Home Security Information

In the past home security was only an issue for those living in, or around a major city.But for the past few decades things have been slowly getting more dangerous, and now it really doesn’t matter where you live, crime is an issue that we will all have to deal with.Protecting your home does not always require you to spend thousands of dollars on a state of the art alarm system.For less than fifty dollars,the GE 50246 door alarm will provide your home with more security than ninety five percent of your neighbors.

I am a big believer in the keep it simple philosophy, and the GE 50246 suits me perfectly. The unit is powered by a single nine-volt battery, making it very convenient when compared to more expensive devices that require AC power.A single heavy duty battery should last you for many months in the armed mode unless the alarm is constantly being activated. This should not really be an issue, because this device will rarely sound a false alarm.

Most home security systems run on electricity, and even with a backup power supply, there is the risk of your alarm failing when your back up power supply fails. I am not going to tell you that the GE 50246 will offer you more protection than a ADT monitored system. What i will say is that the GE 50246 in addition to being a solid security device on its own, can definitely be used to augment your existing home security system.Even in a complete blackout, you will know with absolute certainty, if someone attempts to open a door protected by this device.

The GE 50246 door alarm resembles a doorstop, because that is what it is, an alarmed doorstop.The unit is wedged under the door, and it protects the door in two ways.First it prevents your door from being forced to open, by acting as a door brace. The second way your door is protected is with a very loud siren.It is the combination of these two approaches to security that make this device so powerful.

The one hundred and twenty decibel alarm is as loud as the front row of a heavy metal concert, and unless you are deaf, you will know the second that some one tampers with your door.The alarm function is not only intended to alert the occupants of the home, but your nearby neighbors as well. I know that a ringing alarm in my home will not bring my neighbors running to my aid, but in almost any neighborhood it will at least get them to look out of their windows in search of the disturbance.

The GE 50246 door alarm is a burglars worst nightmare,because it provides the homeowner with the element of surprise.The ideal working environment for a burglar, is in absolute silence, and complete darkness. Now imagine his surprise when he tries to open a door and is hit with a 120 decibel siren.If he has any sense he will run, because the only way to silence the alarm is to force the door open, and with the GE 50246 acting as a door brace, this will be a difficult and time consuming task.Keep in mind that while all of this is happening the person trying to break is also wondering if anyone has called the police.

When used as a door brace the protection offered by the 50246 will depend upon the grip that the bottom of the unit makes with the flooring.In other words a high friction surface like carpeting will provide more stopping power that a smooth ceramic tile.That being said, it will still require some effort to force the door open no matter what kind of flooring the unit is placed on, and with the alarm screaming A burglar will find that the risk may not be worth the reward.

The fact that This device is wireless, and portable, gives the homeowner complete flexibility as far as where it can be deployed.I personally recommend using the GE 50246 to create a safe core within your home. I feel the most vulnerable when sleeping, so i alarm the door leading to my bedroom.My reasoning is that if the person breaking into my home has bypassed all of my other security measures, at least i know with complete certainty that if my bedroom door is tampered with i will know about it.

If you cannot afford a professionally installed home security system, You most definitely can afford the GE 50246 door alarm. This device is simplicity itself, that is what makes it so good.The more complex you make a device the more chances you have for something to fail. With the 50246 you have a door brace, and an alarm that is powered by a 9- volt battery…you cannot go wrong.

We are constantly hearing of some crooked politician being caught on video by a spy camera or hidden camera, but do you really know what they actually are? For those who have been living in a cave for the past couple decades, this article will not only explain what these devices are, but how they can be incorporated into your current home security plan.

Spy cameras or hidden cameras are simply miniaturized surveillance cameras.They were originally designed,and used exclusively by intelligence agencies, and law enforcement, as an evidence gathering tool.

Most security experts will tell you that there is no such thing as a home security system that cannot be bypassed.If a burglar is skilled enough, and he wants what you have, he will find a way in.

The real power of a hidden camera,or spy camera, is not that they prevent these crimes,it is that they can provide video evidence  that  law enforcement needs.

Regular security cameras are great for deterring crime, but they have a glaring weakness,they are exposed.A burglar approaching a home knows automatically what areas are covered, and he can either avoid these areas,attempt to disable the camera system,or simply conceal his identity, and proceed with the break in.

