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Category: Security-Cameras
Traditional Doorbell vs Smart Doorbell
There have been incredible technological advancements within the market of smart security products in recent years and if you are looking to upgrade your front door security with a new doorbell you might be considering whether you should choose a traditional doorbell or a new video doorbell with smart technology.
Sure, a conventional doorbell does exactly what you’d expect in to do – alerts you to the fact that someone is at your front door. By contrast, a video doorbell does the same thing but gives you the advantage of not having to be in your home to see and hear the person knocking at your door.
With a smart video doorbell, you can easily connect your video doorbell to the rest of your home security system. You’ll be able to see whether a package has been delivered, look out at night on the live camera feed it you hear a noise from in bed, and check in on your property and front door security when you are at work or on holiday.
If you would like to find out more about smart doorbells and smart security products, please feel free to contact our friendly team of home security experts today at 770.963.0305 or visit us at www.emcsecurity.com .
Three Reasons You Need a Pet Camera
Security Cameras and Pets
Not only do indoor security cameras help protect our homes, but they can also help us keep an eye on your pet at all hours of the day, even when you’re not home. This is especially beneficial for people who work long hours at a time. Whether you just got a new puppy or have lived with a furry friend for many years, having a camera to monitor your pet will ease your worries of leaving them home alone and you’ll always know exactly what they are doing. Here are some other reasons you may want to get yourself and your four-legged friend a dedicated cam.
Reason #1
So, you don’t need to worry and know your pet is safe. Ask any devoted pet owner and they’ll tell you that a good pet is more than a temporary companion; they are practically another member of the family. As such, it is important to make sure they are always safe. A dedicated indoor pet cam will allow you to see what they are doing at all hours of the day, letting you know they are safe, while also notifying you when they may be getting into mischief.
Reason #2
Stay in touch with your pet. Setting up a dedicated pet cam will allow you to spend as much virtual time as you want with your pet. EMC Security’s indoor camera comes with a microphone and speaker installed which allows you to talk to your pet, and for them to hear you when you talk. Keep them happy with constant interaction throughout the day or verbally discipline them if you must. We all get lonely without our furry friends, but a dedicated pet cam puts an end to leaving your pets home alone!
Reason #3
Deter unwanted behavior. Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?! Cameras are extremely helpful when it comes to housebreaking—especially if you have a new puppy at home. You’ll know if they are getting into your belongings or ripping into your couch. Cameras even let you interact with your pet through the camera so you can stop their unwanted behavior and keep your home in good condition.
EMC Security wireless security cameras can be used as perfect dedicated pet cams. Affordably priced at just $79, EMC Security will give you peace of mind when away from your pet. Order yours at today emcsecurity.com.
How to Think Like a Burglar
Most people are respectable law-abiding citizens and tend not to have criminal minds.
However, as a homeowner, sometimes it helps to tap into your dark side to create a mental checklist of things to fall back on to deter those who make a living conjuring up ways to burglarize homes.
Adopting the mindset of a burglar might just save you from becoming a would-be victim.
Difficulty Is Key
Like most things in life people will often choose the easiest route to achieve their goals, this is especially true for burglars. Having an overall picture of your current home security setup and what you need to improve upon can go a long way in helping you avoid problems.
Things to Consider
- Survey your property for trees, shrubs or any other items that might potentially obscure the view of any suspicious activity. A burglar could you hide behind any nearby trees or bushes, making their efforts to invade your home unnoticeable and easier.
- Consider installing security lights. Burglars seek out empty properties so having motion sensor security lights will make them think twice about breaking into your home – especially at night.
- Walk around your house. Check all the entry points to your property and assess the potential dangers. Do you have glass in your doors? Does your back door need a high-security lock? Do your patio doors require a padlock?
- If you were a burglar and you saw a home with an alarm system would you still attempt to burglarize it? Burglars use their eyes and common sense when selecting potential victims. Security cameras have been shown to be the number one deterrent to home invasions.
- Does your home look appealing from the outside? In other words, do your doors and windows look like they can be easily forced. Check your door handles and locks to see if they have become weak over time. Add extra window locks or restrictors to deter opportunistic burglars.
- Burglars are attracted by expensive items that are left on display. Make sure you leave your laptops, jewelry, and money out of view of your front windows and patio doors.
Give Burglars the One–Two Punch
Pretend you are a burglar prowling through a neighborhood.
You come upon two very nice homes, neither of which have cars in either driveway so there’s a good chance no one is home. You notice that house #1 has a home security yard sign next to their mailbox. House #2 does not have a yard sign.
Now take a better look at house #1. Do you see those video cameras pointing right at you from the side of the house? House #2 – no cameras, it’s all clear.
Which house is going to be targeted?
Read on for our “One-Two Punch” solution.
Punch 1
Studies show that most homes burglarized did not have a yard sign, or a security system. If a burglar sees that a house might have a security system, they are more likely to seek a target that does not appear to have a security system. EMC Security has case after case proving that damage and loss are mitigated with an operational security system. When the siren sounds, it hastens the intruder’s unwelcome visit. There are dozens of EMC Security customers, just this year, who report that once the alarm was triggered, all signs point to the intruder leaving immediately, without taking anything. It was also the immediate dispatching of police from the monitoring center that helped occupants safe during a burglary.
Punch 2
If you add security cameras, or a video doorbell to your security system, it’s a one-two punch. According to a report done by the University of North Carolina, 60% of burglars who have been caught and convicted have admitted to avoiding homes with a security camera system in place. They simply don’t want to be caught on video.
5 Devices to Help You Feel Safe When You’re Alone
Living alone is becoming more and more popular among Americans.
In fact, there were almost thirty-six million Americans in 2018 living in single-person households, ascompared with the thirty million single-person residences in 2008 — so as you can see, this is a trend that is clearly on the rise.
The freedom that comes with living alone allows you to be the king or queen of your castle. However, the absence of a housemate means you have
lock up or call for help in the event that an intruder enters your home, which means it would be a good idea for you to have a reliable backup security plan.Minimize unfortunate surprises with these five innovative solutions to help make your single-person household as safe as possible.
1. SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM
Despite having double-checked all the doors and windows, sometimes, your mind plays tricks on you. Was that bump in the night your cat or something more concerning? A security alarm system can help put your mind at ease by activating in the “
arm stay” mode. Rest easy knowing that the perimeter of your home cannot be breached without setting off your alarm and alerting the police.2. INDOOR SECURITY CAMERA
Need an extra pair of eyes watching over your home? There’s no better way than to install a smart indoor security camera. As seen on local
new channels across the country, more and more criminals are caught thanks to indoor security cameras. Order here for just $79.3. VIDEO DOORBELL
Believe it or not, most burglaries happen during the day time. but a doorbell camera can give the impression you’re at home even when you’re not. These nifty home security additions are usually easy to install and highly affordable. Doorbell cameras come with live video streaming, remote viewing apps, and two-way communication that lets you see and talk to whoever is at your door. This provides extra security as a break-in deterrent, and it also helps you protect yourself from a home invasion or other violent attack when you are home. Forget having to get up and look through the peephole—these doorbells allow you to see who’s at the door from wherever you feel safest. Purchase here for just $149.
4. OUTDOOR MOTION LIGHTS
Another great way to spook a burglar is to put them under the spotlight. Motion sensor lights provide extra safety when you’re walking around your property, and they also illuminate potential bad deeds before they even get started. For best results, install motion sensor lights near every entry point and in any area outside your home where a burglar could hide or break in without the prying eyes of neighbors. Even dark, hard-to-see sections of your yard and home are impossible to miss when a floodlight is triggered by a motion sensor.
5. PERSONAL EMERGENCY ALERT
For home-bound folks, a medical alert device is essential, especially if living alone. EMC Security can help.
We understand the risks associated with living alone, and we want to help you enjoy every minute by remaining safe and keeping your home secure. Use the resources provided in this article to create the perfect personal security plan for your lifestyle, instead of leaving your well-being up to chance.
Guide For Placing Your Home Security Cameras
It’s no secret that having homesecurity camerascan help you avoid or reduce the likelihood of your home being burglarized, while simultaneously keeping you, your family, and property safe.
However,
strategic placement of your cameras can significantly improve their effectiveness.Regardless of the type of security camera you choose, their overall success is dependent on where you choose to place them inside and outside of your home, which makes knowing where to place them incredibly important.
Deterring or catching criminals is only possible when your cameras are positioned in the right locations. As such, we’ve compiled a list of four home security camera placement tips so you can know where to install home security cameras to maximize its effectiveness.
TOPICS:
#1. Ideal Placement for Home Security Cameras
#2. Things to Consider When Placing Your Home Security Cameras
#3. Common Security Camera Installation Mistakes
#4. Home Security Camera Placement Laws
#1. Ideal Placement for Home Security Cameras
Well planned arrangements of yoursecurity camerasplay a crucial role in providing wide-coverage surveillance. So how should you decide where to place your home security cameras?
The following recommendations for camera placement are based on statistical research.
• Front Door – nearly 34% of all burglars enter through the front door
• Back Door – approximately 22% of burglars enter through the front door
• Off-Street Windows – 23% of the burglars enter through a rear window
Read more on how cameras can help you feel safer at home >>
#2. Things to Consider When Placing Your Security Cameras
Prior to installing a home surveillance system, be sure to maximize its effectiveness by asking the following questions:
• Where do you think you actually need security cameras?
• Where are the most obscure areas inside and outside of your home?
• Are there any entrances (doors, windows) that would appeal to thieves?
• Have you or a previous owner ever experienced a break-in?
• If so, when and where did it occur?
Each of the proceeding considerations
matter and can be used to help form guidelines for home security camera placement and helping to determine the best locations for installing home security cameras.In addition, security cameras run the risk of being tampered with if someone is determined enough to commit his crime anyway. Ask yourself whether you want thieves to know you have cameras or not. If you do, you may want to consider having cheap fake cameras (dummies) in easy-to-see places and your more valuable cameras hidden, so if a thief tampers with the visible cameras, you’ll have them on tape using the hidden security camera while they commit the crime.
Are your cameras secure? Learn more >
#3. Common Mistakes When Placing Security Cameras
Both indoor and outdoorsecurity cameraplacement play a major role in determining whether your home security will yield optimal results. Here’s a look at the most common mistakes to avoid when considering where to place home security cameras.
1. Forgetting to Secure Your Cameras
One of the biggest mistakes that homeowners make is not securing their security devices, which leaves them vulnerable to tampering. So, where should you place your outdoor home security cameras to avoid possible sabotage? A good rule of thumb is to put the camera 9 feet above the ground which will help minimize tampering and keep it safe from destruction.
It’s worth noting that placement of your indoor security cameras may differ from that of those on the outside of your home since outdoor security cameras are more susceptible to damage from harsh weather conditions or vandals.
2. Overestimating the Cameras Abilities
Having clear objectives for your camera’s purpose and performance are key to measuring its results. You need to decide what goals you want to accomplish when your camera to perform when considering placement. Homeowners frequently overestimate the camera’s abilities to do things like pick up someone’s face, license plate, and the house across the street all at once. However, poor planning makes complicate feat such as these, difficult, if not impossible — which is why mapping out a diagram is important to ensure that every camera plays a role in capturing multiple angles.
3. Positioning Each Camera at Top Height
Many homeowners falsely assume that positioning their cameras at the highest point of their property is a wise choice because it provides a full view of the outside of their home. And while there
is some truth and purpose to this practice, it should be noted that doing so will likely result in an inability to capture important details which may be crucial for provided criminal evidence. Instead of capturing an offender’s face, you may only catch just a figure which may make it impossible to identify an assailant, Therefore, it’s important to clearly think the placement of each camera before committing to such decisions.4. Insufficient Lighting
Regardless of where you position your home security cameras, it’s important to be mindful of how poor lightly can negate all of the
efforts you’ve poured into protecting your home. Investing in cameras that perform well in low light environments is ideal for providing visibility in night-time or low light situation; however, they’re really no good substitute for ensuring that there’s ample lighting for clear footage. Nevertheless, too much light into the lens of any camera will cause surveillance footage to becomeoverexposed and useless.5. Narrow Field of View Cameras
In an effort to help soften sticker shock, many homeowners invest in less expensive cameras, which often lead to a
subpar performance in many areas, including anarrow field of view. Unfortunately, the reward of having saved $20 is not worth limiting to thescope of your home surveillance. Avoid making this mistake by ensuring that any forthcoming purchases are those in which the cameras have the WDR feature.#4: Comply with Rules for Home Security Camera Placement
Last but not least, be sure to comply with security camera placement laws when deciding where to position your cameras. Avoid legal actions from concerned neighbors by complying with local, state and national laws when considering where it is legal to put surveillance cameras.
