additional load.
Installation of radiant heat panels typically cost between $1.25 and $1.50 per square foot of heated space. For a 1,500 sq. ft. house the estimated cost would be $1,900 to $2,300. That’s considerably less than the cost for a complete forced air system.
Disadvantages of Radiant Heat Panels
The major limitation of radiant heat panels is the absence of a cooling function. Installing a ducted central air conditioner would undermine many of the advantages of using radiant panels.
One way around this would be to install a mini-split air conditioning system. The mini-split, like radiant panels, is also a cost effective retrofit solution and can be zoned to cool only occupied rooms.
If controlling heating costs is your primary concern, radiant heat panels offer an easy, cost effective and healthy way to retrofit your home with comfortable, reliable heat.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
Choosing the Right Type of Deck Just for You
So you have decided to add beautiy and functionaloty to your home by adding a deck. Wonderful choice. With all of the different types and designs availble, having an understanding of them can make your decision alot easier.
Ground-level Decks
This the most common form mof deck. As the name implies, these decks are built on the ground and are normally up to a height of four to five feet. Unless a pit is dug to hold the joists and supproting foundation, the lowest deck would be approximately one foot off the ground. If the wood lies directly on the ground without a supporting foundation, it is a patio.
High-rise Decks
High-rise decks are usually built in response to site conditions such as access to an upper-level doorway or the desire to catch a certain view of the surrounding area. These decks superior structures when exposure to the sun and breeze are important. The height of this type of deck makes necessary the proper sizing of the supporting columns and bracing, which is an extremely important facor for stability and safety.
Mulitlevel Decks
A multilevel deck offers a unique response to the solution of many problems at the same time. It can allow for varied usage based on the criteria for sun/shade, privacy, and breeze. When used for a party or other entertainment, a multilevel deck will let more intimate groupings of people to gather and form.This type of deck is often extremely attractive and enhances the apperance of a home significantly.
Load-bearing Decks
As the name imples, a load-bearing deck must support an unusual amount of weight. In other words, more than the normal backyard variety deck. These structures are normally built to solve such problems as how to house a motor vehicle in a carport built over a hillside. When the cost of excavation to level an area is prohibitive, this type of deck might be the only economical solution to the problem. The materials used in this deck and suppporting columns and foundations are substantially stronger than the average backyard deck. It is advisable to seek the advice of a professional if this is the kind of deck you need to construct.
Rooftop Decks
If your yard condition is crowded, a rooftop deck might be the one for you. Many houses are built with the upper windows that could be converted into doors. Perhaps you have an attic that could be transformed into a family room. A rooftop deck is a natural extention for this type of environment.
This type of deck plays on the house's existing foundation. Stability concerns are usually not a major factor in building this deck.
Roofs can be either flat or sloped. It is easier to construct a deck on a nearly level roof. A sloped deck requires additional supports to achieve a level condition, whereas a nearly level roof deck can be leveled with simple blocking.
A prime concern in building a rooftop deck is avoiding damage to the roof and not impeding the run-off of water when it rains. For sloped roofs, your deck structure will make it impossible to replace the roof in years to come. It is avisable to replace the roof before adding the deck. Be certain that the supports or fasteners for your deck do not pierce nor wear away the roofing to cause leaks.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
Ground-level Decks
This the most common form mof deck. As the name implies, these decks are built on the ground and are normally up to a height of four to five feet. Unless a pit is dug to hold the joists and supproting foundation, the lowest deck would be approximately one foot off the ground. If the wood lies directly on the ground without a supporting foundation, it is a patio.
High-rise Decks
High-rise decks are usually built in response to site conditions such as access to an upper-level doorway or the desire to catch a certain view of the surrounding area. These decks superior structures when exposure to the sun and breeze are important. The height of this type of deck makes necessary the proper sizing of the supporting columns and bracing, which is an extremely important facor for stability and safety.
Mulitlevel Decks
A multilevel deck offers a unique response to the solution of many problems at the same time. It can allow for varied usage based on the criteria for sun/shade, privacy, and breeze. When used for a party or other entertainment, a multilevel deck will let more intimate groupings of people to gather and form.This type of deck is often extremely attractive and enhances the apperance of a home significantly.
Load-bearing Decks
As the name imples, a load-bearing deck must support an unusual amount of weight. In other words, more than the normal backyard variety deck. These structures are normally built to solve such problems as how to house a motor vehicle in a carport built over a hillside. When the cost of excavation to level an area is prohibitive, this type of deck might be the only economical solution to the problem. The materials used in this deck and suppporting columns and foundations are substantially stronger than the average backyard deck. It is advisable to seek the advice of a professional if this is the kind of deck you need to construct.
Rooftop Decks
If your yard condition is crowded, a rooftop deck might be the one for you. Many houses are built with the upper windows that could be converted into doors. Perhaps you have an attic that could be transformed into a family room. A rooftop deck is a natural extention for this type of environment.
This type of deck plays on the house's existing foundation. Stability concerns are usually not a major factor in building this deck.
Roofs can be either flat or sloped. It is easier to construct a deck on a nearly level roof. A sloped deck requires additional supports to achieve a level condition, whereas a nearly level roof deck can be leveled with simple blocking.
A prime concern in building a rooftop deck is avoiding damage to the roof and not impeding the run-off of water when it rains. For sloped roofs, your deck structure will make it impossible to replace the roof in years to come. It is avisable to replace the roof before adding the deck. Be certain that the supports or fasteners for your deck do not pierce nor wear away the roofing to cause leaks.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
Monday, January 29, 2007
Choosing a Fireplace to Heat Your Home
A major concern for homeowners today is the high cost of heating their home during the cold winter months. With costs for propane, electricity, and natural gas on the rise, what can a homeowner do to keep their heating costs within budget? Well, more and more people are turning to a fireplace to lower those costs and to benefit from the ambience a fireplace can create in their home.
There are many considerations to make in the decision regarding what type of fireplace to put in your home. The first choice to be made will be where to place the stove in your home. For optimal benefit the unit should be located in the home where the occupants spend the most time; such as a living room, family room, or den. Interior doors to adjacent rooms should be left open to allow the heat to circulate throughout the home. Once you decide where in your home to place the stove then you will need to decide which type best suits your needs.
Fireplace units themselves have changed a lot over the years. Models range in variety from the classic wood burning type to gas or electric models. I will take a moment to describe each type briefly along with that particular models pros and cons.
Electric fireplace units are very convenient for today’s modern man. This no mess no fuss unit plugs into an electrical outlet and can be turned on or off with a simple push of the button. Many of these units have the look and feel of a “real” fireplace, though some consider them glorified space heaters. The biggest drawback to an electric model is its very ease. Electricity can be expensive in some areas and when the power is off due to weather, your heat is as well.
A gas-based fireplace is very similar to an electric unit, but not dependent on electricity. This is very handy if you live in area prone to power outages, but beware not all units are totally free of electricity. Some have blowers and electric starters, which tie the unit to the power. Another drawback is the odor of gas. Some individuals are very sensitive to the smell and no matter how clean running the unit it will bother these people.
The conventional wood-burning stove is not dependent on electricity or gas, but it is nowhere as convenient to use. No more simple pushing a button to warm your home, a fire will need lit whenever you want to warm your home. The plus side to this type is you will always have heat as long as you have wood. Of course this involves carrying wood into your home and taking ashes out. To some this can be a messy undertaking they would rather not have. To others freedom from being “off the grid” makes it all worthwhile.
One of the more popular fireplace units in the market is the pellet stove. These units run on pellets made of wood, corn, or biomass waste. These models are more cost effective in the long run compared to gas or electric, and produce a real flame like conventional wood burning stoves, without the mess. Many of them use electric based blowers and auto feeders so it has some electricity needs. Many changes and innovations are still going on in pellet stoves and the pellet itself to make them a “greener” choice.
Your family will love having a fireplace in the their home no matter which type you decide to install. The heat of a fire on a cold winter day will add a new level of comfort to your home. Your family will all gather for the inviting warmth and cherish their time together in front of the fireplace.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
There are many considerations to make in the decision regarding what type of fireplace to put in your home. The first choice to be made will be where to place the stove in your home. For optimal benefit the unit should be located in the home where the occupants spend the most time; such as a living room, family room, or den. Interior doors to adjacent rooms should be left open to allow the heat to circulate throughout the home. Once you decide where in your home to place the stove then you will need to decide which type best suits your needs.
Fireplace units themselves have changed a lot over the years. Models range in variety from the classic wood burning type to gas or electric models. I will take a moment to describe each type briefly along with that particular models pros and cons.
Electric fireplace units are very convenient for today’s modern man. This no mess no fuss unit plugs into an electrical outlet and can be turned on or off with a simple push of the button. Many of these units have the look and feel of a “real” fireplace, though some consider them glorified space heaters. The biggest drawback to an electric model is its very ease. Electricity can be expensive in some areas and when the power is off due to weather, your heat is as well.
A gas-based fireplace is very similar to an electric unit, but not dependent on electricity. This is very handy if you live in area prone to power outages, but beware not all units are totally free of electricity. Some have blowers and electric starters, which tie the unit to the power. Another drawback is the odor of gas. Some individuals are very sensitive to the smell and no matter how clean running the unit it will bother these people.
The conventional wood-burning stove is not dependent on electricity or gas, but it is nowhere as convenient to use. No more simple pushing a button to warm your home, a fire will need lit whenever you want to warm your home. The plus side to this type is you will always have heat as long as you have wood. Of course this involves carrying wood into your home and taking ashes out. To some this can be a messy undertaking they would rather not have. To others freedom from being “off the grid” makes it all worthwhile.
One of the more popular fireplace units in the market is the pellet stove. These units run on pellets made of wood, corn, or biomass waste. These models are more cost effective in the long run compared to gas or electric, and produce a real flame like conventional wood burning stoves, without the mess. Many of them use electric based blowers and auto feeders so it has some electricity needs. Many changes and innovations are still going on in pellet stoves and the pellet itself to make them a “greener” choice.
Your family will love having a fireplace in the their home no matter which type you decide to install. The heat of a fire on a cold winter day will add a new level of comfort to your home. Your family will all gather for the inviting warmth and cherish their time together in front of the fireplace.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
All About Home Improvement
Indeed, there’s no better feeling than being at home. Here, you can enjoy doing the things you love while being comfortable at your own pace and space. But, how can you enjoy ultimate comfort in your own abode when your home needs fixing and improvement?
D-I-Y OR PRO?
If you would want to do some improvements in your home, the first thing you should consider is whether you can do the fixing all by yourself or you need the services of a professional home fixer.
If you are planning to do it on your own, there are actually many references you can use. Aside from magazines, websites are also available in the Internet that designed for those who prefer to the task by themselves.
But, better make sure that you are indeed prepared to these tasks of home improvement because it is hard to keep everything hanging when you no longer have the drive to finish what you have started. Before trying on any big projects like remodeling any part of the house, changing wall papers, buying a new set of appliances, or renovation of windows, rooms, and even gardens, ask yourself first if you can dedicated a lot of time because these changes will require many of it.
For you to know if you are ready in doing drastic home improvements, try repairing small things or do modest installations. If you think you and your partner can handle bigger projects than these modest tasks, then you can start doing major renovations. By doing the renovation yourself, you can save more money because you won’t have to pay a pro.
Hiring the services of a professional is needed if you are the type of homeowner who is only interested in planning the project and doing the finishing touches afterwards. Usually, professionals charge high rates because they can assure you that the job can be finished faster, more accurate and more reliable. Since these people are experts in home improvement, they can guarantee you that the work will be done precisely.
But, before you hire a contractor, make sure that you have set all the records and terms straight. Make sure that the pro knows what you want them to do and when do you want them to finish. Also make sure that you established a clear division between your work and the contractor’s.
BASIC HOME IMPROVEMENT
If you are planning to do some home improvement, familiarize yourself what are the aspects that might need renovation or fixing.
1. Electrical safety. This is one of the basic concerns of any household. Double check if your electrical wirings are all intact and check if there’s a need for a repair. To ensure safety, try developing a simple home electrical safety to minimize the possibility of accidents due to faulty wirings and the like.
2. Hardware. Maybe it’s now time to check if all your cabinets in the kitchen, bedroom, garage, and storage are all okay. Who knows, these cabinets need changing of nuts, bolts, nails, screening, etc? If you want to fix these yourself, you can look for the things you might need in home hardwares found at home centers.
3. Windows and doors. Windows and doors are indeed wonderful decorations to your home. If you want to recreate your windows, try adding flower boxes for a change.
4. Wallpaper and borders. Bored of your old wallpapers and borders? Then, you can now renovate these to turn your room into a unique room. You can find discounted wallpaper and borders almost anywhere but make sure they are high-quality so you can use them for a long period of time.
5. Outdoor projects. Look around your garden if it needs updating or repair. You may also want to change the theme of your garden to make it look more refreshing.
Home improvement may also include storage and garage, metal roofing, house plans, deck designs, patios, fences, appliances, craft projects, and bathroom fixtures and furniture.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
D-I-Y OR PRO?
If you would want to do some improvements in your home, the first thing you should consider is whether you can do the fixing all by yourself or you need the services of a professional home fixer.
If you are planning to do it on your own, there are actually many references you can use. Aside from magazines, websites are also available in the Internet that designed for those who prefer to the task by themselves.
But, better make sure that you are indeed prepared to these tasks of home improvement because it is hard to keep everything hanging when you no longer have the drive to finish what you have started. Before trying on any big projects like remodeling any part of the house, changing wall papers, buying a new set of appliances, or renovation of windows, rooms, and even gardens, ask yourself first if you can dedicated a lot of time because these changes will require many of it.
For you to know if you are ready in doing drastic home improvements, try repairing small things or do modest installations. If you think you and your partner can handle bigger projects than these modest tasks, then you can start doing major renovations. By doing the renovation yourself, you can save more money because you won’t have to pay a pro.
Hiring the services of a professional is needed if you are the type of homeowner who is only interested in planning the project and doing the finishing touches afterwards. Usually, professionals charge high rates because they can assure you that the job can be finished faster, more accurate and more reliable. Since these people are experts in home improvement, they can guarantee you that the work will be done precisely.
But, before you hire a contractor, make sure that you have set all the records and terms straight. Make sure that the pro knows what you want them to do and when do you want them to finish. Also make sure that you established a clear division between your work and the contractor’s.
BASIC HOME IMPROVEMENT
If you are planning to do some home improvement, familiarize yourself what are the aspects that might need renovation or fixing.
1. Electrical safety. This is one of the basic concerns of any household. Double check if your electrical wirings are all intact and check if there’s a need for a repair. To ensure safety, try developing a simple home electrical safety to minimize the possibility of accidents due to faulty wirings and the like.
