Home Security
Burglaries are known to increase as economic times toughen. Understand what you can do to protect your home and family.
June 19, 2008
Andrew J. MacDonald, President
Burglaries
Choosing the Right Product
Home Security Systems
Surveillance Cameras
Home Automation
How Do Wireless Alarm Systems Work?
Garage Sales
Merchandise & Merchandising
Green Tip of the Month
We Are Now INFRARED CERTIFIED
|
A garage sale gives you
the opportunity to clear your home of unwanted goods and make some
money in the process. This month we will provide you with some helpful
tips to ensure your garage sale is a successful one.  Search your home for things that you don't need or no longer use. Look through the closets, basement, and other storage areas of your home and you are bound to find a cache of items that you can easily do without. If you haven't used an item in three years, you should sell it. Remember to purge your bookshelves of knick knacks and unread books too. Once you have gathered your items, clean, inspect, and test your items. Clean items sell better and for more money than dirty ones. Inspect your items for damage - you can still sell a damaged item, but make a notation of the damage on the item's price tag and reduce the price. Test electrical and battery powered items to see if they work. If an item works, include on the tag "works". If an item does not work, mark it "doesn't work" and price it accordingly - someone may still buy it anyway. Place fresh batteries in all items that require them and have an extension cord available to test electrical ones for your customers.  Set up your sale like a retailer would. Put large items on the lawn where they are visible from the street to draw in customers and make your displays attractive. Make your sale "shop-able" by ensuring that the aisles between tables are wide enough for your shoppers and by not placing items underneath the tables. Utilize lighting in dark garages so that your items are easily visible. Make safety a priority by taping down cords, removing sharp objects, and keeping the aisles free of clutter. Keep valuables safe by using a display case to house them; place a sign on it that reads "ask for assistance" and put it near your cashier's station where you can keep an eye on it. Remember to include a sign indicating the types of payments that you will accept at your check out area too.  On the day(s) of your garage sale, remember to be friendly. Greet your customers and strike up a conversation. You will make them feel welcome and make you more approachable when they have questions. Remember, a smile and good eye contact are always good for business - good luck! If you are selling large items and you have access to a truck, offer delivery services for a small fee- remember to place a sign indicating that delivery is available. Back to Top |
|
1. Try to include a variety of items that appeal to a wide range of individuals. 2. Many people will cruise by your side to decide if it's worth their while to shop. Draw them in by placing large items on the yard or driveway where they are more visible (furniture items usually work well). 3. Place plywood between tables to increase your display area. 4. Place items in boxes or containers that are the same price: a 25 cent, 50 cent, $1.00 bin, etc. 5. Use blankets to display books on the lawn so the covers are visible. 6. Offer promotions for multiple purchases. 7. Have a "free box" for things that you just want to get rid of. 8. Rearrange items as you sell down merchandise to keep it looking fresh. 9. Reduce your prices in the afternoon or on the last day of your sale not before. If someone offers less then you are willing to accept for an item, invite them back later in the afternoon or on the last day of the sale to see if it's still available. Back to Top "Garage sale-ing"; is earth-friendly. By selling an item you no longer want to someone that does, keeps it out of a land-fill. So, feel good about stuffing all of that green into your pockets! Back to Top This is an infrared view of missing insulation found in a brand new home. We hope it is not yours. But this is just an idea of what can be found with our new technology that has been impossible to find until now. We have found overheated circuit breakers in electrical panels and other very dangerous situations. Make sure your home is safe. Call us now for an Infrared Thermal Diagnostic Inspection at: 847-431-8800 Back to Top |
A Professional Inspection
for YOUR Protection
MacDonald Property Inspections' Qualifications
National Association of Certified Home Inspectors
abiding by NACHI's
Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice
State of Illinois licensed Home Inspector.
License Number: 450.0003089
Certified Mold Specialist
We generate comprehensive reports of the
home inspection complete with photographs
and recommendations.
We own and use a variety of specialized tools
and detection equipment.
Extensive training and certification through
American Home Inspectors Training (AHIT)
MacDonald Property Inspections
10N673 Oak Ridge Drive
Elgin, IL 60124
PHONE: (847) 431-8800
Email Us
Visit Our Website
By Bruce Kelly, Mark Riddle
The FBI reports that a home is burglarized in the U.S. every 15.4 seconds. That is certainly a sobering thought and a thought that gives every homeowner pause to think about the steps they are taking to protect their own homes from a possible invasion by a burglar. Burglary is now considered to be the most serious threat a home can face. In most cases, residents are not home when their property is burglarized and as a result burglary is considered to be a non-violent property crime. Nevertheless, once your home has been burglarized, you will still commonly feel traumatized and that trauma may last for quite some time.