When utilized properly a spy camera can add extra layer of protection to your home.But the question is how best to use these devices.

There are dozens of points around your home that a skilled burglar can enter through,but unless they are breaking into your home for the fun of it, they are heading to one of two locations. Either the master bedroom, because this is where the owners usually keep the cash and jewelry, or the living room, because of the high value electronics. So we position these cameras in the hallways leading to these rooms, or in the room themselves.

With the wide variety of enclosures for these cameras, finding one that blends into your homes decor will not be a problem. If you look around your home right now, there is nothing that cannot be made into a covert camera.They can be placed into ordinary objects around the home including things like plants, smoke detectors, clock radios, stuffed teddies, even a functioning television . The fact that these cameras can be placed into so many ordinary items, means that you have unlimited options as far as positioning your surveillance cameras.

These cameras can also be useful in households that employ a child care provider.Due to the concerns of many working professionals,Nanny cameras were created. Fundamentally they are not different from spy cameras…actually it is the very same product being marketed to a different customer base.

Every parent will have concerns about leaving their child in the care of a nanny. They would like to be certain that this person is giving the same level of care that they would give, if the parent were present.You could ask the caregiver, and take them at their word, or set up a nanny cam, and find out for yourself.

All of these camera systems can be found in both wireless, and hard wired configurations.The wireless hidden camera models are the simplest to set up, but there is a potential problem that you should be aware of. You need to ask the if the video signal from your particular camera is encrypted, or broadcasts on a secure frequency. The low end models usually offer no protection, and will broadcast a live show from your home to any nearby neighbor that wants to tune in and watch.
The hardwired systems may be a little more work to set up initially, but the signal is also secure.

Although very useful for legitimate security reasons, there are people who use these cameras to spy on unsuspecting guests in their home.I am not a lawyer, but my simple advice is not to place a hidden camera anywhere on your property that a visitor would have a reasonable expectation of privacy.This means that bathrooms are out of the question, as are bedrooms.I would feel OK placing it in my infants room, because i believe that safety issue, is greater than the privacy issue in this circumstance.

Hidden cameras will make a great addition to the safety, and security of your family.They are available for every budget, and come disguised as everything from a flower pot, to a working flat screen television.They can be  used for every thing from hardening your homes security,to child safety.You are bound to find a use for these devices in your home…you are only limited by your imagination.

Fire safety is not normally a major concern for most households,that is until we hear about some local tragedy involving serious loss of life, or property.In the past fire alarms, and smoke detectors were only required in commercial structures,but the same dangers,and potential for loss also exists in single family homes.

This article discusses the various types of smoke-detectors and fire alarms you can install in your home.Since most fires will start in the kitchen, and it is a part of your home that gets used every day, it should be the first to be protected.This means installing a smoke detector, and a fire extinguisher.Do not wait until tragedy strikes, learn how to protect your home and family with these life saving alarms.

There are 3 basic types of fire alarm systems – the manual fire alarm , the automatic and a hybrid of both devices.

Manual fire alarms require that you activate the system by hand,once the fire, or smoke has been discovered. These types of alarms are normally found the hallways of commercial structures,and are usually activated by pulling a lever,or pressing a button.There is normally a protective glass cover over the unit,to prevent the alarm from being tripped accidentally.

Automatic Fire Alarms protect you by continually monitoring the environment for abnormally high temperatures,and or heavy smoke.These units will warn of a potential fire by emitting a high pitched beeping noise, or loud siren.There are newer models that will use a pre-recorded voice warning, as this as been found to be more effective with sleeping occupants.These units may also be hardwired into your monitored alarm system. This is a good idea,because in the event of an actual fire your number one  priority should be getting out of the home, not calling the to fire-department.

The hybrid system, wich is a combination of the manual and Automatic Fire alarms will normally be found in commercial structures. These types of alarms are preferred in larger properties due to the expense and the number fire alarm sensors that would be needed to properly protect a large building.

Many safety conscious homeowners are taking their protection to another level, by installing smoke detectors.While fire alarms are great, they do have one weakness.Fire alarms require that a room reach a specific temperature threshold before activating,smoke detectors are usually more sensitive. Fire alarms operate based on high room temperatures, which usually signal that the fire is already out of control , smoke detectors will sound the alarm the minute that there is heavy smoke in the room.