2. Hardware. Maybe it’s now time to check if all your cabinets in the kitchen, bedroom, garage, and storage are all okay. Who knows, these cabinets need changing of nuts, bolts, nails, screening, etc? If you want to fix these yourself, you can look for the things you might need in home hardwares found at home centers.
3. Windows and doors. Windows and doors are indeed wonderful decorations to your home. If you want to recreate your windows, try adding flower boxes for a change.
4. Wallpaper and borders. Bored of your old wallpapers and borders? Then, you can now renovate these to turn your room into a unique room. You can find discounted wallpaper and borders almost anywhere but make sure they are high-quality so you can use them for a long period of time.
5. Outdoor projects. Look around your garden if it needs updating or repair. You may also want to change the theme of your garden to make it look more refreshing.
Home improvement may also include storage and garage, metal roofing, house plans, deck designs, patios, fences, appliances, craft projects, and bathroom fixtures and furniture.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
Improve Energy Efficiency for Buildings By Using Wooden Windows
It is generally accepted that the majority of houses in South Africa are energy inefficient as they are not designed or constructed to maximize energy efficiency. It is recognized by the government that we need to become an energy aware society. To this end legislation is being planned to encourage architects and builders to consider energy efficiency in their designs in future.
Building regulations in South Africa are under review with the need to reduce energy demand from industry by 15% in 2015. Standards South Africa has been working on two performance standards SANS 283 and 204 in which standards are being prescribed for all naturally and mechanically ventilated buildings. Energy efficient windows are a particular focus so that contractors and homeowners will have a guide for the planning and design of their development.
The Australian building code has been used as an example because their standards relate to similar climatic conditions that we find in South Africa.
South Africa has been divided into six energy usage zones dependant upon climatic conditions. They are described as
1. Cold Interior
2. Temperate Interior
3. Hot Interior
4. Temperate Coastal
5. Sub-Tropical Coastal
6. Arid Interior.
Energy performance ratings for windows have been established for climatic conditions in numerous countries including USA, most European countries and Australasia. A Label is affixed to a product to indicate the energy efficency ratings
The main factors for which ratings have been decided in these countries are:
1.The U-factor. Expressed as U-value. The rate at which heat is lost from a building. The lower the value the better.
2.The R-value. This relates to how well the window insulates the building and restricts heat transfer. The higher the value the more effective the insulation in resisting heat flow into the building in summer and out of it in winter.
3.SHGC. Solar heat gain co-efficient This indicates how well a product blocks heat from the sun. The lower the number the better. A low SHGC means the window transmits less solar heat.
4.Visible transmittance refers to visible light being transmitted. The higher the VT, the more light is transmitted.
5.Air leakage. Heat loss and gain occur by infiltration of air through the cracks in the window assembly. The lower the AL the better.
6. Condensation resistance. This measures the ability of a product to resist the formation of condensation on the interior surface of that product
For more information on energy performance ratings go to www.nfrc.org
Energy efficiency ratings are country specific
It is important that the above ratings are country specific and so a facility is being built to test South African products and determine the co-efficients for South African climatic conditions and the six energy usage zones. It should be ready early in 2007.
Timber Windows Performance Ratings
The ratings for timber windows internationally are better than those for metal or PVC windows and are recommended by the WWF as timber windows require less energy, are more efficient and less CO2 is emitted into the atmosphere in their production.
Energy Efficient Building Design Principles
1. Design for climate – per the energy usage zones and climatic conditions
2. Insulate walls, ceilings, windows and doors – increase insulation levels
3. Consider building orientation – main living area windows to the north (if in the southern hemisphere)
4. Position windows to allow cross breezes to ventilate rooms naturally.
5. A light coloured roof reduces the flow of heat from solar radiation better than a dark roof
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
Building regulations in South Africa are under review with the need to reduce energy demand from industry by 15% in 2015. Standards South Africa has been working on two performance standards SANS 283 and 204 in which standards are being prescribed for all naturally and mechanically ventilated buildings. Energy efficient windows are a particular focus so that contractors and homeowners will have a guide for the planning and design of their development.
The Australian building code has been used as an example because their standards relate to similar climatic conditions that we find in South Africa.
South Africa has been divided into six energy usage zones dependant upon climatic conditions. They are described as
1. Cold Interior
2. Temperate Interior
3. Hot Interior
4. Temperate Coastal
5. Sub-Tropical Coastal
6. Arid Interior.
Energy performance ratings for windows have been established for climatic conditions in numerous countries including USA, most European countries and Australasia. A Label is affixed to a product to indicate the energy efficency ratings
The main factors for which ratings have been decided in these countries are:
1.The U-factor. Expressed as U-value. The rate at which heat is lost from a building. The lower the value the better.
2.The R-value. This relates to how well the window insulates the building and restricts heat transfer. The higher the value the more effective the insulation in resisting heat flow into the building in summer and out of it in winter.
3.SHGC. Solar heat gain co-efficient This indicates how well a product blocks heat from the sun. The lower the number the better. A low SHGC means the window transmits less solar heat.
4.Visible transmittance refers to visible light being transmitted. The higher the VT, the more light is transmitted.
5.Air leakage. Heat loss and gain occur by infiltration of air through the cracks in the window assembly. The lower the AL the better.
6. Condensation resistance. This measures the ability of a product to resist the formation of condensation on the interior surface of that product
For more information on energy performance ratings go to www.nfrc.org
Energy efficiency ratings are country specific
It is important that the above ratings are country specific and so a facility is being built to test South African products and determine the co-efficients for South African climatic conditions and the six energy usage zones. It should be ready early in 2007.
Timber Windows Performance Ratings
The ratings for timber windows internationally are better than those for metal or PVC windows and are recommended by the WWF as timber windows require less energy, are more efficient and less CO2 is emitted into the atmosphere in their production.
Energy Efficient Building Design Principles
1. Design for climate – per the energy usage zones and climatic conditions
2. Insulate walls, ceilings, windows and doors – increase insulation levels
3. Consider building orientation – main living area windows to the north (if in the southern hemisphere)
4. Position windows to allow cross breezes to ventilate rooms naturally.
5. A light coloured roof reduces the flow of heat from solar radiation better than a dark roof
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
Tips on Planning Your Outdoor Kitchen
It used to be that outdoor entertaining conjured up the familiar image of the picnic lunch at the park. You only needed a picnic basket, thermos, paper plates and plastic utensils.
Or if you wanted to be able to host an outdoor luncheon or dinner you would toss some items on a barbecue pit out in the backyard and flip burgers and hotdogs.
Cooking on a grill is a great way to entertain outdoors. However it is a nuisance to have to go back and forth from the kitchen to the patio. That is way outdoor kitchens have become more and more popular.
Preparing and enjoying meals outdoors along with casual entertaining has in recent years really taken off as homeowners have come to see just how appealing these alfresco preparation areas can be. Having originated in the southwest, outdoor kitchens are now to be found all over the country.
So just what kinds of foods can be cooked outdoors? Actually any type of food that can be prepared in an indoor kitchen can be prepared in an outdoor kitchen.
Today's outdoor kitchen designs can include such items as: sinks, cabinets, and cutting boards. They can be fully featured areas, which offering a covered bar and buffet area.
In planning your outdoor kitchen you will need to consider how much you will use your outdoor kitchen and whether it will be just a small part of your deck or patio or a fully functional outdoor kitchen.
Today, however outdoor kitchens have made entertaining more convenient as well as luxurious. Now you can have all the accoutrements of any indoor kitchen all year around no matter what part of the country you live in. The latest products on the market include luxury grills equipped with all the capabilities of stovetop cooking. Outdoor kitchen setups include kitchen islands, sinks, refrigerators, wet bars and dishwashers.
Outdoor Kitchen Design Factors
An outdoor kitchen design can include different components and styles and there are many factors in deciding on the right outdoor kitchen design. One of the factors is just how much space you have to work with. Will it just include a small grill island or will your outdoor kitchen be as big as your indoor kitchen? Will it be the place where you and your family will spend a considerable amount of time?
It is important that for an outdoor kitchen to work you must be able to provide adequate seating and dining areas. If you want to be able to enjoy your outdoor kitchen when the weather turns cooler it is a good idea to also have an outdoor fireplace to keep everyone warm and toasty.
Custom or Prefab Grilling Islands
Next, you will need to determine whether you will want your grill to be freestanding or built into an outdoor grilling island. Custom grilling islands can help provide your outdoor kitchen with a more upscale look. Just like an indoor kitchen island, the outdoor grilling island includes masonry with cabinets. Many experts agree that custom masonry grilling islands can add tremendous value to your home. You can also go with a prefab grilling island. These prefab islands come in a variety of configurations and exterior finishes. They cost less than more custom islands.
Building Materials For Your Outdoor Kitchen
You should select sturdy and durable materials that can stand up to climate changes. Many building experts agree that Polymer is the perfect material for the construction of outdoor kitchens. It can withstand outside elements and unlike wood, concrete or stucco it does not absorb moisture. Polymer is a solid material not a laminate or layered material and it will not warp, crack, or split. Countertops can be made from ceramic tile, granite, marble, slate and other natural stones.
Outdoor Lighting
Another area just as important is designing your outdoor kitchen is outdoor lighting. This can change and improve the overall feel of your outdoor kitchen. There are many types of lighting to choose from including: ambiance lighting that can include soft white lights or colored bulbs. Solar lights can be charged during the day and turn on automatically as it gets dark.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
Or if you wanted to be able to host an outdoor luncheon or dinner you would toss some items on a barbecue pit out in the backyard and flip burgers and hotdogs.
Cooking on a grill is a great way to entertain outdoors. However it is a nuisance to have to go back and forth from the kitchen to the patio. That is way outdoor kitchens have become more and more popular.
Preparing and enjoying meals outdoors along with casual entertaining has in recent years really taken off as homeowners have come to see just how appealing these alfresco preparation areas can be. Having originated in the southwest, outdoor kitchens are now to be found all over the country.
So just what kinds of foods can be cooked outdoors? Actually any type of food that can be prepared in an indoor kitchen can be prepared in an outdoor kitchen.
Today's outdoor kitchen designs can include such items as: sinks, cabinets, and cutting boards. They can be fully featured areas, which offering a covered bar and buffet area.
In planning your outdoor kitchen you will need to consider how much you will use your outdoor kitchen and whether it will be just a small part of your deck or patio or a fully functional outdoor kitchen.
Today, however outdoor kitchens have made entertaining more convenient as well as luxurious. Now you can have all the accoutrements of any indoor kitchen all year around no matter what part of the country you live in. The latest products on the market include luxury grills equipped with all the capabilities of stovetop cooking. Outdoor kitchen setups include kitchen islands, sinks, refrigerators, wet bars and dishwashers.
Outdoor Kitchen Design Factors
An outdoor kitchen design can include different components and styles and there are many factors in deciding on the right outdoor kitchen design. One of the factors is just how much space you have to work with. Will it just include a small grill island or will your outdoor kitchen be as big as your indoor kitchen? Will it be the place where you and your family will spend a considerable amount of time?
It is important that for an outdoor kitchen to work you must be able to provide adequate seating and dining areas. If you want to be able to enjoy your outdoor kitchen when the weather turns cooler it is a good idea to also have an outdoor fireplace to keep everyone warm and toasty.
Custom or Prefab Grilling Islands
Next, you will need to determine whether you will want your grill to be freestanding or built into an outdoor grilling island. Custom grilling islands can help provide your outdoor kitchen with a more upscale look. Just like an indoor kitchen island, the outdoor grilling island includes masonry with cabinets. Many experts agree that custom masonry grilling islands can add tremendous value to your home. You can also go with a prefab grilling island. These prefab islands come in a variety of configurations and exterior finishes. They cost less than more custom islands.
Building Materials For Your Outdoor Kitchen
You should select sturdy and durable materials that can stand up to climate changes. Many building experts agree that Polymer is the perfect material for the construction of outdoor kitchens. It can withstand outside elements and unlike wood, concrete or stucco it does not absorb moisture. Polymer is a solid material not a laminate or layered material and it will not warp, crack, or split. Countertops can be made from ceramic tile, granite, marble, slate and other natural stones.
Outdoor Lighting
Another area just as important is designing your outdoor kitchen is outdoor lighting. This can change and improve the overall feel of your outdoor kitchen. There are many types of lighting to choose from including: ambiance lighting that can include soft white lights or colored bulbs. Solar lights can be charged during the day and turn on automatically as it gets dark.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
What is wrong with My Windows
Did you know that a family of four can consume up to 18 gallons of water in the form of humidity inside a home in the space of a week? All that water stemming from cooking, showering, washing and drying clothes, and even breathing has to go somewhere.
One of the more visible indicators of high humidity in a home is in the windows. If your home contains excessive moisture and it is cold outside, the first place you will see it is in your windows. This does not mean necessarily mean that there is a problem with your house’s windows. The majority of windows condensation simply indicates that your home needs increased ventilation to lower the amount of moisture in the air or you need to reduce the sources of humidity.
If your home is older consider that generally older homes have more cracks and openings in their construction which allow natural air into the home and help to reduce moisture. On the other hand if your home is of newer construction your home will be more sealed to moisture loss. Excess moisture so to speak will be trapped in your abode.
While this may be helpful from energy efficiency standpoint, this stagnant air contributes to condensation and creates the potential for condensation on surfaces that are cooler than the dew point.
Humidity is generally created by cooking food, running the dishwasher, filling the sink with hot water, showers, hot tubs, washers and indoor vented dryers, basements, and crawl spaces that channel dampness from the ground into the home, breathing and perspiration.
In addition to these potential sources of moisture, wood, plaster and other building materials in a new home absorb moisture during humid summers and gradually release it after the first few weeks of heating your home in the fall.
The best way to combat this condensation and moisture is to first to decrease the amount of moisture into the air. This may involve adding ventilation, eliminating sources of humidity or removing humidity from the air after it has been generated. To lower the humidity in the home what can you do?
First run exhaust fans in the bedroom during showering or in the kitchen while cooking. It is best to take shorter showers and install water restricting faucets. This will lower both your humidity and water bill. It may be better for you to use the microwave oven, slow cooker or outdoor grill more often. As well you should check and reroute drainage away from your home to minimize the moisture in and around the basement and foundation. Install a humidifier in basements and other damp area and turn off furnace as well as other humidifiers in your house. Lastly open your drapes and blinds to allow warm recirculating air to circulate throughout the area.
