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.

While it is common to discuss how to protect your house and property when you’re gone, it is every bit as important to know how to be safe when you’re at home. In fact, it may be an even bigger concern; as you can replace stolen items, but you and your family are irreplaceable. So, implementing a few of these tips on how to be safe when you’re at home can protect your family’s most valuable possessions—each other.

Know Your Neighbors

There is a difference between being a nosey neighbor and knowing what is going on around you. Getting to know your neighbors is a great way to stay safe, as you are all able to look out for one another. This is why Neighborhood Watch groups are so effective. In fact, you might want to consider starting one of these in your own neighborhood. Police officers will even attend meetings to teach you how to be safe when you’re at home, as well as how to protect your property when you’re gone.

Make sure that your neighbors have your phone number and that they know to call you if they notice anything suspicious.

Be Discreet

Being discreet means a couple of things when it comes to learning how to be safe when you’re at home. One way to do so is to watch what you throw into the trash. Any financial information—including those pre-approved credit applications—should be shredded rather than just tossed into the garbage can. Anything that has personal information should not just go to the curb, as it can be intercepted by people who do not have good intentions.

Another way to be discreet is to change up your routine. If you always go for a walk at a certain time of the day, for example, a burglar could easily recognize that routine and break in when he knows you will be gone for a set period of time. In addition, don’t talk loudly about personal business with your neighbors or while using the phone outside. It’s a great idea to let your neighbors know if you’ll be out of town, but you don’t want to announce it to anyone who happens to be within earshot.

Locks and Keys

Locks and keys are one of the best ways we have of protecting our property, and we often forget their importance when it comes to how to be safe when you’re at home. Locking the door when you’re inside the house will deter potential criminals from inviting themselves in to do you harm. Making sure that your locks are solid and in good repair is also important in making sure you remain safe.

Keeping keys out of the wrong hands is also important when it comes to being safe at home. Avoid handing out copies of your keys to friends. Even if they are trustworthy, you can not ensure that your keys won’t wind up somewhere you don’t want. You should also avoid hiding a spare key in any of the most obvious places: under the mat, above the door, in a potted plant, in a fake rock, etc. Burglars know all of these places, and it will just be that much easier for them walk right into your home. Finally, make sure you can easily detach your house key from your car keys so you don’t have to hand it over to a valet or parking attendant who could make copies.

There’s no sense in becoming overly worried about your safety at all times. On the other hand, it’s just as ridiculous not to utilize some common sense about how to be safe when you’re at home. Simple tips, like not inviting strangers into the house and keeping valuable items out of view of the windows, are quick and easy things you can do to dissuade criminals from taking too much interest in you and your property.

Contact a Local Security Company

While abiding by these tips will help to keep you safe while at home, a local security company can give you more tips on staying safe. They can also provide information about home security systems and the benefits one will provide to your home and family.

Pinnacle to Deploy New Systems in 2010

OREM, UTAH – January 12, 2010 – Pinnacle Security, a leader in the North American residential security market, today announced it will offer an innovative new touch screen developed by GE Security, Inc. with input from Pinnacle. The new product’s sleek design and expanded functionality represent a significant step forward in providing consumers with the latest technology at a reasonable price level.

More compact and easier to use than traditional security keypads, the touch screen includes exciting features offering significant value to consumers. Of these features, consumers can set up automation schedules through a web portal, arm and disarm the security system, and adjust the thermostat from the touch screen. Thus, with no extra effort, consumers may realize a reduction in utility bills by securing their homes.

“It was apparent that previous security keypads needed a twenty-first century face lift both cosmetically and, more importantly, in functionality,” said Kelly Walker, President, Pinnacle Security. “We are excited to be the first to market GE Security’s touch screen and offer a product that will no doubt provide additional value to our customers.”

Pinnacle has been a long-time partner of GE Security and is excited to see GE’s continued commitment and support in delivering products that consumers want. Pinnacle supplied GE engineers with detailed product requirements, a process known within GE as “Voice of Customer”, to assist in the manufacture of the new touch screens.

“Pinnacle’s requirements included a concept that could sync with mobile devices and asked us to engineer and manufacture state-of-the-art control,” said David Nark, Product Marketing Manager, GE Security. “We are excited about the new touch panel and are pleased to work with a security company as focused on innovation as Pinnacle. When we saw their product requirements and merged them with our own, we were confident that the result would be the next big thing in our industry, bridging both home security and automation together seamlessly.”

