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When it comes to home security, most people are focused on protecting the inside of their home.

And that makes sense — protecting potential entry points and ensuring that if they are breached, you and the team monitoring your home are alerted.

According to the FBI, 2,000,000 home burglaries are reported every year in the United States, with home break-ins being the most common threat.

While you do need to make sure the inside of your home is protected, don’t forget about your backyard security. The backyard area, like barbeques, patio furniture, bikes, and even the gazebo, can be a prime target for thieves.

So it’s just as important to secure the exterior of your home because this is where a potential intruder will first interact with your property.

Here are nine ways you can help secure the exterior of your home.

Secure your outdoor belongings

Leaving tools lying around in the backyard (e.g. shovels, hammers, ladders, crowbars, etc.) offers an open invitation for burglars to use them to break into your home.

• Put away tools either in a locked garage or a secured shed that is “pick-proof.”
• Chairs or tables on patios should also be secured with chains or padlocks to prevent anyone from easily moving them around and using them to help gain entry.
  
• Secure ladders. If you keep ladders out, be sure to chain or padlock them. A ladder can be used to gain entry to second story windows. If at all possible, store the ladders in a shed or garage.

As you assess your backyard security look at items that can be used by a potential intruder to use to break into your property. Also, if you have tools and other belongings you start to tell a burglar that the home could be an easy target.

Don’t give a thief any reason or tools to use to break into your home.

Use strong fences

Fences are good for ensuring privacy and work well to keep intruders and burglars out of your property. However fences are not all the same in terms of protecting you.

A tall fence makes it difficult for outsiders to see what’s in your property, but it could also provide a good hiding spot for those that find their way onto your property. Wrought iron fencing is advisable because it is effective, aesthetically pleasing and also provides visibility into the yard.

Motion-sensing lights

Motion-sensor lighting is an effective way to alert you if there is movement around your home. It can be an effective deterrent to an intruder, however, it’s also important to think about where you place them.

An overactive motion-light can be an annoyance to you and your neighbors if it is constantly being triggered by pets or routine visitors that are not a danger to your home. Motion-sensing lights should also be installed in such a way that they don’t face the house so that the lights will illuminate what’s outside rather than what’s going on inside.

If your backyard is large, you may want to consider installing multiple lights around the perimeter. The objective of outdoor lighting is to limit blind spots and provide you with total coverage.

Plant flowers with thorns

It may sound simple, but thorny plants and flowers around key entry points can be a good strategy for deterring intruders. Holly bushes are a good example of a potential perimeter plant because they are both thorny and attractive. Key positioning might include planting them underneath windows and near the fences.

Alarm systems and security cameras

Alarm systems are a proven way to help deter intruders and even stop a break-in that is underway. The degree of sophistication of the alarm system and how quickly the monitoring stations can alert appropriate authorities will influence the effectiveness of the alarm.

Security cameras can be a key component of your alarm system, helping to deter a burglary and also help homeowners see what’s happening in real-time outside their home. Cameras also provide a way to record a crime that has taken place, potentially helping law enforcement to identify the intruder.

Also consider adding a motion detector to your outdoor home security system. An outdoor motion sensor alarm is a device that uses optical, microwave, or acoustic sensor technologies to detect motion around your home or workspace; and to let you know that there is a physical security event that shouldn’t be happening. Motion sensors are also sometimes known as motion detectors.

Security stickers and yard signs

When on a low budget, it may be difficult to get advanced home security systems like alarms and security cameras. If that is the case, security yard signs and stickers are helpful and affordable. Such signs can be displayed in easily visible areas like the fence, windows, yard gates and front door.

Security yard signs and stickers may discourage burglars and intruders from your property but it may not stop them should they decide to follow through on their plan.

Landscaping

Burglars want privacy. Overgrown trees and bushes provide cover from neighbors. Keeping your yard trimmed and creating a more open space can be a helpful part of an overall security plan.

If you prefer to have a few bushes, around your house, make sure they’re the pointy kind that burglars can’t hide in.

