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What Is A Good Cheap Home Security System

Korey Rex
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6
What Is A Good Cheap Home Security System

After a lot of research, we found the best affordable home security companies in the US. here are the 3 good cheap home security systems. Let’s take a look at them:

Ring Alarm

Ring Alarm is one of the most affordable and reliable security systems out there. It’s $10 a month, and it has 60-day cloud video storage as well as a lifetime warranty which few brands can offer at such a low price tag.

Ring Alarm is more affordable than high-end security brands like ADT and Vivint, but it doesn’t come with as many equipment options. We also enjoy that Ring Alarm works with Amazon Alexa and Z-Wave smart home skills.

Ring Alarm is an affordable home security option to start protecting your house. We recommend the eight-piece security kit as it will be more useful in protecting multiple doors and windows around your property for about $100, which isn’t much!

Ring Alarm protects every location with doorbell cameras that you can access remotely on any device through their app. You won’t pay extra for cloud storage, unlike other companies where everything needs to go into a plan costing money each month after one week of free trial (if they even offer that). This makes Ring very delicious since there are no hidden costs when trying out this product.

Wyze Home Monitoring

Wyze Home Monitoring can provide 24/7 professional monitoring for only $5 a month, making it one of the cheapest ways to add an entry sensor and keypad. It’s also known for having some of the best cheap security cameras on the market today!

Wyze may not support Z-Wave or Zigbee as Abode does, nor provide cellular backup like Ring. Without these features, the system can’t contact the monitoring center when your home internet is down; thus, it has a shorter warranty than Ring offers at one year instead of lifetime coverage.

Kangaroo

Kangaroo’s equipment is fresh and innovative, with all their devices costing $30 or less. This low price doesn’t mean they have low quality either; everything feels new and different for kangaroos, unlike other brands that stick to the same old technology. All of Kangaroo’s devices use Wi-Fi, too so you don’t need a control panel or hub, which makes it very easy to build your own system without getting any starter kits first—though Kangaroo has those as well if needed!

Kangaroo’s plan is $10 a month and comes with the same features as Ring Alarm. However, it has one year of cloud storage for its doorbell camera, which makes up for the fact that these clips are basically animated GIFs. Also included in this package: theft protection! This covers stolen packages worth up to $1,000 dollars–a huge bonus!

How Much Are Home Alarm Systems?

Daisy Jensen
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8
How Much Are Home Alarm Systems?

Home security has become an integral part of the system. People are investing in it and buying proper setups for it. For a basic set of equipment, you can be charged around $200 which can be elevated to thousands of dollars for a fancy one. If you want to do it at a lower price, there are always DIY options available. DIY options are always cheap and handy, but they don’t provide a high level of security.  The price range widely depends upon the type or number of installations, the level of security it provides, and the monitoring method. 

The Cost Which Must Be Considered Before Installation

When a security system is installed in a house, the system is not the only thing that is purchased. There are several other things that increase the cost of a home alarm system

Selection of the security system

There are two types of security systems, one is monitored and the other is not. The monitored one is expensive but it has a lag time if something bad happens. On the other hand, the one that is not monitored is much cheaper and informs you directly if somethings up and the response time shortens because you have to check it yourself if it’s a false alarm or not. So choose wisely. 

Smart Home Automation

Most of the alarm companies try to sell you their plan with the home automation factor. Which is pretty cool, makes life easier but is expensive to have, and increases the costs of the system.

24/7 Surveillance 

Most companies offer a continuous video recording (CVR) which records the motion-triggered activities. That also adds additional cost to the budget of a home alarm system.

Security Equipment 

Security cameras, sensors, control panels you have to rent or buy each thing out in order to run the security system. Which is costly but very necessary. 

So basically, the installation of a home alarm system is necessary enough to spend hundreds of dollars on it. So you should choose wisely what to do, if you want to go DIY, be properly prepared for it. If not, there are always a lot of companies present to provide you the best. 

Who Installs Security Cameras

Korey Rex
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10
Who Installs Security Cameras

If you’re thinking of installing a security camera around your home, don’t worry about which option is best. There are tons of companies near you who can install cameras for your convenience and there’s also the possibility to do it yourself if needed.

Choosing the Right Security Camera

Before you rush out to buy security cameras, consider what type of camera is most suitable for your needs. You could also try the best home security products available for those with a limited budget.

Here are some features that you should consider when you are deciding types of security cameras for your home:

Tilt and Zoom

Install these cameras if you want to monitor a large area like a hall or corridor. They allow remote control of direction, so they’re perfect for monitoring spaces that are difficult to see from one spot.

Wide-Angle Lens

A camera with a wide-angle lens can cover more space and save you money. A single-camera won’t cut it in all cases, but when the area is small to medium-sized, one will do just fine. However, suppose coverage becomes larger than that. In that case, two cameras may be required since there’s no way for a single device to capture everything needed at once from different angles without missing significant parts of what needs capturing altogether.

HD Video and Photos

HD cameras make it easier to capture and store high-quality video or photos on a cloud server, your SD card, or even your smartphone. If you need evidence for anything, these are the best tools to use!