Smoke detectors are very sensitive devices that can detect smoke and provide a instantaneous warning to the  homes occupants. Regrettably these systems have a restricted coverage area ,and due to this The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) advises that smoke detectors be placed in every room of your home, including the basement. Additionally they suggest that all the smoke-sensors be interconnected in order to completely protect the home.

Smoke detectors are regarded as being  family friendly because they can easily be deactivated when not needed.This feature comes in handy when preparing meals that  may create enough smoke to activate the alarm. If the smoke from cooking is a recurring problem you may want to consider a model that utilizes a photo-voltaic smoke sensor.These models are less reactive to the smoke produced by cooking or atmospheric moisture and are only responsive to visible smoke created by weak fires.You can buy these devices at any hardware store,starting from $10 going up to $75, depending on the degree of sensitivity, and additional features.

Protect your home  and your loved ones from the dangers of an accidental fire, Select a fire alarm or smoke-detector that meets your specific budget, and requirements.These devices will protect your home, and the most valuable thing in your home…your family.

Most homeowners who actually take the time to look at the home they live in, find that their security is seriously  lacking. You may have though of adding a layer of protection to your home by having a home security system installed. But after learning how much it would cost to install and maintain you quickly became discouraged and decided that it was beyond your means to have this level of protection for your family. If this describes your situation, you may want to consider the Skylink SC-100 home security system.

One of the primary reasons for my purchasing the Skylink SC-100 is that it is very easy to install.Rather than having to pay a professional installer to set up the security system ,the homeowner  can easily do this on their own.By installing The system on your own,you gain intimate knowledge about its operations. You will know about all the ins and outs of how the system functions and where exactly each sensor is located and the exact area it covers.

Another strong selling point of the SC-100  is that it is a wireless system.Traditionally the most expensive part of installing a home security system is the running of the wiring that connects the components together. It always involves drilling holes in walls, and you also have to be constantly aware of the homes existing electrical wiring in order to avoid a disaster. That is why these installations are done by professionals, and rightly so. But with a wireless home security system you have removed the part of  the installation that should be carried out by a professional, and are left with the portion that can be done safely and easily by your average homeowner.

We all know that things are always changing ,well guess what, the SC-100 is designed to change with you. Another great feature of this system is that it is expandable. The base monitoring station can accommodate up to thirty more alarm sensors. What this means is that as your financial situation allows for it, you can increase the coverage of your home to include more alarm points around your home. Or if you decide to move to a larger home, you can take the basic kit with you, and ad more sensors to cover the larger structure.

Defending against professional burglars with rolling code technology. Most low, to mid priced home security systems are really only designed to stop amateur burglars , but the Skylink SC-100 can protect you against the professionals, with its rolling code technology. Normally the user codes for alarms are static, you pick one that is easy to remember, and you move on. But there are technology savvy burglars that can hack your system for the password, and once they have this, they have the key to your home.Rolling codes defeat this by changing every time it is used. It is like having a front door with a lock designed to accept five million unique keys, but the key that opens your door right now is not the same that will open it two minutes from now.

There will be times during an emergency when you will want to have your alarm automatically dial 911. However, this usually means paying  a  monthly fee to a monitoring company.The SC-100 can be intergrated with your dial alert system, and can call any of the pre -programmed numbers you choose.This is a great because as anyone who has ever been through a real emergency knows, when your adrenilane kicks in,and you develop tunnel vision, something as basic as calling 911, sometimes gets overlooked during those first few frantic moments.

For first time users an alarm key pad can be nerve racking. Even though most alarm interfaces are really simple, once you get used to them, they can be confusing to first timers because of the way this simple information is presented. Rather than spending your day off trying to enter users codes, this system just requires that the preset pin number  be entered for it to be armed or disarmed…it really is that easy.

Protecting ones home does not have to be the complex, expensive undertaking that some imagine. Once homeowners become aware of the many low cost alternatives, like the Skylink SC-100 home security system ,there really is no longer an excuse for not protecting your home and family.

The process of buying homeowners insurance can be fairly confusing and difficult for many homeowners. If you are a new homeowner, this is probably the first time you have ever purchased this type of product before. There are a few things you should know about this type of insurance before you sign on the dotted line. By knowing this information, you can greatly reduce the overall cost of your insurance policy.

