Security and securing your valuables is simply described in four stages:
1. The first is to use your system as a deterrent. You can use a variety of methods to display the fact that you have a security surveillance system on the premises.
Usually this is enough to deter anyone that has their wits about them and what they are doing. Even if the system is not active, the signage, such as stickers on the windows or on the fence, is usually enough to deter most criminals.
If that is not enough to make them think twice you can even use a dummy or fake camera to give that recognisable shape of a camera pointing at them.
2. Secondly is the surveillance side by using the system with a range of cameras, alarms and remote sensors.
The objective is to maintain a constant coverage of the exterior of the building/s including entry points to the property, such as driveways, walkways or low points along the property boundary or fence line.
The system also needs to cover the external entries to the house or dwelling itself. Remote sensors can be used to detect motion or heat outside of the cameras point of view for a more comprehensive coverage of the exterior of buildings.
Once a camera or senor is activated, an alarm and message is sent via a phone call or email to the owner or a security team to investigate the local breach. Features include secure access online to view the cameras to identify the cause of the alarm.
If men in masks and baseball bats are seen then you know you need to alert the police straight away. If it is a visitor you can call them once you’ve seen who it is on the video cameras and let them know where you are and when you will be back.
3. Thirdly, the interior design of the system has to be setup to the design of the building. Meaning the cameras need to be place in specific areas.
For instance, it is not the entry points you need to be concerned about - it is the exit points and how the criminals are going to get out from the building.
Large exit points include the main entry/exit doors, large glass doors, some large ventilation systems and large glass windows. Note: No matter how strong the exterior doors are, the windows and walls can always be broken with less force.
The easiest way to get a better understanding of what you are going to do is to draw out a basic plan of the house and the property boundaries, you can even include a fire safety procedure and establish a meeting point in case of a house fire or emergency.
Fire Safety and Evacuation Planning
Emergency safety depends on proper planning. It's important that the entire family know what to do in the event of a fire or other emergency.
During a crisis, we humans respond the way we have been trained to do. Kids, especially, need a definite plan to help them react to an emergency. Evacuation plans are not just for fires either - it's important to have a plan for any emergency.
Plan Your Escape - Write it down! Make a floor plan of your house and designate a meeting place and instruct the kids to stay at the meeting place no matter how long it takes an adult to get to them.
There is no such thing as too much practice. Make sure to practice escaping from each room in the house, through all exits. If it's necessary to climb out of a window, make sure kids practice using the fire escape ladder.
Time is the enemy in a house fire. There are gases in smoke that can overwhelm an adult in less than a minute. As soon as the smoke alarm starts beeping or someone in the house smells smoke or discovers fire, GET OUT! There is no time to waste.
Heated air from a fire rises and takes smoke with it. The smoky, dangerous air will collect on the ceiling and steadily work its way down to the floor. Remember: bad hot air up, good, cooler air down - stay low and go.
Always test a door with the back of your hand before you open it. If it is hot, leave it closed and exit through the window. Once out of the house, go to the meeting place and take attendance.
4. The Last line of defence – Contents Insurance
If there is nothing you can do about them taking your property, you can always invest in a security safe or secure room. This will only protect so much, things like laptops, computers, TV’s, LCD’s and plasmas are good targets for criminals.
The last line of defence against criminals is to insure the contents of your home. Most general insurance companies offer good policies, but be sure to get the correct value, appropriate to the property lost.
Never cut costs on under insuring your property it’s just not worth it.