Motion Detection

Motion detection cameras are great for stores that stay open at night. They let you know if something’s happening inside your shop, so they’re worth the money.

Night Vision

Night vision cameras are a great way to monitor your property. They provide you with the ability to see what is happening around your home or business and can even help detect unwanted guests such as predators, pests, and trespassers!

Two-Way Audio

The two-way audio feature on surveillance cameras is a favorite with young parents because it allows them to communicate with their babies while they are not in the room. The video feed also lets them know when the child has woken up or fallen asleep.

Outdoor-Proof

Some cameras are water-resistant and can help you catch perpetrators outside your own house. This is especially useful if they’ve already broken in while you were unaware.

Do you want to know how wireless home security works? If so, click here.

How Do Wireless Home Security Systems Work?

Daisy Jensen
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7
How Do Wireless Home Security Systems Work?

Homeowners are more aware of the importance of home security than ever before. However, many people don’t understand how wireless home security systems work and what they can do to protect their homes and families from burglars.

Wireless home security systems make it easy for homeowners to protect their families and belongings without having to worry about running out of batteries or being tied down by wires. They offer several incredible benefits that you may not have considered before reading about wireless security systems.

These systems use wireless technology to connect all your devices, which can be of various types. The devices can monitor each other in real-time without wires getting tangled or exposed to weather conditions like rain or snow damage outside your house. 

This makes them easy to install with no need to drill holes through walls and running cables around the place, eventually creating less mess. Plus, wireless sensors mean that you won’t have any problems if some of your equipment needs replacing at some point because everything works wirelessly.

It is difficult to comprehend how wireless home security systems work without understanding the basics of wireless technology. Wireless technology has made our lives easier in many ways. From mobile phones to Wi-Fi networks and even remote controls for televisions, it’s hard to imagine life without the use of wireless technology. 

A wireless security system allows you to monitor and control your entire house from anywhere. The system uses an app on your smartphone, radio waves, and sensors to monitor any activity in the house. This is a great way to monitor each corner of your house with convenience and ease when managing your family’s safety. 

There may be some initial costs involved with having such a system set up. Still, a wireless security system will surely save you money over time compared with traditional wired alarm systems. They are also much more convenient than other types of alarms because of fewer wires and no single point of failure, so most people find them easy to use too.

Learn more about home security systems and their importance. Visit us at www.be-safe.org.

FAQs

How to set up your own home security system?

To set up your own home security system, you have to install the home security panel, place all the detectors and sensors at their right places, and after placing everything at its right place, you’ll have to test your system.

What are the different types of home security systems?

The different types of home protection systems include; Home Security Alarms, Burglar Alarms, CCTV Cameras, Door & Window Filters, Smoke Detectors, Home Alarm Cameras, and Fire Protection Alarms. 

Can You Put A Gun Safe Upstairs – Storage Tips For Gun Owners

Daisy Jensen
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86
Can You Put A Gun Safe Upstairs – Storage Tips For Gun Owners

Your gun safe now is placed downstairs, but you realize it’s quite annoying? Well, everyone wants to keep it safely away from prying eyes but easily accessible when required for self-defense against intruders. 

So, can you put a gun safe upstairs? Let’s dive into this post and find out the best solution for this headache problem!

Can You Put A Gun Safe Upstairs?

Yes, you can! Though a gun safe is not only heavy but also bulky in size, it doesn’t matter if you consider its weight and its position on the floor. 

For gun owners who live in high-rise apartments or two-story houses, this issue has probably come up at least once. A large safe can be difficult to get upstairs. Not only would it take time, but there’s also the question of whether it would damage the roof of one’s living space.

The Weight Of Your Gun Safe

How heavy of a gun safe upstairs? The weight of gun safes varies depending on their levels, but some safes can even weigh up to half a ton. It seems like storing such a heavy piece of furniture on your second floor would be risky, but remember that your house was built to withstand thousands of lbs!

If your gun safe is lightweight, not all of these issues will apply to you. The smaller one runs cheaper, and you might not need to hire a moving company to carry it up the stairs. If it’s feasible, think about investing in a small-size gun safe which will eliminate some concerns and save you money!

Nevertheless, in case you’re looking for a safe that will keep your guns and other valuables secure, then opt to go with the heavy ones. While they might require more investments in the purchase price and arrangements when it comes time to install them, these are definitely worth it at the end of the day.

Can A House Floor Support A Gun Safe?

You can keep a gun safe upstairs as long as you consider a few important logistics, including the safe’s weight, the square footage of the room you intend to put it in, and where the strongest area to support its weight.

Have you ever wondered how the house floor supports a gun safe?

  • Upstairs rooms can store heavy furniture.
  • When it comes to weight, most houses are built to code.
  • Some flooring areas have stronger points than others.

When you inspect the room you intend to store your gun safe, consider how much furniture you’ve already placed in it. Most second-floor rooms have beds and dressers. On average, generic furniture can weigh up to one ton!

