Safety First – The Role of Security Cameras
To most homeowners, home security is of the utmost importance. It is no surprise that families feel the need to protect their homes with security cameras and other forms of surveillance. With more than 1/7 of American homes being broken into every year, the need to protect one’s home must be taken into serious consideration. More and more home surveillance equipment is sold as better technology becomes available. But which type of video surveillance is best to protect our family from the threats posed by burglars and other criminals? This is an essential consideration when one is intent on making a safe home a top priority.
Every fifteen seconds, a home burglary occurs and the odds of a home being broken in to can be as high as 16% in some areas. It is no surprise that some people feel it essential to install security cameras. With an IP security camera, a person can see through the security camera in any room where there is an Internet connection. With this technology, parents can monitor their children playing from inside the house. This system also allows for remote monitoring, such as checking in on the home while hundreds of miles away on vacation. The ability to view any area of the house from any room of the house is a big step towards home safety.
As newer and better equipment becomes available, the number of IP security camera sales were estimated to be about 1 million in 2008. Since then, it is estimated that 2.5-3 million have been sold. Newer models of cameras can fit into clocks, stereo speakers and even smoke detectors. Wireless cameras are even more flexible and can be positioned in almost any location. They can be placed in plain view to scare a burglar off or hidden in places for discrete monitoring. Some cameras are inactive until the detect motion, and then begin recording when motion sensors are activated. The effectiveness of a home security system has become much greater with these technological advancements.
Of all home burglaries, more than half are made through open doors or windows. Although security measures like cameras are a good way to protect your family, this begs the question: Is video surveillance enough? If most robbers enter through unlocked entries, the need for a security camera is overshadowed by the need to lock doors and windows. Even with cameras installed, an unlocked door isn’t much of an obstacle for an experienced burglar. Keeping these ideas in mind, maintaining a safe home requires more than a surveillance system. Door alarms, “beware of dog” signs, and motion activated lights all protect your family, and cameras are perhaps even more effective than all of those options. Even a fake camera could help deter criminals if placed in strategic locations. With the abundance of safety gear available, a safe home is something that is becoming a realistic goal.
The idea of safety first is on that is ingrained in most of us and is relevant in all situations. In fact, this is more important today as property values increase. As more and more homes are becoming the targets of criminals, homeowners are forced to take steps to ensure their family’s safety. While the need to protect one’s family will never truly disappear, newer and better ways to achieve a safe home will continue to be available to homeowners everywhere.