Why Should I Care About Home Security?

One should think about getting into home security for a number of reasons:

1. An individual can rest easy knowing that their home and family are safe from intruders, fires, and other dangers if they have a security system installed.
2. Deterrence: Intruders are less likely to break into your home if they see that you have a noticeable security system installed.
3. Homeowners with security systems installed can often receive discounts on their insurance premiums from a variety of different providers.
4. Homeowners can keep an eye on things from far away with the help of a mobile app or web portal, as this feature is included in many modern home security systems. If you have kids, pets, or elderly relatives, this could come in handy for keeping tabs on them.
5. Thermostats, lights, and home appliances are just some of the "smart home" devices that can be synchronised with certain home security systems. Because of this, homeowners can turn off lights and adjust the temperature before leaving the house, among other automated tasks.
6. Notifications sent to homeowners by their security systems are both smart and convenient, and they can be triggered by a variety of events, such as the opening of a door or window, or the detection of motion. This can be a great way for homeowners to know exactly what's going on in their house at all times.
7. Using a smartphone app, homeowners can arm and disarm their security systems from afar, monitor the condition of their sensors, as well as receive alerts even when they aren't at home.
8. Homeowners can rest easy knowing that their loved ones and possessions are safe when a security system is installed.

When Is It Advisable to Start Working on Home Security?

If you are planning to move to a new home or if there has been a recent increase in burglaries or other security incidents in your area, now is the time to take action with home security. In addition, a residence security system is something to think about purchasing if you plan on being away from your house for a long period of time, such as when you are on vacation.

If you want to reduce your home insurance premiums, investing in home security measures is also a good idea. When a home has a security system installed, homeowners can often get a discount on their homeowner's insurance.

It's important to take precautions to keep your home and family safe, especially if you've recently been the victim of a break-in or even other security threats.

When you have reason to believe that a security threat exists to your home and family, or if you want to reduce your cost of insurance and sleep easier at night realising that your home is protected, are the times when you should prioritise home security.

What Are Burglars Aiming to Steal?

Burglars steal a variety of items, from cash to vehicles. Theft of animals, vehicles, licence plates, bicycles, and even tools used by tradespeople has all increased in Australia recently.

Many Australians don't close or maintain their garage doors, making them an easy target for burglars, and key safes are also a common target because they can be easily accessed. Both of these factors contribute to the fact that Australian houses, especially those in newer neighbourhoods, are easy targets for burglars.

The Meaning of “Home Security”

When fending off intruders, home security systems are the first line of defence. There are many parts to a home security system, including:

• Locks for doors and windows
• Alarms
• CCTV Systems (CCTV)
• Connected cameras that serve as doorbells
• Lights that come on when someone walks by or floodlights
• Signalling stickers for windows.

The Advantages of Installing a Security System at Your House

Protecting your home and belongings from intruders is the primary goal of installing a home security system. Having a home security system aids in this endeavour by:

• Preventing unwanted visitors from entering your home
• Defending yourself if a burglar breaks in
• Shortening the amount of time an intruder has to scavenge your home
• Giving you comfort while you rest or are away from home.

It's possible that having a supervised alarm system will help you pay less for insurance.

Should I Be Present to Utilise My Home Security System?

You can manage your security system at home from the convenience of your smartphone with an app that works with any modern alarm or CCTV system.

What Is the Most Effective Method of Apartment/Unit Security?

A simple two-detector system may provide adequate protection for a smaller home, depending on your needs. Not all dwellings can accommodate the wiring used in a competent CCTV setup, so a wireless option may be preferable.

If You’re a Renter, What’s the Most Effective Method of Safety?

Most landlords will not allow tenants to run wires for security systems. Renters should instead look into wireless security measures, which can be installed (and uninstalled) at will. Furthermore, they can be managed remotely from a mobile device and will sound an alarm at any sign of unusual behaviour. Never make any changes to a rental property without first consulting the landlord.

The Concept of Closed-Circuit Television

Closed-circuit television systems (CCTV) typically consist of multiple cameras strategically placed at various points around the home's exterior. High-value items, like cars in a garage, may be monitored by extra cameras. You can use a CCTV system to watch what's going on in and around your home in real-time or review recorded footage after something has happened.

Which Advantages Does CCTV Have?

Suspicious activity, such as a break-in, can be recorded by a CCTV system. The video may be used as evidence in court and to help the police identify the offender or their vehicle.

Intruders may think twice before breaking into a home that has a CCTV camera installed. However, if you want to discourage would-be intruders, a CCTV system works best when combined with an intruder alarm.

In addition to deterring criminal activity, closed-circuit television can be utilised to check in on the well-being of family pets, young children, and the elderly.

Where Can I Find My Security Camera Footage?

These days, it's common for CCTV systems to stream their footage wirelessly, straight to your smartphone or computer. If you have a smart device and access to the internet, you can monitor your home in real-time or review recorded footage from anywhere.