In most cases, burglars are looking for items that they can easily resell for cash. The most targeted items by burglars include laptop computers, guns, jewelry, DVD players and other similar small electronic items. The fact that only 13% of all burglaries are ever reported certainly seems to help burglars along in their trade. Even in cases where the burglary is reported, the thief has usually been gone quite some time before the homeowners return home. As a result, there is little chance of catching him or of recovering the stolen items.
Most burglaries occur during the day when homeowners are at work. Generally, burglars use a certain amount of force when they break into a home; however, it only stands to reason that burglars target those homes which seem to offer the easiest amount of access and also the best route for escape and the most cover. Unlocked windows and doors are the favored methods of entry. It is quite common for burglars to roam or 'case' a neighborhood looking for the ideal target before striking.
So, what is a homeowner to do? The best way to protect your home and your belongings is to make sure you are aware of security at all times even when you cannot actually be at home.
Consider burglar's favored methods of entry and take steps to make sure that your home does not appear to be a prime target. Remember that all it takes is a single window to be open for your home to become a target and you a victim. Be sure that all of your windows are outfitted with anti-lift devices that will prevent your windows from being lifted. In addition, be certain to have a burglar alarm installed in your home.
When it comes to doors, make sure that your home is as difficult to enter as possible. While burglars are not averse to using some force to enter a home, they will typically avoid those homes that seem as though they require too much effort in order to enter. Be sure to use deadbolt locks that are not easily picked.
Finally, make sure you speak with a security company regarding having a burglar alarm installed in your home. Even if you are not home, a burglar alarm can help to detract burglars from targeting your home as an easy mark.
Back to Top
Lorex Portable Home Security Monitor
The FBI reports that a home is burglarized in the U.S. every 15.4 seconds. That is certainly a sobering thought and a thought that gives every homeowner pause to think about the steps they are taking to protect their own homes from a possible invasion by a burglar. Burglary is now considered to be the most serious threat a home can face. In most cases, residents are not home when their property is burglarized and as a result burglary is considered to be a non-violent property crime. Nevertheless, once your home has been burglarized, you will still commonly feel traumatized and that trauma may last for quite some time.
In most cases, burglars are looking for items that they can easily resell for cash. The most targeted items by burglars include laptop computers, guns, jewelry, DVD players and other similar small electronic items. The fact that only 13% of all burglaries are ever reported certainly seems to help burglars along in their trade. Even in cases where the burglary is reported, the thief has usually been gone quite some time before the homeowners return home. As a result, there is little chance of catching him or of recovering the stolen items.
Most burglaries occur during the day when homeowners are at work. Generally, burglars use a certain amount of force when they break into a home; however, it only stands to reason that burglars target those homes which seem to offer the easiest amount of access and also the best route for escape and the most cover. Unlocked windows and doors are the favored methods of entry. It is quite common for burglars to roam or 'case' a neighborhood looking for the ideal target before striking.
So, what is a homeowner to do? The best way to protect your home and your belongings is to make sure you are aware of security at all times even when you cannot actually be at home.
Consider burglar's favored methods of entry and take steps to make sure that your home does not appear to be a prime target. Remember that all it takes is a single window to be open for your home to become a target and you a victim. Be sure that all of your windows are outfitted with anti-lift devices that will prevent your windows from being lifted. In addition, be certain to have a burglar alarm installed in your home.
When it comes to doors, make sure that your home is as difficult to enter as possible. While burglars are not averse to using some force to enter a home, they will typically avoid those homes that seem as though they require too much effort in order to enter. Be sure to use deadbolt locks that are not easily picked.
Finally, make sure you speak with a security company regarding having a burglar alarm installed in your home. Even if you are not home, a burglar alarm can help to detract burglars from targeting your home as an easy mark.
Back to Top
Lorex Portable Home Security Monitor
Choosing the Right Product
The bad news is that crime statistics, death, injuries, home intrusions, and loss of property continue to rise. It is hard to believe, but according to FBI statistics a burglary occurs every 15 seconds in the United States.
The good news is that there has never been a time when such a variety of quality security equipment has been available, and at such affordable prices.