Hide valuables that are in your backyard

Expensive grills, lawn mowers, or outdoor entertainment systems can be enticing to thieves. Taking the time to put equipment away, cover grills and secure outdoor furniture gives an intruder a clear message that you are taking precautions to protect your property.

Get a dog

Dogs are effective in keeping burglars and intruders off your property, even when they’re not one of the more aggressive or resilient breeds.

The sound of dogs barking or growling tends to send a “keep clear/area off-limits” message. Besides, a “Beware of Dogs” sign on your gate or fence also deters burglars and intruders from wandering carelessly or intentionally into your yard.

Your backyard can be a vulnerable place. Keep your property and your home safe by following these few simple tips and suggestions.

Looking for more ways on how to secure your home? Talk to us about how we can help you protect your home and keep your family safe.

Bristol, CT – Alarm New England’s UL-Approved central station saved a home from fiery destruction last week.

At 8:31 PM on Wednesday, April 19th, one of our operators, Taylor, received a fire alarm signal in our Rocky Hill, CT central alarm monitoring station.

Her immediate action saved a family’s home from destruction as they were not there to hear the fire alarm going off. Local alarm monitoring companies like us save hundreds of homes per year doing this.

Further Reading: Why Local Alarm Companies Beat the Big Corporations

Once the fire alarm signal was received, Taylor first called the home to verify that the alarm was in fact real. When no one answered the phone, she immediately took action and called the fire department.

Responding authorities found that a log in the fireplace had caught on fire. The flue was not open and the smoke had caused the smoke alarm. There was smoke up the wall in the bedroom where the fireplace was located.

Luckily, no one was injured and the first responders were able to eliminate further threat for the family while they were not home.

When people think of smart security systems, they often think of intrusion protection. However, a Honeywell alarm panel can also protect your family and your home from the deadliest intruder of all – fire.

We recommend adding wireless smoke detectors to all systems so that our home alarm monitoring services can watch for fire whether you are there or not.

Further Reading: How Much Should Home Alarm Monitoring Services Cost?

You cannot rely on your neighbors or yourself to react quickly enough when there’s an emergency. They may not be home, and you need to focus on getting your family out of the house as fast as possible. Let us call those who can save you.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, 2,720, or 74 percent of all fire deaths, occurred in the home.

An estimated $25.6 billion in property damage occurred as a result of fire and $11.1 billion in property damage occurred in structure fires, including $8 billion in property loss in home fires.

Installing, maintaining and monitoring the right home security and fire monitoring systems is critical in preventing unnecessary loss.

Consult with a professional to protect your home and the ones you love.

Winter in Boston brings with it buckets full of snow. The whole New England region is prone to extreme weather during this season. In 2018, the coldest temperatures ever recorded for the area hit during the first week of January.

Back in 2015, the city of Boston registered a staggering snowfall count of around 90 inches in just 30 days. How does this impact the residents and the area they live in?

Besides the usual closures and delays—like schools having to let the kids take a snow day, delayed flights and cabin fever—there are other pressing issues at hand. Rooftops can collapse under the weight of snow, dead trees can fall onto power lines, and an intense war over parking ensues.

The latter is an intensely contested issue in Boston, with residents fighting to claim their public street parking in a decades-old practice called “space saving.”

What are space savers?

Space saving is a tradition in Boston that follows after a snowstorm of residents reserving a cleared out public parking spot with a cone or marker to temporarily claim it.

If the city has declared a snow emergency and the snowstorm has passed, a parking spot may be reserved for up to 48 hours by an owner of a vehicle after they have shoveled and swept the snow away from that space.

Space savers are a necessity created by the high demand for and limited supply of parking spaces in the city, especially during the winter months. Residents need to shovel out their car and clear the space for easy entry and exit, but digging out an entire parking spot is a strenuous and time-consuming process. If not for space savers, another driver could take your freshly-shoveled space before you’re able to move your vehicle into it.

(Source: Robin Lubbock/WBUR)

Nothing quite indicates winter in Boston like a beach chair placed in a parking space. Drive down any street in the neighborhood following a snowstorm and you’ll likely encounter the strangest placeholders. Anything from plastic chairs, rubbish bins, and ladders, to cutouts of Gronk and electric-wired barrels.

If you happen to park somewhere that contains a space saver, someone’s going to be upset. There have been reports of anything ranging from angry notes placed — or written in permanent marker — on the windshield, to actual damage. Keyed cars and slashed tires aren’t unheard of.

Space saving isn’t just a local tradition; other snowy states exhibit similar behavior. Chicago faces its own parking nightmare each winter when space savers fight over who parks where.

The legal issues around space saving

The City of Boston and the city’s current mayor, Martin J. Walsh, have provided additional clarity on space savers and when they’re allowed. On the Boston.gov website, they list helpful tips and guidelines regarding conduct during and after a snow emergency. The two most important two rules to remember are:

● You can only use a space saver when the city declares a snow emergency.

● You have 48 hours to use a space saver after the city ends an emergency. After that, you must remove it from the street.

A snow emergency is declared when the weather forecast predicts a heavy onset of snow and ice. During a snow emergency, all vehicles need to be removed from arterial streets to allow the Department of Public Works to clear the accumulation from the roadways. Vehicles that block or obstruct public streets that run along a primary route may be towed away.

The city’s website states: “We will ticket and tow your car if you park on a posted snow emergency artery during a declared snow emergency.” However, the city does offer parking alternatives and tries to assist those who need to move their vehicles when this occurs. “If you can’t find a spot, some lots and garages offer discounted parking to vehicles with Boston resident parking stickers,” the website adds.

If you suspect your vehicle has been towed away, search the towing database or call the Boston Police Tow Line at 617-343-4629.

After the snow emergency is no longer in effect, the public streets are once again accessible for general use and parking. Parking spots running along the side of the road will likely be covered in snow. Residents and car owners will need to shovel out a space for use.

Following the snow emergency, the above-mentioned parties have the right to reserve this parking space for up to 48 hours. To claim your space, simply leave a cone or other distinguishable marker on a parking spot you have cleared out.

When the 48 hour period expires, the city has the right to remove any markers or cones. The right to continue space saving falls away, despite car owners and residents hotly contesting or defending their parking spot past the 48-hour limit. The city of Boston has a hotline available to report a person that violates this rule.

The practice of space saving is banned in Boston’s South End. This means no parking spots may be reserved or coned off regardless of who shoveled them and when. This social engineering experiment was petitioned for by the South End Forum and approved by the mayor back in 2015. Another Boston suburb, Jamaica Plain, is considering banning the practice, too.

How can you respond to space savers in your neighborhood?

If you happen to live in a city that is prone to snowstorms and where public parking is scarce, then you need to be aware of what ensues shortly thereafter. How can you get ready for space saving and the next snowstorm?

Read up on the regulations set up by the City of Boston, stay updated with the latest weather announcements, and be an active member in your community’s online forums and groups.

Education is key when trying to resolve space-saving conflicts. The City of Boston is ready to assist you should you encounter any issues, but it is best to update yourself on the law first.

Rather than immediately alerting authorities or calling a tow truck when you spot someone violating space saver laws, try to engage with the party at fault to see if you can reach an agreement. Will they move their car? Was the cone not visible enough? Who is in the wrong?

Here are some simple tips on how to save a parking space. Follow them to avoid breaking the law, annoying your neighbors, and worse, getting your car keyed or towed away.

• You may only place something in the parking spot after a snowstorm has ended. As tempting as it may be to pre-emptively claim the space before it starts to snow, it is against the law and will just anger those around you.
• If you remove your vehicle from a snow-covered parking spot without shoveling it first, then you cannot reserve the space. All-terrain type vehicles can easily maneuver over the snowy ground, but if you wish to keep this place, you will need to clear it of snow.
• Avoid removing other people’s cones or placeholders. If you park in a space that has been cleared out and reserved, be prepared to face the consequences for doing so.
• Although only a maximum of 48 hours is allocated following the storm to reserve the space, most people continue to hold it until the city removes it by force. So long as you are not the last one with a cone out, you’re fine.
• Be respectful when clearing your space. Shovel the front and back neatly out and do not dump the snow in another space, but rather on the sidewalk or flattened out on the road.

