Baldwin's keyless locks can wirelessly communicate with other devices such as lighting, climate control and music to welcome you home.
A big part of the Christmas tradition in this country includes giving gifts and being with family. After unwrapping stacks of presents, many Americans take the opportunity to visit loved ones, leaving an empty house filled with electronic gadgets, jewelry, toys, computers and cash.
Unfortunately, others are taking advantage of opportunity over the holidays, as well. This time of year can be a jackpot for burglars.
We spoke to a few regional home security experts to learn about safety tips and technology that can help keep the Grinch from stealing Christmas and your peace of mind.
Security alarms are an increasingly popular way that homeowners choose to protect their homes. There are many companies and many types of systems on the market.
The latest technology in home security systems involves the use of the Internet and mobile phones to control and monitor the system remotely.
“The basic components of an alarm system have remained the same over the years, but advanced technology is making them smarter, easier to use, and more reliable. One of the largest technology advancements we are seeing is Internet integration,” says Jason Carst of Knight Security Systems Inc. in Harrisburg (717-541-0212; www.knightsecuritysystemsinc.com).
The trend lately has been toward video surveillance and catching the culprits rather than scaring them away
“It is now possible to view cameras at your home or business from your hand-held device or home computer and receive e-mails when your kids get home from school,” says Carst.
Yarnell Security in Lancaster (717-399-3900; www.yarnellsecurity.com) also installs and monitors systems that are integrated with the Internet. Its system, Total Connect, provides a remote keypad feature that works just like the security system keypad and can be accessed using a smart phone, cell phone or other wireless device. A homeowner can alarm and disarm the security system while away; be alerted to and view security-related events; or turn lights on and off remotely. Total Connect also offers video services, so homeowners can access live video of areas of the home they would like to monitor while away.
3T Security of Manheim (717-664-0090; www.3tsecurity.com) provides a service that integrates a whole-home audio system with an intercom system. “These systems allow you to listen to music throughout the home, but when someone comes to the door and presses the intercom station, the system can turn down the music and provide a voice and video of the person at the door. This provides an additional layer of security to your peace of mind,” says Kevin Stauffer of 3T.
As with Yarnell and Knight, 3T installs video cameras as part of its systems, also. “The trend lately has been towards video surveillance,” says Stauffer. The new approach in home security is leaning toward catching the culprits rather than scaring them away, he says.
Another type of technology that couples with Internet integration and home security systems is the keyless entry system, such as those produced by Baldwin Hardware Corp. in Reading (visit www.baldwinhardware.com for dealer locations throughout the area). Baldwin’s keyless locks can wirelessly communicate “with other devices in the home so that locking or unlocking the door ties into other events, such as adjusting lighting, climate control and music,” according to Baldwin’s website. Using a smart phone or mobile phone, “homeowners can check the status of their locks, lock/unlock their home remotely and receive a text or e-mail message when a lock is accessed.”
Locking up tight, setting alarms and keeping homes light can help keep the holidays merry and bright.
Tips to make your home less of a target
- The website www.alarmsystemreviews.com reports that burglars look for three things: Opportunity, time of day and concealment.
- Don’t make it easy for burglars. Keep doors and windows locked and curtains and draperies closed when you are not home. Keep doors locked when you are home. About half of all burglars enter through unlocked doors or windows.
- Arm your alarm system when you leave, even if it is just for a short time, and use timers so lights will turn on when the sun goes down. If you are away for several days, have the post office stop delivery of mail or have a neighbor collect it and any newspapers that are delivered.
- Surveys have shown that burglars are most likely to strike during the day. They want to enter a home when the owners are not there. Some burglars will watch a house to learn the family’s habits so they can enter when everyone has left for work and school.
- If your garage faces the street, limit the amount of time you leave it open, so bad guys can’t take an inventory of what you own. Don’t advertise new gifts or purchases by putting out boxes on trash day. Break down boxes and put in opaque trash bags.
- Keep trees and bushes trimmed so burglars don’t have places to hide while they try to break into your home. Prominently display alarm company stickers. That alone can reduce the chance of a burglary by about 40 percent.
- And remember one of the burglar’s worst enemies is light. Install motion sensor lighting around the perimeter of your home and keep porch lights on at night.
- Take an online home security survey at www.alarmsystemreviews.com for improvement ideas.