Some of you are probably aware, the typical dimensions of a bathtub are 60” long and 30” wide. This can hold somewhere around 80 gals of water – the same dimension as the most well-known safes!

An extra-deep tub can hold approximately 110 gals of water. One gallon weighs 8 lbs, which means the average bathtub could weigh between 700 – 1,000 lbs — not including anyone in it!

As a result, the house floor can surely support one ton, but the real question is whether it can support two. You probably want to store your gun safe in a room without too much furniture for this to work best!

When building a house, there are numerous codes and rules that the construction contractor must follow to pass inspection. One of these has to do with how much weight the second story can hold for a two-story house.

A 120 square-foot room can easily support 4,800 lbs. It means you don’t need to worry about storing your gun safe upstairs, but you still have to consider the floor beams and the weak points of the floor.

A strong and durable material like concrete is best for supporting a gun safe. However, if you already have wood floors, you need to know the exact location of support beams in that area, then those can serve as a strong spot to put your new safe into.

You might consider putting the safe in a cross beam or a corner of your bedroom that provides more support for your safe. The middle of the room can still hold it, yet we tend to place furniture pieces there, such as a dresser, bed, or bookcase.

The gun owners community also recommends that once you keep your safe upstairs, don’t ignore to notify the fire department. In case of a house fire, they’ll know where your one-ton gun safe is located within the house.

How To Move A Gun Safe Upstairs

Any changes in the terrain would result in more complicated safe installation. These changes could be stairs, uneven ground, steep slopes, narrow hallways, or large water bodies.

It needs expertise, proper tools, and strength to get through these challenging terrains successfully. Still, big box stores only deliver goods on curbsides, which can be inconvenient for those with large homes or multiple floors that need assistance up and down stairs on moving day.

It means that gun owners have to move a 1,000 lbs safe or heavier into their house. For most people, it’s not feasible to safely move anything of such size. In case your safe needs to go up several flights of stairs, it’s much the same!

Safety Tips For Moving A Gun Safe Upstairs

Using a dolly would benefit your process.  The durable and secure nature of this helpful tool will help you transport your heavy load safely while resting as necessary along the way. Below are some safety tips you need to bear in mind:

  • Measure your gun safe’s dimensions and weight.
  • Secure a hand truck or heavy-duty dolly that can support the safe’s weight.
  • Wrap a thick cloth around your gun safe, and tight ratchet straps snugly around your dolly for better securing the gun safe.
  • Remove the firearms inside the safe. If the door’s safe is removable, do remove it for lighter weight.
  • Put on protective gloves and clothing to better grip the handle of the dolly.
  • Make sure to ask helpers to clear the goals. This helps make sure no risks are threatening you.
  • Determine the location of the narrow gaps, bumps, and sharp turns to clear the way during the process.

How To Move A Gun Safe Upstairs

Think of the place where you are going to put your gun safe. Ask three trusted friends who can help you conquer this task. Also, prepare a ratchet strap to cover the safe and a heavy-duty dolly big enough to support such weight! Keep in mind that the process might be dangerous, so plan out how it’s done carefully! 

Once you’re ready, here is our step-by-step guide on moving a gun safe upstairs appropriately:

  • Remove the safe’s door (if possible) and the anchor bolts.
  • Place your dolly underneath your safe. Balance the safe’s weight against the durable dolly to help you move it easily.
  • Secure your gun safe with the tips above.
  • Be cautious while pulling your safe on each stair step.
  • Maintain constant balance with your dolly to prevent sudden movements of the safe.
  • Bend your knees, grab the safe’s handle firmly to gather more momentum while pulling your safe.
  • When your safe tips are over, let it lay upon the ground.

Other Places To Install Gun Safes

There is no one best place for a gun safe. You can keep it downstairs or upstairs as long as that place meets the standard requirements. At all events, preference matters most!

Placing a gun safe in the basement is also a good idea, but you will get into trouble when floods arise. To prevent water damage to your firearms, you can add concrete blocks to raise the position of the safe. You can’t anchor this raised gun safe, yet this is where your heavy-sized safe comes in handy as it’s not easy to move it around.

When moving the heavy gun safe across your hardwood floors, you must be careful not to leave behind any marks or scratches. You can use carpet and felt pads while doing this to prevent floor damages. However, keep in mind that the safes may put too much pressure on certain types of floors. So, do some research beforehand!

Conclusion

Can you put a gun safe upstairs? Yes, moving a gun safe could be tough, but it is possible with the right knowledge and preparation. Don’t forget to inspect your house floor first to know whether or not the weight will pose any difficulties for moving up there. 

You’ll also want to make sure all furniture in the way is cleared out beforehand as well. Keep these things in mind when deciding how best to move your gun safes around safely!

Which Is The Best Home Security System?

Dennis Chapman
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13
Which Is The Best Home Security System?

The best home security systems are the ones that provide maximum safety within a limited budget. We have gathered all of them on this list to help you out with your choice!