Why is reducing humidity important to you and your home? Windows are the most costly component of home building and repairs. Occasional beads of moisture on the glass after a hot shower or steaming food on the stove will not create a problem. However if your windows are “sweating” without a cause or for long periods of time then your windows could become damaged. Wood pains and sash can warp and become difficult to operate. Paint and other finishes may peel and become discolored. Other areas of the home can also become damaged, such as insulation, exterior siding and drywall. Black fungus – deadly for disease and respiratory troubles may even begin to appear.
The average American family can consume up to 18 gallons of humidity a month. This humidity can cause your home construction problems as well as health concerns to your family. Prevent these problems through proper preventative home moisture control.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
One of the more visible indicators of high humidity in a home is in the windows. If your home contains excessive moisture and it is cold outside, the first place you will see it is in your windows. This does not mean necessarily mean that there is a problem with your house’s windows. The majority of windows condensation simply indicates that your home needs increased ventilation to lower the amount of moisture in the air or you need to reduce the sources of humidity.
If your home is older consider that generally older homes have more cracks and openings in their construction which allow natural air into the home and help to reduce moisture. On the other hand if your home is of newer construction your home will be more sealed to moisture loss. Excess moisture so to speak will be trapped in your abode.
While this may be helpful from energy efficiency standpoint, this stagnant air contributes to condensation and creates the potential for condensation on surfaces that are cooler than the dew point.
Humidity is generally created by cooking food, running the dishwasher, filling the sink with hot water, showers, hot tubs, washers and indoor vented dryers, basements, and crawl spaces that channel dampness from the ground into the home, breathing and perspiration.
In addition to these potential sources of moisture, wood, plaster and other building materials in a new home absorb moisture during humid summers and gradually release it after the first few weeks of heating your home in the fall.
The best way to combat this condensation and moisture is to first to decrease the amount of moisture into the air. This may involve adding ventilation, eliminating sources of humidity or removing humidity from the air after it has been generated. To lower the humidity in the home what can you do?
First run exhaust fans in the bedroom during showering or in the kitchen while cooking. It is best to take shorter showers and install water restricting faucets. This will lower both your humidity and water bill. It may be better for you to use the microwave oven, slow cooker or outdoor grill more often. As well you should check and reroute drainage away from your home to minimize the moisture in and around the basement and foundation. Install a humidifier in basements and other damp area and turn off furnace as well as other humidifiers in your house. Lastly open your drapes and blinds to allow warm recirculating air to circulate throughout the area.
Why is reducing humidity important to you and your home? Windows are the most costly component of home building and repairs. Occasional beads of moisture on the glass after a hot shower or steaming food on the stove will not create a problem. However if your windows are “sweating” without a cause or for long periods of time then your windows could become damaged. Wood pains and sash can warp and become difficult to operate. Paint and other finishes may peel and become discolored. Other areas of the home can also become damaged, such as insulation, exterior siding and drywall. Black fungus – deadly for disease and respiratory troubles may even begin to appear.
The average American family can consume up to 18 gallons of humidity a month. This humidity can cause your home construction problems as well as health concerns to your family. Prevent these problems through proper preventative home moisture control.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
Friday, January 26, 2007
Blinds give the home a new lease on life
Decorating your home can be a fun adventure, but it does take time and effort to achieve the perfect look. When decorating you get to reflect your own personality within the home - whether it be through the paintings, the cushions, the linen or the bedding or even the window treatments like blinds and curtains. Window treatments along with blinds, curtains and shutters are perhaps one of the most important aspects of a room. This is because windows are the main source of light in a room and therefore the main focal point of a wall which attracts a lot of attention. Decorating with window treatments such as blinds will give each room in your house a very individual look.
You can find window treatments like blinds from many professional furnishings companies by shopping online. Online furnishings companies who specialize in window treatment products provide many beneficial features for home decorators who want to embark on some 'do it yourself' activities such as helpful information, discount window treatment such as blinds and curtains, and window coverings made in any fabric to complement your existing or planned decor. These sites offer a wide selection of window shades, vertical blinds, bamboo blinds and other options. In fact window treatments can even be fully customized to suit your specific room according to fabric density and window size.
Purchasing window treatments such as blinds online can potentially save you hundreds of dollars. Many online retailers offer discounted options by providing you with high quality fabrics for blinds and curtains at the low prices usually found in online furnishing stores. This is good news for customers considering that window treatments such as exterior shutters, curtain rods and vertical blinds for your home, can be very expensive, particularly if you combine this with other home decorating costs. Online shopping allows you to save dollars from every possible aspect of decorating.
Purchasing window treatments online also has many other benefits that you can take advantage of. By researching products and then purchasing them online you can gain easy access to the most popular products (those purchased most often), obtain quality images of sample colors, and receive discount prices. Some online stores also offer free insurance, free delivery and free installation. Shopping online also allows you to view fabrics and products from some of the top manufacturers in the window treatments industry but with products at well below retail prices.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
You can find window treatments like blinds from many professional furnishings companies by shopping online. Online furnishings companies who specialize in window treatment products provide many beneficial features for home decorators who want to embark on some 'do it yourself' activities such as helpful information, discount window treatment such as blinds and curtains, and window coverings made in any fabric to complement your existing or planned decor. These sites offer a wide selection of window shades, vertical blinds, bamboo blinds and other options. In fact window treatments can even be fully customized to suit your specific room according to fabric density and window size.
Purchasing window treatments such as blinds online can potentially save you hundreds of dollars. Many online retailers offer discounted options by providing you with high quality fabrics for blinds and curtains at the low prices usually found in online furnishing stores. This is good news for customers considering that window treatments such as exterior shutters, curtain rods and vertical blinds for your home, can be very expensive, particularly if you combine this with other home decorating costs. Online shopping allows you to save dollars from every possible aspect of decorating.
Purchasing window treatments online also has many other benefits that you can take advantage of. By researching products and then purchasing them online you can gain easy access to the most popular products (those purchased most often), obtain quality images of sample colors, and receive discount prices. Some online stores also offer free insurance, free delivery and free installation. Shopping online also allows you to view fabrics and products from some of the top manufacturers in the window treatments industry but with products at well below retail prices.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
Home Security
Security should be one of the most important considerations for your home. Why fill your home with your personal effects and decorate it if the home can be so easily burgled? It makes more sense to have a security system fitted that will deter intruders and send them elsewhere.
This article is designed to give you an idea of the sort of intruder alarm protection you'll need in a private house. It does not replace the advice of a professional Security Surveyor/System Designer from a reputable security installer. The article will give you a degree of understanding and help you to discuss your home's security with a security professional.
Christie Intruder Alarms (CIA) consider that the best way to protect residential property is by using trap protection. Trap protection is a strategy for protecting a property without fitting sensors in every room.
Statistics show that villains rarely break in through windows at the front of a house. They are even less likely to stay in one room and leave through the same front window; they are more likely to go straight to the master bed room. So fitting sensors in the rear rooms of the house and in the hallway is often considered sufficient for the ground floor.
Also as kitchens have heat sources (boilers, fridges, ovens, washing machines and such) and hard surfaces, they are generally considered unstable areas and rarely contain items of value. Therefore, as a rule, a kitchen should not be protected with PIR.
Through our 35+ years of experience, we have learnt that even dual technology detectors are unsuitable for kitchens, as the microwave motion sensor will detect movement through glass, thin walls and will even be triggered by water moving in pipes.
There are various reasons for adopting a trap protection strategy. The first is to limit the false alarm potential of a system and the more detectors a property has, the higher the false alarm potential. All detectors (even the top of the range ones that CIA use) sometimes false alarm. These false alarms are becoming increasingly onerous due to the new hard line that Police Forces are taking regarding attendance. False alarms result in withdrawn Police attendance.
Another important factor is cost - using a good quality sensor would make it expensive to protect each room.
As external alarm boxes are a good deterrent, just having an alarm system installed by a recognized intruder alarm installer should deter most villains, whether they are opportunists or professionals. After all, burglars don't know whether or not your system is monitored by a central station who will alert the Police in the instance of an alarm - it's easier for them to go next door or somewhere that doesn't have an alarm system.
Burglar Alarms
Burglars, and indeed any intruders, are overwhelmingly deterred by a burglar alarm (or, as we say in the trade, an 'intruder alarm') more than any other form of home security. It is better to take preventative measures as opposed to the 'shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted'. You are far more likely to be burgled if you have been burgled before. Villains are renowned for returning to the same properties.
Break-in's are a unfortunate fact of life. Being broken into in a residential property is obviously more distressing than a burglary in the work place and although vandalism is rare, the loss of sentimental artefacts can be most upsetting.
As the Number One security installer in the South of England, Christie Intruder Alarms (CIA) Ltd use a combination of detection devices. The most popular devices are the PIR (Passive Infra-Red) detectors, magnetic reed contacts, breaking glass detectors, infra-red beams, pressure pads, case wiring, vibration detectors and dual technology sensors (sensors that combine Passive Infra-Red with Microwave or Ultrasonic detection).
Always choose a company that has been awarded the prestigious NSI NACOSS Gold Medal. The Gold Medal is only awarded to companies who consistently deliver an outstanding performance in security management.
NSI is an acronym of the National Security Inspectorate. Formerly known as NACOSS, the NSI is an independent, not-for-profit approvals body providing inspection services for the security and fire industries.
Monitoring - Alarm Receiving
For complete peace of mind, many people choose to have their intruder alarms monitored. If an alarm is monitored, then, when it detects an intruder it automatically sends a signal via the phone line and/or cellular network to an ARC (Alarm Receiving Centre - these used to be referred to as Central Stations or Monitoring Stations) and the appropriate action is taken. CIA uses Southern Monitoring Services (SMS) Ltd - http://www.smon.co.uk
New Police/Constabulary Service guidelines (the ACPO Policy on Response to Security - ACPO are the Association of Chief Police Officers of England, Wales and Northern Ireland) state that the Police will now only attend monitored alarms that confirm alarm activations (unless installed pre October 2002).
Confirmation is received when a second detection device is triggered during the same intrusion; therefore, something is definitely on site and moving around.
On receiving the first activation, the ARC will notify a keyholder but if a second detection device is triggered in the same activation, this confirms to the ARC that 'something' is definitely on site and moving around, and the Police are instantly alerted.
If an intruder is detected, a signal is sent from the alarm system using either a standard digital communicator, BT RedCare, BT RedCare GSM or CSL DualComm, via the phone line and/or a cellular network.
A standard digital communicator works by sending signals via the ordinary analogue telephone network, as does BT RedCare, however, with RedCare the ARC are alerted if the phone line fails, either through attack or a genuine line fault, as the line is constantly monitored.
BT RedCare GSM and CSL DualComm send alarm activations via the phone line and a cellular network to for increased security. These forms of signalling are ideal if your insurance company requires your alarm to transmit 'confirmation' signals after a line cut.
Your home is your greatest asset. Why leave it vulnerable when it clearly pays to have your house protected by security professionals.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
This article is designed to give you an idea of the sort of intruder alarm protection you'll need in a private house. It does not replace the advice of a professional Security Surveyor/System Designer from a reputable security installer. The article will give you a degree of understanding and help you to discuss your home's security with a security professional.
Christie Intruder Alarms (CIA) consider that the best way to protect residential property is by using trap protection. Trap protection is a strategy for protecting a property without fitting sensors in every room.
Statistics show that villains rarely break in through windows at the front of a house. They are even less likely to stay in one room and leave through the same front window; they are more likely to go straight to the master bed room. So fitting sensors in the rear rooms of the house and in the hallway is often considered sufficient for the ground floor.
Also as kitchens have heat sources (boilers, fridges, ovens, washing machines and such) and hard surfaces, they are generally considered unstable areas and rarely contain items of value. Therefore, as a rule, a kitchen should not be protected with PIR.
Through our 35+ years of experience, we have learnt that even dual technology detectors are unsuitable for kitchens, as the microwave motion sensor will detect movement through glass, thin walls and will even be triggered by water moving in pipes.
There are various reasons for adopting a trap protection strategy. The first is to limit the false alarm potential of a system and the more detectors a property has, the higher the false alarm potential. All detectors (even the top of the range ones that CIA use) sometimes false alarm. These false alarms are becoming increasingly onerous due to the new hard line that Police Forces are taking regarding attendance. False alarms result in withdrawn Police attendance.
Another important factor is cost - using a good quality sensor would make it expensive to protect each room.
As external alarm boxes are a good deterrent, just having an alarm system installed by a recognized intruder alarm installer should deter most villains, whether they are opportunists or professionals. After all, burglars don't know whether or not your system is monitored by a central station who will alert the Police in the instance of an alarm - it's easier for them to go next door or somewhere that doesn't have an alarm system.
Burglar Alarms
Burglars, and indeed any intruders, are overwhelmingly deterred by a burglar alarm (or, as we say in the trade, an 'intruder alarm') more than any other form of home security. It is better to take preventative measures as opposed to the 'shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted'. You are far more likely to be burgled if you have been burgled before. Villains are renowned for returning to the same properties.
Break-in's are a unfortunate fact of life. Being broken into in a residential property is obviously more distressing than a burglary in the work place and although vandalism is rare, the loss of sentimental artefacts can be most upsetting.
As the Number One security installer in the South of England, Christie Intruder Alarms (CIA) Ltd use a combination of detection devices. The most popular devices are the PIR (Passive Infra-Red) detectors, magnetic reed contacts, breaking glass detectors, infra-red beams, pressure pads, case wiring, vibration detectors and dual technology sensors (sensors that combine Passive Infra-Red with Microwave or Ultrasonic detection).
Always choose a company that has been awarded the prestigious NSI NACOSS Gold Medal. The Gold Medal is only awarded to companies who consistently deliver an outstanding performance in security management.
NSI is an acronym of the National Security Inspectorate. Formerly known as NACOSS, the NSI is an independent, not-for-profit approvals body providing inspection services for the security and fire industries.
Monitoring - Alarm Receiving
For complete peace of mind, many people choose to have their intruder alarms monitored. If an alarm is monitored, then, when it detects an intruder it automatically sends a signal via the phone line and/or cellular network to an ARC (Alarm Receiving Centre - these used to be referred to as Central Stations or Monitoring Stations) and the appropriate action is taken. CIA uses Southern Monitoring Services (SMS) Ltd - http://www.smon.co.uk
New Police/Constabulary Service guidelines (the ACPO Policy on Response to Security - ACPO are the Association of Chief Police Officers of England, Wales and Northern Ireland) state that the Police will now only attend monitored alarms that confirm alarm activations (unless installed pre October 2002).
Confirmation is received when a second detection device is triggered during the same intrusion; therefore, something is definitely on site and moving around.
On receiving the first activation, the ARC will notify a keyholder but if a second detection device is triggered in the same activation, this confirms to the ARC that 'something' is definitely on site and moving around, and the Police are instantly alerted.