If a motion is detected while the system is activated, it can notify you via text message or phone call.

If I Were to Set up a Surveillance System, How Many Cameras Would I Need?

Obviously, the needs of one homeowner may not be applicable to another. Front, back, and side doors, the front path, the driveway, and the garage door should all be monitored by a camera, as should any other valuable outdoor assets, such as vehicles, boats, or tool sheds.

Get in touch with a certified security advisor to discuss your needs. They can offer advice on which aspects to emphasise.

Do Dummy Surveillance Cameras Have Any Effect?

There is no better way to give the impression of safety around your home than with a few fake security cameras. Yet, one should never discount the wits of a criminal. The security of your home will be compromised by the presence of a fake camera, which is easy to spot.

Possible intruders or burglars may not be able to tell the difference between the fake and genuine cameras, limiting the deterrent effect of dummy surveillance cameras when used in combination with real cameras. To be clear, dummy cameras aren't going to do much to keep intruders out of your home or business because they don't record or distribute any footage.

In the event of a break-in, the police would be unable to use it as evidence. It is recommended that any effective security solution incorporate the use of real cameras capable of recording and transmitting footage for the purposes of monitoring and providing evidence to law enforcement. Homeowners may become confused if they see a mix of real and fake surveillance cameras watching their property. Knowing which cameras are real and which ones are fake is crucial.

Do Motion Detectors Exist in CCTV Cameras?

Since recording video is the primary purpose of most security cameras, some of them lack motion detection. However, some cameras & systems have motion detection as an additional feature. Most CCTV systems, however, are installed in public spaces, where they are subject to accidental triggering by vehicles, pedestrians, animals, the wind, etc. It is suggested that you rely on your burglar alarm and cameras to detect movement and record visuals, respectively.

To avoid false alarms, it's a good idea to consult with a professional security specialist about the various cameras they offer that use AI to accurately differentiate between people, cars, and other animals.

Intruder Alarms Are What, Exactly?

Intruder alarms, also known as home alarms, are comprised of a central control panel and various detection devices, such as:

• Sensors that detect motion when the alarm is activated, and the house is unoccupied are known as motion detectors.
• Intruders can set off alarms by opening doors and windows fitted with reed switches; these are magnetic contacts that trigger when the seal is broken.

When the alarm system is activated, any of these sensors will detect an intruder and sound an alarm. If you do this, the burglar might flee before you, your neighbours, or the police can arrive. Your alarm system will send a signal to the monitoring station if it is connected back to base.

Definition of “Back-To-Base” Alarm System Monitoring

The term "back-to-base alarms" refers to intrusion alarm systems that are connected to a 24-hour monitoring station. When an alarm is triggered, signals are sent to central stations where trained professionals await their arrival. As soon as the monitoring centre receives an alarm signal, they will either contact the homeowner, send a security police car, or notify the authorities.

Intruder alarms that aren't monitored merely make noise and don't notify anyone if a break-in occurs while you're out of town.

Is a Working Phone Line Required for Home Security Systems?

Having a working phone line isn't necessary to use a residential alarm system. Conventional alarm systems are used to send their signals through the telephone company's copper wires. With the advent of NBN, security systems can now communicate back to central stations via cellular networks.

When My Alarm Goes Off, What Do I Do?

If you accidentally set off your home security system while you're there, all you have to do is enter your code again. Make sure to call the central station immediately to report the false alarm.

If your alarm goes off while you're out of town, the central station will call to let you know they've received a signal and ask what you'd like them to do.

Is There a Chance That Pets Will Trigger the Security System?

Animals have the potential to trigger motion detector-based security systems by accident. The movement of larger dogs and cats that like to climb furniture is likely to set off home alarms.

There are motion detectors designed to be pet-friendly; these devices will not be triggered by smaller animals, such as cats and dogs. However, even these "pet-immune" sensors may mistake bigger dogs or unexpected pet motions for intruders.

It's possible that installing a CCTV system and sturdy locks would be beneficial for your home security. Consult a certified security advisor for assistance in selecting the best system for your needs.

Intercoms

There are many ways in which intercoms can improve residential safety. Being able to talk to visitors or delivery people at the front entrance without actually opening it is a huge time saver. This can make it harder for intruders to break into your home. In the event of an emergency, an intercom system can also be utilised to coordinate and converse with other people in the household.

Intercoms improve home safety in other ways as well, including allowing you to keep tabs on who comes and goes from afar. Video intercoms let residents check out potential visitors before deciding whether to open the door or not. For service providers like maids and handymen, this can be a convenient way to keep tabs on and limit their access to your home. Homeowners can use intercoms with remote access control to let visitors in even when they're not there, like when they're on vacation. Homeowners may feel more safe and more secure with this setup.