To achieve maximum safety and security in your home, all the involved parties must have an in-depth knowledge of the system.  Every person living under your roof must know how to conduct him or herself within the system. We have had cases where the children messed up with entire security system and compromised the entire property.  However, if you are able to teach the children one or a few things about the system, you will not encounter such problems.  You may wonder just what to teach your children about home security. It is easier than you can imagine, just break it into the ages of the children as follows:

For toddlers and younger children

For this category, do not make it hard for them, since they are still trying to comprehend their world. Just ensure, they know the importance of taking back their toys to the house after play, guarding their bicycles, knowing how to operate a deadbolt lock, and staying away from items such as knives, scissors and the like. They should also be made to understand that, at no given time should they open the door, for strangers.  In addition, teach them of the various escape routes from the house, should an emergency arise.  While doing this, you need patient, because at this stage the child needs repetition and reinforcement.

Older kids

Today, unlike in the past, this group is very active socially. This noble characteristic is often used by people, who want to take the advantage of their naivety.  At this stage, you may be confused on what to tell your children about home security. Here are some of the things they should know:

•    Not to share personal information or any other details, which could put the family in danger

•    Not to post plans of their family to go on vacation

•    Not  to share photos taken on a vacation online, until they are back home

•    Avoid telling their friends when they are home alone or when their parents go out for dinner

•    Tips on how to handle small fire incidences in the house

•    How to turn off the main power terminal as well as the water mains, if they are old enough

Children at this stage, only need to be told how to be safe online, and at home. Their problem is that they are willing to give out information even to strangers.

Teenagers

Teenagers are the easiest to teach, since they can grasp facts easily. They can even be in a position to arm and disarm, home security systems. They can also help a great deal in teaching the younger children. If you want your home to be fully secured, you need to involve your kids into the plan, be it teenagers or younger children. However, you need to know what to tell your children about home security. The above information can help you give enough instruction to the children about security, as long as you give the right details to the appropriate age.

Home security can involve a number of installations, from video surveillance cameras to deadbolt locks. Nevertheless, an experienced burglar may still gain entry into your home. The truth is no thug, who comes into your property with good intentions. Hence, to ensure that your life and that of your family members is protected, it is best if you make a panic room as part of home security. This room is meant to act as a safe haven to hide from thieves, until the local authorities come to your rescue. Commonly referred to as the safe rooms, the rooms can keep you and a few of your valuables from burglars, kidnappers, and terrorist attacks. Panic rooms; also help you to stay safe when a natural disaster strikes.

There are two kinds of panic rooms namely:

High-end safe rooms

If you are an avid movie watcher, you might have seen them in a movie, which starred Jodi Foster. The movie has really skyrocketed and so it is the demand of these home security retreats. Most panic rooms, do not feature the same high technology and the sturdiness, which the safe room, which saved Foster and her daughter, from the gang of unforgiving burglars. This may be since the homeowners do not face risks, which would call for such magnitude of security. However, when you are considering installing a panic room as part of home security, it all boils down to one thing, your personal preference. If you think, you are at high risk, of extreme burglary incidences or emergencies, then one of these high-tech safe rooms will be perfect. Usually, safe rooms of this nature are constructed of steel or stone, as well as the doors. They also feature individual ventilation systems, accompanied by air purification equipment. Other popular additions in panic rooms include, direct contact lines to the local authorities, security providers and video surveillance device, to enable you keep track of the intruder.

Mid-priced safe rooms

Certainly, the panic room, like the one in the movie, would force an average homeowner to break a bank. This does not mean they are closed out of safe rooms’ ownership.  You can still own a panic room as part of home security. The main purpose of a standard safe room is to secure you and your family, long enough, until you are able to get help from the relevant authorities. Hence, if you can have a room without windows, which has been fitted with reinforced locks and doors, it will pass for a panic room. Other necessities include flashlight, cell phone for communication, water and food as well as a fully stocked first aid kit.

The panic room as part of home security will not be a bad idea, when your security and that of your family is a priority. The room does not have to be reminiscent of the one in “Jodin Foster” movie, but it should offer maximum safety and security, until rescue officers arrive.

Home security systems have come a long way. Today, a security system performs more functions than ensuring security and safety. Contemporary home security systems are designed to automate most of home functions. That is the main reason why, they are gaining many fans in the market. There are reasons why you should go for, automated security systems. One of the proven benefits of home security automation is the way it has been able to cut energy consumption.  However, this is not all there is about the automated systems.

What can home automation do for you?

To begin with, these smart home systems are energy efficient.  Some experts say that the systems may be able to reduce your power bills by 25%.  This is because they provide complete regulation on lighting, heating, security, cooling, appliances, and cooking equipments. Some are even set to control the energy consumption rate of the TV and stereo. With adequate control on your lighting system and the air conditioner, you can really trim your utility bills.

Home security automation also provides security and convenience in your home.  They control every aspect of your life, making it easier and fun.  It is possible to regulate your heating and cooling system, when you are not at home. For instance, if there is nobody else at home, you set the thermostat to preheat, some minutes before you get home. In addition, you regulate the lights when you are not at home. This will ensure that your home is secure, while making you feels at peace wherever you are.