Vivint

Vivint is the overall most recommended by our readers because of their high-quality products that provide extensive coverage across all parts of your property

Simplisafe

Simplisafe received reader recommendations due to its reliability

Frontpoint

Frontpoint has a complete range of packages with different price ranges which make it both affordable for everyone yet effective enough to keep you safe

ADT

ADT’s customer service receives glowing reviews from customers who say they’re happy for every penny spent on an excellent system

Cove

Cove users recommend this product because it provides more than just basic monitoring at lower prices compared with competitors like Link Interactive

Blue By

Blue By is the no-contract DIY system is the most smart-home compatible one 

Abode

Abode brings you peace of mind with temperature sensors that let you know if your house has been too hot or cold for an extended period of time; cameras send notifications when they detect movement outside while smoke detectors can be included to monitor air quality in real-time (and it’s great because there isn’t any contract) 

Ring Alarm

Ring Alarm is this budget pick that comes equipped with a siren along with key fobs which enables easy arming/disarming without having to enter your phone number every single day so this will save users

Link Interactive

In 2001 Link Interactive became known as one of America’s Best Home Security Systems with their distinctive red panel boxes that were installed by professional installers throughout America since 1965 when it first began providing fire sensing devices for homes across North Carolina. It wasn’t until 2002 did they become what we know today as “Link.” 

The most basic security system options are to keep your doors locked, tell the police about any suspicious activity in or around your house, and use a peephole before opening up.

The simplest ways to improve home safety include locking all of our doors at night when we’re sleeping, reporting anything unusual that happens near my property (like loud noises), and only looking through the peephole first rather than immediately letting someone into our homes.

10 Ways to Improve Your Swimming Pool Safety

Virginia Hoff
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9
10 Ways to Improve Your Swimming Pool Safety

There is nothing more therapeutic than a refreshing dip in the pool. Add to that the fun factor and you have the perfect physical activity and a place to throw parties too. Unfortunately, however, about 390 deaths a year are attributed to drowning in a pool, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

There are a number of safety measures you can implement to protect your loved ones from drowning. We gathered recommendations from the experts for some practical safety tips that can keep you and your family safe in the pool.

1. Install Alarms

“While fences and covers do well to indicate that your pool is off-limits at particular times, children can still figure out ways to get past them and risk falling in. To make sure you’re there in case that happens, it’s important to have an alarm system on your pool’s fence. There are two kinds of pool alarm systems: Wave Alarms-These are set off by ripples and waves caused by someone falling in and Light Alarms- This system shoots a beam of light around the pool’s parameter, setting off when the beam is broken.” (Ashley H)

2. Secure All Pathways To The Pool

“Apart from fences and covers, you’ll need to secure every pathway that kids can take from inside the house to the swimming pool. Consider securing the gates and doors to the pool with kid-proof door knob covers and different kinds of locks depending on your gate or door. These locks and covers are simple to use and very affordable.” (Ashley H)

3. Check The Pool’s Drain And Drain Covers

“A pool drain’s suction feature is so strong that it can lead to the entrapment of even the most experienced swimmers. If a smaller person swims by a drain, not only are they at risk of injuries but they can also potentially drown. This serious issue can be dealt with simply by using anti-drain entrapment covers. While private pools are not required by law to have them, it should  definitely be a priority when improving your pool’s safety.”

Ashley H, Founder Home Improvement Blog MomLovesHome

4. Have a Way To Assign Someone Watch Duty

“When multiple adults are at the pool, they may count on someone else to be watching the children.  Have a way to remember who must be watching at all times. We have a lanyard for pool parties to make sure that the person watching remembers that they can not rely on the other adults around.  The person with the lanyard needs to give it to another adult before heading to the bathroom, getting food or drinks, or engaging in a conversation that involves them taking their eyes off of the children in the water.

“My children learned how to swim at a young age, as we lived in Florida at a house with a pool.  Even though they are great swimmers, they usually have cousins and friends over.  It is easy to get distracted, but so important to make sure that at least 1 adult is watching at all times.”

Lanie van der Horst make-more-adventures.com

5. Environmental Safety

“The first thing I learned, and something that can make a huge difference to pool safety in any environment, is that we badly misunderstand what it looks like when someone is getting into trouble in the water. We all like to think that we’d recognize the danger when it occurs, but in fact drowning can often happen right before our eyes, without us realizing.” (Eric Phillips)

6. Signs of Drowning

“Often, someone in trouble in the water won’t obviously be struggling: in fact, the hallmark signs of drowning are limp limbs and a head that’s tilted back in the water. Surprisingly, people who are drowning are rarely thrashing about like we see in the movies – simply reevaluating our expectations of what it looks like to be in trouble in the water can save a lot of lives. 

“For parents, this means having some difficult conversations with your kids. Whilst young kids should always be supervised around water, older children enjoy their independence – but they have to know the signs that something has gone wrong, so they can reach out for help before it’s too late.” (Eric Phillips)

7. Physical Barriers

“Physical barriers such as hard-top pool covers and fencing are vital to ensure that the pool is a safe space when no one is watching, but, in my opinion, too often people assume that having the right barriers creates a safe pool environment when actually expanding our education is the number one thing that will keep us safe this summer!”