For any further questions, complaints or for support services, contact the city of Boston on 311.

So you’ve just moved into your new house, and you’ve got already got a hundred home improvement ideas buzzing about in your head. One of your main concerns is protecting your investment in your new home with home alarm systems, locks, and maybe even security cameras.

We all want the best protection for our houses, and as far as protection goes, security cameras are the most interactive part of the security system. But if you just bought a house, money can be tight, and a single high-quality camera can set you back hundreds of dollars.

If you can’t afford the real thing, fake security cameras are a tempting way way to provide some protection at a low price. But you have to ask yourself: Are the savings worth it?

So Let’s Start with: What is a Fake Security Camera?

Fake security cameras are designed to look like real security cameras in appearance, but don’t have the features, capabilities and functions of real ones. They are also called dummy cameras, simulated cameras, or decoy cameras.

Now the fake cameras for security come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, such as the fake security cameras with red light and motion detectors.

The price of outdoor fake security cameras can be lower than the real ones, but they are often built with inferior materials and many fake security cameras don’t have real lenses or other components to create a more believable facade.

Some may prefer fake outdoor security cameras to install outside your house or at your business, because you think they can fool intruders and stop home break-ins.

They can’t, however.

Keep reading to learn more about fake security cameras and how to optimally protect your assets.

Real vs. Fake Security Cameras

Security cameras have plenty of advantages when it comes to protecting your home—there’s no doubt about it. First, they serve as a deterrent. If prospective burglars look around and spot the cameras, they may decide that your home is more trouble than it’s worth. The last thing criminals want is for their face to end up on the evening news and all over the internet.

The other main advantage of security cameras is that if prospective thieves don’t spot the cameras and manage to enter your property, you may be able to capture their faces on record.

You can check how many people were there, what time the burglary occurred and what was taken from your home. The more helpful information you can provide to law enforcement officers, the more resources they can devote to bringing the burglars to justice.

Fake cameras provide that initial deterrence, relying on their visibility as a threat. They’re bluffing, basically. If burglars don’t see the camera, if they know it’s fake or if they just don’t care, then the fake camera is useless.

With that in mind, there are three main reasons to go for fake security cameras instead of real ones.

1. They’re cheap. The cost of a few real cameras can get you a full array of fake ones to place throughout your home. If you really can’t spare the money but need to secure your house, they might pass muster. The appearance of security is enough to scare off some burglars, and having some deterrence is better than having none at all.
2. They’re easier to install. Fake cameras don’t have any circuitry or connections like the real ones do, so all you have to do is secure them where you want them with screws or double-sided tape.
3. Fake security cameras will deter inexperienced, low-level criminals. After all, they don’t want to get caught. If potential burglars think they’re being watched and recorded, that may be enough to scare them off and keep your house safe another day.

But are these advantages enough to make up for the downsides of installing fake security cameras?

The Negatives of Fake Security Cameras

1. Fake cameras don’t record. Camera footage by itself won’t directly stop someone from breaking into your house, but you’ll have a record to give to police officers when they take your statement. If your home is burgled, you’ll have less information to assist with any investigation if you only have fake security cameras. A real surveillance camera can catch burglars or thieves “in the act”, which is exactly what a fake security camera fails to do. In the end, fake video security cameras just become a decoration.

   
   

2. Experienced criminals can tell a fake camera from a real one. They will realize you neglected to buy real cameras and know you’re cheap on security and thus an easy mark. Burglars are much cleverer than you think. A knowledgeable or experienced criminal can easily tell the difference between a fake security camera and a real one.
3. Fake security cameras are risky to use anywhere other than your home. At home, it’s your house, and you can do what you want with it. But if you’re running a business and you use fake security cameras, you could very well open yourself up to legal trouble on the grounds that you’re creating a false sense of security for employees and visitors.
4. There have been lawsuits where people, trusting that security cameras were real, left their vehicles in view and were subsequently robbed or carjacked. It’s unfair to your employees, and it’s just plain bad business: Who would want to work with someone who doesn’t value their business and their employees’ safety?
5. There is no remote access with fake security cameras or remote access. A fake security camera falls short when you want to know who is in your house, if your children are back from school, if the baby wakes up, what the dog is getting into, and whether your package arrives. One features of real security cameras is that you can have remote access to your home and business from anywhere and anytime on your mobile devices.

