Best Security Products blog

More and more people are using video surveillance to monitor their home. And with remote access, you can keep an eye on your home no matter where you are. It is a great way to have peace of mind both at home and away.

When you have cameras installed in your home, it is a good idea to put them in places that are not easily detectable. In retails stores and businesses, cameras that are visible can be a deterrent to crime: if a criminal knows he is being watched, he is less likely to act. However, in a home, if a criminal sees a video surveillance camera, he may choose to simply destroy or disable the camera. That is why it is best to place the camera where they are out of sight.

If you have a bookcase with books and nick-knacks, this can be an ideal place to hide a camera. The camera will blend in with the other objects and will probably not be noticed. Placing the camera on a high shelf is best as it will provide a good view of the entire room.

Another good place to hide your indoor security camera is among plants. The foliage will do a great job of camouflaging the camera. We do recommend using fake plants for this, as the soil and water around real plants may damage a delicate camera.

A coat rack is another option. The coats, jackets and hats hanging on the hooks provide an ideal place to install a camera. Just use some older coats that will not be moved or displaced; these coats will be for camera-hiding only!

Finally, if the indoor security cameras you are using do not have high enough resolution to take good pictures, the cameras may not be useful even if they do capture footage of a break in. Be sure to purchase quality cameras that can take pictures that are clear and useful in identifying the criminals.

We would love to schedule a consultation with you, to help you determine what is best for your home security needs. Give us a call at 1-800–988–2378 or send us an email at sales@bestsecurityproducts.com
 

If you live in an older home, you are at an increased risk of house fire due to electrical mishaps. Homes that are older than 40 years are especially at risk.

As homes age, so does the electrical wiring. It can become frayed, loose and generally worn out. One of the main causes of electrical fires in older homes is an arc fault. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), arcing faults are responsible for more than 30,000 home fires each year.^₁ The good news is that with the right technology, you can significantly decrease your risk of experiencing a fire due to an arc fault.

The ESFI has released a short video explaining what an arc fault is and what you need to do to prevent them. Click the video below to view the whole thing; we have summarized the main points for you.

An arc fault happens when electrical current jumps (arcs) between wires, and this can cause a fire. It may happen when an electrical cord is pinched (by a piece of furniture) or pierced by a nail inside the wall. It can also happen if an appliance cord is cracked.

The solution is to install Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI).

AFCI’s recognize arcing conditions and terminate electricity before a fire occurs.

Click the video below to watch the whole presentation by the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI)

If you are interested in having AFCI’s placed in your home, contact your local electrician. And in the meantime, consider installing a professional fire detection system by Best Security Products. Using smart technology, you can have up-to-the minute fire monitoring so you can rest easy at night.

Give us a call for a consultation; we can design a custom system to meet your unique needs and budget.

We are looking forward to talking with you! 1-800–988–2378 or sales@bestsecurityproducts.com

¹ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-SBly_2bPQ

You may feel like your home is safe, but there are dangers lurking that you may not even know about. It only takes a second for a fire to start, and it can quickly escalate. Prevention is the best way to deal with fire, so let’s take a look at some fire hazards you may not be aware of.

1. “Daisy-Chaining” power strips. Power strips can be a great way to expand an outlet’s usability. However, they are not designed to be interconnected with other power strips or extension cords. In this newsletter, Harry J. Oster warns that interconnecting power strips and extension cords can present a fire hazard. If you use a power strip, be sure that the power strip is connected directly to the wall outlet and do not plug additional power strips or extension cords into the main power strip.

2. Combustible Kitchen Items. This Old House reports that 41% of house fires start in the kitchen.¹You can reduce the danger by keeping combustible items at least 3 feet from the stove.²Recipe cards, pot holders and paper towels are all items that can ignite when close to your stove.

3. Dryer Lint. Even if you clean your lint trap after every dryer use, lint still collects in the dryer cabinet and can cause a fire.³Hire a professional to clean your dryer and exhaust duct.

4. Barbecue charcoal: According to Renters Insurance.com, damp charcoal can ignite, even without a flame to initiate it. Place your charcoal in a metal container with a tight fitting lid for safety.⁴

5. Curled or squashed Electrical Cords: Rachel Smith with ninemsn Homes reports that curling or squashing electrical cords can cause a fire.

6. Exposed Light Bulbs. Since light bulbs create heat, combustible items near an exposed light bulb could ignite and cause a fire. Place protective globes around all exposed light bulbs.⁵

¹ http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20567755_21119328,00.html
² http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20567755_21119328,00.html
³ http://www.asgsecurity.com/asg-security-blog/fire-risks-at-home-3-little-known-culprits.html
⁴ http://www.rentersinsurance.com/2012/02/top-10-unexpected-fire-hazards-in-the-home/
⁵ http://www.mybiginsurance.com/homeowners-insurance/hidden-fire-hazards-that-can-cause-serious-damage/