Love Dogs? Here’s How Alarm Systems Help Dog Families
How Effective are Dogs as Alarm Systems? Being a dog parent takes hard work, but the love you share with your furry friend makes it all worth it. Because you care deeply, you want to protect your dog from harm. Fortunately, alarm systems can play a key role in keeping your pet safe. But wait… Aren’t dogs great at protecting their homes? Yes, they can be, but a dog isn’t always sufficient in keeping an intruder away. A dog is merely an inconvenience to a burglar and that can bring more harm to the dog than the dog brings to the intruder. A Few Startling Facts Here are some eye-opening facts that might interest you: First, 34% of burglars say a dog inside the house makes them change their mind about breaking in. However, this also means that 66% are not scared off. According to the Department of Justice, a dog can deter theft if the burglar fears dogs. But as the numbers show, most burglars don’t. Next, dogs that bark at the right times can scare away intruders. On the other hand, dogs that bark at everything often fail to stop burglars who have studied the dog’s habits. Neighbors also tend to ignore constant barking. Unfortunately, intruders can calm dogs easily with treats or meat laced with tranquilizers. In some tests, even trained guard dogs gave in to these tricks. Finally, intruders have been known to harm or even kill dogs. Here is an Inside Edition investigation that put dogs to the test: Getting to the Bottom of Dog Senses Dog senses aren’t always foolproof. While dogs have excellent smell and hearing, some breeds don’t make the best decisions. For example, an Inside Edition investigation showed that the smallest dogs in the test had the strongest guard dog traits. However, their small size still makes them vulnerable targets. Reliable Intruder Alarms Monitored 24/7 We just have to face the fact that dogs are vulnerable. This in itself is frightening considering you want to protect your dog and your property. You can have the smartest dog on the planet, but something as simple as dangling a tasty treat in front of them can be a game changer. It simply isn’t fair to put them in charge of home security, as they are family members that want to relax, play, and make you happy. The Right Tools for Protecting Your Home and Dog: Alarm Systems To protect your home and your dog, start by putting the right tools in place. That means installing a professional alarm system. Many homes in Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo already use these systems. In fact, simply seeing a security system deters 60% of burglars. Even more convincing, 86 burglars interviewed by KTVB said they would leave right away if an alarm started sounding. Basically, using a strong mix of video cameras, 24/7 monitoring, alarms, and motion sensors gives you stronger security. It also helps protect your dog and gives you peace of mind. Plus, you can install cameras inside your home and watch them from your smartphone. This way, you can keep an eye on both your home and your dog no matter where you are. Contact An Experienced Rochester Alarm System Company In the end, let a professionally installed alarm system handle the hard work and take the pressure off your dog. An alarm system delivers outstanding reliability and strong security to protect both your home and your furry friend. Call SPS Fire & Security today at 585-770-0348 to get started. We serve the Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo areas and will respond quickly to help you protect what matters most.
How to Choose a Reliable Video Surveillance Camera System
A Quick Guide for Choosing the Right Surveillance Camera for Your Home or Business So why should you be concerned about security cameras and lenses not being created equally? How does this impact your specific situation when choosing a video surveillance camera system for your home and business? Looking at only the cost of a camera can seem like an easy way to decide, but the decision involves much more. When choosing a Video Surveillance Camera for your business or home, you need to make important decisions. The first decision is the type of camera you need. Of course, the application and your budget will determine this decision. The lens types each camera uses can also significantly influence your choice. Perhaps the area you need to monitor doesn’t change much. In that case, you won’t need the same type of lens that cameras in a bank or department store require. If the scene is active, you might need something more advanced. While this might sound a little overwhelming, don’t get too anxious. The decision is much easier than it seems. Below is a breakdown of cameras and why those differences should matter to you. The Video Surveillance Camera Rundown Box Security Camera The box camera is the standard camera type, and its shape gives it its name. Aesthetically, it doesn’t have anything extravagant, but what’s inside counts. For instance, you can customize the lens based on what the indoor or outdoor application needs. Despite this camera’s seemingly primitive design, it can use fixed lenses and the more advanced varifocal lenses. While people often think of these cameras as primarily analog, you can find them as IP cameras as well. Why you should care: Plenty of reasons! This is a common type of video surveillance camera used in residential and commercial indoor and outdoor applications. This also makes it more affordable compared to some camera types. In addition, having a camera that allows lens customization is good because you can choose the right lens based on the environment and lighting conditions. Mini Dome Security Camera ou’ve most likely seen mini dome cameras installed in department store ceilings. Their overall function is just like any camera; the housing is what differs. The dome housing is ideal for warehouses, department stores, kitchens, and any indoor or outdoor application that could make the camera excessively dirty and dusty. Why you should care:Commercial applications frequently