   What if someone breaks into your house? Fake security cameras aren’t able to notify you in case of an emergency. A real surveillance camera can send you push notifications, emails and audio alarm (siren) when it detects motions and finds dangers. You can react in real-time and call 911, to reduce your loss.

Is It Worth Using a Fake Security Camera?

If you’re trusting of your neighborhood and you are absolutely certain you’ll never get anything but petty thieves, then you might be able to get by with fake security cameras.

But any thief worth their salt won’t be deterred by fakes, and they may even be encouraged once they recognize them. Your belongings and your peace of mind are worth more than temporary savings. Besides, real security cameras aren’t that much more expensive than fake ones anymore.

Most fake cameras are cheaper than real ones; after all, blinking lights in a plastic case is always going to be cheaper than an actual camera and its circuitry. Most fake cameras go for around $20 for single units.

But not all real security cameras will break your bank. High-end consumer-grade cameras can go for upward of $200, but they’re hardly the only ones available on the market. Plenty of cameras fall within the more affordable range of $80 to $100, with minimal video quality loss. Some even have wireless and cloud storage capability.

You’ve got a lot of options for security at your fingertips, whether you need just one or two cameras covering the vital areas or a more comprehensive solution. Don’t leave your home unprotected: Get real security cameras and real protection.

So, as you consider using fake security cameras, make sure you factor in what would be the best choice to deter crime?

The answer is obvious: real security cameras are able to not only reduce your exposure to theft but provide peace of mind.

And the proof?

According to the home burglary statistics, homes with security camera systems are up to 300% less likely to be broken into.

Using fake security cameras, on the contrary, would only make your home or business the target of crimes, and put your family and property into the risk of being robbed.

Whether you’re moving into a new home or simply rethinking how you live in your current residence, one of your top concerns is likely, “How do I keep this place safe?”

Protecting your property and, more importantly, yourself and your family is a top priority. Deciding how to go about protecting your home is a big decision. Many homeowners turn to security systems to keep themselves, their family, and their property safe. And the type of home security system you choose could make a difference in an emergency situation.

When it comes to security systems, you can choose an unmonitored security system or a monitored security system.. Both options have pros and cons. Here are the major differences between unmonitored versus monitored security systems and how to choose between them for your home.

Unmonitored Security Systems

An unmonitored security system consists of tech like security cameras, sirens, and other devices that activates or alerts you when something is amiss but does not contact emergency services directly.

There are two categories of unmonitored security systems: self-monitored systems, which link to your phone and send you notifications, and truly unmonitored systems, which simply record video footage from security cameras or set off a loud siren when an intruder is detected.

Unmonitored is More Affordable

The primary advantage of an unmonitored security system is that it tends to be less expensive than a monitored one. You only have to pay for the upfront costs of the equipment itself. You can install the equipment yourself with your trusty screwdriver, or you can hire a professional to install it for an installation fee. After that, the system is ready to go, and the only additional costs going forward are maintenance costs.

Unmonitored is Less Safe

The main downside to an unmonitored security system is that while it may deter some criminals and can alert you to an intruder, the system won’t actually do anything to stop someone determined to commit a crime. The best you can hope for is that a blaring siren and a visible security camera will scare off potential burglars.

Unmonitored is Less Convenient

When an unmonitored security system goes off, you’ll typically get an alert on your phone, and you’ll have to contact the police yourself, as opposed to having an alarm monitoring company evaluate the situation and reach out to emergency services on your behalf.

Being the sole point of contact for your security system has some disadvantages: What if you miss the notification? What if your phone dies and you don’t receive the notification? What if you’re asleep and have your phone on do not disturb? As with any alarm system, your neighbors may be mindful enough and call the police for you when they hear your alarm going off, but there’s no way to guarantee that.

An unmonitored security system is better than no security system, and you can always call in emergency services and respond to alarms yourself. But with an unmonitored system, there will always be gaps in your home security. That’s why some people opt for monitored security systems.

