Get the Most Out of Your Home Surveillance Camera

Protecting yourself and belongings with a home surveillance camera is pointless if you don’t place, install, and use it properly. A house with several security measures taken, including a high tech system, guard dogs, and emergency assistance won’t do much good if a savvy burglar can still spot weaknesses. All it takes is one unguarded window or covered door for someone to make off with your most valued possessions, and for you to waste thousands of dollars on an advanced security system.

Picking the right kind of system and home surveillance camera is the first step to protecting your house. If you have a limited budget, something is better than nothing. Even a cheap decoy home surveillance camera can cost only a few dollars, but might end up scaring off a petty thief. Break-ins, however, are often more calculated and involved spending days, weeks, or even months of a burglar watching a house and its inhabitants, noting good times and places to strike. In fact, if a criminal does take interest in you or your house, it is unlikely that they will be deterred even if they are aware of an alarm system, which means you have to ensure not only to scare them off, but to catch them in the act.

A popular and cost-efficient alternative to complex and professionally installed systems is the wireless camera. These can be placed strategically inside or outside the home and connect via internet to your computer so you can keep an eye on your house even when away. They can be moved freely so you can experiment with positions that allow you to cover the greatest amount of area possible. You’ll have to be careful with placement, however, so you don’t block the signal. If you notice the figures appear excessively blurry or move slowly, you may have to change positions. You may also need to upgrade to a faster connection. Bad weather and internet problems are a risk as they can forcefully shut down the system.

A stationary home surveillance camera, or one that oscillates, will require some additional thought before installation to ensure it is placed in an optimal location. It should be shielded from any damaging elements, such as rain, snow, falling debris, and excessive sunlight that can cause glare off the lens. Whether it is visible or not won’t make a huge difference, but it should not be obscured by anything such as trees that can be manipulated to cover it.

With a home surveillance camera installed you may be tempted to leave your house darker or not lock gates or doors. It is important to continue other security measures such as leaving on porch and inner lights as well as maintaining a high fence or hedge to prevent easy escapes and entries. Doors should be locked carefully and be constructed of heavy, sturdy material to prevent forced entries. Remember that if you can easily break into your home if you’ve locked yourself out, a burglar, even with a security system installed, can do the same.