If an intruder is detected, a signal is sent from the alarm system using either a standard digital communicator, BT RedCare, BT RedCare GSM or CSL DualComm, via the phone line and/or a cellular network.
A standard digital communicator works by sending signals via the ordinary analogue telephone network, as does BT RedCare, however, with RedCare the ARC are alerted if the phone line fails, either through attack or a genuine line fault, as the line is constantly monitored.
BT RedCare GSM and CSL DualComm send alarm activations via the phone line and a cellular network to for increased security. These forms of signalling are ideal if your insurance company requires your alarm to transmit 'confirmation' signals after a line cut.
Your home is your greatest asset. Why leave it vulnerable when it clearly pays to have your house protected by security professionals.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
What is CPTED? The official book definition is "the proper design and effective use of the built environment that can lead to a reduction in the fear and incidence of crime and an improvement in the quality of life." It is simply a goal to reduce opportunities for crime that may be inherent in the design of structures or in the design of neighborhoods. In other words, make your home or neighborhood unappealing to burglars and thugs.
Cities and Counties throughout the country are adopting CPTED ordinances requiring site plan reviews with crime prevention in mind. Law enforcement officers who are specially trained in CPTED are now working closely with Planners, Architects, City Officials, and Educators to ensure the proper design of structures, schools, and neighborhoods. These experts know how the design and use of the environment can control human or criminal behavior and reduce the fear of crime. They used natural means such as landscaping to deter criminals. Access control, natural surveillance, different aspects of lighting and its effects on human behavior, all deter crime.
Many landscape specialists incorporate CPTED into their layout & design of landscapes. Each of the following CPTED strategies are low cost guidelines that they apply to reduce the fear and incidence of crime and improve the quality of life.
1. Natural Access Control guides people entering & leaving a space through the placement of entrances, exits, fences, landscaping & lighting. Access control can decrease opportunities for criminal activity by denying criminals access to potential targets & creating a perception of risk for would-be offenders. Walkways & landscaping should direct visitors to the proper entrance & away from private areas. The design should create a perception of risk for would-be offenders. Walkways should be installed in locations safe for pedestrians & keep them unobscured.
2. Natural Surveillance is the placement of physical features, activities & people in a way that maximizes visibility. A potential criminal is less likely to attempt a crime if he or she is at risk of being observed. At the same time, we are likely to feel safer when we can see & be seen. The landscaping should be selected and installed to allow unobstructed views of doors & windows. The front door should be at least partially visible from the street. Shrubs & bushes near windows should not restrict full visibility of the property. Sidewalks & all areas of the yard should be well lit.
3. Territorial Reinforcement is use of physical attributes that express ownership such as fences, signage, landscaping, lighting, pavement designs, etc. Defined property lines and clear distinctions between private & public spaces are examples of the application of territoriality. Front porches or stoops should create a transitional area between the street & the home. Property lines & private areas should be defined with plantings, fences or retaining walls. Use thorny plants along fence lines and under windows to deter access by intruders.
4. Maintenance is a well maintained home, building or community, and creates a sense of ownership. A well kept area tends to make someone feel like they will be observed by neighbors or business owners as it is obvious people care about the area. Keep trees & shrubs trimmed back from windows, doors & walkways. Keep shrubs trimmed to 3 feet & prune the lower branches of trees up to 7 feet. Use exterior lighting at night & keep it in working order. Keep litter & trash picked up & the yard neat & free of items that might attract theft.
You can find links to more CPTED resources at www.kicklighter-landscaping.com
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
Cities and Counties throughout the country are adopting CPTED ordinances requiring site plan reviews with crime prevention in mind. Law enforcement officers who are specially trained in CPTED are now working closely with Planners, Architects, City Officials, and Educators to ensure the proper design of structures, schools, and neighborhoods. These experts know how the design and use of the environment can control human or criminal behavior and reduce the fear of crime. They used natural means such as landscaping to deter criminals. Access control, natural surveillance, different aspects of lighting and its effects on human behavior, all deter crime.
Many landscape specialists incorporate CPTED into their layout & design of landscapes. Each of the following CPTED strategies are low cost guidelines that they apply to reduce the fear and incidence of crime and improve the quality of life.
1. Natural Access Control guides people entering & leaving a space through the placement of entrances, exits, fences, landscaping & lighting. Access control can decrease opportunities for criminal activity by denying criminals access to potential targets & creating a perception of risk for would-be offenders. Walkways & landscaping should direct visitors to the proper entrance & away from private areas. The design should create a perception of risk for would-be offenders. Walkways should be installed in locations safe for pedestrians & keep them unobscured.
2. Natural Surveillance is the placement of physical features, activities & people in a way that maximizes visibility. A potential criminal is less likely to attempt a crime if he or she is at risk of being observed. At the same time, we are likely to feel safer when we can see & be seen. The landscaping should be selected and installed to allow unobstructed views of doors & windows. The front door should be at least partially visible from the street. Shrubs & bushes near windows should not restrict full visibility of the property. Sidewalks & all areas of the yard should be well lit.
3. Territorial Reinforcement is use of physical attributes that express ownership such as fences, signage, landscaping, lighting, pavement designs, etc. Defined property lines and clear distinctions between private & public spaces are examples of the application of territoriality. Front porches or stoops should create a transitional area between the street & the home. Property lines & private areas should be defined with plantings, fences or retaining walls. Use thorny plants along fence lines and under windows to deter access by intruders.
4. Maintenance is a well maintained home, building or community, and creates a sense of ownership. A well kept area tends to make someone feel like they will be observed by neighbors or business owners as it is obvious people care about the area. Keep trees & shrubs trimmed back from windows, doors & walkways. Keep shrubs trimmed to 3 feet & prune the lower branches of trees up to 7 feet. Use exterior lighting at night & keep it in working order. Keep litter & trash picked up & the yard neat & free of items that might attract theft.
You can find links to more CPTED resources at www.kicklighter-landscaping.com
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
How a Criminal Check Can Protect Your Home and Family
These days it is more important than ever to really know the people you deal with on a day to day basis.
You may wish to rent out a room in your home, hire a housekeeper or Nanny to watch over your children or take on a new employee at the office.
In these situations it may be necessary to do a thorough criminal check. After all, when the very security of your family, your property and your quality of life is at stake, why take unnecessary risks?
How do you know your new acquaintance is providing accurate and honest background information? Let's face it - not everyone is forthcoming about their past.
Scenario: you plan to meet up with your new romance you found through an Internet dating service. Are you certain they are completely on the level? They could still be married, suffering through bankruptcy or be a paroled sex offender.
So what are your options in doing a thorough criminal check background search?
*There are many online criminal check services used by law enforcement professionals but you need the right credentials to access them. Needless, to say, they are also very pricey.
*You could pay a lawyer or a private detective to do a criminal check for you. They will probably use the same criminal check background search services and charge an arm and a leg for it.
*You knock on some doors and talk to their current neighbors.
*You could follow them around in your car and play amateur detective. That is very time consuming,very risky and may be in some way a violation of their rights.
For the average person with a relatively modest budget and a need for immediate results the best and most logical choice is to pay a small fee and do your own criminal check on the internet.
I have found the People Search website to be an excellent Criminal check resource. It is surprising the amount of information you will receive.
Obtain the information you want on practically anyone in the world. Online Criminal checks usually take less than 1 minute to obtain important information about the person... and your searches are always discreet.
Their databases are the same databases used by the government and law enforcement. You can have instant access to criminal checks on practically anyone!
Find anything you want to know about a person from the comfort of your own home
So, if you are stuck for information, and need to do your criminal check - go online. Within minutes you can do a criminal check on anyone.
Best of all: it offers you peace of mind.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
You may wish to rent out a room in your home, hire a housekeeper or Nanny to watch over your children or take on a new employee at the office.
In these situations it may be necessary to do a thorough criminal check. After all, when the very security of your family, your property and your quality of life is at stake, why take unnecessary risks?
How do you know your new acquaintance is providing accurate and honest background information? Let's face it - not everyone is forthcoming about their past.
Scenario: you plan to meet up with your new romance you found through an Internet dating service. Are you certain they are completely on the level? They could still be married, suffering through bankruptcy or be a paroled sex offender.
So what are your options in doing a thorough criminal check background search?
*There are many online criminal check services used by law enforcement professionals but you need the right credentials to access them. Needless, to say, they are also very pricey.
*You could pay a lawyer or a private detective to do a criminal check for you. They will probably use the same criminal check background search services and charge an arm and a leg for it.
*You knock on some doors and talk to their current neighbors.
*You could follow them around in your car and play amateur detective. That is very time consuming,very risky and may be in some way a violation of their rights.
For the average person with a relatively modest budget and a need for immediate results the best and most logical choice is to pay a small fee and do your own criminal check on the internet.
I have found the People Search website to be an excellent Criminal check resource. It is surprising the amount of information you will receive.
Obtain the information you want on practically anyone in the world. Online Criminal checks usually take less than 1 minute to obtain important information about the person... and your searches are always discreet.
Their databases are the same databases used by the government and law enforcement. You can have instant access to criminal checks on practically anyone!
Find anything you want to know about a person from the comfort of your own home
So, if you are stuck for information, and need to do your criminal check - go online. Within minutes you can do a criminal check on anyone.
Best of all: it offers you peace of mind.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
The Advantages Of Digital Video Surveillance
The internet has brought many new and exciting technologies into the homes of most people and one of the great innovations that has come about because of the internet is streaming digital video. The ability to install a webcam and communicate with others many miles away from you via the internet has been in use for a while now, but if you take that concept one step further, why couldn't you install multiple cameras in your home and monitor them all while you are away?
Well, the good news is that you can now do just that! In the past, the only video surveillance option that most people had was a closed circuit television system that broadcast it's signal in analog format. If you were at home you could keep an eye on things pretty well with one of these systems. But what about when you were away? Well, analog signals don't lend to being broadcast very far, so the only resort you had was to save the video to tape and view it later. Not only was that a hassle, but it didn't allow you to actually keep an eye on things in real time.
But the internet has been the catalyst to developing more sophisticated digital technologies and video surveillance is one of the areas where major changes have taken place. Here is why you should consider a digital home security camera system now:
1. You can monitor everything at home in real time no matter where you are as long as you have a sufficient internet connection.
2. You can view the output from several cameras at the same time.
3. The digital picture is far superior to the old analog video and carries a lot more detail.
4. You can still record the video if you wish, but unlike recording to tape the video output will not degrade over time as it is replayed over and over again. Digital information replays exactly the same no matter how often it is played.
5. Digital files can be compressed and saved much easier, taking up lots less space than tapes.
There are advantages of digital video surveillance, but just these few should be able to convince you that if you need to stay in touch with the goings on around your home while you are away for any reason, there is no time like the present to set up a home security camera system to do so.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
Well, the good news is that you can now do just that! In the past, the only video surveillance option that most people had was a closed circuit television system that broadcast it's signal in analog format. If you were at home you could keep an eye on things pretty well with one of these systems. But what about when you were away? Well, analog signals don't lend to being broadcast very far, so the only resort you had was to save the video to tape and view it later. Not only was that a hassle, but it didn't allow you to actually keep an eye on things in real time.
But the internet has been the catalyst to developing more sophisticated digital technologies and video surveillance is one of the areas where major changes have taken place. Here is why you should consider a digital home security camera system now:
1. You can monitor everything at home in real time no matter where you are as long as you have a sufficient internet connection.
2. You can view the output from several cameras at the same time.
3. The digital picture is far superior to the old analog video and carries a lot more detail.
4. You can still record the video if you wish, but unlike recording to tape the video output will not degrade over time as it is replayed over and over again. Digital information replays exactly the same no matter how often it is played.
5. Digital files can be compressed and saved much easier, taking up lots less space than tapes.
There are advantages of digital video surveillance, but just these few should be able to convince you that if you need to stay in touch with the goings on around your home while you are away for any reason, there is no time like the present to set up a home security camera system to do so.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Home Security Tips To Help Prevent Crime
Most people would agree that the best home security system is one that effectively avoids the crime, or prevents it in the first place. Of course, it's a good idea to also have steps built into your home security plan that helps foil a break-in after it has already begun like a home security alarm system or a home safe. But the first line of defense should always involve some means of making the odds of your home being selected as the target of a burglar significantly lower.
Here are a few tips to consider to help accomplish that:
1. Get a watch dog. It doesn't even have to be a large dog to be effective in preventing burglaries. Just try to think of it from the standpoint of the burglar. If you have two houses on the same street and one has a dog that barks when trouble is detected and the other doesn't, which one would you rather target? And dogs present a double threat to an intruder, because they not only make noise which is very undesirable from the criminal's viewpoint, but they can also attack and cause harm if they feel threatened enough. What burglar wants to put up with all of that, when speed and quiet are essential to getting the job done right?
2. Put up cameras outside the home in very strategic areas that appear to monitor all of the exterior entry and exit spots. Making these cameras very conspicuous from even a casual observance of your home can be very useful in lowering your chances of a break-in. In fact, some homeowners and shop keepers who feel that they cannot afford a security camera system have used fake cameras that look like the real thing and only cost $15 - $20 each to accomplish the same goal of trying to prevent the crime before it starts.
3. Neighborhood watch programs are incredibly effective ways to prevent crime. What burglar wants to risk being spotted by several neighbors as a potential threat in the neighborhood before he even has a chance to break in and steal something? Displaying a neighborhood watch sign in your yard is a great way to help fight crime in advance because it gives the impression that burglaries are much more risky in that area.
So when planning out your home security, take into account simple measures that can be read as a clear signal that your home is not ripe for an intrusion and that criminals would find the going hard if they decided to try to break into your home.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
Here are a few tips to consider to help accomplish that:
1. Get a watch dog. It doesn't even have to be a large dog to be effective in preventing burglaries. Just try to think of it from the standpoint of the burglar. If you have two houses on the same street and one has a dog that barks when trouble is detected and the other doesn't, which one would you rather target? And dogs present a double threat to an intruder, because they not only make noise which is very undesirable from the criminal's viewpoint, but they can also attack and cause harm if they feel threatened enough. What burglar wants to put up with all of that, when speed and quiet are essential to getting the job done right?
2. Put up cameras outside the home in very strategic areas that appear to monitor all of the exterior entry and exit spots. Making these cameras very conspicuous from even a casual observance of your home can be very useful in lowering your chances of a break-in. In fact, some homeowners and shop keepers who feel that they cannot afford a security camera system have used fake cameras that look like the real thing and only cost $15 - $20 each to accomplish the same goal of trying to prevent the crime before it starts.