“Pinnacle is very excited to work with partners like GE Security and Alarm.com who are committed to providing increased customer value in the products they deliver,” said Christopher B. Munday, Chairman and CEO, Pinnacle Security. “In 2010, we look forward to the continued execution of our mission to help individuals protect the things that matter most.”

The panel also incorporates features supplied by Alarm.com, a security industry leader in interactive and wireless services, providing consumers anywhere/anytime access to their security system through the Internet and mobile devices. Some of the highlights of the new product include:

• Intuitive interface and icons: customers can easily navigate the security and home automation features
• Message marquee: provides Pinnacle with an effective way to communicate key product and service messages to its customers
• One-click customer service access: allows customers to find quick solutions to questions and issues
• Weather report: provides quick access to weather forecasts as customers prepare to leave for the day
• Thermostat control: gives customers the option to automatically change thermostat settings as they arm/disarm their security system in order to reduce utility costs and positively impact the environment
• Remote monitoring: text message or email notifications from a home regarding power outages, floods, fires, unlocked doors, windows or intruder entries

About Pinnacle Security

Pinnacle Security is an industry leader in providing quality residential and commercial security solutions to help individuals realize the peace-of-mind that comes from protecting the things that matter most. Pinnacle is headquartered in Orem, Utah and has sales offices throughout North America. For more information, please visit www.pinnaclesecurity.com.

About GE Security

GE Security, Inc., a business of GE Enterprise Solutions (NYSE: GE), is a leading supplier of security and life safety technologies, with operations in more than 26 countries. GE Security offers one of the industry’s broadest product portfolios, including access control, explosives and narcotics detection, fire detection, intrusion, key management and video surveillance. GE Security’s products are used to protect people and property across a wide range of industries, including aviation, banking and finance, education, government and military, healthcare, law enforcement, residential, retail, stadiums and event venues, and transportation. For more information about GE Security, please visit www.gesecurity.com.

About Alarm.com

Alarm.com provides wireless and web-enabled security and activity monitoring technology to residential and commercial customers throughout the United States and Canada. Alarm.com’s Operations Center processes millions of security events every day which are reported by Alarm.com systems used to monitor and protect houses, businesses, vacation properties, apartments, professional offices, restaurants, retail chains, model homes, data centers, and more. Alarm.com technology is compatible with security equipment made by GE Security and is offered exclusively through a network of over 1000 licensed and authorized Security Dealers nationwide

Media Contact:
Jennifer Webb
Coltrin & Associates (for Pinnacle Security)
Jennifer_webb@coltrin.com
212.221.1616

Expects to Continue Customer Growth, Increase Employment Opportunities in 2010

OREM, Utah–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Pinnacle Security, a leader in the residential security market, announces a year of record growth, increasing residential installations by more than 60 percent. In a time when many companies are cutting costs and employees, Pinnacle Security is flourishing, hiring more staff, creating new partnerships and continuing to serve the community.

“Building on the incredible growth we’ve seen in 2009,” said Christopher B. Munday, Chairman and CEO, Pinnacle Security, “we expect to continue expanding through strategic partnerships with high-profile brands to drive innovation within the industry, provide greater access to the most-advanced technology in home security and raise the industry standard for compliance.”

Growth in 2010 will be built on strategic partnerships and processes that were initiated in 2009, including a partnership with Alarm.com, which enables Pinnacle Security customers to arm/disarm their systems from their phone, receive text messages when a problem is detected as well as other advantages. Further, new compliance and training initiatives will provide additional structure and alleviate process issues.

“This has been a strong year,” said Munday. “We have been able to create new jobs, help the local economy and provide benefits for our employees that are rare in these economic times.”

In addition to record growth, Pinnacle has created new programs and initiatives for its employees and the local community including college tuition funding programs and wellness programs as well as athletic sponsorships for local colleges and universities.

“Our employees and our community are important to us,” said Steve Hafen, COO, Pinnacle Security. “As we continue growing our customer base, we will provide additional employment opportunities and continue to participate in community sponsorships.”

As a full service security company, Pinnacle now provides alarm services to nearly 150,000 homes throughout North America and employs more than 2500 employees and sales representatives nationwide.

About Pinnacle Security

Pinnacle Security is an industry leader in providing quality residential and commercial security solutions that help individuals realize the peace-of-mind that comes from protecting the things that matter most. Pinnacle is headquartered in Orem, Utah and has sales offices throughout North America. Founded in 2001, Pinnacle is a long-standing partner of GE Security, a wholly owned subsidiary of the General Electric Company (NYSE: GE). For more information, please visit www.pinnaclesecurity.com.