Home Security Plan Design Part 2

Click Here: For Part 1 of Home Security Plan Design

Creating a Home Security Plan Part 2:

Implement Action Steps

A Crime is made from 3 main elements and 3 main Objectives.

Home Security Plan Elements:

1. The Criminal. The offender who is looking to gain from your loss

2. The Victim. A person, home, or object that is victimized by the crime

3. Opportunity. The likelihood that the criminal can get away with the crime or in some cases the likelihood that a criminal can solve their current need. (could be fast cash, drugs, sexual gratification, feelings of excitement or danger, etc)

The best way to prevent a crime from occurring is to eliminate or reduce these three key crime components.

Home Security Plan Objectives:

1. Make your home an undesirable target.

2. Make you, your family, and your possessions harder to get to.

3. Reduce or eliminate the opportunities that might invite a criminal to make you a target

A Good Home Security System makes a criminal jump over several hurdles making it more difficult for them to not only commit the crime, but get away with it.

Action Steps:

1. Home Security Preliminary Checklist

2. Home Interior Checklist

3. Home Safety Fire Prevention

• House Fire Facts
• 2 Basic Principals of Fire Prevention
• Fire Safety Tips
• Fire Safety Checklist
• Smoke Detector Checklist
• Family Escape Plan

4. Car Theft Prevention as Part of Your Home Security Plan

• Anti Car Theft Components
• Car Theft Prevention Tips
• Car Theft Prevention Checklist

5. Securing Entrances to Your Home

• Locks and Bolts
• Door Security Checklist
• Window Security Checklist

6. Components of a Home Security System

• Alarms
• Alarm Systems
• Motion Detectors
• Surveillance Cameras

7. Installing Your Security System

• Zoning Your Equipment
• DIY Wireless Installation
• How To Install Window and Door Sensors
• How To Install a Wireless Motion Detector
• How To Install a Wireless Surveillance System

Home Security Plan Step 1

Preliminary Checklist (Low Cost/No Cost Security Countermeasures)

1. Trim Back shrubs and hedges to remove hiding places for intruders
2. Make sure Tree limbs are cut back to prevent people from entering the second story of your home (as well it prevents kids from sneaking out at night, and possibly injuring themselves)
3. Make sure there is lighting surrounding every entryway to your home
4. Connect outdoor lights to motion-sensitive switches
5. Don’t leave ladders around. Make sure they are put away in a titanium locked shed or garage.
6. House numbers should be easy to read from the street, allowing emergency workers to find your home as easily as possible.
7. Bicycles should be stored away and locked out of sight to prevent criminals from entering your property and possibly getting other ideas.
8. Adjust the tracks of sliding patio doors so they can’t be pushed out of their tracks
9. Be sure that some outdoor lights are placed high enough so thieves cannot simply unscrew the bulbs. (a hidden camera bulb for these areas is a pretty good idea too!)
10. Try to place exterior lights in opposite corners as opposed to center to help eliminate dark areas

Step 2

Home Interior Security and Safety Checklist

Make Sure:

1. Emergency Phone Numbers are kept near the phone
2. You have a strong lock on your bedroom doors, as well as a strong door and frame.
3. You have a phone and flashlight in each bedroom
4. You have a safe deposit box or diversion safe where you keep extremely valuable jewelry or large amounts of money
5. You check all references of domestic workers
6. You don’t let baby sitters entertain in your home, and invest in a nanny cam or hidden camera
7. You don’t leave anything valuable that can be seen from the street or from the doorway (i.e. purses, car keys, etc. Criminals have been known to use long polls to steal car keys through mailboxes)
8. You keep your blinds and curtains closed at night.
9. You leave the radio playing when you leave for short periods of time. (Talk radio is the best. Televisions use up a lot more electricity)
10. You have a “Beware of Dog” sign, Barking Dog Alarm, and/or a large Dog Water bowl near your back door. (Of course a real dog works too!)
11. Tag Valuable items with an identifying number or code.

Home Security Plan Step 3

Fire Prevention

House Fires are one of the Biggest threats to Home security. The United States has more house fire deaths per capita than any other nation.