3. Neighborhood watch programs are incredibly effective ways to prevent crime. What burglar wants to risk being spotted by several neighbors as a potential threat in the neighborhood before he even has a chance to break in and steal something? Displaying a neighborhood watch sign in your yard is a great way to help fight crime in advance because it gives the impression that burglaries are much more risky in that area.
So when planning out your home security, take into account simple measures that can be read as a clear signal that your home is not ripe for an intrusion and that criminals would find the going hard if they decided to try to break into your home.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
How To Successfully Use Home Security Cameras
Increasing home security can be accomplished in several ways. Some of those include home security systems and alarms, neighborhood watch programs and more. But home security camera systems are growing in popularity lately. Let see why.
A home security camera system does not have to be expensive or extensive to help you keep in touch with what is going on around your home at all times. Just a few well-placed cameras at very strategic locations can be all that you need. For instance, cameras that are placed at opposite outside corners of your home can provide good coverage of most of the perimeter of the house. You can even connect these cameras to motion sensitive devices that only turns them on when motion is detected in it's surveillance area.
A couple of cameras inside the home can also be used in a very similar way and because many surveillance cameras are very small these days they can be practically invisible to the casual observance. In fact, oftentimes something as simple and cheap as a webcam can be used to capture enough video to give you the information that you need to be able to successfully monitor your home. And these are very small and inexpensive cameras to use.
With these cameras in place, you can monitor what is happening at your home from a great distance by combining them with appropriate software and connecting through the internet to view the results. There is software available that will alert you by email when motion is detected in a particular area. Or you can choose to have the cameras record video continuously for you and save it to a server where you can then access it and review it at your leisure.
Some use these setups to keep an eye on babysitters, or to monitor what their children are doing while they are away.
Of course, even if you do not have children, a home security camera system can still be beneficial for peace of mind when you are away from home. It can help you make sure that no nasty surprises will be awaiting you upon your return home.
So give consideration to incorporating a home security camera system in your security arsenal. It's cheap and very effective.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
A home security camera system does not have to be expensive or extensive to help you keep in touch with what is going on around your home at all times. Just a few well-placed cameras at very strategic locations can be all that you need. For instance, cameras that are placed at opposite outside corners of your home can provide good coverage of most of the perimeter of the house. You can even connect these cameras to motion sensitive devices that only turns them on when motion is detected in it's surveillance area.
A couple of cameras inside the home can also be used in a very similar way and because many surveillance cameras are very small these days they can be practically invisible to the casual observance. In fact, oftentimes something as simple and cheap as a webcam can be used to capture enough video to give you the information that you need to be able to successfully monitor your home. And these are very small and inexpensive cameras to use.
With these cameras in place, you can monitor what is happening at your home from a great distance by combining them with appropriate software and connecting through the internet to view the results. There is software available that will alert you by email when motion is detected in a particular area. Or you can choose to have the cameras record video continuously for you and save it to a server where you can then access it and review it at your leisure.
Some use these setups to keep an eye on babysitters, or to monitor what their children are doing while they are away.
Of course, even if you do not have children, a home security camera system can still be beneficial for peace of mind when you are away from home. It can help you make sure that no nasty surprises will be awaiting you upon your return home.
So give consideration to incorporating a home security camera system in your security arsenal. It's cheap and very effective.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
Increase Your Home Security With Video Surveillance
The modern homeowner has been aided considerably by advancing technology and nowhere is that more evident than in the field of home security. The tools that are now in the hands of the average homeowner were considered practical for only the wealthiest of people and large corporations only just a few years ago.
For instance, consider the subject of video surveillance. In times past the only solution offered was an analog closed circuit television system which was expensive and had serious drawbacks, including the fact that it was not possible to actually monitor events around your home from long distance as they happened. They had to be saved to some type of recording device, most often video tape, and then viewed later at once to provide any useful information.
But with the advent of the computer age, networking, and the internet, great improvements have been made to the advantage of the average homeowner. Chief among these is the rise of digital recording devices instead of analog equipment. By capturing the video in digital format, it could then be broadcast to another distant location and even viewed live as it happens. It also improved the captured images considerably, and made for much better image quality.
Because of the internet, we now have the ability to log onto the web and view video feeds from cameras at our home live as they are recording. By combining this technology with the right software product we can even view more than one camera's output at the same time. So if you have for instance 5 cameras around your home, you can watch them on your monitor screen whenever you wish to keep an eye on what is happening even though you are many miles away.
Having such a digital home security camera system is not all that expensive either, and with the rising number of people becoming familiar with setting up their own wireless computer systems, it is also becoming a home security measure that many can install themselves.
So if you have the need to keep up with what is happening at home when you are away for any reason, why not consider getting a digital camera system for your own peace of mind?
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
For instance, consider the subject of video surveillance. In times past the only solution offered was an analog closed circuit television system which was expensive and had serious drawbacks, including the fact that it was not possible to actually monitor events around your home from long distance as they happened. They had to be saved to some type of recording device, most often video tape, and then viewed later at once to provide any useful information.
But with the advent of the computer age, networking, and the internet, great improvements have been made to the advantage of the average homeowner. Chief among these is the rise of digital recording devices instead of analog equipment. By capturing the video in digital format, it could then be broadcast to another distant location and even viewed live as it happens. It also improved the captured images considerably, and made for much better image quality.
Because of the internet, we now have the ability to log onto the web and view video feeds from cameras at our home live as they are recording. By combining this technology with the right software product we can even view more than one camera's output at the same time. So if you have for instance 5 cameras around your home, you can watch them on your monitor screen whenever you wish to keep an eye on what is happening even though you are many miles away.
Having such a digital home security camera system is not all that expensive either, and with the rising number of people becoming familiar with setting up their own wireless computer systems, it is also becoming a home security measure that many can install themselves.
So if you have the need to keep up with what is happening at home when you are away for any reason, why not consider getting a digital camera system for your own peace of mind?
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
Stun Guns How They Work and Who Uses Them
Stun Guns are weapons that can incapacitate crowds of people by sweeping a lightning-like beam of electricity across them. Stun guns send electricity with a very high voltage and low amperage to the assailant's body. The effect of a stun gun temporarily disables an attacker for several minutes by disbalancing his nervous system.
The function of stun guns is to interrupt the electrical signals that communicate messages back and forth from the brain to the rest of the body. It basically disrupts the communication system of our body by delivering a very fast high voltage current combined with a low amperage charge to temporarily disable an attacker for several minutes. When somebody presses the stun gun against an attacker and hold the trigger, the electricity stored in the stun gun is dumped into the assailant's nervous system and the whole body signals get mixed up with noise. The muscles and brain are no longer able to communicate because the messages are no longer understood. This results in temporary imbalance affecting the nervous system and the muscles in our body. Its specialty is that if the attacker is touching you, the current will not pass to your body. Because of its certain features the stun guns have become one of the most effective and reliable non lethal weapons of our time.
What are Stun Guns made of?
The design of the conventional stun gun is very simple in construction. They are about the size of a flashlight, and they work on ordinary 9-volt batteries. The circuit also includes a number of transformers to boost up the voltage in the circuit. It also includes an oscillator and a capacitor. The capacitor builds up a charge, and releases it to the electrodes. The electrodes are two plates of conducting metal having a high voltage difference between them positioned in the circuit with a gap between them. If somebody fills this gap with a conductor i.e. the attacker's body, the electrical pulses will try to move from one electrode to the other, dumping electricity into the attacker's nervous system.
How do Stun Guns help us?
It helps us in stopping social crime and defends ourselves from sexual assault, kidnapping, murder, robbery, and many more terrors which happen more often than we would care to imagine. Having the right protection can dramatically decrease your chances of being harmed during these occurrences. Stun guns protect us with the best self defense equipment.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
The function of stun guns is to interrupt the electrical signals that communicate messages back and forth from the brain to the rest of the body. It basically disrupts the communication system of our body by delivering a very fast high voltage current combined with a low amperage charge to temporarily disable an attacker for several minutes. When somebody presses the stun gun against an attacker and hold the trigger, the electricity stored in the stun gun is dumped into the assailant's nervous system and the whole body signals get mixed up with noise. The muscles and brain are no longer able to communicate because the messages are no longer understood. This results in temporary imbalance affecting the nervous system and the muscles in our body. Its specialty is that if the attacker is touching you, the current will not pass to your body. Because of its certain features the stun guns have become one of the most effective and reliable non lethal weapons of our time.
What are Stun Guns made of?
The design of the conventional stun gun is very simple in construction. They are about the size of a flashlight, and they work on ordinary 9-volt batteries. The circuit also includes a number of transformers to boost up the voltage in the circuit. It also includes an oscillator and a capacitor. The capacitor builds up a charge, and releases it to the electrodes. The electrodes are two plates of conducting metal having a high voltage difference between them positioned in the circuit with a gap between them. If somebody fills this gap with a conductor i.e. the attacker's body, the electrical pulses will try to move from one electrode to the other, dumping electricity into the attacker's nervous system.
How do Stun Guns help us?
It helps us in stopping social crime and defends ourselves from sexual assault, kidnapping, murder, robbery, and many more terrors which happen more often than we would care to imagine. Having the right protection can dramatically decrease your chances of being harmed during these occurrences. Stun guns protect us with the best self defense equipment.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
Invest In A Generator For Guaranteed Power
If you've ever lived through the aftermath of a natural disaster, you know one of the biggest symbols of civilization is often the first to do during a big storm - the power. For those who don't want to go without, a portable generator is often the solution. No matter the power source for a generator, however, safety must be considered when setting these up. Taking the time up front to set up a generator correctly is vital.
The first thing to do when considering purchasing a generator is to determine what household items must be run off it in the event of an emergency. This will help determine the size needed. Write down the equipment and take this list to the store where you intend to buy a generator. Don't expect to be able to get the air conditioning system, refrigerator and other major appliances all running at once off a portable model though. Just go for the most important.
If there is a family member who requires medical equipment that is powered, the generator must first take this into consideration. Make this your prime concern.
After picking out the correct generator to meet your needs, bring it home and read the instructions all the way through. Don't skip pages and don't take shortcuts. Generators can be lifesavers, but they can be dangerous, too.
The main concerns with generators tend to be carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock and even fire. Since every one of these hazards is major, knowing what you're doing with a generator is very important before turning it on.
In general, these tips can help make your generator use much more safe:
* Don't use a generator in a closed in or partially enclosed space. Doing so can create issues with carbon monoxide. The gas cannot be seen or smelled, so it is particularly dangerous.
* If you feel dizzy or sick while operating a generator, get outside, fresh air right away.
* Invest in battery powered CO alarms for your home. These can tell you if you're running into a problem. Make sure you check the batteries on a regular basis.
* Keep generators in dry conditions and plug items directly into the generator or use only outdoor-rated extension cords recommended by the manufacturer.
* Inspect the generator's cords for any signs of wear.
* Don't try to power house wiring by plugging a generator into a wall outlet. This can lead to shock.
* If wiring work is needed for the generator, contact an electrician.
* Don't replace generator fuel while the machine is hot. Let it cool completely before refilling the tank.
Generators are very popular in locations that have a lot of power outs and are especially useful in emergency centers such as hospitals. In regions that have been hit particularly hard by bad weather, the reports start to wrack up about misuse as those who have survived the storm fall pray to their own ignorance. Don't let this happen to you.
A portable generator can be a real lifesaver in a big emergency. Unfortunately, these machines can also cause problems if users don't follow proper safety procedures. Before firing up a generator, make sure all instructions have been read and followed. A little bit of extra time can save a life later.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
The first thing to do when considering purchasing a generator is to determine what household items must be run off it in the event of an emergency. This will help determine the size needed. Write down the equipment and take this list to the store where you intend to buy a generator. Don't expect to be able to get the air conditioning system, refrigerator and other major appliances all running at once off a portable model though. Just go for the most important.
If there is a family member who requires medical equipment that is powered, the generator must first take this into consideration. Make this your prime concern.
After picking out the correct generator to meet your needs, bring it home and read the instructions all the way through. Don't skip pages and don't take shortcuts. Generators can be lifesavers, but they can be dangerous, too.
The main concerns with generators tend to be carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock and even fire. Since every one of these hazards is major, knowing what you're doing with a generator is very important before turning it on.
In general, these tips can help make your generator use much more safe:
* Don't use a generator in a closed in or partially enclosed space. Doing so can create issues with carbon monoxide. The gas cannot be seen or smelled, so it is particularly dangerous.
* If you feel dizzy or sick while operating a generator, get outside, fresh air right away.
* Invest in battery powered CO alarms for your home. These can tell you if you're running into a problem. Make sure you check the batteries on a regular basis.
* Keep generators in dry conditions and plug items directly into the generator or use only outdoor-rated extension cords recommended by the manufacturer.
* Inspect the generator's cords for any signs of wear.
* Don't try to power house wiring by plugging a generator into a wall outlet. This can lead to shock.
* If wiring work is needed for the generator, contact an electrician.
* Don't replace generator fuel while the machine is hot. Let it cool completely before refilling the tank.
Generators are very popular in locations that have a lot of power outs and are especially useful in emergency centers such as hospitals. In regions that have been hit particularly hard by bad weather, the reports start to wrack up about misuse as those who have survived the storm fall pray to their own ignorance. Don't let this happen to you.
A portable generator can be a real lifesaver in a big emergency. Unfortunately, these machines can also cause problems if users don't follow proper safety procedures. Before firing up a generator, make sure all instructions have been read and followed. A little bit of extra time can save a life later.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Stay Safe With An Affordable Alarm System
Imagine the horror of coming home and finding your belongings have been rifled through. Your good jewelry is gone. The door has been smashed in, your sense of security shattered. Or, picture yourself waking up in the middle of the night to flames rapidly engulfing your home. These are the nightmares that drive people to invest in good home security and alarm system monitoring. But will these things really help? The answer is yes, especially if a good system has been purchased.
Getting an alarm system without monitoring can be like buying a car without the wheels. The whole idea behind a good system is to have fast access to people who can help when you need it the most. And even to have access to those who can "watch over" your home or business when you're not there.
Security systems that are monitored can be pretty simplistic or very elaborate, depending on what a homeowner or business owner requires. Systems can include such things as:
* Door and window sensors. These trigger a system's alarm if the doors or windows that have sensors on them are opened while the alarm is on. Basic systems, without actual monitoring, will simply trigger an "alarm" sound. Those that are monitored by an outside company will send a signal to the company that there is something amiss at your home or business.
* Motion detectors. These can set off an alarm, and a subsequent call to a monitoring company, if something moves in the house after the alarm's been turned on. These are effective in homes where family members stay out of particular areas when the alarm's on, but they don't work so well when pets set them off. Carefully consider this feature based on your needs and lifestyle.