The first step in purchasing home owners insurance should be to review the amount of insurance you really need . If you purchase more insurance than you truly need, you may end up paying more in premiums each month than is necessary. By purchasing an appropriate amount of coverage for your home, you can be certain that you are not overpaying your insurance company each month…why not put this money to better use.

Unique characteristics of your home can  dramatically alter the cost of  the policy. Factors like the proximity of your home relative to a fire station, as well as whether or not you have a home security system installed, can alter the overall cost of the policy you purchase.

The company you use can also be a factor in the cost of your policy, and the amount of coverage you receive. Some companies are willing to work with you and will offer significant discounts, especially when you also purchase another policy from them, such as car insurance…etc. By shopping around, you can be certain that you are really obtaining the best deal available  for your home, and specific circumstance.

Once you purchase your policy, you should also make sure your policies are up-to-date every single year. If there has been an significant decrease in the value of the property you are insuring, you may be able to adjust the amount of coverage you are buying for that property to make the insurance coverage more affordable.

If you purchase a high quality security system for your home, you may also be able to dramatically reduce the cost of your policy. A good home security system makes your home a better risk statistically  for the insurance company you are working with. If you have one of these systems installed, you can be certain that the  company you are working with will be more than willing to reduce the overall cost of the policy they are offering you.

Of course, by taking all of these factors into consideration before you purchase a policy, you will be able to greatly reduce the overall cost of your policy, but there are other factors you should keep in mind as you continue to pay for your policy over the years. Some companies are willing to decrease the cost of a homeowner’s policy after you have been with the company for a set number of years.Think of it as a loyalty program. You can actually have the cost of your policy reduced by as much as 10% after staying with the same company for as little as three years.

There are other techniques you can use to decrease the cost of your homeowners insurance policy as well. You can increase your deductible to much higher levels to dramatically lower your monthly expenses. Installing smoke detectors, or a sprinkler system will also lower the cost of your policy . By being informed about the different tactics you can utilize to lower the cost of your insurance policy, you can be certain that you are only paying what you need to pay to your insurance company each month.

Home invasion robberies are a growing problem in the United States. A  home Invasion robbery is simply when a criminal decides to break into a home  using force while the residents are at home . In many cases, these individuals will simply ring the doorbell, and then force their way into the residence when the front door is opened. What makes these robberies dangerous is that they happen with the homeowners at home.Usually burglars will only target empty homes. The fact that the home is occupied means that we are no longer simply looking at a property crime, we now are facing the possibility of  a physical assault, including rape, and in some instances even murders have been known to happen.

There are many different techniques and strategies you can use to protect yourself from this type of crime. This article will review some of what i feel are the most effective ways to protect your home and family from these predators.

Your first step in protecting  your home has to be the  doors, and not just the front door, but all exterior doors. By properly reinforcing and securing your doors,you can prevent a burglar from using his favorite entry method, which is to simply force open a weak, or poorly constructed door. Keep in mind that simply reinforcing your doors will not by itself stop a home invasion robbery, but what you have done is taken away one of these criminals favorite entry points, and made your home a much harder target.

You can make your doors even more secure by replacing your current hollow core wooden doors with solid wooden doors, or if your budget permits a steel frame home security door. You should also make sure that the hinges for the door are facing inside your home, not facing the street. What is the point of having a expensive security door, with state of the art deadbolt  lock-set, if the door can simply be unhinged  using a hammer and screwdriver.

You should also consider installing a door brace. These are nothing more than high strength pieces of steel about three feet in length . They are designed to be attached somewhere around the middle of your  door and the floor, and they prevent the door from being kicked open, or forced inwards.

For less than thirty dollars per door, you can ad a layer of home security that will stop even the most determined burglar. Keep in mind that a door brace is not intended to make your home a fortress, but like all good security devices, it will give you time to react to the threat and asses your options. If someone can simply kick in your door and get to you before you can call 911, they are in control. A door brace tips the odds back in your favor.

You should also avoid assuming that your home is completely secure just because  you have a home security system installed. A good monitored security system is just another layer of protection between you and the bad guys.If you assume your home is completely secure, you will likely fail to pick up on some weakness in your defense.