Common Questions about Security Cameras Answered
Statistics show that 83% of burglars determine if a home has a security camera before attempting to break-in.
In addition to deterring would-be criminals, security cameras also provide homeowners the convenience of being able to
monitored your home at any time, from anywhere. Want to make sure the kids made it home from school? Check your app to see your kids arriving home safely. Want to keep an eye on your home when you’re away on vacation? Peek at your security footage whenever you feel the need.When deciding on whether or not to opt for security cameras, most customers have questions related to how they actually work and which one will fit their specific needs.
We’ve compiled a few of the most common questions to help you understand all of your home security options.
What types of security cameras are there?
EMC offers three types of security cameras: indoor and outdoor WiFi cameras, doorbell video cameras, and
Flir DVR/NVR camera solutions.Indoor and Outdoor WiFi Security Cameras:
Indoor and outdoor cameras seamlessly integrate with your security system and the latest in smart-home technology through the Alarm.com mobile app.
Video doorbells allow you to see, hear, and speak to anyone at your door whether you’re in your kitchen or across town. Connect your doorbell camera to your security app and control your camera, security, and other automated features such as locks, lights, and thermostat.
If your needs require a more vigorous home surveillance camera system, DVR cameras are among the most dependable cameras on the market, designed for those who want to keep an eye on things with exceptional, high-definition live streaming video and on-site storage.
Are security companies monitoring my security camera footage?
Cameras are self-monitored. EMC Securitydoes nothave access to your cameras or video accounts, so we do not monitor your video camera footage. Video cameras record the footage and send you, the user, a notification and video clip. You can then go to the camera app to view live footage.
Where are the best places to put security cameras?
When deciding the best locations to place your security cameras, it’s important to take a walk around your home with your security goals in mind. Consider the places a potential intruder could enter your home: windows, doors, garage door, or even through the basement.
Also consider placing them out of reach. Some recommended places include:Front Door: An estimated34% of all burglars enter your home through the front door.
Back Door:22% of burglars enter through the back door.
Basement Stairs: Most basements are accessible through small windows that are large enough for a person to enter through.
Off-street Windows:23% of burglars enter through a
first floor window.How is my security footage stored?
Video clips are stored on the Cloud and are accessed via your mobile app. Subscribe to EMC Security’s Video Service for $5 for the first camera and just $1 per additional camera.
Can I monitor my security cameras from my phone?
Yes! Receive alerts and clips of motion detected, and control your alarm system, lights, locks, and thermostats.
Will I be contacted if the security cameras detect anything?
Yes, you can program your system to send instant video clips from home of what matters most to you, from alarm activity to your children coming home from school or a package being delivered.
To learn more about EMC’s security camera options, give us a call today at 770.963.0305. Purchase cameras online here from just $79.
Three Terrific Ways to Use Security Cameras for Convenience
You just fell into bed after a long day and everyone in the house is snug as a bug in a rug. You’re nodding off, almost asleep, when you hear it: a distant crash from your front porch.
What was that? Is it a prowler? A raccoon? Just the wind?
Good news! With video cameras and smart home security, you don’t even have to get out of bed to investigate. Your convenient smartphone app (powered by Alarm.com) can show you exactly what’s going on outside.
“What’s that noise on the front porch?”
Is it a raccoon or something else making that noise on your porch? With a doorbell video camera, you can see right away. This popular camera detects motion, captures clips, and sends video alerts to your phone. It’s also
two-way voice!Even better, you can view
live video feed from your doorbell in your app.
“Are the kids okay in the back yard?”
Your baby needs to go down for a nap, but the older kids want to stay outside and play. Or maybe the dog isn’t ready to come in, but you have things to do inside.