* Multiple call/key button pads. A typical alarm system will have a master keypad that enables the system to be turned off or on at a set location. Good systems sometimes also come with "panic" pads to have installed in other parts of the home. These pads let a person quickly notify the alarm monitoring company, police or fire if there is an emergency without having to fumble down a hall or the stairs to the main alarm panel.
* Fire/smoke detectors. These aren't always standard in a system, but they're a good idea for obvious reasons.
* Carbon monoxide detectors. This gas is a colorless, odorless killer. Many modern alarm systems include CO detection devices as well.
* Battery back up. This is always a good idea.
Monitoring companies themselves also often sell alarms. They sometimes offer packages that include the system for free if monitoring is purchased for a set period, or they offer discounted monitoring with the purchase of a system.
Having an alarm in and of itself can deter criminals and help serve as an early warning system for you. But, if the alarm goes off and no one notifies the police or fire department, it doesn't good much good. This is where a good alarm system monitoring company comes into play.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
Getting an alarm system without monitoring can be like buying a car without the wheels. The whole idea behind a good system is to have fast access to people who can help when you need it the most. And even to have access to those who can "watch over" your home or business when you're not there.
Security systems that are monitored can be pretty simplistic or very elaborate, depending on what a homeowner or business owner requires. Systems can include such things as:
* Door and window sensors. These trigger a system's alarm if the doors or windows that have sensors on them are opened while the alarm is on. Basic systems, without actual monitoring, will simply trigger an "alarm" sound. Those that are monitored by an outside company will send a signal to the company that there is something amiss at your home or business.
* Motion detectors. These can set off an alarm, and a subsequent call to a monitoring company, if something moves in the house after the alarm's been turned on. These are effective in homes where family members stay out of particular areas when the alarm's on, but they don't work so well when pets set them off. Carefully consider this feature based on your needs and lifestyle.
* Multiple call/key button pads. A typical alarm system will have a master keypad that enables the system to be turned off or on at a set location. Good systems sometimes also come with "panic" pads to have installed in other parts of the home. These pads let a person quickly notify the alarm monitoring company, police or fire if there is an emergency without having to fumble down a hall or the stairs to the main alarm panel.
* Fire/smoke detectors. These aren't always standard in a system, but they're a good idea for obvious reasons.
* Carbon monoxide detectors. This gas is a colorless, odorless killer. Many modern alarm systems include CO detection devices as well.
* Battery back up. This is always a good idea.
Monitoring companies themselves also often sell alarms. They sometimes offer packages that include the system for free if monitoring is purchased for a set period, or they offer discounted monitoring with the purchase of a system.
Having an alarm in and of itself can deter criminals and help serve as an early warning system for you. But, if the alarm goes off and no one notifies the police or fire department, it doesn't good much good. This is where a good alarm system monitoring company comes into play.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
False Sense Of Security
Working my usual weekend gig as a bouncer in a night club an attractive blond approaches me and asks if I can walk her though the club because 15 minutes before a male grabbed her arm a told her that she had to dance with him. She refused and pulled away; the male grabbed her harder then pulling her to the dance floor, lucky for her another bouncer spotted this and took care of her problem. I decide to give her my business card TACT SELF DEFENSE it reads, she tells me that she as a brown belt in the martial arts but everything she’s learned, she couldn’t remember and just blanked out. I tell her that this is normal, it is the effects of adrenaline. Most self defense programs do not think about these effects when training some one that is why 95% of self defense programs do not work and will get you hurt or killed. I proceed to tell her most of my clients are martial artists or had some type of self-defense training in the past, she nods in agreement, understanding what I mean. The next day she gives me a call for self-defense training.
That is a very high percentage and considering many people still believe in these systems, thinking they are effective, this also includes “reality based systems” or “no holds barred” people need to be educated. It is amazing what is being taught out there in self defense schools, joint locks, cross legged arm bars which require you to go on the ground. I have seen self defense instructors teach students to kick to the head or grapple with an attacker, step here, turn this way, twist his wrist that way. Bottom line to many movements to remember, which are to complicated to work for ANYONE in a high stress situation of a violent street attack.
You are being lied to, ripped off of your hard-earned money and given a false sense of security. What is being taught is to complicated to even work for a seasoned martial artist. It’s like going to culinary school and your instructor has never cooked or even turned on an oven before, how is he supposed to know how to make the meal, let alone teach you. Unfortunately people who have trained in these self-defense programs learn in horror after being assaulted the hard truth. Most self-defense instructors also do not understand the effects of adrenaline and how it affects the mind, or motor skill performance. Top it off most instructors have not even been in a violent street confrontation so how would they know what to do?
Many systems use joint locks and pressure points that require years of training to properly execute. Some techniques even when applied properly to someone who has an unusual amount of joint flexibility or high pain tolerance such as someone high on drugs will not work. A lot of self defense techniques also have to be altered to work if environments change such as being in a small space or if there is snow on the ground causing slippery conditions. Think someone is going to remember all that while they are being attacked. I don’t think so.
Here are some tips on finding a realistic self defense program
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
That is a very high percentage and considering many people still believe in these systems, thinking they are effective, this also includes “reality based systems” or “no holds barred” people need to be educated. It is amazing what is being taught out there in self defense schools, joint locks, cross legged arm bars which require you to go on the ground. I have seen self defense instructors teach students to kick to the head or grapple with an attacker, step here, turn this way, twist his wrist that way. Bottom line to many movements to remember, which are to complicated to work for ANYONE in a high stress situation of a violent street attack.
You are being lied to, ripped off of your hard-earned money and given a false sense of security. What is being taught is to complicated to even work for a seasoned martial artist. It’s like going to culinary school and your instructor has never cooked or even turned on an oven before, how is he supposed to know how to make the meal, let alone teach you. Unfortunately people who have trained in these self-defense programs learn in horror after being assaulted the hard truth. Most self-defense instructors also do not understand the effects of adrenaline and how it affects the mind, or motor skill performance. Top it off most instructors have not even been in a violent street confrontation so how would they know what to do?
Many systems use joint locks and pressure points that require years of training to properly execute. Some techniques even when applied properly to someone who has an unusual amount of joint flexibility or high pain tolerance such as someone high on drugs will not work. A lot of self defense techniques also have to be altered to work if environments change such as being in a small space or if there is snow on the ground causing slippery conditions. Think someone is going to remember all that while they are being attacked. I don’t think so.
Here are some tips on finding a realistic self defense program
- Pick an instructor who is average or small in build they will focus on leverage techniques not on there strength, that is important if you are small or a woman.
- Make sure you check your instructor’s credentials, ask to see his black belt certificate it will state what federation he is under and when he got it. If the instructor says he doesn’t have one than he’s a fake. There are a lot of people who will watch self defense instructional tapes or train in the martial arts get an orange belt and start up a school. Anyone can go to a store a buy a black belt.
- Do you wear loose clothing and are barefoot when you train and wear protective gear? Conditions completely different from the streets. If you answered yes find a new self-defense program. Training should be as real as possible or be condition stimulus training. While training wear clothing that you wear when you go out, not gym pants, this includes shoes or boots. This will give you a realistic feel on how to move.
- Do you train under situation specific scenarios, do they have to change if your attacker does something different or if he does this than do that? And then you ask what if he does this question making everything to hard to remember and confusing
- Do methods consider every type of enviroment? Street, bus, rain, living room in confined spaces.
- Can you perform these techniques even if you are injured?
- Do these self defense methods require constant practice and you have to separate techniques for empty hand, weapons or multiple attackers. Bottom line techniques should be quick and easy to remember.
- Training should be focused equally in physical techniques and mindset conditioning.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
Will Learning Martial Arts Protect You
The topic of how effective traditional martial arts is in today’s world as a way of protecting oneself is still a very sensitive issue to a lot of martial artists. What is even more sensitive is the issue of how realistic and street effective is the newer styles that have come out since UFC/PRIDE have come into the picture. I am a Registered Black Belt & have nothing against the martial arts and have also studied styles such as Pankration. I know that the techniques I have learned in the dojo should stay in the dojo because they will only work there, that also goes with styles such as the “modern day or reality based systems” they are for sport only.
I work as a bouncer/bodyguard & also teach tactical self defense. Many of my students are black belts or have trained under reality based systems & have learned the hard way that what they learned in the ring or dojo is not street effective. Their common question is why didn’t their system work? Part of the reason is that if a rule or law is applied to a system it will subconsciously hinder you when your adrenaline takes over in combat. There are no rules in the streets your mind should not have to sensor or think can I do this to beat this person? We respond exactly the same way that we train.
There is no time to switch gears from sport to tactical. If you are training and your coach or sensei says can’t hit their or no contact to the eyes your mind will remember that and store it for future reference. Your self defense system should take into account your environment as well. Can you kick your attacker in the small space your in? Can you balance yourself while performing a technique on the icy sidewalk? If you grapple with him what if he has friends coming around, what do you do then? Street fighting or tactical self-defense should be in the simplest form of fighting. You don’t have time to play a chess game, like you would see in a UFC match. Time is not on your side in a street confrontation nor are rules or morals. What we can learn from the UFC or mixed martial arts events when it comes to reality fighting is if it has rules of what not to do, do those things in a street fight because its got to be effective.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
I work as a bouncer/bodyguard & also teach tactical self defense. Many of my students are black belts or have trained under reality based systems & have learned the hard way that what they learned in the ring or dojo is not street effective. Their common question is why didn’t their system work? Part of the reason is that if a rule or law is applied to a system it will subconsciously hinder you when your adrenaline takes over in combat. There are no rules in the streets your mind should not have to sensor or think can I do this to beat this person? We respond exactly the same way that we train.
There is no time to switch gears from sport to tactical. If you are training and your coach or sensei says can’t hit their or no contact to the eyes your mind will remember that and store it for future reference. Your self defense system should take into account your environment as well. Can you kick your attacker in the small space your in? Can you balance yourself while performing a technique on the icy sidewalk? If you grapple with him what if he has friends coming around, what do you do then? Street fighting or tactical self-defense should be in the simplest form of fighting. You don’t have time to play a chess game, like you would see in a UFC match. Time is not on your side in a street confrontation nor are rules or morals. What we can learn from the UFC or mixed martial arts events when it comes to reality fighting is if it has rules of what not to do, do those things in a street fight because its got to be effective.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
The Value of Home Security Safes
A basic locking cabinet can secure valuable papers or personal items but it will not protect them from theft or fire damage. Only safes can provide a superior level of protection for documents, jewelry, guns, personal items and computer data that would be difficult or impossible to duplicate if lost. Home and business security systems require the addition of security safes to eliminate the possibility of data and document loss due to fire and climate disruptions. The proliferation of home robberies are classified as "snatch and grab." The intruder invests approximately 3-5 minutes within the home. The very presence of a home security safe is a deterrent to such robberies. Any additional time invested within the home increases the odds of apprehension. Theft prevention and climate control management have rendered security safes a requirement for any home, office or business. The needed security afforded by home and business safes completes any existing security control system.
Home security safes offer protection of personal documents, jewelry and irreplaceable items. Home safes are a major deterrent from robbery and provide needed security from fire and climate changes. Advance Safes offer a large inventory of wall safes, floor safes, fire safes, gun safes, and electronic digital safes. Home safes are a perfect compliment to any home security system.
Fire could destroy your business! In fact, eight businesses burn almost every hour in the U.S. resulting in over 2.3 billion dollars in annual losses.* Unfortunately, seven out of ten businesses have not adequately protected their vital records. When that information is destroyed a business often fails. Don't become a company that incurs fire damage resulting in critical loss of data (customer, personnel, accounting files, etc.) by not utilizing quality fire and data media safes. Survival is possible but preparation is necessary.
Security safes are an essential protection against fire, theft and climate changes. Theft prevention, fire protection, data security and storage are a requirement for any business or home office. Advance Safes offer a complete inventory of fire safes, data media safes, depository safes, floor safes, treasury safes (TL-15 and TL-30), vaults and hotel safes. A quality safe is an essential requirement for any business security system. A safe investment is a long-term security dividend. Please consider our inventory of security safes as a welcome addition to any home or office environ.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
Home security safes offer protection of personal documents, jewelry and irreplaceable items. Home safes are a major deterrent from robbery and provide needed security from fire and climate changes. Advance Safes offer a large inventory of wall safes, floor safes, fire safes, gun safes, and electronic digital safes. Home safes are a perfect compliment to any home security system.
Fire could destroy your business! In fact, eight businesses burn almost every hour in the U.S. resulting in over 2.3 billion dollars in annual losses.* Unfortunately, seven out of ten businesses have not adequately protected their vital records. When that information is destroyed a business often fails. Don't become a company that incurs fire damage resulting in critical loss of data (customer, personnel, accounting files, etc.) by not utilizing quality fire and data media safes. Survival is possible but preparation is necessary.
Security safes are an essential protection against fire, theft and climate changes. Theft prevention, fire protection, data security and storage are a requirement for any business or home office. Advance Safes offer a complete inventory of fire safes, data media safes, depository safes, floor safes, treasury safes (TL-15 and TL-30), vaults and hotel safes. A quality safe is an essential requirement for any business security system. A safe investment is a long-term security dividend. Please consider our inventory of security safes as a welcome addition to any home or office environ.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
uPVC Door Lock Can Be Broken In 5 Seconds - 22 Million UK Homes At Risk
You may have seen recent reports on television news or in the newspapers of a weakness in the locks on PVCu doors. The weakness is currently being exploited by burglars in some areas of the UK, notably the West Yorkshire Police area. To our knowledge, such attacks are not yet common place in the Hampshire, West Sussex and Dorset areas.
This is a problem which is growing around the country; various methods are used by the burglars using simple everyday tools, allowing them to exploit an inherent flaw in the design of these Euro Profile Cylinders. The cylinders can be overcome in a matter of seconds and although we know the methods used we will not disclose these methods in any detail, as a precaution against “copy-cat” burglaries.
The lock in question is not of any particular make, but is the type of lock fitted to the majority of UPVC, PVCu and some wooden doors throughout the world, it is commonly known as a Euro Profile Cylinder. It is the part which provides the key operation to the multi-point locking mechanism fitted to the door. No matter how secure or elaborate the multi-point locking mechanism is, if the cylinder is compromised the multi-point lock can be opened in seconds without difficulty.
All major Lock Manufacturers are now working hard to find solutions to the problem.