One example of this oversight would be a home that is secured on the main floor with contact alarms, and motion detectors, but what about the second floor of your home? What is to prevent a burglar from simply borrowing that ladder you have laying next to the garage and climbing in through a unprotected second floor window.

Outdoor security lighting systems is a very effective preventative measure when it comes to protecting the perimeter of your home. Burglars love homes that are surrounded in darkness. A criminal about to commit a home invasion may be many things, but stupid is not one of them. They would prefer not spending the next five years in jail because you or your neighbors called the police about the three strange men hanging around your yard.

Make sure that your windows can be  locked in the partially opened position. Many burglars make their entrances by simply opening the window from the outside, and climbing through. They  can easily do this when a window does not have a mechanism stopping the window from opening all of the way, or has a way of keeping the window securely locked.

If your budget allows there is a very effective way of securing your windows. First your  window should have a magnetic contact alarm. These are just complete electrical circuits that will sound an alarm when the circuit is broken…ie, the window is opened. But there are clever burglars who will just break the glass to gain entry. To defend against this you should also have a glass break detector installed.

Along with all of these security and safety measures, you should also inform everyone in your home about the importance of not opening doors to strangers, and of keeping exterior doors locked.And if you have an alarm system, USE IT. By installing all these security features around your home, and also teaching everyone in your family about the importance of home security, you can be certain that your home is protected from home invasions and you can also rest easily at night knowing that your family is safe.

Nothing can offer you more peace of mind than knowing that your home is secure while you are away. One product that can offer this level of protection is the Schlage LiNK Wireless  Deadbolt Lock. With its advanced industry leading features, this easily installed deadbolt lock is truly the ultimate in home security.

While the deadbolt door lock can be used with or without an Internet connection or a phone, in order to fully utilize all of the Schlage LiNKs features it is recommended that you have an internet connection. For a small monthly fee, all of the available remote access security features will literally be at your fingertips.

Once you have installed the deadbolt lockset,and configured the remote access functions, you will be able to lock,and unlock your doors from just about anywhere in the world. Imagine being able to remotely unlock your front door for a visitor allowing them entry into your home, while you are still at work. How about creating an access code for your visitor so that they can let themselves in when they arive, and you can be notified by text message the second they open your front door. It can be done with the Schlage LiNK Wireless Keypad Deadbolt. In fact,with this product you can create accounts for up to eighteen people, each with their own unique access code. That is nineteen people in all! A locksmith is not required to install the Schlage LiNK Deadbolt ,it can be easily be done by anyone familiar with basic hand tools.

Installation is as easy as one, two, three. In fact, three is the total number of components that are to be found in the kit. There is the deadbolt, another device referred to as a bridge and a light module. Included with the kit are instructions that everyone should find easy to understand. Don’t be surprised if you have the system completely installed, and operational in under one hour.

The battery that comes with the lock will last for up to three years. When it does begin to lose its power a warning is sent via text message or email so that it can be changed. This same system of notification is also used if anyone should try to enter your home without authorization.One often overlooked aspect of security is, information security.The Schlage LiNK has you covered with a feature that encrypts messages between you and your security system, in order to keep your access codes from being intercepted by unauthorized persons.

Your computers, or your phones Internet connection  is what allows you to remotely control the Schlage LiNK via the locks bridge module. The bridge module as the name implies, acts as an intermediary between the user and the lock. It is what sends the  message to the lock-set to have your door locked or unlocked. Being so user friendly is what makes this home security device so powerful . Because what good is state of the art technology if you cant use it. Adding and deleting users is a snap and you can even be notified via  text or email when one of your assigned users enters your home.

It would be difficult to find a home security product offering all of the features of the Schlage LiNK . You may optimize this system by installing a lock-set  on every exterior door in your home. With your security in mind the Schlage name has always been associated with workmanship that far exceeds the competition. With the task of home security being met, there are also a number of finishes and styles that can be chosen from to compliment your decor.

You can do no better than to invest your hard earned money in a security system that allows you to have  a peaceful night’s sleep. Why? Because knowing you have made the right decision in protecting your home and family, is known to put one at ease.