Eric Phillips, Founder of Dripfina

8. Textured Concrete to Prevent Slipping

“Make sure to have textured concrete around the pool. In order to prevent accidental slipping around the pool, it is very important to have textured concrete. There have been so many accidents already due to someone slipping on the wet floor so this should be done in order to avoid it.”

Willie Greer, Founder, The Product Analyst

9. Install a Handrail

“Our family consists of 3 children ages 6, 8 and 12 – so keeping them safe in and around the pool comes first and foremost for us. We made one modification to our pool to ensure that should there ever be any worrying situations; we have something to help prevent any accidents.  

“We installed a simple handrail around the perimeter of the inside of the pool, so if there is ever that moment when one of our children can’t seem to hold their own in the pool, there is always something for them to grab onto to hold themselves up. This is also great for exercise in the pool as well, so that’s a plus too – but safety is the real reason we have had it installed.”

Perry Knight, Lead Editor Wheelie Great

10. Remove Obstacles And Slip Hazards

“Many cases of poolside injuries occur when people slip or trip over objects. It’s wise to keep the area clear of obstacles and over it with surfaces that are more secure than tile. Remove that diving board – yeah, diving boards are fun, but it’s too easy to slip and break something if you’re an amateur and your pool doesn’t comply with the sports pool requirements! They are even more dangerous for your kids.”

Sean Chapman, Founder & Editor-in-Chief at Tools’n’Goods

Living With Alzheimer’s; Home Security Tips For Families

Dennis Chapman
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10
Living With Alzheimer’s; Home Security Tips For Families

Home Safety and security are always a top priority; that priority gets much more critical when it comes to caring for your loved ones who suffer from Alzheimer’s. A tiny mistake or act of negligence can result in devastating consequences. So, what can we do to protect our loved ones from harm?

Consulting with those with experience as well as professional caregivers, we have put together a comprehensive list of all you need to know to provide your loved ones a safe environment.

Position Tracking

“To keep a watchful eye on your loved one who has Alzheimer’s disease, you may want to consider investing in some sort of position tracking software. Whether it links to their smartphone or a wearable device, that application will help you keep tabs on the physical location of your loved one at all times. This way, you can always tell whether your loved one is safe and secure when you’re at the office, at the grocery store, or just in the other room.” (Teresa Crawford)

Install Handicap-Accessible Features in Your Bathrooms

“It would also be a wise idea to install handicap-accessible features in your loved one’s bathroom, and maybe even all the restrooms of your home. These features may include things like grab bars, shower seats, hands-free faucets, and other accommodations. Those features will help minimize the risk of injury in the bathroom, which will greatly benefit your loved one’s health.” (Teresa Crawford)

Fence In Your Yards

“To further reduce wandering behaviors, it’s not a bad idea to ensure your backyard is secure. Without a fence or some kind of separating line surrounding your property, your loved one may wander off and get lost on their own. When your backyard is secure, you’ll have absolute peace of mind knowing that your loved one is safe at your residence.”

Teresa Crawford, founder and owner of The Creeks

Install Monitoring Devices In Each Room Of The House

“This did not only allow me to monitor my grandmother’s movements but also ensured the safety of our home. Though we had a helper to take care of her, she sometimes had to leave her side in order to get necessities like water and food. During these times, it is very important that my grandma’s actions are monitored so as not to hurt herself or other people.

“All electrical outlets are covered and sharp objects are far from her reach. She also has a tracking device installed on her watch so in case she suddenly gets out, it is easy to track her.”

Tony Grenier, CEO Instrumental Global

Install Digital Locks

“We had to install digital locks on our doors. My grandfather used to love traveling and walking around the village. That is why when he suffered from Alzheimer’s, his body still wanted to walk around everywhere. This became a problem because there were instances that he didn’t know how to get back home. Luckily, he didn’t stray away from the subdivision, so we were still able to find him. 

“With that said, we had to install digital locks so it would be harder for him to go out. I think it worked as he was not able to get out of the house alone anymore. We still go on walks with him, it’s just that he cannot do it alone anymore.”

Willie Greer, Founder of The Product Analyst

Evaluate Home safety

  • First of all, you need to think from the perspective of the patient themselves. For example:
  • Can this person have difficulty using the stairs or making their way around the house?
  • Do they often wake up at night?
  • Have they ever gotten into any accidents around the house?
  • Evaluation of your own living space is necessary so you can understand the precautions that need to be taken. Remember that it is more effective to change the environment rather than trying to change the person with Alzheimer’s disease.” (Pareen Sehat)

Lock Up Any Dangerous Items

“This can be applied to your garage, basement or even the kitchen. Scout for tools that can be harmful in the wrong hands. Now, install child-proof locks on cabinets and drawers alike. These include tools like machinery, paint, kitchen cutlery, sports equipment, cleaning supplies and any weapons. Keep these locked up and monitor their use regularly.”

