Entries Tagged 'Safety' ↓

Nanny cams have become high-tech tools for parents who must leave their children with caregivers while they’re at work. With so many options, it’s hard to realize just what you need to know before you buy a nanny cam. This article will cover some of the basics so you can feel more secure in your buying decision.

What is a Nanny Cam?

Nanny cams are video cameras that are used to record activity that happens when you’re not at home. The original idea was to review the recordings later in order to ensure that your children are being well taken care of in your absence. These cameras are generally quite small and may be hidden in other objects so that the caregiver is unaware he or she is being filmed.

Oftentimes, the nanny cam utilizes a motion sensor that switches it on when someone is in the room. This keeps the homeowner from needing to review hours of pointless footage. It also saves on electricity and the lifespan of the camera. There are other cameras, however, that are always on. One of the benefits of this type is that you can monitor it from the Internet to check in when you are away. This gives you a real-time view of what is going on in your absence.

The term “nanny cam” is now used to refer to other uses for surveillance cameras, as well; even those that are just filming an empty vacation home or a storage unit.

What to Know before You Buy a Nanny Cam

There are a few things to keep in mind as you choose which nanny cam to buy. Of course, cost is going to be a factor, and it will be influenced by several factors. For example, a smaller surveillance camera is likely to cost more. Also, the quality of the image will impact the price. Finally, you will need to determine if you want to have a feed to a secure website so you can monitor it from a remote location.

If you are planning to utilize your camera in order to protect your home from intruders, you want to consider making it more noticeable. A would-be burglar is more likely to skip a house where a surveillance camera is obviously in use. In the long run, it’s a much better idea to deter a criminal than to try and pick up the pieces after you’ve been victimized.

A final consideration to make when you buy a nanny cam is the legality of using it. In the U.S., it is generally considered legal to record a person’s image, even if they are unaware that you are doing so. It isn’t always legal, however, to record speech. Also, there is no guarantee that footage from a nanny cam will hold up in court. Problems can arise, however, from caregivers and other visitors to your home who discover they were recorded without permission. When asked, most childcare professionals are fine with being recorded, as long as they are aware in advance. Finding out after the fact has led to more than one childcare provider walking off the job with feelings of deception and betrayal.

Each consideration is something that should guide you in choosing and purchasing the right equipment. Understanding the realities of the situation will help you make a more informed decision, and ensure that you are aware of what you need to know before you buy a nanny cam.

Contact Pinnacle Security for more safety tips and information on how you can have your own home security system installed today.

When assessing the security of your home and property, any worthwhile professional will ask, “Is your garage secure?” If you’re not working with a professional, then this question may become even more important, as it’s your job to ensure that you have taken the right steps to make sure that your garage is, in fact, secure against theft and other damage.

While we generally think about theft when we discuss the security of our property, you may need to consider other dangers.

Is Your Garage Secure against Fire?

There are typically a multitude of electrical tools at use in any given garage. Add to that an electric garage door opener and perhaps a refrigerator or freezer, and there is a fair amount of electricity being used by your garage. On the other hand, it’s not the first place we think of when it’s time to upgrade the electrical system. It may be worthwhile to do an evaluation of your garage’s circuits. Be sure that everything is up to code and that you’re not overloading any of your outlets.

Another fire danger in the garage comes from the various chemicals that are often stored out there. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s suggestions for storage on anything that is flammable. In addition, rags (especially those covered in grease or other chemicals) add to the risk of a fire. There are safe ways to store these rags, and spending a few minutes educating yourself now can save a lot of headache and heartache in the case of a garage fire.

Is Your Garage Secure Against Theft?

In order to secure your garage against theft, there are a few precautions you should take. An electric garage door opener can be quite the helpful gadget, but it can also lead to a lack of security. In order to beef up your protection, consider changing the combination in both the receiver and the remote. This is relatively easy to do, just check the instructions that came with your opener or do a quick search on the Internet.

Another way to protect your belongings is to refrain from leaving your garage door open for extended periods of time. This is obviously important when you are away from home, as anyone could walk in and steal your belongings. Still, it’s a good idea when you are home, too, as leaving the door open gives others a clear view of your garage’s contents. If you have something especially appealing in there, it could encourage someone to break in the next time you’re gone.

The most important devices you have to protect your garage against theft are the doors. Make sure that small doors are solid, rather than hollow. Invest in good locks. If you are using a padlock, go with high quality. The large garage doors should shut completely and should not have any loose panels or bent corners that would allow a thief to pry them open. Finally, make sure that any windows are also locked and secured.

Contact Pinnacle Security for more safety tips and information on how you can have your own security system installed today.

A good lighting plan is a great defense against those who would break into your residence or business. After all, the more visible they are, the less likely they are to break in, and the more likely they are to get caught. If you are lighting your property in the right way, you will significantly decrease your chances for trouble.

In order to make the most of outdoor lighting, there are a couple of great options. First of all, consider utilizing motion-activated flood lights. These devices will only turn on if they are triggered by movement on your property. These can be especially useful because they make it abundantly clear when something is out of the ordinary. They have the added benefit of not drawing a large amount of electricity when they’re not needed.

Surprisingly, flooding your property with bright lights all night long may be less effective than one would suspect. First of all, homeowners can be lulled into a false sense of security in these types of situations. They don’t realize that bright lights also create very dark shadows during the night, and these give burglars better hiding places. They also have the potential to make intruders bolder.

Dimmer lights may actually be more advantageous for a homeowner. They don’t cast the harsh shadows that the brighter lights do. On the other hand, they do still offer enough light to dissuade potential intruders. Likewise, they make your property safer for your family and your guests, as you can use low-wattage lights to illuminate sidewalks and landscape features.

Should you believe that you have an intruder on your property, then it is definitely time to bring on the bright lights. A big blast of light at this point will generally act to scare a burglar away, and it will help you see what is going on outside.

Knowing what not to do with your outdoor lighting can help enhance your family or business safety plan.

Contact Pinnacle Security for more safety tips and information on how you can have your own security system installed today.