Upgrading Your Home Security When You Move House

Whether you are moving to a home that is already has a system installed, or you would like to install a new system, the learning curve is huge.The rise of technology has seen a boom in the home security gadget sector and there are lots of ideas out there, from fake video surveillance cameras as a psychological deterrent, to full ‘stakeout’ systems that are fully integrated with the internet and allow you to spy in real time on your cat, or your nanny! 

We’ve all seen the horror stories in the news about security camera’s being hacked and streamed live on the internet, but there are many success stories too, where home security systems have saved lives and provided evidence to solve crimes. So, it is worth engaging with a professional security analyst and installation specialist to assess the property and provide a secure solution that you are happy with andwill help protect your castle.

 
UNDERSTANDING THE COST OF HOME SECURITY

The definition of home security can include the security hardware that is installed on a property, as well as the personal security habits of each individual. From the locks and screenson the doors and windows, to whether you leave a light on at night are all learned behaviours humans have invented to keep themselves and their loved ones safe from invasive harm.

Home security systems are many and varied and are offered at different costs to suit every budget. In Australia, you may be able to get a single Wi-Fi camera with night vision for under $200 as a basic system, but elaborate and complex surveillance can cost up to the thousands with smart switches and 24/7 monitoring.

You should research all the options within your budget and evaluate your property. Make a security wish list of ideas such as:

• Where are the external doors, windows or other entry/exit points (such as fences, garages etc.)? What condition are the locks and hinges in?
• Could you benefit from exterior lighting?
• Do you have a fence? If you do, what condition is it in and do the gates close properly? Are the gates lockable? Should you get a fence?
• What vantage points would you see as best to monitor if you are looking at a camera system or motion sensors?
• What kind of devices would you like to use to monitor and secure the property? Such as alarm systems, cameras, CCTV, internet streaming etc.

HOME SECURITY TECHNOLOGY

This is a big topic, and another good reason to speak with a home security installation specialist because they should be completely up to date with what is happening in the product market of their industry. They can advise on the best solutions to integrate with your own knowledge and understanding of what is involved.

There are a lot of buzz words that may seem familiar but can mean something slightly different in this area of device technology. Wired or wireless, digital alarms, control panels, CCTV, motion sensors, detectors, key fobs, remote access … the list goes on! How any of these are applicable to you and how they may interact with your behavioural and structural security, and how they interact with each other, can be knowledge that is best explained to you in detail.

WHO ARE THE EXPERTS?

Specialised installers will have dedicated training and be accredited as registered cablers. Their license is granted by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) who are responsible for accreditation under the Australian Cabler Registration Service (ACRS).

Each state has industrial regulations pertaining to the installation of security equipment including security screens, home alarm and camera systems. Therefore, installers of such equipment require valid security licence and/or be a licensed electrician or cabler, in the locality where they are working.

Operators should hold the following local license:

• Queensland – Security Firm Licence or Security Provider Licence (Class 1 – manpower & Class 2 – technical)
• New South Wales – master Licence (employer) or Class 1 (manpower) or Class 2 (technical) licence.
• Victoria – Private Security Business Registration or Private Security Individual Registration.

We asked Kylie, Managing Director at Pacific Security (Brisbane) for her top tips when considering your home security:

1. By having a security camera and/or monitored security alarm system in the premise, you may be eligible for a discount on your home and contents insurance. This discount can be put towards back to base alarm monitoring to secure your site 24/7 by a control room team.
2. Could you benefit from exterior motion activated lighting.
3. Remote view your cameras from your smart phone, laptop or PC.
4. Remote monitor, arm & disarm your security alarm from your smart phone.
5. If your alarm triggers an event, log into your cameras on your smart phone and view the activity on site. The police will attend with high priority to a ‘confirmed’ break and enter taking place, verified by live cameras (as they want to catch them in the act).
6. Join a local neighborhood watch program or facebook community page and contribute to the sharing of information of suspicious activity.
7. Alarm systems allow you to partial arm your home whilst in the home. For example; you may want the ground level armed whilst your family is sleeping upstairs.

SAFE AND SOUND FROM DAY ONE

Whether you have a lot of assets or a few, protecting our loved ones is our primary human concern. From having the best locks on the doors and windows, fake security cameras to full surveillance systems with monitored security companies – we are all motivated by our basic instinct to protect ourselves, our families and our homes. Possessions can always be replaced, but we can never underestimate the value of our personal safety and security. If you are conscious of these principles when you move to your new home, you can assess what security is already in place and what you may need with the help of an expert – feeling safe is how we get a good night’s sleep, and you're going to need one on your first night in your new house after all the moving!