Pareen Sehat, a registered clinical counselor & certified mental health professional; ‘Well Beings Counselling’

Dark Rug By the Front Door

“Placing a dark rug beside the front door can be an easy and effective means of keeping seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease safe. For those with dementia, the dark-colored rug will resemble a hole and will deter them from wandering outside.” (Rick Lauber)

Safety Gates

“Child safety gates can also help. These can be set up at the base or top of stairs. When closed, these will prevent a senior from falling while trying to descend down or climb up the stairs. Safety gates can also be placed in the doorways of rooms that may be risky to a senior with Alzheimer’s disease.” (Rick Lauber)

Remove The Bathroom Mirror

“Family caregivers can also remove the bathroom mirror. An elderly and confused senior suffering from Alzheimer’s disease may not recognize his/her own reflection and be startled, alarmed, or frightened when seeing a ‘stranger’. (Rick Lauber)

Maintain Proper Lighting

“Replacing burnt-light bulbs or installing new and brighter light fixtures can also help. A senior with Alzheimer’s may have more limited eyesight and negotiating darker areas in a home (e.g. hallways) may become challenging. “

Rick Lauber, the published author of two caregiving guidebooks; The Successful Caregiver’s Guide and Caregiver’s Guide for Canadians

“Just as there are assistive devices to help seniors have a better quality of life, there is also technology that may be quite beneficial. It’s known as assistive technology. When you live with someone who has Alzheimer’s, your top responsibility is their safety.” says Piyushi Dhir, “There are two safety features that can help caretakers with those who often wander;

GPS Smart Sole

“The GPS Smart Sole fits into most shoes and allows caretakers to follow the whereabouts and movements of their family members from any smartphone, tablet, or an online browser. The shoe insert is GPS-enabled, allowing for real-time synchronization, a full report of location history, and the ability to set up a safe radius for a loved one.” (Piyushi Dhir)

Install Remote Alarms

“Installing remote-sounding alarms is a safety measure that will keep Alzheimer’s patients from wandering. These alarm systems are intended to sound when someone opens the door from a distance. The sounding device will notify you without frightening your Alzheimer’s-affected loved one.”

Piyushi Dhir, businesswoman by profession, and writer by passion; The owner of ‘At Help and Wellness’

Beef Up Safety Measures In The Bathroom

“The bathroom is the ultimate accident-prone area for someone with Alzheimer’s. Non-slip mats and grab bars are welcome additions, as well as a faucet cover and a shower bench.” (Jack Miller)

Secure The Kitchen, As Well

“It helps to install safety knobs on the stove and unplugging the garbage disposal if you’re not using it.. Keep sharp objects and toxic chemicals out of sight and if necessary, install childproof latches on the cabinet handles where they are stored.” (Jack Miller)

Install Motion-sensor Lights

“This is a given for the outside lights, but do the same for hallways.” (Jack Miller)

Declutter

“If there are kids at home, stow away their toys to avoid possible slips or injuries when they’re stepped on. Similarly, keep any clutter away from doorways.” (Jack Miller)

Add Markings To Steps And Staircases

“Use bright tape that can be easily seen from afar. It also helps to keep these surfaces free from any liquid that may cause slippages.”

Jack Miller, the Founder of How I Get Rid Of

How To Set Up Your Own Home Security System

Korey Rex
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8
How To Set Up Your Own Home Security System

If you’ve ever been a victim of burglary, then you know how frightening and frustrating it is when your home is invaded. It doesn’t matter if they took something of value or not; the feeling of violation and insecurity that comes with such an incident can be overwhelming. 

For this reason, many people have started taking preventive measures and investing in their home security systems to protect themselves from future break-ins or burglaries and avoid any future inconvenience regarding this matter.

Installing a home security system isn’t always easy, mainly because there are many types available. This article will teach you exactly how to set up your home security system so that you can sleep soundly at night, knowing that no burglar will be able to get past your defenses!

We’ll walk you through short, compact steps from start to finish so that you can protect what matters most. No one has time for complicated instructions or confusing diagrams so let’s just skip those and jump to our simple guide.

Our step-by-step guide will show you exactly what to do, with detailed explanations of each step. It won’t get easier than this. Here are the three steps that you can follow to set up your home security system.

Install Home Security Panel

To install your home security panel, pick a place that is close to your main door and has a power source near as well. Use a hammer and a small nail to hold the panel in its place. You can use double-sided tape to hold the panel in place if the wall is not suited for nails. 

Place Sensors and Detectors

The home security pack generally comes with several sensors, detectors, and cameras; these sensors can be placed at different locations around the house. Generally, you should follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer to place the sensors.  

Test your System

Once you are done placing everything in its proper place, you will have to test the system. You have to check if the sensors are working and if the panel is in place. You can also do an emergency drill and check that how it handles the situation.

By following these steps, you will secure your home from any external entity that you don’t want inside of your home. To know more about home security and security systems, do visit us at www.be-safe.org.

FAQs

What are the different types of security systems?

The different types of security systems include; Home Security Alarms, Burglar Alarms, CCTV Cameras, Door & Window Filters, Smoke Detectors, Home Alarm Cameras, and Fire Protection Alarms. 

How much does a security system cost?