Currently there are limited products on the market to combat this form of attack. Two major lock manufacturers notably Mul-T-Lock and Squire have produced a new design of cylinder which ensures the cylinder snaps at a predetermined position leaving the door still secured and requiring the use of the correct key to unlock the door. Mul-T-Locks range of anti snapping cylinders are called ‘Break Secure’ and Squire’s range are called ‘Snapsafe’
Although this design of cylinder is still not 100% guaranteed to prevent all the methods of attack used on PVCu doors. It will prevent the most common methods slowing down the burglars attempts and making it considerably more difficult, therefore increasing the chance of him giving up.
In addition to these cylinders some manufacturers notably Squire and ERA are producing cylinder enhancers or cylinder security devices. Various designs are available to suit PVCu and composite doors these consist of a metal surround which is secured to the existing cylinder underneath the door handle. ERA’s range is possibly the most secure, with the designs securing through the door to sandwich the cylinder in place making it virtually impossible to remove the ‘snapped’ cylinder. These devices used in conjunction with a Break Secure or SnapSafe cylinder will ensure the methods currently being used are ineffective.
The risk of forced entry via the methods used is reduced if the cylinder fitted is of the correct size and properly fitted. However often when cylinders have been replaced in the past it is found that an incorrect size has been used leaving the door vulnerable. It is recommended that the euro profile cylinder should not protrude outside of the door furniture any more than 2-3mm.
Remember burglars always choose the easy option!
In order to ensure you do not become one of the many victims of this type of forced entry review your current door cylinders now and consider upgrading your cylinders to the newly available ‘Break Secure’ or SnapSafe ranges currently available or fit an additional Cylinder Security Device or Enhancer to your existing cylinder.
In the meantime, ensure you DEADLOCK your doors whenever your home is unattended. We also advise that a door chain be fitted and used on the main entrance door when the house is occupied and if PVCu doors are fitted to other areas consider fitting additional internal secondary bolts as an alternative to replacing the cylinders.
Other sensible precautions include ensuring that any keys (particularly car keys) are not left where they can be found by burglars. (The most common method of car theft is by breaking into homes and stealing the keys). Other portable valuables should also be removed from vulnerable areas.
A safe will compliment any form of security to the property by reducing the risk of sentimental and valuable items being taken should a burglar gain entry. Securing small valuables can save a great deal of inconvenience and upset and it is recommended that you keep spare keys, passports, jewellery, cameras etc. locked in a safe.
For guidance and advice from reputable qualified locksmith’s only choose a locksmith that is a member of the Master Locksmith Association whose members would be pleased to offer advice and guidance, without obligation on any aspects of your properties physical security.
By using an MLA approved company you are assured that the locksmith you employ is of the highest standard of Integrity and that the work undertaken will be carried out to very high standards.
All Master Locksmiths have undertaken and passed an independently assessed BLI examination to ensure they are qualified and competent to carry out all aspects of the Locksmith trade. And every Approved Company undergoes stringent, regular inspections, thus ensuring that it maintains high standards in workmanship and administration. Additionally members are expected to conform to legal requirements and follow a customer charter to service customer satisfaction.
The Master Locksmith Association has a freephone call line allowing people to locate and authenticate locksmiths claiming to be members.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
This is a problem which is growing around the country; various methods are used by the burglars using simple everyday tools, allowing them to exploit an inherent flaw in the design of these Euro Profile Cylinders. The cylinders can be overcome in a matter of seconds and although we know the methods used we will not disclose these methods in any detail, as a precaution against “copy-cat” burglaries.
The lock in question is not of any particular make, but is the type of lock fitted to the majority of UPVC, PVCu and some wooden doors throughout the world, it is commonly known as a Euro Profile Cylinder. It is the part which provides the key operation to the multi-point locking mechanism fitted to the door. No matter how secure or elaborate the multi-point locking mechanism is, if the cylinder is compromised the multi-point lock can be opened in seconds without difficulty.
All major Lock Manufacturers are now working hard to find solutions to the problem.
Currently there are limited products on the market to combat this form of attack. Two major lock manufacturers notably Mul-T-Lock and Squire have produced a new design of cylinder which ensures the cylinder snaps at a predetermined position leaving the door still secured and requiring the use of the correct key to unlock the door. Mul-T-Locks range of anti snapping cylinders are called ‘Break Secure’ and Squire’s range are called ‘Snapsafe’
Although this design of cylinder is still not 100% guaranteed to prevent all the methods of attack used on PVCu doors. It will prevent the most common methods slowing down the burglars attempts and making it considerably more difficult, therefore increasing the chance of him giving up.
In addition to these cylinders some manufacturers notably Squire and ERA are producing cylinder enhancers or cylinder security devices. Various designs are available to suit PVCu and composite doors these consist of a metal surround which is secured to the existing cylinder underneath the door handle. ERA’s range is possibly the most secure, with the designs securing through the door to sandwich the cylinder in place making it virtually impossible to remove the ‘snapped’ cylinder. These devices used in conjunction with a Break Secure or SnapSafe cylinder will ensure the methods currently being used are ineffective.
The risk of forced entry via the methods used is reduced if the cylinder fitted is of the correct size and properly fitted. However often when cylinders have been replaced in the past it is found that an incorrect size has been used leaving the door vulnerable. It is recommended that the euro profile cylinder should not protrude outside of the door furniture any more than 2-3mm.
Remember burglars always choose the easy option!
In order to ensure you do not become one of the many victims of this type of forced entry review your current door cylinders now and consider upgrading your cylinders to the newly available ‘Break Secure’ or SnapSafe ranges currently available or fit an additional Cylinder Security Device or Enhancer to your existing cylinder.
In the meantime, ensure you DEADLOCK your doors whenever your home is unattended. We also advise that a door chain be fitted and used on the main entrance door when the house is occupied and if PVCu doors are fitted to other areas consider fitting additional internal secondary bolts as an alternative to replacing the cylinders.
Other sensible precautions include ensuring that any keys (particularly car keys) are not left where they can be found by burglars. (The most common method of car theft is by breaking into homes and stealing the keys). Other portable valuables should also be removed from vulnerable areas.
A safe will compliment any form of security to the property by reducing the risk of sentimental and valuable items being taken should a burglar gain entry. Securing small valuables can save a great deal of inconvenience and upset and it is recommended that you keep spare keys, passports, jewellery, cameras etc. locked in a safe.
For guidance and advice from reputable qualified locksmith’s only choose a locksmith that is a member of the Master Locksmith Association whose members would be pleased to offer advice and guidance, without obligation on any aspects of your properties physical security.
By using an MLA approved company you are assured that the locksmith you employ is of the highest standard of Integrity and that the work undertaken will be carried out to very high standards.
All Master Locksmiths have undertaken and passed an independently assessed BLI examination to ensure they are qualified and competent to carry out all aspects of the Locksmith trade. And every Approved Company undergoes stringent, regular inspections, thus ensuring that it maintains high standards in workmanship and administration. Additionally members are expected to conform to legal requirements and follow a customer charter to service customer satisfaction.
The Master Locksmith Association has a freephone call line allowing people to locate and authenticate locksmiths claiming to be members.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
5 Basic Steps to Safeguard Your Home and Property
1. Outsmart a Burglar by Thinking like a Burglar
One thing every homeowner should do at least twice a year is take a walk around and inside your home with a close friend or neighbor who is not that familiar with your house. Start outside and ask yourself "how could I break in the easiest way? The purpose of not going around the house alone is that your friend may spot things you'll overlook. Return the favor and complete a survey for your friend.
Besides the obvious "lived-in" look, do not get into a habit of only doing certain things only when you are not home. Chances are good you can tell when your neighbor isn't home. Remember it's a burglar's job to know the same things. Most professional criminals can tell nobody is home at least four or five houses away.
Several obvious things a burglar will notice are always closing the drapes ONLY when you're not home. Having no garbage cans out collection day, or an empty can sitting at the curb are obvious tip-offs you are not home. So are closing up the house as tight as a drum in the hot summer months without the air-conditioner running. Turning on a certain light or two and every other room is in total darkness. The same goes for picking up all the children’s toys, taking in the dog, shutting the garage door if you frequently leave it open, and turning off the lawn sprinkler.
Many people before leaving turn on a so called burglar light which is the light over the kitchen sink. You might as well hang a sign on the front door you are not home! If you use an answering machine never leave a message that you are not home. Instead say you can not come to the phone right now or leave a message. If you do not have a machine, turn down the volume on your telephones before leaving so it can not be heard from outside which another dead giveaway indicating nobody is home.
2. Use Burglar Repellents
Crime officials will tell you its true! A dog is one of the best burglar deterrents. Not because it's vicious, but it is heard. A dog with a menacing bark will scare away a lot of burglars, not only because they don't know what kind of dog you have and what risk it would be to them if try tried to break in, but more likely because a noisy dog will create a disturbance and get attention - the last thing a burglar wants!
If you don't have a dog there's nothing stopping you from pretending. A Beware of Dog sign on your fence, a dog house in the back yard, even a loose dog chain or bowl can drive away a potential burglar. Companies that provide electronic dogs who bark none stop if an intruder trips a relay or otherwise signals his presence are effective also as long they are of good quality.
Other electronic devices that are effective besides the typical whole house alarm systems for windows and doors are infrared or motion detectors that sense movement or the heat given off by one's body. Anyone approaching too close will trigger any number of attached devices. The most effective are powerful lights or burglar horns that either flood the area with light or fill the air with a deafening sound without notice. Just like a barking dog, the would-be burglar will usually run away for fear of being discovered.
To be effective, the sensitivity of such devices much not be set too high or stray animals will set them off too frequently which will get you on the wrong side of your neighbors. Also be sure such devices are high enough that they can't be easily turned off or broken
given off by one's body. Anyone approaching too close will trigger any number of attached devices. The most effective are powerful lights or burglar horns that either flood the area with light or fill the air with a deafening sound without notice. Just like a barking dog, the would-be burglar will usually run away for fear of being discovered.
To be effective, the sensitivity of such devices much not be set too high or stray animals will set them off too frequently which will get you on the wrong side of your neighbors. Also be sure such devices are high enough that they can't be easily turned off or broken.
3. Make Doors Safer
Illegal entry through the front door occurs more often than any other points of entry in your house. All exterior doors should be of solid hard wood or steel reinforced. A good door does no good if the door frame is in bad shape or of inferior construction. Pay special attention to the door jams. Most inexpensive and expensive homes combined are made out of cheap pine. It does not take much force to "kick in" the door even if protected with dead bolts, if the strike plate is attached with only a couple of 1/2 or 3/4 inch screws. Secure doors by installing 2-1/2 to 3 inch stainless steel or nickel plated screws in all your exterior door jams.
4. Make Windows Safer
Burglars break windows as a last resort if they can’t enter through a door or from other outside means. The preferred method is cutting an access hole or slipping in a thin stiff wire and undoing the locking device. Most double hung windows have cheap locks which should be replaced by heavy duty sash locks or even keyed locks, if you can put up with the inconvenience. An old trick is installing a small eyebolt in either corner. If done correctly the window can't be opened, with the eyebolt in place from the outside. You could screw the window shut by drilling a hole through the frame but it defeats the purpose of having a window, and presents a fire hazard. I recommended not doing this.
The safest windows are glass block. Almost impossible to break through, they of course can't be opened and are not as pleasing to look at. However this is a good choice for basements or areas at or near ground level.
Another good protection is installed roll-a-way electric security shutters, or decorative security grates. The main down side is they can prove to be a serious fire hazard and prevent your escape. Newer models install on tracks or can easily be pushed open from inside to lessen their danger in the event of fire and the thick smoke sure to accompany it.
5. Take Household Inventory
The steps talked about above can go a long way to protecting your home but no matter how secure your residence is, if a professional burglar has targeted your home and is determined to break in, he will still probably succeed in breaking into your home. To aid law enforcement officials and greatly assist in insurance claims you should maintain a detailed inventory of all your household valuables.
It makes sense to "mark" important items with some permanent identifying mark. There are a variety of simple tools you can rent that will engrave serial numbers, a driver's license number or some other unique marking into your valuables.
Remember most burglars sell stolen items in order to get cash, usually for illegal drugs. You'll greatly reduce the chances of someone walking off with your TV, DVD or other valuables if it has a conspicuous ID number that can't be removed, simply because it will greatly reduce its street value and make it too much work to get rid of and sell, and of course it is a lot easier to trace and return the property to the rightful owner.
Today, many people have a video camera. Sweep each room and record the contents from several different angles. Next, take close-ups of really important items. To tie-in, have a family member pose with the valuables. In a clear voice identify each item, the date of purchase, price paid and model and serial numbers. Remember to update the tape or disk every time you purchase something new.
If you don't have a video camera, a regular inexpensive digital camera also works well. Make a companion audio tape to go along with it. It very important that the tapes or pictures be kept off the property or they may be stolen or damaged. Keep them in a safety deposit box at your bank. Now set aside an hour or so and complete the security check list on the following page. Correct weak points as soon as possible and your home and property will be more secure.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
One thing every homeowner should do at least twice a year is take a walk around and inside your home with a close friend or neighbor who is not that familiar with your house. Start outside and ask yourself "how could I break in the easiest way? The purpose of not going around the house alone is that your friend may spot things you'll overlook. Return the favor and complete a survey for your friend.
Besides the obvious "lived-in" look, do not get into a habit of only doing certain things only when you are not home. Chances are good you can tell when your neighbor isn't home. Remember it's a burglar's job to know the same things. Most professional criminals can tell nobody is home at least four or five houses away.
Several obvious things a burglar will notice are always closing the drapes ONLY when you're not home. Having no garbage cans out collection day, or an empty can sitting at the curb are obvious tip-offs you are not home. So are closing up the house as tight as a drum in the hot summer months without the air-conditioner running. Turning on a certain light or two and every other room is in total darkness. The same goes for picking up all the children’s toys, taking in the dog, shutting the garage door if you frequently leave it open, and turning off the lawn sprinkler.
Many people before leaving turn on a so called burglar light which is the light over the kitchen sink. You might as well hang a sign on the front door you are not home! If you use an answering machine never leave a message that you are not home. Instead say you can not come to the phone right now or leave a message. If you do not have a machine, turn down the volume on your telephones before leaving so it can not be heard from outside which another dead giveaway indicating nobody is home.
2. Use Burglar Repellents
Crime officials will tell you its true! A dog is one of the best burglar deterrents. Not because it's vicious, but it is heard. A dog with a menacing bark will scare away a lot of burglars, not only because they don't know what kind of dog you have and what risk it would be to them if try tried to break in, but more likely because a noisy dog will create a disturbance and get attention - the last thing a burglar wants!
If you don't have a dog there's nothing stopping you from pretending. A Beware of Dog sign on your fence, a dog house in the back yard, even a loose dog chain or bowl can drive away a potential burglar. Companies that provide electronic dogs who bark none stop if an intruder trips a relay or otherwise signals his presence are effective also as long they are of good quality.