House Fire Facts

• More than 1.6 million house fires are reported in the United States each year, involving 3,500 fatalities (including 100 firefighters)
• Where do House fires start?
  • Kitchen 29%
  • Bedroom 13%
  • Living room 8%
  • Chimney 8%
  • Laundry area 4%

How do House fires start? Smoking is the leading cause of house fires that result in fatalities. Cooking accidents are the leading cause of fires that result in injury

Who is most at risk of dying in a house fire? Older people and children under 5 years of age have more than twice the risk of the general population. Kids 19 and under make up 25% of all fire deaths each year. Men are twice as likely to die or be injured in a fire.

-National Fire Prevention Agency/National Center for Injury Prevention and Control

The 2 Basic Principals of Fire Prevention

1. Fire Safe Home.

Check Wiring periodically, keep work areas clean, and use fire retardant materials and furnishings whenever possible when building your home safety and security plan.

2. Fire Safe Habits.

Use Electrical appliances safely, don’t overload circuits, cook foods safely, keep fire starting mechanisms like lighters and matches out of the reach of children, pay attention to how each member uses fire in your home (includes candles cigarettes, candles, incense, etc).

Every home security plan needs at least one fire extinguisher. Have them checked each year at your local fire department.

Fire Safety tips

• Blinds are much safer than curtains since they reduce the risk of a house fire spreading.
• Make sure that children know the rules for using fire and the reasoning behind those rules.
• Make sure a Professional Installs any gas fueled heating devices like fireplaces etc.
• Arrange for the gas company to come and check any installation or repair you do on your own.

Fire Safety Checklist for Your Home Security Plan

Make Sure:

1. Your house numbers or E911 numbers are clearly visible to emergency medical services who will be viewing you house from the street
2. You have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen that each family member knows how to use
3. All matches, lighters, and hazardous chemicals are kept out of reach from children
4. You don’t overload electrical sockets or circuits by placing too many appliances in them.
5. When the circuit breaker trips or a fuse blows, you find the cause and fix it
6. If you live in an older home you’ve had the wiring checked for safety
7. Electrical cords in use are not frayed, cracked, or burnt.
8. That all the air vents on your electrical appliances (stereo, dvd player, tv, etc) are kept free from dust
9. To Clean the lint from the dryer each load, and occasionally remove built up lint that has blown into the exhaust pipe
10. To Clean and service your furnace and all portable heating devices
11. You never place portable heaters in a hallway or doorway, and that you always keep them away from papers, curtains, and furniture
12. You never add fuel to a portable heater while it is still running
13. You have your fireplace chimney cleaned regularly
14. You use a screen and a chimney Fire Arrestor in your fireplaces
15. You keep trees trimmed back at least 10 feet from your outside chimney and you keep brush trimmed back at least 100 feet from your home
16. You and everyone in your household know the proper procedure to put out a cooking fire.
17. Curtains, towels, and other combustibles are kept away from the cooking area
18. The stove is never left on and unattended for any long periods.
19. To clean the stove’s vent regularly, to prevent it from becoming clogged with grease
20. Absolutely nobody smokes in bed. People don’t think that they will fall asleep with a lit cigarette, but thousands do each year.
21. You never smoke when you’re handling gasoline or other highly flammable liquids
22. You don’t keep piles of news paper or other stacks of flammable recycling around your home.
23. You sleep with your bedroom door closed.

Smoke Detector Checklist for Your Home Safety and Security Plan

Make Sure:

1. You Find out how far the smoke detector can sense
2. There is smoke detection that covers your entire home.
3. Smoke detectors are located in central areas of your home and mounted on the ceiling or high up on the wall
4. Everyone in your home knows what the sound the smoke detector makes, and what to do when it sounds
5. You do not have any smoke detectors around or near doors, vents or windows
6. You clean your smoke detectors every 6 months to keep them in good working order
7. You have battery powered smoke detectors, not just the kind that go down with a power failure
8. You check their batteries once every month
9. You have at least one carbon monoxide detector in your home, and you check it regularly
10. You know what the CO alarm sounds like and what to do if it goes off (open windows, wake people up, get outside, call 911 etc)
11. All Chimneys and heating element exhaust vents are kept clean and clear
12. You don’t let you car run in a closed garage, ever
13. You’ve had every alteration to your gas lines or exhaust systems checked by a professional.