On average, a home security system can cost you an average of anything around $250-$1500. There can be a small monthly upcharge for maintenance and other services. The budget bracket can variate due to multiple reasons.

Tips To Childproof Your Household for Babies and Toddlers

Daisy Jensen
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9
Tips To Childproof Your Household for Babies and Toddlers

It seems like we’re forever childproofing our place when there is a baby or toddler around. Each time we secure one danger, the little ones manage to discover another one. So what can we do to keep babies and toddlers safe at home?

Honestly, there is a lot we can do. Each parent experiences something new and has value to add to our growing list of what we can do to ensure our kids’ safety while still allowing them to play and explore in the house.

Cover Electrical Outlets

“I am very protective of my children and I will do anything in my power to try and protect them from any danger. This is why I installed electrical outlet covers to all the outlets in the house. Children are very curious, so when they see you do something, like plug an electrical wire into the socket, they will try and do it too. Since they cannot understand that they can get hurt, it is our duty as parents, as adults, to protect them.

“I once saw a related one on the news where a two-year-old toddler inserted a metal spoon on the electrical outlet and got electrocuted. According to the news, his mother was feeding him and just went out to get water. The next thing they knew, the toddler was no longer breathing. It was such a sad day for their family.

“So it is very important to install protective gears on common household items such as electrical outlets in order to prevent the electrocution of children. It is not enough to tell the children not to do it, but instead, do structural protection too. Remember, it’s okay to be extra protective so everyone will stay well and alive.”

Tony Grenier, CEO Instrumental Global

Install Window Guards

“While it may be a good idea to leave a window halfway open for fresh air, it could lead to a host of injuries to your child. A fall from a window tends to be very severe and is believed to be the number one trauma reason for children to go to the ER. Installing window guards is a simple and inexpensive way to avoid this. These devices prevent the window from opening more than 6 inches, allowing for fresh air to pass through while decreasing the risk of your child falling out.” (Ashley H)

Anchor Heavy Furniture and Devices

“Furniture tip-over accidents can lead to devastating crush injuries that may be fatal. Televisions especially are easily tipped over by kids, leading to bodily harm. You can buy tethers from home improvement stores to anchor heavy furniture and televisions to the wall to keep your child safe from tip-over injuries.” (Ashley H)

Childproof Your Trash Cans

“Children are often enchanted by the colorful contents of garbage. These contents, however, can. harm your child as they may include sharp objects, rotten foods, and items that may constitute a choking hazard. Keep your child safe by using latches to keep the lids closed and keep it out of reach outside of your home.”

Ashley H, Founder Home Improvement Blog MomLovesHome

Household And Backyard Tools Can Be Dangerous For Young Children

“Children love to explore around the home and don’t know what is and what isn’t safe to touch. Sometimes while using tools, parents may put them down for a few minutes in between tasks and forget that children can access them and experience serious injury or worse. And renovating a home while toddlers are around can be challenging!

“All hand power tools such as drills and saws should be locked away when they’re not being used. If any tools have blades or knives, these should be removed from the tool and locked away. 

Lawnmowers, trimmers, scissors, and other garden tools should be stored somewhere safe and out of reach of children, ideally in a garden shed with a lock. This should be done even if your child is inside while you’re working in your yard.

“When using tools, check that your child is not in the way and if you are stopping for even just a few minutes, switch off, unplug and put your tools somewhere that your child cannot reach.

Long cords should never be left dangling as children can pull on them. Tidy the floor too in case there are any trip or slip hazards such as electrical cords or spilled liquid.”

Christine Carlisle, mom of 3 teenage girls and the senior writer for Home Health Living

Using a Floor Mattress and Playmat

“I made a decision to sleep with my little one on the floor when she was one year old, and I’ve taught her how to get off and on the floor bed/ mattress ever since. I also surround her with pillows, and I also have some playmats surrounding the mattress, just in case she accidentally falls off it.” (Julie Ann Ensomo)

Use a Baby Gate

“We have this pet gate that we didn’t really use that much for our cats so we just placed it by my kid’s bedroom door, so she won’t wander off when we’re not looking. She can still see us from outside so she doesn’t feel alone and it’s high enough that she won’t be able to climb out of it.” (Julie Ann Ensomo)

Hide Everything

“We co-sleep in my kid’s bedroom and I hide everything that can potentially be dangerous for her. I have child safety locks in everything that she can possibly open – cabinets, drawers, etc.

So the only thing you will visibly see in my kid’s bedroom is the floor mattress, playmat, pillows and some age-appropriate toys. So she’s totally safe to stay there on her own and I check up on her using the baby monitor from time to time.”

Julie Ann Ensomo, Mother and Motherhood Experience Blogger at Adaptable Mama.