When talking about home security equipment, one size does not fit all. Security equipment must be tailored to meet the particular needs of each house or company. One may need entry detection, while another needs camera surveillance, and another may need motion-detection floodlights. Let's explore some available choices.
Back to Top
Wireless Outdoor Color Nightvision Security Camera System
Home Security Systems
Many articles have been written on this subject and the basics are probably known by most readers. Systems are either wired or wireless, just as the names imply. For a renter, a wireless system is the logical choice, as the installation does little if any damage to the premises. And, the system can be taken when the renter moves. Wired is the system of choice in an owned residence, but it has its pros and cons. Because wires are run from every protected point to the alarm control panel, holes must be drilled and wires fastened. However, when installation of a wired system is performed by a professional company, the work is done with care and is mostly concealed.
Labor is the main contributor to the high cost of a wired system. At today's labor rates, several technicians working in your house for a week can run up quite a bill. A money saving tip here is to do-it-yourself. If you have the basic knowledge to fix a lamp cord, you can read the wiring diagrams and install a wired system at a budget cost. Your car, motorcycle, camper, or boat on trailer, can also be connected to the security system. Many types of motion detectors are available, some even "pet friendly". Regardless of wired or wireless, ultimately either system can sound a local alarm, connect to a monitoring station, call your mobile phone, or be custom tailored to meet the exact needs of the user.
Back to Top
4 Channel DVR Camera Kit
Surveillance Cameras
Like home security systems, cameras come in two types, wired or wireless. When the door bell rings, it is comforting to see who is standing at the front door. Now, even low cost systems can view multiple points, and display all cameras on just one split-screen monitor. Camera products change rapidly, offering more and more features at lower and lower prices. One of the best recent offerings is an outdoor motion-activated floodlight and color camera combination. It does not get any better than that! Disturbing statistics show that we cannot always trust persons in our house, like the baby-sitter or a serviceman. A wireless hidden camera provides an ideal solution for this case. It is, in fact, one of the most popular home security items. Other uses for an indoor camera include keeping watch on your prized possessions, and of course keeping watch over your baby.
Back to Top
Home Automation
Here is an area of products you will want to look at while security shopping. The evolution of security products has blended into a new category of home automation products. We have traveled well beyond the wireless garage door opener. Your home computer can now be used to control appliances, lighting, cameras, store camera video files, check on your home, turn on and off your security lighting and even your sprinkler system!
Back to Top
How Do Wireless Alarm Systems Work?
One of the most popular trends in home security today is the installation of wireless alarm systems. Before you jump on the bandwagon, though, you should know a little more about how these systems work as well as the benefits (and drawbacks) to this technology. Let's start off by examining the two forms of wireless alarm system.
There are two dominant types of wireless home security systems on the market today: self installed systems and professionally installed systems. Both offer wireless benefits, but they are very different, as well. Self installed systems are usually very simple to install, though they are limited in their application as well as their usefulness to consumers. This is because they are not monitored and have no ability to alert police, fire or emergency authorities. A professionally installed system comes with dedicated monitoring capabilities (read that as 24-7) as well as the means to alert the right authorities (through the monitoring company).
Now that we know that a professionally installed system is the best option for comprehensive protection, let's move on to other aspects. The installation itself is not completely wireless. While all the sensors are wireless, the control unit(s) are not. These need to be wired into the home for several reasons, including being wired into your phone line. This is how the system communicates with the monitoring station. Some new systems offer wireless communication through your ISP, as well. Regardless, the installation of the control units is minimally invasive for your home.
A wireless home alarm communicates or sends signals to the control unit through RF signals (radio frequency). Some systems have been designed to use infrared beams, as well. When the system is armed, the detectors monitor the surrounding area for motion (actually registers as a temperature difference) and send the signal to the control unit. The control unit then sends a signal to the monitoring company and sets off the alarm. When the monitoring company receives the signal from the alarm system, they will contact the homeowner to ascertain the situation.
In addition, there are quite a few accessories or add-ons that can be included with this type of home alarm system. If there are elderly family members in the home, young children or anyone with health problems, you can include panic buttons that will alert the monitoring company and medical response authorities. Carbon monoxide detectors are another popular option, as are water monitoring sensors for areas in a home that are susceptible to flooding. There are numerous other aspects that can be added, as well, such as wireless video cameras and wireless arm/disarm devices that can be carried on your key ring for better security options.
Back to Top