We all have valuable belongings in our homes or apartments. We may even keep them at work. If we were to lose these things to either theft or a fire, we would be devastated and there could be very serious negative consequences. This is why many people store their precious possessions in a safe. If you are wondering whether you should invest in a fireproof-safe or burglary resistant safe, this article may be able to help you decide.

There are many things that you may wish to keep inside a safe. For instance, many people keep important documents locked up in safes. Some of these documents include passports, important letters, a will, or business contracts and insurance documents.

Many people also use these safes to protect their valuables. They are used to protect jewelry,money , even  precious metals can be safeguarded. The kind of safe that you decide to purchase will ultimately depend upon what you are going to use it for. Are you trying to protect your property from burglars,unforeseen  disasters, or both?

When choosing a safe, you should figure out what you are going to be storing in it first. Take an inventory of how many items you have and how large they are. You need to be sure that the safe you buy a safe  is of the right size and shape. Also, be sure you have enough room in your home to accommodate it.

A fireproof safe is one that can stand up to high temperatures without melting or destroying the contents inside. These are rated according to how long they can stand up to the heat and at what temperatures. For instance, a safe may be rated at 1 hour and 1700 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that the safe will be able to protect your documents for up to an hour at a temperature of 1700 degrees Fahrenheit. It may offer more protection at lower temperatures.

When looking for safe that is fireproof, be sure that it is UL approved. This means that it has been tested by a approved national fire testing organization. Do not purchase a product that only says that it has been UL tested. Instead, it should have a detailed label that displays the approval and a rating.

A burglary resistant safe is specially designed to protect your valuables from being stolen. Unlike fire resistant safes, they are constructed with a thick solid metal door and frame. This makes it difficult for a burglar to cut through the lock or drill through the walls of the safe.

Some people think that burglary resistant safes are rated based on the thickness of the metal,or the type of metal they are made out of…this is incorrect. These safes are rated based on their resistance to different types of forced opening attacks, like power drills, cutting-torches, and sledgehammers. The higher the rating, the longer it will withstand an attack by a skilled burglar. Therefore all things being equal the higher the TLR rating, the  better the safe.

Some may say that purchasing a fire resistant safe alone will not offer much protection from burglary, but there are now combination safes. These combine the best qualities of fireproof-safes and burglary safes. These will be UL rated and should also have a rating describing how resistant they are to being broken into.

Homes are not the only place that require security. While condominiums may have a security guard sitting in the lobby, this is not enough. There is a need for home security within the apartment building as well. Without this, the residents of the apartment complex are not nearly as secure as they should be.

When in the process of renting and getting the lease signed, check that the grounds offer security fencing, adequate lighting,security cameras etc. As a renter you may not be able to implement many types of security upgrades, as the common areas are not under your immediate control.

Once you have moved into your new apartment you must immediately change  the door locks, If money is an issue, simply ask the building management to swap your lock set with another from an  empty unit in the building. This will cost no money, and should take  the installer very little time to do.

If you are  moving into a building in the  not so safe part of town, a bump-proof deadbolt door lock will have to be a mandatory investment. If you are renting make sure to get the go ahead from building management before doing this.

When dealing with unknown visitors, make  a habit of using your peephole, or video intercom, before letting anyone into your building or apartment. If it is a uniformed worker, ask to see identification,do not let a uniform fool you, these can be easily stolen. When in doubt call the main office ,or dispatcher and ask for the name of the person assigned to your address.

When you are at home ,always lock your front door. many times we leave our doors unlocked because a spouse or child will be arriving home shortly,this a mistake. Some criminals look for patterns in their victims, and seeing someone open a front door without producing a key,more than once, is all it will take to make you, and your home a sad statistic

Ensure that your building has no obvious danger spots. These would be areas with burnt out light bulbs or  with little or no lighting. criminals love the dark, because it conceals their identity, what they are doing, and if they plan on attacking you, it gives them the element of surprise. With security lighting you take away these advantages from the criminal.

Be especially vigilant in areas like  the laundry room or other low trafficked areas. Get to know who you neighbors are and keep an eye out for any people that are  behaving suspiciously, or may not be residents of the building.

Renters and owners alike can benefit from home security alarm systems. Portable window and door alarms are quite popular. Wireless systems are great as these can be taken with you when you move. These wireless alarms are also great because in most cases they can be installed without permission from your buildings management.