Family Escape Plan

Make Sure:

1. Everyone in your family knows when to call 911 and where to meet outside if there is a fire.
2. Every Family member knows at least two exits from every room
3. All upstairs rooms have tool-up or fold up ladders or other escape avenues
4. Every family member knows to check a door for heat before opening them if a fire breaks out.
5. Every family member knows to drop and crawl under the smoke (usually 12 inches of breathable air rests on the floor)
6. Your children know not to hide if a fire breaks out, and they know not to go back inside for any reason
7. You Participate in tot finder and pet finder programs in your area

Home Security Plan Step 4

Anti Car Theft

Anti Car Theft Devices Include:

• Steering wheel locks
• Car immobilizers
• GPS Tracking

Car Theft Prevention Tips

• Don’t leave your car running when making a quick stop at a convenience store. It gives any passerby an opportunity that they weren’t otherwise looking for.
• An extra Key could allow you to keep the car running but locked on those really cold days where starting the engine takes some time.
• When selling your car or motorcycle don’t allow just anyone to test drive it. Get Call back numbers from people who call your ads, and get Identification. A drivers license make the most sense.
• Beware of unscrupulous mechanics or repairmen. Don’t leave your house keys on your key ring when having your car repaired. Remove all potential threats of identity theft as well.

Car Theft Prevention Checklist:

1. You keep your car locked when it’s parked (even in your garage)
2. You leave duplicate car keys with service attendants rather than the originals with the Dupe numbers stamped on them.
3. You keep copies of all your registration and insurance information at home, as well as in the car.
4. You park in well lit areas whenever possible.

Home Security Plan Step 5

Home Entrances Security

Locks & Bolts

• Deadbolt Locks and strike plates offer a very cost effective way to upgrade your home security.
• Window stops, sliding door stop bars, and storm glazing are a few types of security barriers that are easily installed in an intruders “Window of Opportunity”
• A Titanium pad lock is a good idea for any shed or outbuilding.
• Security bars may deter an intruder from breaking in, but can also prevent someone from escaping during a fire. These device should only be used as window grills for uninhabited basements.

This goes for double sided deadbolt locks as well. In a panic the key might not be able to be found, could be dropped down a vent or broken off in the lock itself. These types of locks are rarely recommended and prohibited by the fire codes of some communities.

Door Security

Checklist:

1. All Doors are solid hardwood or metal and have secure, tamper proof locks
2. The Door Frame is of Equal Quality
3. All lock bolts extend at least on inch into a secure strikeplate
4. Door hinges are inside the door not outside. (Consider the use of Hinge Bolts)
5. All outside Entrances have a 180 degrees Peephole
6. Glass Panels near locks are fitted with security Glass
7. The Door connecting the house and Garage has a secure deadbolt lock
8. The Garage door has a secure lock that isn’t connected to the automatic door opener.
9. Roof openings, Sky lights, old coal chutes, and exhaust vents are lockable, and kept locked.
10. Consider places to install a door handel alarm
11. Consider places to install a door stop alarm.

Window Security Checklist

Make Sure:

1. All windows are fitted with storm glazing and secure locking mechanisms
2. Windows have dowels or stop pins.
3. Basement windows are fitted with security glass and strong locking mechanisms
4. Window air conditioning units a securely bolted in.
5. Consider glass break alarms or magnetic sensor contact alarms

Home Security Plan Step 6

Components of a Security System

Alarms

Types of Alarms

Simple Premises Alarms sound to warn home occupants of a single danger.

Examples are:

• Smoke Alarms
• Carbon Monoxide Alarms
• Door Wedge Alarms
• Pool Alarms
• Flood Alarms

These alarms are all very effective and low cost

Local Alarms sound a siren or a bell both inside and outside premises to warn occupants and those in the surrounding area of danger. They are slightly more effective than simple Premises alarms in that a person outside of the house has a greater chance of hearing the alarm.

Telephone Dialers dial programmed telephone numbers when they’re motion detection is tripped. Professionally monitored systems dial the security service which then contacts the police or fire department and the home owner. Some can be monitored by the home owner.

Continually Monitored Security Systems are the most expensive. When a fire or burglar alarm is tripped, the system notifies your contracted security company, who then intern, notify the police or fire department or may send a private security officer to your home.

Motion Detectors

These make great deterrents and can include: Motion activated lighting, cameras, or even a motion activated ferocious sounding dog.

Infrared sensors are even better because they are triggered by body heat (98.6 for humans) and are therefore less likely to go off from a cat, squirrel or other animal.

