Home security is an essential aspect and with the ever-increasing security challenges of today, it has never been more critical. Most people spend loads of cash putting up or buying plush homes in posh neighborhoods and furnishing them, but they often ignore the issue of security. While most people overlook this aspect of property development, street and home security are as critical as the roof above your head for obvious reasons, and it need not be expensive.
From installing CCTV cameras, erecting bollards on your street to hiring the services of a security guard, the market is awash with affordable solutions that you can employ to ensure your home and street are secure. In built gadgets and other security installations like bollards, card access control systems, and door interphone systems should be included at the inception phase of house design. But in some instances, these are also overlooked and the need to install them becomes apparent after construction is complete. However, with the advancement of technology, many gadgets and installations can be incorporated at any stage of property development.
Star with the Basics
Before spending loads of cash on home security installations and gadgets, start with the simple but effective steps to improve your home’s security. You’ll be surprised that many of the basic yet most effective home security measures cost very little or nothing at all echoed kitchenhome.co.uk.
Ensure your perimeter is safe by making all doors and windows as difficult to penetrate as possible. While most burglars prefer unlocked doors and windows, most of them can quickly and stealthily pry open locked ones. Some intruders will break a pane of glass to reach in and unlock the door or window. Only a few determined burglars will break out enough glass to crawl or walkthrough, or knock down a well-secured door, and they hardly ever attempt to pick locks. Additionally, ensure you get rid of lousy locks. Key-in-knob locks are usually inadequate so install secure deadbolt locks on all exterior doors in your home.
Invest in Proper Security Lighting and Surveillance Tech
GSM alarm systems, magnetic door sensor alarms, passive infrared (PIR) light-emitting diode lights, and 3G cameras are all wireless and can be installed at any stage in property development. Some batteries that run heat and smoke detectors can also be fixed once the building is complete.
An average family house would probably need very modest and inexpensive gadgets. For instance, a three-bedroom house would need a GSM alarm sensor with a magnetic door sensor at the main door, a PIR sensor in the living room, and a magnetic sensor on every external door and window for surveillance, alert, as well as SOS calling. A modest magnetic alarm will be sufficient to deter entrance to any private rooms that you may wish to have controlled access. LED footlights that are operated by a PIR sensor can fit in the average residential home.
CCTV cameras are also convenient and affordable solutions to boosting surveillance in your home. With CCTV cameras, you can know, through alarms or SMS, what is happening at your residence and out in the street. These cameras also allow you to monitor movement and activity at your residence from your smartphone. You will probably need about four CCTV cameras: one pointing the driveway and the street, at the rear door, at the main entrance to the house, and in the living room. Choose a system of cameras with a digital video recorder and a screen. The cameras also have both day and night vision so you can monitor activity at your residence any time.
Besides these security devices, there are LED bulbs with inbuilt rechargeable lithium batteries that ensure lights are on even when there’s a power blackout. The presence of light alone ensures safety as well as security.
Ensure Proper Street Security
One of the most effective ways to ensure street security is to control street access by installing bollards. Security bollards are essential to perimeter security and they are designed to physically prevent unauthorized vehicles from entering or exiting the site.
There are many types of bollards available, all of which have slightly different purposes. Some of the most common types of bollards include:
- Fixed bollards
- Steel bollards
- Retractable bollards
- Removable bollards
- Safety bollards
- Street bollards
You can get a good idea of the types of bollards available at Barriers Direct, which can help when you are finding out which option is suitable for your goals. Retractable bollards, for example, can be used to control access to car parks and secure areas. Street bollards provide protection for pedestrians by preventing vehicles from accessing areas where pedestrians are walking. Bollards are also positioned in front of garages and business premises to protect buildings from ram-raiding and similar crimes.
When you are choosing bollards, there are many factors to consider. Your primary concern will be how the bollards will be used because this will affect every factor of your decision-making process.
- The strength of the bollards is crucial. If your bollards are intended to prevent vehicles from accessing an area, they will need to be strong. The material they are made from will affect this.
- Talk to the bollards supplier to find out which bollards provide the greatest amount of strength. PAS 68 certified bollards should be considered for maximum protection.
- The aesthetics of the bollards are also important. Do you want a modern look or a traditional appearance? Bollards come in all shapes and sizes, and the design you choose can complement the surrounding area and help the bollards to merge into the scenery.
- Cost is always a factor as well. But avoid simply going with the cheapest. For example, if you want to protect your business from ram-raiding, consider the costs involved if your bollards did not provide the required level of protection.
- Make sure you invest to protect. Some bollards are more durable than others and require less maintenance, but they may be more expensive upfront, so this is worth considering.
- Finally, consider the reputation of the manufacturer. Do they have a good reputation in the industry with lots of experience? This is important if you want to get the best bollards for your needs. Although many heist movies showcase smart criminals who breach even the most sophisticated security systems, most people do not need such sophisticated systems in their homes.
It doesn’t take a genius to be a burglar in the average residential property. Most gain entry simply by taking advantage of unlocked or weak doors and windows, and poorly-surveilled and unprotected homes streets.