Today, safety is no longer a luxury; it's a necessity. For seniors, feeling protected and maintaining a sense of security is a constant worry.
The latest statistics available from the FBI for a variety of violent crimes are still preliminary for the first half of 2012. They include murders, robberies, forcible rapes, household invasions, and aggravated assaults, and show a 1.9 percent increase over 2011. For the same time period, property crimes increased by 1.5 percent.
The National Crime Victimization Survey revealed the rate of violent crimes spiraled 17 percent from 2010 to 2011. Property offenses increased for the same time period by 11 percent. Figures for the South showed an up tick of 1.1 percent for violent crimes while aggravated assault jumped by 4.4 percent.
What can be done to ensure your safety?
Fortunately, the electronic age has brought a vast array of techniques that can provide relief with products and systems specializing in residential security. In some cases, a combination of several applications will offer higher degrees of security.
First, a good home security system is important. