Day: August 22, 2016

Tips for placing security cameras

If you’re installing security cameras yourself, it’s easiest to buy wireless cameras. Since there are no wires or cables to worry about, it’s a snap. Also, with most wireless cameras, you can remotely view footage from a smartphone or other internet connection. With that in mind, here are some common places where people put security cameras in their home:

 

Back and front door

Many people put cameras at their front door, but then they neglect the back door. According to famous jewel thief Walter T. Shaw, burglars will often favor breaking into the back door rather than the front. Shaw says that, “The No. 1 way into a home is through the French doors or sliding doors in the back.” So, he is puzzled when he sees homes that only guard the front door with security cameras.

Areas of high foot traffic

Inside your home, you’ll want to place cameras in areas of high foot traffic, places where an intruder would have to walk through to access other parts of the house, such as hallways, entryways, and living areas.

Bedrooms

Burglars often ransack master bedrooms first, so it’s a good idea to put at least one camera in there. Additionally, if you want to use cameras to keep an eye on your kids or an infant, put cameras in the kids’ rooms. Imagine being able to cook dinner, work at your desk, or watch TV in another room, while being able to easily check on your sleeping baby or children from your smartphone.

Playrooms

If you want to keep an eye on your kids while you take care of work around the house, set up a camera in the playroom. You can periodically check on them from your smartphone, no matter your location, for peace of mind.

Point your camera in the right direction

Make sure to place your cameras at the most effective angle. Cameras with motion sensors will better detect motion when an intruder walks past it and not directly toward it. That’s why hallways and entry points are great places to put cameras.

Security cameras should be placed in areas where there’s enough light to get a good, focused shot. Although, night vision cameras can help you see footage in dark areas they’re usually grainy or difficult to see.

There are two main situations where you’ll need a security camera:

when you’re at home and when you’re away. In both cases, there are a variety of ways that security cameras can make life a little easier and safer.

When you’re home:

You may not think you need security cameras when you’re at home, but you’d be surprised how useful they can be.

• See who is at the front door from any room in your house. This is especially convenient in the middle of the night or when you’re not on the first floor.)
• Use it as a video baby monitor.
• Know what’s going on with all family members throughout the house, and monitor areas that are off-limits, like the workshop or cleaning supply closet.
• Care more easily for an elderly family member by setting up a camera in the area where they spend the most time. You can keep an eye on them from another room, or while you’re away from home.
• Identify the creepy noise coming from downstairs, without even getting out of bed. If you hear suspicious noises in your home, especially at odd hours, check the cameras to see what is happening before going directly to the source of the noise.

When you’re away:

Security cameras aren’t just for catching burglars in the act— they can give you peace of mind when it comes to your family, your kids, and your property by letting you see what’s going on at all times.

• Catch a burglar or intruder on tape while they try to break in.
• Check on the pets while you’re away.
• Know when the kids come home from school.
• See what’s going on if your alarm sounds and you’re out; then determine whether it’s a false alarm or something more serious.
• Keep an eye on the nanny or babysitter while you’re away.
• Watch for any suspicious behavior around your house. This may include strangers that have been lingering or scoping out your home.
• Check on the maintenance crew or anyone working on or around the home when you’re not there.

As you can see, whether you’re home or away, security cameras can be used for more than just catching burglars.