“It’s quite a hard task for parents to make sure that our house is childproof. We may, at times, feel confident thinking that we have already done a good job keeping the house safe for our toddlers. Yet there are still unfortunate instances that happen even though we try hard keeping them secured, especially at home.” says Lynda Le, “Here are some childproofing tips I did at home, which can sometimes be missed by parents:

Keep Matches and Candles out of Reach

“Make sure that matches and candles are out of their reach. These are small stuff so don’t let them scatter around the house. Toddlers can accidentally start a fire with matches. It’s also a risk chewing a candle for they can be choked by the wax.” (Lynda Le)

Keep The Frames Away and Mount The TV

“Toddlers love moving around, walking, and running so they will eventually bump into things. They can potentially knock frames and even TV if they bumped on the TV stand. Shattered glass may cut them, and as for the TV, it may fall on them. Keep the frames away and the TV mounted for safety.” (Lynda Le)

Secure Your Fireplace

“You also have to cover your fireplace. Plus, place heat-resistant gates as the flames are burning for added safety. If the fireplace is not in use, secure that, so no one can touch anything in it, especially your toddlers. Keep out of reach and sight the tools used for stoking the fire.”

Lynda Le, Nail Technician and Founder of Polish Perfect

Causes of False Alarms in Home Security Systems

Dennis Chapman
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8
Causes of False Alarms in Home Security Systems

There are many different causes of false alarms in home security systems, including pets, appliances, and even the weather. False alarms in home security systems can be a nuisance and waste your time.

The number of false alarms is on the rise, and it’s costing homeowners money. It’s also putting first responders at risk when they respond to these calls. False alarms in home security systems are a serious problem. They can lead to fines, lawsuits, and even the loss of your business license.

Pets

The most common cause of false alarms is pets. Pets can trigger the alarm by entering or exiting through an unprotected door, window, or pet door. They can also set off the alarm system by jumping onto furniture or running across the floor.

Kids

Another great cause of false alarms is children playing with the alarm system. Kids playing with the alarm system or pressing buttons on the keypad can trigger a false alarm that can alert the authorities.

Appliances

Appliances that cause smoke or are used for cooking can also set your alarm. These false alarms can cause so many problems for the homeowner and can ruin the peace with all the panic that is created.

Weather

weather-related events such as lightning, thunderstorms, and heavy rain can cause false alarms. The loud noise or flashes of light or a heavy gust of wind can trigger the alarm system without any real danger present.

Unintentional Activations

This is also one of the most common reasons for accidental activation. This happens when a person unintentionally enters the wrong passcode when they are not paying attention or when they put the passcode in hurry and press the wrong buttons

To prevent false alarms from happening in your home security system, there are some steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of them occurring.

Motion Detectors 

Place motion detectors on windows and doors so you can detect any unwanted entering but the alarms won’t go off by motion inside the house.

Replace Batteries

You should also make sure all smoke detectors have fresh batteries installed at least once a year.

Drafts Around Doorways

Check for any drafts around the doorways which could set off an alarm when opened too quickly. 

Cover Windows

Finally, make sure all window coverings are closed during the day so that sunlight doesn’t trigger an alarm when it shines into your house while you’re away at work or school. 

These simple precautions can help keep false alarms from happening in your home security system.

To know more about home security systems, visit us at www.be-safe.org.

How Much Are Home Security Systems

Daisy Jensen
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8
How Much Are Home Security Systems

Pricing home security systems can be confusing because there are so many small and various parts for the complete setup. The overall price has to include the cost of the camera, alarms, buttons, triggers, brackets, monitors, and so much other stuff as well.

On average a home security system can cost you an average of anything around $250-$1500. There can be a small monthly upcharge for maintenance and other services. The high budget bracket is due to multiple reasons.

Breaking down the cost can be a tricky thing and involves a lot of factors that affect the cost of your home security system. Let’s discuss some of these factors so that you better understand how things work.

Installation Area

The price is highly dependent on the area we want to apply our security system to. If you have a small, cozy house with a few rooms, securing that with a security system will not cost you a lot. But if you have a huge property with a lawn and backyard and you want to install a security system for that, it will probably cost you a lot of money.

Security System Type

The type of security system you want to install can also have a huge effect on how much money you will have to spend on the security system. If you are going for the basic plan that involves just the cameras and a monitor or just a plain old alarm system, it won’t set you back that much. If you want to have a combination for everything available that will obviously cost you more.

Points of Contact

The number of points of control can also affect the amount you will have to pay for your security system. If you have just one point of control, that will be easier to manage and hence will be lower in cost. If you want a security system with multiple points of contact, you will have to pay more for the setup and interconnectivity between these POCs.

Number of Screens

Screens or monitoring devices are a significant expenditure when you are deploying security systems. So the value automatically goes up when you add multiple screens to your security system and go down when you stick to single or fewer screens for your security system.

Angles Covered

The angles you want to cover with your security system can also affect the cost of your overall projects. More angles mean more cameras to cover those angles and more cameras mean an increase in the overall cost. So the cost is highly dependent on the angles we are covering.

Added Functionalities

You can add features and functionalities to your home security systems, as many as you want, like extra monitors custom alarms, notifying the authorities, etc. With each added feature, you are adding cost to your project. Your overall expenditure will increase according to your feature selection.

Keeping all of these in mind the average cost will not seem over the top and you will be able to break it down better.

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