With smart video camera monitoring, it is easy to keep an eye on kids and pets. Live video streaming can show you exactly what they’re up to. Making dinner? You can even stream the video to your kitchen TV.
“Is the pool area secure?”
Your backyard swimming pool is a dream come true, but it requires extra vigilance to keep your family, guests
and neighbors safe.Smart home security can help with a combination of security cameras and a contact sensor on your pool gate. Should some curious children wander into the pool area, you’ll be notified on your phone with both a sensor alert and a video clip.
Stop Burglars From Stealing Your Packages
Learn more about EMC Security’s camera options here, and don’t forget to check out the rest of our smart home innovations!‘Tis the season for holiday shopping. And today, buying gifts is easier than ever thanks to online stores. But since many delivery services aren’t legally allowed to use your mailbox, they have to leave their precious cargo on your porch, right out in the open.
And an unguarded box on an un-watched porch is about as easy as a target as there is. Up to one in three people in America will be victims of porch package theft, and those odds only increase near the holidays.
So, how do you protect your packages from porch pirates?
By having an extra set of eyes to watch your back.
A Video Doorbell allows you to see and hear exactly who comes to your door, no matter where you are. Even if they don’t ring the doorbell, the PIR (passive infrared) sensor will detect human activity and alert you on your mobile device. With 2-way audio, you can speak with whoever is at the door, watch live video, and store clips.
Studies have shown that burglars are much less likely to target homes with visible security cameras, and the outdoor camera looks the part. It features infrared night vision, so you can see what’s happening at your front door, back entrance, or garage, no matter what. If something is detected, you’ll get notified on your mobile device.
So, once you’ve outfitted your front door with a security camera, what else can you do?
- First, if possible, become friendly with the people that deliver to your house and let them know where you prefer to have your packages left – like, for instance, behind the potted plant, or by your back door.
- Better yet, purchase a package locker or lockbox for your front porch, so your delivery person can lock your holiday gifts safely inside until you get home.
- And don’t forget to post a sign mentioning that your home is under surveillance!
5 Ways to Use Your Indoor Security Camera
Every home could use an indoor security camera as an extension of their home security system. They are great for peace of mind when you have a new baby, kids at home
alone, It’s important to remember that security cameras are not a replacement for monitored home security systems. They are to simply add an extra layer of security. If you want to feel safe and secure inside your home, you should purchase a security system with professional monitoring so if an intruder gets inside, you will have help – quickly.
Below are 5 places inside your home that you should consider for an indoor camera:
Front and Back Doors
- It makes sense to monitor the main entrances of your home. Most burglars will try the front doors first, and
then side and back doors next. - For indoor security, point the camera directly at the door. If possible, aim to keep the camera about 7 feet off the ground pointing down at a slight angle. This is ideal to capture a clear view of an intruder’s face.
First Floor Windows
- If an intruder cannot get in through a door, they might try the first-floor windows. Having a security camera sit on a table facing the window (diagonally to reduce glare) can work as a great deterrent. Because burglars know more about home security and security systems than most law-abiding citizens, they might deduct that they have been caught on video and make an escape.
- Cameras may deter would-be burglars, or record their crime, but they do not physically reinforce your first-floor windows. Installing a security system with sensors on both your doors and windows should always be a priority in making your home the most secure.
Master Bedroom
- The master bedroom is usually the first place a burglar heads to because many valuables are stored here.
The master is also a great place for a camera with two-way audio. Speaking to the intruder directly might cause them to flee the scene without taking anything.
Stairways
- Home burglaries happen very quickly, and as a result, the criminals are in and out of the home in minutes. The stairs are an area that forces a person to slow down, especially on the descent. Placing a camera here guarantees two looks at the perpetrators, as they will need to go up and down.
Garages & Sheds
- Approximately 9% of all break-ins occur through garage doors. But even if your home isn’t invaded, open garages can offer a wealth of opportunities to steal resalable items. Place the camera inside the garage at an angle, facing out to reduce glare.
Check out EMC Security’s selection of video cameras at emcsecurity.com.
- It makes sense to monitor the main entrances of your home. Most burglars will try the front doors first, and