Windows should always be locked  when you are not at home. This rule can be relaxed if you live on the upper floors in building.  Have you ever noticed that balconies are almost always aligned one over the other, well guess what,so have some burglars. Always lock your sliding balcony door,when you are not at home,and secure it with a security bar.While your front door may be super secure, with a hundred dollar bump proof lock, that may not be the case for your neighbors  above you or  below you. Criminals have been known to break into the apartment directly above or below their intended victim, and use the patio as a access point into the unit.

Your whole name should not be put on the door or the mailbox. Just surname and initial will suffice, this way if you are a single woman, strangers will not know this.

Even though you may only be renting you still have valuable property in your apartment so taking out renters insurance would be a wise thing to do. By searching on line and getting quotes from various, companies you can find some very inexpensive rates.

We would all love to live in a ultra secure building where all crime stops just outside your  front door. But what usually  passes for security in most apartment buildings, is a security camera covering the front door, a video intercom system, and if you are lucky a bored security guard in the lobby.

The most important action you can take to secure your building would be to getting to know your neighbors. Once you  know who belongs,strangers  can be quickly weeded out and preventative action taken. The importance of being proactive when it comes to home security as a renter can never be overstated.

As we go through life we will all accumulate items of value, whether it be memorabilia, old photographs, family heirlooms or other items we have come to cherish and want to hold onto and keep safe. Whatever it is that you want to secure, the SentrySafe DS3410 Fire-Safe can provide you with absolute peace of mind  while allowing you to keep your valuables safe at home.

Nowadays these safes are not only being used to protect items that have obvious worth,but they are also  being used to protect digital information.There are a lot of people who fear that their home may be burglarized, while others simply want to know that their important possessions are safe in case of a fire or some other unforeseen disaster.By saving your family photographs to DVDs and important financial documents to CDs.An entire family albums worth of photos, or all of your financial documentation can be archived and protected from disaster in one of these fire-proof safes.

At less than 20 inches tall, this safe is going to fit just about anywhere in your house that you have a small amount of unused space. Don’t let the diminutive size fool you, because inside is a roomy 1.2 cubic feet that will hold albums of photographs, folders and other important documents. This particular model comes with a  movable shelf that allows you to organize the interior space anyway you see fit.

On the inside door of the safe you’ll find a nice little pocket for storing jewelry, coins or other small, loose items. You’ll also find several nifty hooks on the door for holding extra keys (or whatever else suits your fancy), making them easy to find without having to dig around in the safe.

The SentrySafe DS3410 is small enough to fit under a desk or in a unoccupied corner of your home or garage. Measuring a mere 16.3 in. Wide by 17.8 in. High by 19.3 in. Deep (41.5 cm x 45.3 cm x 49.1 cm) and weighing only 99 pounds (44.9 kg), it can very easily be moved by the owner but it will certainly prove a challenge to a would-be burglar. As added protection, the safe comes with hardware and instructions for bolting to a flat surface inside the house, it is highly recommended that you take advantage of this option.

This Sentry safe comes with two locking mechanisms: a combination lock and a key lock. You must have both in order to open  the safe. To let you know that it has been closed properly, the lock makes an audible “click”. As an additional precaution, the numbers for the combination lock come directly from the Sentry factory. This way, the chances are astronomical that anyone could guess it. While this all may seem like overkill, the purpose is to keep your property secure.

With UL and ETL classification as one-hour fire safe, it also has ETL certification to survive a drop from 15 feet. The ETL certifies this safe will protect your USB drives, DVDs and CDs from 1700 degree Fahrenheit heat for an hour. It also features four live-locking bolts. This is one tough little safe. And while it may be tough, it isn’t watertight and it may experience water seepage.One solution may be to secure the items that may be damaged by water,in water tight containers.You may want to consider installing the safe somewhere off of the floor.

In the case of a fire, an hour is usually plenty of time for a fire to be extinguished and the safe is heavy enough to deter the casual, grab-and-run thief,especially if you’ve bolted it inside the house. The inner workings of the DS3410, are solid, and mechanical so there is no electricity needed or batteries to replace, and no number pad. The SentrySafe SD3410 Fire-Safe is going to provide you and your family with many years of protection. It’s the kind of strong silent type everyone needs.