Other electronic devices that are effective besides the typical whole house alarm systems for windows and doors are infrared or motion detectors that sense movement or the heat given off by one's body. Anyone approaching too close will trigger any number of attached devices. The most effective are powerful lights or burglar horns that either flood the area with light or fill the air with a deafening sound without notice. Just like a barking dog, the would-be burglar will usually run away for fear of being discovered.
To be effective, the sensitivity of such devices much not be set too high or stray animals will set them off too frequently which will get you on the wrong side of your neighbors. Also be sure such devices are high enough that they can't be easily turned off or broken
given off by one's body. Anyone approaching too close will trigger any number of attached devices. The most effective are powerful lights or burglar horns that either flood the area with light or fill the air with a deafening sound without notice. Just like a barking dog, the would-be burglar will usually run away for fear of being discovered.
To be effective, the sensitivity of such devices much not be set too high or stray animals will set them off too frequently which will get you on the wrong side of your neighbors. Also be sure such devices are high enough that they can't be easily turned off or broken.
3. Make Doors Safer
Illegal entry through the front door occurs more often than any other points of entry in your house. All exterior doors should be of solid hard wood or steel reinforced. A good door does no good if the door frame is in bad shape or of inferior construction. Pay special attention to the door jams. Most inexpensive and expensive homes combined are made out of cheap pine. It does not take much force to "kick in" the door even if protected with dead bolts, if the strike plate is attached with only a couple of 1/2 or 3/4 inch screws. Secure doors by installing 2-1/2 to 3 inch stainless steel or nickel plated screws in all your exterior door jams.
4. Make Windows Safer
Burglars break windows as a last resort if they can’t enter through a door or from other outside means. The preferred method is cutting an access hole or slipping in a thin stiff wire and undoing the locking device. Most double hung windows have cheap locks which should be replaced by heavy duty sash locks or even keyed locks, if you can put up with the inconvenience. An old trick is installing a small eyebolt in either corner. If done correctly the window can't be opened, with the eyebolt in place from the outside. You could screw the window shut by drilling a hole through the frame but it defeats the purpose of having a window, and presents a fire hazard. I recommended not doing this.
The safest windows are glass block. Almost impossible to break through, they of course can't be opened and are not as pleasing to look at. However this is a good choice for basements or areas at or near ground level.
Another good protection is installed roll-a-way electric security shutters, or decorative security grates. The main down side is they can prove to be a serious fire hazard and prevent your escape. Newer models install on tracks or can easily be pushed open from inside to lessen their danger in the event of fire and the thick smoke sure to accompany it.
5. Take Household Inventory
The steps talked about above can go a long way to protecting your home but no matter how secure your residence is, if a professional burglar has targeted your home and is determined to break in, he will still probably succeed in breaking into your home. To aid law enforcement officials and greatly assist in insurance claims you should maintain a detailed inventory of all your household valuables.
It makes sense to "mark" important items with some permanent identifying mark. There are a variety of simple tools you can rent that will engrave serial numbers, a driver's license number or some other unique marking into your valuables.
Remember most burglars sell stolen items in order to get cash, usually for illegal drugs. You'll greatly reduce the chances of someone walking off with your TV, DVD or other valuables if it has a conspicuous ID number that can't be removed, simply because it will greatly reduce its street value and make it too much work to get rid of and sell, and of course it is a lot easier to trace and return the property to the rightful owner.
Today, many people have a video camera. Sweep each room and record the contents from several different angles. Next, take close-ups of really important items. To tie-in, have a family member pose with the valuables. In a clear voice identify each item, the date of purchase, price paid and model and serial numbers. Remember to update the tape or disk every time you purchase something new.
If you don't have a video camera, a regular inexpensive digital camera also works well. Make a companion audio tape to go along with it. It very important that the tapes or pictures be kept off the property or they may be stolen or damaged. Keep them in a safety deposit box at your bank. Now set aside an hour or so and complete the security check list on the following page. Correct weak points as soon as possible and your home and property will be more secure.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
Increase Your Home Security With Wireless Security Cameras
Wireless security cameras are becoming extremely popular as an integral part of many home security systems these days. One of the main reasons is their ease of installation. They can also be used for many practical purposes including keeping an eye on your nanny or babysitter when you are away, making sure kids behave when you are not at home, monitoring the security both inside and outside your home at all times, and more.
As mentioned, one of the best features about wireless security cameras is that they can be easily installed almost anywhere. Because there are no wires to run through walls and from floor to floor most of the hard work of installing video surveillance cameras at home has been eliminated. Essentially, you just find a discreet spot for the camera that will provide you with a good view of the area you want to see and then mount it there.
The images from the wireless camera can be transmitted to be displayed on any appropriate monitor, including your computer screen or on your TV, by a receiver that is connected to the viewing device. With the right equipment you can even have several wireless security cameras connected to a single receiver that allows you to shuffle through all of the camera images to constantly monitor what is going on. In fact, if your TV has a picture-in-picture feature you may also be able to view the camera images in the small screen while you watch your favorite TV shows.
There are also software products available that can take remote monitoring to a new level. They enable you to be able to log into your home computer from any internet connection and view the camera video at home whenever you want. So you no longer have to be physically present to keep an eye on things at home.
The other major benefit of most wireless camera systems is that they are very inexpensive. In fact, it may surprise you to see how little such a system can cost. And because of their ease of installation and use, most likely you won't need anyone else to install it for you either, again saving on the total cost of the wireless system.
So why not investigate the idea of installing a wireless security camera system in your home? It's easy, affordable, and very effective for many home surveillance uses.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
As mentioned, one of the best features about wireless security cameras is that they can be easily installed almost anywhere. Because there are no wires to run through walls and from floor to floor most of the hard work of installing video surveillance cameras at home has been eliminated. Essentially, you just find a discreet spot for the camera that will provide you with a good view of the area you want to see and then mount it there.
The images from the wireless camera can be transmitted to be displayed on any appropriate monitor, including your computer screen or on your TV, by a receiver that is connected to the viewing device. With the right equipment you can even have several wireless security cameras connected to a single receiver that allows you to shuffle through all of the camera images to constantly monitor what is going on. In fact, if your TV has a picture-in-picture feature you may also be able to view the camera images in the small screen while you watch your favorite TV shows.
There are also software products available that can take remote monitoring to a new level. They enable you to be able to log into your home computer from any internet connection and view the camera video at home whenever you want. So you no longer have to be physically present to keep an eye on things at home.
The other major benefit of most wireless camera systems is that they are very inexpensive. In fact, it may surprise you to see how little such a system can cost. And because of their ease of installation and use, most likely you won't need anyone else to install it for you either, again saving on the total cost of the wireless system.
So why not investigate the idea of installing a wireless security camera system in your home? It's easy, affordable, and very effective for many home surveillance uses.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
5 Steps To Better Home Security And Personal Safety
After a crime has been committed, many people wish that they had taken better steps to protect themselves and their belongings. But the best time to think about home security is before the crime happens, not afterward. By planning ahead you can take steps that reduce your chances of being a victin of crime in the first place. Here are 5 steps that you may wish to consider to improve your home security and personal safety:
1. Many accidents occur at home and lives are often lost due to fire, gas leaks, and carbon monoxide poisoning. It's amazing how many people have been victims of these kind of dangers, and yet much can be done to protect yourself in advance. Most fire and smoke detectors are very inexpensive but effective ways to help warn of dangers before they get out of control, or at least so that the homeowner can get out quickly and save their life. The same can be said of natural gas and carbon monoxide detectors too. A few of these placed throughout the home will keep silent guard for you and help increase your personal safety from these dangers. Just remember that the best detectors cannot be effective if you don't keep the batteries for each unit fresh so that it stays in good working order.
2. Install a home security system that will monitor all the doors and windows in your home and sound a loud alarm when someone is breaking in. You may even want to subscribe to an outside monitoring service that will call local law enforcement after making sure that any alarm that is triggered is not a false alarm. There are several quality wireless home security systems available that you can even install yourself quickly and easily.
3. Consider using wireless security cameras to help keep a watch on the goings outside your home at all times. For instance, you could install one above your door that lets you clearly identify the person who rings your doorbell, or knocks on your door. You could also install infrared cameras at strategic locations around the home that allows you to keep a watch on your home's perimiter at night. The more information you have about what is happening around your home, the more prepared you can be to defend yourself.
4. Joining a neighborhood watch group can help increase your personal and home security considerably. If your neighborhood does not have such a program, why not visit a few neighbors and see if they would be interested in starting one? If crimes have been committed in the area recently, you often will not have much difficulty getting everyone to cooperate and set up a neighborhood watch program right away.
5. Keeping doors and windows closed and locked at all times is another step to take to make home intrusion more difficult. If you must open the windows for any reason, it is wise to have locks installed that do not allow the window to be opened far enough for someone to be able to climb through and get inside the home. These are the most vulnerable places in your home to burglarization, so guard them well.
There are other steps you can take to increase personal safety and home security, but if you employ the suggestions mentioned above they can a great start, and can help increase your preparedness and peace of mind.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
1. Many accidents occur at home and lives are often lost due to fire, gas leaks, and carbon monoxide poisoning. It's amazing how many people have been victims of these kind of dangers, and yet much can be done to protect yourself in advance. Most fire and smoke detectors are very inexpensive but effective ways to help warn of dangers before they get out of control, or at least so that the homeowner can get out quickly and save their life. The same can be said of natural gas and carbon monoxide detectors too. A few of these placed throughout the home will keep silent guard for you and help increase your personal safety from these dangers. Just remember that the best detectors cannot be effective if you don't keep the batteries for each unit fresh so that it stays in good working order.
2. Install a home security system that will monitor all the doors and windows in your home and sound a loud alarm when someone is breaking in. You may even want to subscribe to an outside monitoring service that will call local law enforcement after making sure that any alarm that is triggered is not a false alarm. There are several quality wireless home security systems available that you can even install yourself quickly and easily.
3. Consider using wireless security cameras to help keep a watch on the goings outside your home at all times. For instance, you could install one above your door that lets you clearly identify the person who rings your doorbell, or knocks on your door. You could also install infrared cameras at strategic locations around the home that allows you to keep a watch on your home's perimiter at night. The more information you have about what is happening around your home, the more prepared you can be to defend yourself.
4. Joining a neighborhood watch group can help increase your personal and home security considerably. If your neighborhood does not have such a program, why not visit a few neighbors and see if they would be interested in starting one? If crimes have been committed in the area recently, you often will not have much difficulty getting everyone to cooperate and set up a neighborhood watch program right away.
5. Keeping doors and windows closed and locked at all times is another step to take to make home intrusion more difficult. If you must open the windows for any reason, it is wise to have locks installed that do not allow the window to be opened far enough for someone to be able to climb through and get inside the home. These are the most vulnerable places in your home to burglarization, so guard them well.
There are other steps you can take to increase personal safety and home security, but if you employ the suggestions mentioned above they can a great start, and can help increase your preparedness and peace of mind.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
Home Security Tips For Your Personal Safety
The subject of home security is very important and should be given plenty of advance thought regardless of whether you live in an apartment or house that you own. You want to be sure that your possessions and personal safety are well protected at all times. All of the best home security measures in the world cannot help you after a crime has been committed. They can only be of use to help prevent the crime in the first place. So here are some simple ways to help increase your own personal safety:
* Install a home security system that can monitor all of the entry and exit areas of your home and sound a loud alarm if someone breaks in. If you happen to live in an apartment where you are not allowed to run wires through the walls, you can get a wireless home security system instead that will still do the job and has the advantage of being able to be removed and taken with you when you find a new place to live. Because of being wireless, these kind of security systems can also be very easy to install by the average person and they are inexpensive as well.
* Get a watchdog that will bark when someone they don't know approaches the home. It doesn't even have to be a big or ferocious dog at all, just one that makes noise when it feels threatened by a stranger. This one simple tip can be incredibly effective in protecting your personal safety as most criminals that have bad intentions do not want to have to deal with the loud noise and attention that a vocal dog can cause. They would rather choose an easier target instead.
* If you have valuables that are very expensive, it may be wise not to keep them at home at all. You can rent a safety deposit box in a bank instead for such high dollar or high value items. For other valuables you may want to consider a home safe as this lessens the possibility that a burglar can get at your valuables quickly and leave undetected. Speed and stealth are very important to home burglars and anything that you can do to slow them down improves your chances of protecting your valuable items.
* Lastly, always keep home security in mind. The best home security system won't help you if you forget to turn it on. Likewise, you are only inviting trouble if you forget to lock your doors and windows at night. Hiding a key in close proximity to your front door is a way to allow intruders easy access to your home. So just try to think about home security as much as possible and make it part of your routine to actually use the home security equipment that you have, and practice safe home security measures as part of your daily life.
If you plan in advance for increasing your personal safety and then carry out your plans on a daily basis you will greatly improve your chances of keeping both you and your possessions safe and protected.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
* Install a home security system that can monitor all of the entry and exit areas of your home and sound a loud alarm if someone breaks in. If you happen to live in an apartment where you are not allowed to run wires through the walls, you can get a wireless home security system instead that will still do the job and has the advantage of being able to be removed and taken with you when you find a new place to live. Because of being wireless, these kind of security systems can also be very easy to install by the average person and they are inexpensive as well.
* Get a watchdog that will bark when someone they don't know approaches the home. It doesn't even have to be a big or ferocious dog at all, just one that makes noise when it feels threatened by a stranger. This one simple tip can be incredibly effective in protecting your personal safety as most criminals that have bad intentions do not want to have to deal with the loud noise and attention that a vocal dog can cause. They would rather choose an easier target instead.
* If you have valuables that are very expensive, it may be wise not to keep them at home at all. You can rent a safety deposit box in a bank instead for such high dollar or high value items. For other valuables you may want to consider a home safe as this lessens the possibility that a burglar can get at your valuables quickly and leave undetected. Speed and stealth are very important to home burglars and anything that you can do to slow them down improves your chances of protecting your valuable items.
* Lastly, always keep home security in mind. The best home security system won't help you if you forget to turn it on. Likewise, you are only inviting trouble if you forget to lock your doors and windows at night. Hiding a key in close proximity to your front door is a way to allow intruders easy access to your home. So just try to think about home security as much as possible and make it part of your routine to actually use the home security equipment that you have, and practice safe home security measures as part of your daily life.
If you plan in advance for increasing your personal safety and then carry out your plans on a daily basis you will greatly improve your chances of keeping both you and your possessions safe and protected.
Article Source: http://www.articles-galore.com
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