Surveillance Systems for Home and Business Properties
Maintaining or increasing security around our homes, business, and other personal properties is easier than ever. Using the right security measures and systems is important if we want to keep intruders out and ultimately protect our assets. Typically, when it comes to property security of any kind, there are three levels of protection that business or homeowners will want to make sure are present.
Door locks, door alarms, and video surveillance are the three primary security measures that any home or business owner needs to be aware of. No matter what kind of budget you are working with, there are affordable options for everyone when it comes to these three primary security devices.
Door Locks
Every home and property should be protected with high-security door locks of some kind. Most homeowners still use traditional deadbolt locks to secure their properties. Electronic locks of some sort or traditional deadbolt locks should be placed on any exterior exits or doors leading into your home. Deadbolt locks are most effective when paired with other locks, such as a knob lock, chain lock, or latch lock.
When it comes to any deadbolt locks around your property, you will want to make sure that you stay on top of repairs and maintenance throughout the years. Locks require lubrication in order to continue to function properly and will also need an occasional adjustment or tightening. Be sure to work with a local locksmith if you are not sure how to maintain your current locks or would like a professional to assess and maintain them for you.
Door Alarms
The next layer of security includes door alarms, security sensors, and other alerts. Door alarms are important to have, especially in the event that someone is able to break a lock on one of your doors. Having a door alarm as a second layer of security can help homeowners and businesses rest easy. Even if someone were to break-in through the lock, an alarm will sound and potentially even alert the authorities at the same time. This will leave little opportunity for a criminal to break-in completely.
Video Surveillance
If an unauthorized individual is able to enter your property uninvited by breaking through the first two layers of security, at this point, having a video surveillance system will be critical. Usually, the sound of a door alarm will be enough to scare off even the most determined criminals. If this is not enough to fend off an intruder, however, video surveillance will be necessary in order to identify the individual who has broken into your property.
Video surveillance is worth the cost and effort it takes to maintain. Not all business or home properties will require a super sophisticated CCTV or surveillance system. Often times, just a few cameras of different angles around your property will suffice. Some businesses may be required to have a certain number of cameras showing different angles, depending on the laws in the area.
No matter what kind of video surveillance system you decide on, always make sure to hire a professional to help you make the installation. Cameras can help give you peace of mind around-the-clock. Even when you cannot be present to witness criminal activity occurring, cameras will capture the event and allow you to take the proper legal action. Without video proof of a robbery occurring, it may be more difficult to receive financial reimbursement from one’s insurance in some instances. In order to have undeniable proof of a break-in or robbery, video surveillance is a must. Also, make sure that any surveillance system you purchase has enough storage space. Any footage captured by the cameras will be useless unless you are able to view it and extract it at a later date.
Additional Security Measures
In addition to the security systems listed above, there are several other security measures you can take. Combining several different security measures around your property will ultimately be more effective than simply having one or two layers of security.
Adequate Lighting
Any cameras you have installed will only be useful if you can actually see the image on the screen. CCTV cameras that have night vision can be particularly helpful for certain locations, but you will want to make sure that your property has adequate lighting regardless. Automatic floodlights and other types of outdoor security lights can act as a deterrent and will clearly illuminate anyone that steps onto your property.
Window Locks
While most homeowners will remember to pay attention to the locks on their doors, window locks can often be neglected. Make sure that your property has working locks on both the doors in your home and the windows. A window can be an easy access point for an intruder, especially if there is no lock on the window or the lock has become worn or old.
Call in an Expert for an Inspection
There may be specific security measures that you will need to take to protect your property that are not listed or described here. Depending on the type of home or business you own, the location, and other important factors, there may be additional security devices you will want to install or other forms of action you will want to take. Working with an expert is a great way to receive the right recommendations that will pertain specifically to your safety and security needs.