Security Cameras

Most of us are on camera several times a day without even knowing it. ATMs, convenience stores, security cameras, and highway intersections are all monitored to help prevent crimes and gather evidence.

As the cost of these once expensive item is decreasing, a lot of regular citizens are starting to incorporate cameras into their home security plan. The Cost is really up to the consumer.

Wired cameras:

These are connected to a power source and video recorder via cables. They are the most reliable but require professional installation. The cost ranges from $50 for a basic model to $500 for high-end models.

Wireless cameras:

These connect to the internet via WiFi or cellular networks and can be accessed from anywhere using a smartphone or computer. They are easy to install but can be vulnerable to interference and hacking. The cost ranges from $50 to $400.

Indoor cameras:

These are designed for use inside the home and can be used to monitor children, pets, and property. They come in various shapes and sizes and are usually wireless. The cost ranges from $50 to $200.

Outdoor cameras:

These are designed for use outside the home and are weatherproof to withstand rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. They are usually wired and have infrared night vision capabilities. The cost ranges from $100 to $500.

Doorbell cameras:

These are installed in place of a traditional doorbell and provide a live video feed of anyone who comes to the door. They can also be used to communicate with visitors via a smartphone app. The cost ranges from $100 to $300.

Hidden cameras:

These are designed to be discreet and are often disguised as everyday objects such as clocks, picture frames, and smoke detectors. They can be wired or wireless and are usually more expensive than traditional cameras. The cost ranges from $50 to $500.

Step 7

Installing Your Security System

Zone Your Equipment

Zoning your equipment helps you get the most out of your security system when and where you need it. Although a Zone could be a specific area, room, or group of rooms, zoning can also be the type of sensor or security throughout your home, all sensors in any one room, or a single sensor.

For example. You could have exteriors sensors activated (zone 1, ON) while leaving interior Motion detectors deactivated (zone 2, OFF) . This would allow you to walk freely around the house while keeping the outside fully guarded by your security system.

Or if you want sliding doors and windows in your bedroom turned off (zone 3, OFF) and your upstairs motion detectors off for night time trips to the bathroom (zone 4 off), while everything else downstairs and outside on full alert, you can.

An Example Zoning System might be:

1. Zone A – All Exterior Entrances on Lower Floor (windows, doors, Garages, etc)

2. Zone B – All Exterior Entrances on Upper Floor (windows, doors, skylights, etc)

3. Zone C – All of Lower Floor for at night when asleep

4. Zone D – A panic Alarms that activates everything (Panic Alarms should always be their own zone)

System components:

Control Panel. The Brains of the operation, The control panel will have a terminal strip that allows you to hook up other components.

Keypad or touch Pad. This is used to “Arm” and “Disarm” your system. Sometimes the Keypad will have a panic alarm

Motion Sensor. This sensor is used to trigger is motion is detected within its range

Door and Window Sensors. These sensors are used to detect when a window or door is breached

Glass Break Sensors. These detect broken glass in a window, door, or other possible entrance to your home

Smoke and Fire Sensors. Used to Detect Abnormal Heat or Smoke.

Telephone Dialer System. Used to summon help or notify owners of activity within an armed zone.

Sirens and Strobes. Used to Scare off intruders and attract attention to the home or business.

Panic Button. Used to activate the system upon demand

Wireless Installation

If you can set up a TV and DVD player you are probably okay with setting up a wireless alarm system.

Here’s how to begin.

1. Decide on where to place the console or control panel. Unlike Hard Wired Systems, wireless systems rely on the transmission and reception or radio waves. This Means your control panel must be placed in a spot where it can accurately receive signals to and from all its smaller co-working components.

2. Plug the control panel into an electrical outlet. Not an outlet that has a wall switch.

3. Install Batteries. Your wireless console or control panel should have a battery back up system

4. Extend Antenna. If your console or control panel has an antenna, make sure it is extended all the way

5. Connect the Control Panel to a Telephone Jack. Use the phone cord that came with your system.

6. Turn the Control Panel On. May read On, Run, Install, etc. Check the suggested setting in your user manual.

7. Set The Tone/Pulse Option. Some security consoles have a switch for older “pulse” dialed phones.

Installing Window/Door Sensors

Door and window sensors usually come in 3 parts.