Some are even smarter, since they are able to put off the vacuum, once the doorbell rings. For other advanced automated systems, once your, wake-up alarm blares, the heater and the lights in the bathroom start running. A few minutes later, the coffee starts preparing in the kitchen and the lights switches on. Some minutes later, the alarm disarms and the outdoor lights go on, so that you can get your daily newspaper. Other systems will also put on, your favorite TV program or starts your stereo, immediately you get in the kitchen. In the afternoon, when you want to leave work early to run a certain errand, you can switch on the air conditioner, on your way home.

How do you control the automated systems?

There are various types of controls used to manage home security automation systems. The controls may take the form of touch screens, hand-held remote, or an embedded remote on your Smartphone. It is even possible to show the security status of your home, from an ordinary TV screen, while controlling the automation unit from your chair. This improves convenience and enhances the security of your home. If you are considering installing a security system, consider investing in home security automation. These systems not only boost your security, but they also reduce your utility bills. Furthermore, they make life at home more convenient. Automated systems have become very instrumental and in particular for older people, who do not have the strength to run about.

If your security system requires a key entry, you must be very careful how you manage and store your keys. It will be a total waste to have the best locking mechanism in place and leave keys; somewhere the burglar will access them. It is justifiable to leave your keys at home, considering your family members, may not have a copy of the keys. However, it might compromise the effectiveness of your security system. Thieves have gone a notch higher to learn about, the areas where you are likely to hide keys. Hence, to make sure your home security keys’ safety is not threatened, here are some dos and don’ts:

1.    Do not place your keys under the welcome mat- It might seem as the safest place, but it is also the first place burglars, will look into. By placing the keys under the mat, you will be giving the thieves a leeway to your home. If you must leave your keys at home, ensure it is not anywhere near the entrance.

2.    Choosing the wrong key- The best key should work appropriately, with your type of door. Ensure that the key blends perfectly with the locking mechanism. This ensures that a burglar does not find their way to your house easily.

3.    Carry keys with your purse or book bag- Here they will hardly get lost and even if they fall, you are likely to hear since they are in a bunch.  All the same, do not place the bag or the purse, just anywhere since a person with bad intentions, may use the opportunity to make a copy out of your keys.

4.    Avoid carrying your keys in your pocket- If you want to maintain your home security keys’ safety, you have to start by taking care of your keys. Hanging your keys from your pants’ hook, will only expose your home to be potential thieves. In addition, you are likely to forget them and you can end up closing yourself out.

5.    Have a second copy of the key- This will come in handy, if you lose your keys. However, do not just keep them anywhere. Your house is the last place, your copy key should be, after all, it is meant for emergency cases. To be on the safe side, you can give it to your trusted neighbor or a friend who lives nearby. This way, you will be able to access the key, when need arises.

6.    Gather all your keys in one large bunch. This will ensure that they do not get lost.  It is easier to lose a single key than a bunch of keys, since you will hear immediately they fall down. Furthermore, if you misplace them, it will be easier to find them.

To ensure home security keys’ safety, the following tips will help you a great deal.  It will be useless, to have an expensive security system in place and then, keep your keys open to strangers. If at all, you cannot manage your key, consider investing a keyless entry system.

Although modern home security systems have many purposes, the main goal of installing a security system is to ensure your security and that of your family members as well as the property.  Understanding of the different types of home security sensors may help you in determining the best sensor, suited for your specific needs.  There are sensors for almost every part of your home and function. Here are some of the sensors; you should consider having in your security system:

Door sensors

These are paramount for securing your entrances. The door sensors are usually installed on solid doors. The detectors use either infrared or magnetic forces. When the link between the sensor on the door lock and the one on the door, are disturbed, the sensor is triggered. The door sensors can be programmed to produce a gentle sound, to tell when one enters or leaves your home.

Window sensors

These use the same principle as the door sensors. They are installed on small to mid-sized windows. This variety of home security sensors, notify you when somebody opens or tries to force the window open.

Glass break sensors

These sensors are meant to alert you, when a burglar breaks in through your glass window, just as their name suggests.

Outdoor perimeter sensor

Although they are often popular in farmhouses, they can be installed on the gate and the entrance, as well as along the driveways or pathways. The sensors can alert you when a stranger enters your compound.

Motion sensors

These are not a necessity in most security systems, but they are essential, where the property is often left vacant of a significant period.  This is because, if you install them in a home, which is occupied most of the times, you may trespass them, putting the alarm on accidentally.

Carbon monoxide sensors

Carbon monoxide is undetectable, owing to its odorless and colorless physical characteristics.  It is also a deadly gas, which is emitted by indoor fireplaces or inappropriately installed, heated systems.  Hence, a carbon dioxide sensor should be placed around the fireplace or near the heating system. Even if they are placed in the category of home security sensors, they are for safety purposes.

Smoke detectors

These sensors are meant to respond to fire emergencies. They are very effective, designed to sense, low-heat fires, quicker than all the other methods there are.  All the same, sometimes, due to their high sensitivity, they can give false alarms, in case of increased steam in the house or burning food. However, before you install the smoke detectors, liaise with the local authorities, on the building codes in your neighborhood. This way, you will ensure that the sensor you choose is in compliant with the local regulations.

If you want an enhanced security for your home, your security system should have almost all of the above home security sensors. They all come at a price but there can be a sensor, which is more expensive than the wealth you have in your home. Some detectors are for security whereas others are for ensuring safety.