So what types of home security cameras are available and what will suit your situation? It's important to decide exactly what level of coverage you need. If you live in a known hot spot area then you should consider solid coverage, both inside and out. Let's be honest, a home security camera system is essentially a monitoring service and it's job is to detect. Short of hiring the national guard, there isn't a system yet developed that will actually physically prevent and apprehend intruders... not to my knowledge anyway.

For extra peace of mind though, a home security camera will cast a watchful eye over your most valuable possessions day and night and it's this deterrent aspect that makes them such a valuable aid in the fight against crime.

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The Camera Options

There are a variety of options available to the consumer: inside, outside or both, wireless systems and even fake cameras, yes, fake! While we mentioned earlier that cost should be a non-issue because of the benefits associated with having camera security unfortunately for many this is one issue they can't avoid. So how about a fake camera system? They are extremely cost effective, they look like the real deal and more importantly, an intruder is going to think twice about entering premises with what appears to be a surveillance system monitoring it. Pretty cool huh!

Choose A Dome

Dome security cameras are an excellent choice for home coverage. Against the experienced intruder, they are effective because they are less obvious than most other systems. Dome cameras are ideal for both inside and outside and because of their ability to resist unfavorable weather conditions, their hardy nature makes them a prime choice for many home owners. If you are keen on having outside coverage then you need to choose a camera which will be resistant to the elements. If not a dome, then make sure you at least ensure whatever camera you use has an extra protective layer on it.

Go Wireless

Wireless systems have grown in popularity with the surgent technology boom. After all, no wires means less mess and no drilling into walls and home owners generally need no further convincing about their benefits. But if you have a compulsive tendency to check your home on a regular basis and you're away from it hey, no problems, with a wireless security camera system , it's just a matter of accessing it from a computer or even a smart phone! If you are away from the home and need to keep an eye on the kids, take your laptop with you and monitor them.
Intruder Alert!

If your home is still broken into despite security camera coverage all is not lost. Smart systems have the ability to motion sensor and as part of a home surveillance system, can alert police. The added benefit of recorded information gives you more chances of having a burglar apprehended as well as reclaiming your stolen property.

A survey of 1,000 Americans revealed startling statistics indicating that many of us are at risk of incurring injuries in our own homes every day, some of which could even be fatal, according to a recent study by BRK Brands and The Lehigh Group — makers of the First Alert brand and Crawford-branded garage and home workshop organization products, respectively. As proud supporters of the nonprofit Home Safety Council (HSC), First Alert and Crawford are joining with HSC to recognize Home Safety Month in June and help spread the word about potential home hazards and tips for protecting loved ones.

The HSC research reports that Americans suffer nearly 21 million preventable household injuries each year.

“Sadly, many home accidents might have been prevented with proper planning and simple safety precautions,” says Deborah Hanson, director of external affairs for First Alert and The Lehigh Group.

Focusing on some of the most common household hazards, Hanson offers three easy ways to increase the level of safety at home:

Be armed with alarms
Installing smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms will immediately help improve the safety of your home and family. According to the HSC, alarms that detect smoke cut the risk of fire-related fatalities nearly in half.

Although the BRK/Lehigh survey revealed 95 percent of Americans have smoke alarms in their homes, the study also showed that one in 10 Americans have never changed the batteries. Further, more than half have dangerously silenced smoke detectors by removing batteries or removing entire units from walls or ceilings.

“After installing alarms, it is critical to check them regularly to make sure they are in good working condition,” says Meri-K Appy, president of the HSC. “We advise homeowners to test alarms monthly and to install fresh batteries at least once a year. Also, if smoke alarms are more than 10 years old, replace them. Home Safety Month, in June, is a great reminder to test alarms and replace as needed.”

The BRK/Lehigh study revealed even more alarming findings about Americans’ use — or lack thereof — of CO alarms. Despite nearly daily media reports of deaths and injuries from CO poisoning, nearly half — 47 percent — of all U.S. homeowners do not have CO alarms in their homes.

“Consumers are generally more aware of the dangers of home fires because fire is something they can see, feel and understand,” says Hanson. “Carbon monoxide is especially dangerous because it attacks without warning and can be deadly.”

Known as “the silent killer,” CO exposure is the No. 1 cause of accidental poisoning in the U.S. The colorless, odorless gas can originate from anything that burns a fossil fuel — such as a gas furnace, stove, water heater, barbeque grill, wood-burning fireplace or car.

For the best protection smoke alarms and CO alarms (or a combination unit) should be installed on every level of the home (including the basement) and in every bedroom or sleeping area. For whole home protection, Hanson suggests interconnected alarms, which signal alarms through multiple alarm stations in the home if a threat is detected in a single room. This gives residents more time to react and get everyone to safety. First Alert’s ONELINK wireless offerings provides homeowners the protection of interconnected alarms without needing to call an electrician to install them in the home’s electrical system.