use the mini dome surveillance camera. If you own or manage any type of facility, this camera is a great way to keep tabs on what happens at all times. You can find them in both analog and IP models; the IP models offer better system management and resolutions. However, your needs and budget will determine your options. Bullet Security Camera The bullet camera is a type that looks like it came straight out of a science fiction film because of its modern aesthetics. People also call these surveillance cameras “IR illuminators.” The housing’s design reduces the need for servicing. Plus, these cameras tend to take up less space than others. The IR illuminator is the type of camera you want in a low-light situation. You can also find this camera in analog and IP versions. Why you should care: The bullet surveillance camera is tough and doesn’t require separate housing to protect it from the environment. When looking for the right camera, you may need an IP or analog model that takes up very little space, needs servicing less often, and operates well when lighting may not be optimal. PTZ Security Camera If you think the bullet camera has a bit of a sci-fi feel, the PTZ surveillance camera offers a higher level of functionality. This type of camera lets you remotely pan, tilt, and zoom using software or a joystick. You can also preset surveillance patterns so the system records areas of interest automatically instead of requiring manual manipulation. This type of security camera helps you survey a wider area with a single camera instead of fixing a camera on one location. You can even zoom in on specific details in real-time. You can find this camera type in analog and IP versions. Why you should care: The PTZ camera gives you more control so you can see what you need to see with a single unit. If you prefer to not be at the mercy of a camera that is fixed on one area of interest, then this may be precisely what you need for your home or business. Quality cameras that keep an eye on your home or business Choosing the Right Video Surveillance Camera Lens There are two types of lenses used in video surveillance cameras. They are the fixed security camera lens and the varifocal lens. You may remember seeing these mentioned earlier since the box camera is one type that can use both. But what’s the difference? The fixed lens is a monofocal lens, which means the lens’s focal length is permanently set and you can’t change it, so it tends to have a fixed focal point. 1 This leads to your next very important decision: do you choose a narrow-angle camera lens or a wide-angle lens? Of course, what you need the camera to look at determines the decision. The varifocal lens allows you to adjust the focal length based on what you need. The PTZ security camera, for instance, uses a varifocal lens because its motorized controls allow it to. You can zoom in and out on an object or area as needed. If you need to get a clearer and more focused image, a PTZ camera with a varifocal lens will make that possible. Fixed lens applications: A fixed lens is ideal for interior spaces because the lens can’t be adjusted, so it has a fixed focal point. Some applications include a baby’s room or the family room. Varifocal lens applications: Cameras with varifocal lenses are ideal for commercial and residential spaces where the scenery will change a lot.
Home Security and Home Automation for Seniors
Smart Homes Protect the Elderly Home security systems protect anyone of any age, but there are different features that, while they benefit all people, can especially benefit seniors. Most of all, a home security system, especially one with home automation for seniors, can put seniors more in charge of their own security. That also goes for those that may not be as tech savvy. A professional home security company installs the system and teaches the homeowner how to use the system using a smartphone. Yes, older people now use smartphones a lot, just like everyone else. This means learning to use smart home features won’t be hard for them. Luckily, security systems and their apps are very simple to use. So, it takes almost no time to learn. Protecting the Elderly from Burglars with Home Automation for Seniors The good news is that the violent crime rate is lower among seniors than younger people, but, unfortunately, burglars will target the elderly because they may be in search of pain medications or other medications they can use to satisfy a drug problem. They also believe that senior citizens have money stashed under their mattresses. This means that seniors tend to be the target of property crimes. One out of five burglary victims are over 65 years old, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. They are seen as easy targets, which is why it is important to lock down the home as much as possible. Dealing with Environmental Threats Burglars aren’t the only danger. In fact, floods, fires, leaks, and carbon monoxide hurt everyone, young or old. However, home security systems have fire and carbon monoxide alarms built in. These systems quickly tell the police or fire department what’s happening. Plus, you can push a panic button to get help fast if you can’t grab your phone during a problem. So, this is great for older people who live by themselves. There are different environmental protections put in place to make sure everyone inside the home is protected. Peace of Mind with Home Automation for Seniors Home automation lets older adults control their home even when they’re on vacation. If you travel a lot, video cameras help you watch your home from far away, giving you peace of mind. You can lock your doors remotely if you’re worried you forgot. You can also turn on certain lights each night. Plus, you can adjust the thermostat for pets left at home alone. You have endless ways to control your home and make your life easier! Call A Qualified Rochester Home Security Company If you are ready to see how home automation and security can make life easier, call SPS Fire & Security today at 585-770-0348.