1. The Back Cover. Attachable to the wall with screws and drywall anchors

2. The Sensor. The sensor slides easily on to the back cover

3. Magnetic Switch and Magnet. Connected to the sensor by a wire. You mount the sensor on the wall and attach the magnetic switch to the door or window frame. You then attach the magnet to the door or window itself directly in line with the magnetic switch. (pg186)

How to Install a Magnetic Window or Door Sensor

1. Install the Batteries

2. Select “Normally Closed” Circuit Position. Some Magnetic Sensors have the option for “Normally Closed” or “Normally Open”. It is generally recommended to use “normally closed” settings so that the alarm will trigger if someone cuts the power to your sensor.

3. Select “Door” or “Window” setting. Some sensors have this option

4. Mount Sensor to Wall. Use Screws or Double Stick tape to mount the sensor cover to the wall, then slide the sensor onto it.

5. Mount the Magnetic Switch. Use the same mounting method as previous to mount the magnetic switch on the door frame or window frame.

6. Mount the Magnet. Use the same method to mount the magnet on the door or window

7. Test the Sensor. Open the door or window, then press the “test” button

How to Install a Wireless Motion Detector

Passive Infrared (PIR) Motion detectors work by sensing changes in temperature. By comparing the background temperature to a moving object, the camera is able to decipher what heat is from a cat or dog and which heat is from a human

On average a motion detector will be able to see movement up to about 40 feet away within a 90 degree span.

1. Mark the Mounting Location. The motion detector should be approximately 6-7 feet high, mounted horizontal rather than angled up or down. Try to Aim the motion detector to encompass with widest area a person would walk

2. Install the necessary batteries, and label the monitor by Zone.

3. Mount the Detector. Use the Screws or Double Sided Tape.

4. Activate and Test the Detector. Follow the manufactures instructions.

Motion Detectors create a safety net that can detect an intruder should they get past your perimeter security measures.

How To Install a Wireless Surveillance System.

Glossary:

Field Of View (FOV): The Size of the area the camera can see. This area is dependent on the LFL or (Lens Focal Length) and the camera Format Size. This feature is usually described in degrees.

Format. The Size of the imaging Device. Usually ½ (6.4mm) or 1/3 inch (4.9mm)

Imaging Device. The portion of the camera that converts light into an electrical signal.

Lens: The “EYE” of the camera. The Lens focuses light reflected back from people and objects on to the imaging device. The “Aperture” is the iris of the lens, in that it expands or contracts to control the level of light entering the camera lens

Lens Focal Length. The “Magnification” of the lens. The longer the Focal Length the narrower the viewing angle.

Lines of Resolution: Denotes how many “Image Lines” are transmitted to broadcast the image. The Higher the number the clearer and crisper the image.

Lux. The measurement of light. The lower the Lux value is, the less light is required by the camera to record.

Pixels. This is a term for active picture elements. These are the number of light sensitive elements within the camera imaging device.

VSS Components

1. Cameras and Transmitters

2. A Receiver and an Antenna

3. A Power Supply (usually a 12-Volt DC Supply)

4. Cabling to connect the receiver to a monitor or DVR

5. DVR or Monitor/television

Calculate the best resolution FOV (the distance from your camera lens at which an ogject can be clearly viewed). To calculate this distance, you divide the camera’s lines of resolution by 16 (the minimum line per foot required to identify someone on video) LOR/16 = the cameras resolution limited FOV.

1. The Camera should have a clear view of the area monitored. Near a ceiling is best

2. Do not point the camera directly at a light source

3. Place the camera away from extreme temperatures and dust.

4. Depending on the strength of the transmitter it will be capable of going through one or more walls.

Installing the System

1. Use your camera base as a guide, and mark the screw hole locations on the wall where you intend to install the camera.

2. Drill Starter Holes for Screws

3. Screw the Base onto the Wall, and then attach the Camera to the base.

4. Connect the Cables.

Connecting the Components

1. Connect the Camera to the Transmitter. Use the Supplied cord. Aim the antenna in the direction of the receiver, then turn on the power and choose the channel you wish to use. (multi channel systems)

2. Connect the Receiver. Place the receiver in the desired location. Point the antenna toward the transmitter, and set to the same channel that you chose when you set up the transmitter.

3. Connect Receiver to DVR or Monitor. Run A/V Cables from Receiver outputs to video input connections on DVR or Monitor.

Congratulations Your Plan is Complete!

See: Intro to creating a home security plan

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