Monitored Security Systems

Monitored security systems use the same equipment (security cameras, alarms, etc.) as unmonitored systems but also include the services of professional home security technicians to keep an eye on your home security system monitoring and respond to alerts in real time.

Monitored Reacts Faster

These monitoring services fill in the gap of unmonitored systems—the fact that all responsibility lies on you. Did a fire manage to get out of control? Your monitoring company has seen it and has contacted the fire department. Burglars broke in through the window? The company was notified of a glassbreak sensor going off and has called the police.

Monitored Makes Life Easier

Your alarm monitoring company will keep you in the loop, and you won’t need to lift a finger. And while the professionals are keeping an eye on things, you’ll also have the opportunity to notify them in case of a false alarm.

Monitored is More Expensive

The downside to a monitored security system is the cost. Unlike an unmonitored system, where you just pay upfront for the equipment and installation, monitoring is a recurring expense.

In most cases, security companies require that you sign a contract for alarm monitoring services. Each company offers a set of plans, and you can choose which one has the features you need. The company handles everything else once you pay and sign the contract.

Contract length can range from one year to five years (the industry standard is three years). Your monthly bill from a security company covers a few things: the ongoing fees of monitoring, the repayment for the equipment installed, ongoing maintenance for the equipment, and, as always, overhead.

The contract includes equipment and installation, and the technicians will use their expertise to ensure that coverage is as comprehensive as possible. You won’t have to worry about a poorly placed camera or buying the right equipment.

The longer your contract with a monitoring company, the lower your monthly bill generally is. And should you wish to end it early (because you plan to move elsewhere, for instance), you also take the remaining cost onto yourself.

Monitored Gets You Discounts

The good news: Your insurance company may offer you a discount on your homeowner’s insurance when you install a monitored security system, so call and ask how much it’ll save you.

Here are potential reasons insurance costs could be reduced with a monitored security system:

1. Boosting home safety

Insurers may provide a discount on insurance premiums if homeowners have a security system, which can help increase home safety. The potential decrease in incidents that result in damaged properties could show insurance companies that homeowners are less of a risk and could qualify them for discounts.

They also see that a monitored security system could reduce their exposure to substantial risk if response times are cut dramatically.

2. Save on insurance premiums

Homeowners could see their insurance premiums drop up to about 15 to 20 percent if they install a comprehensive home security system, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

3. Lower risk of cost hikes

To avoid higher insurance costs, homeowners should make sure that they carefully read their policies. Home insurance companies may decide to increase home insurance rates in case a burglary occurs, according to The Simple Dollar.

If the insurance company feels like their risk has been minimized or reduced they are less likely to increase premiums.

4. Reduce theft claim quota

Security systems can also help save neighbors money by limiting the total theft claim quota. The Simple Dollar recommended homeowners ensure their neighborhood has not reached their theft claim quota, or the number of thefts within a certain area.

5. Install system with other safety features

Additionally, homeowners can also look for other safety features to lower their insurance premiums. These include smoke alarms and deadbolts, according to the Insurance Information Institute. The combination of a security system and other ways to protect their home could save them the stress of worrying about safety and money.

If you’re installing a monitored security system, check with the city clerk’s office about setting up a monitored system in your home. Some cities require you to have a permit so that emergency services can be dispatched to respond to an alarm, and sometimes these permits come with a small fee.

Choosing Between Unmonitored and Monitored Security Systems

Unmonitored security systems are more budget friendly but place responsibility of your home’s security solely in your hands. Monitored systems do require an ongoing cost, but they’ll keep your home safe even when you’re not looking by offloading the responsibility of responding to emergencies to your alarm monitoring company’s technicians.

The choice comes down to the price you put on safety, security, and peace of mind when it comes to protecting your home.

What are you looking for in a home security system?

If you’re looking for the most peace of mind and convenience you can get, and you can afford to spend a little more, a monitored security system is probably right for you. But if saving money is more important, and you don’t mind the extra responsibility of watching over your system, then an unmonitored security system may be your best bet.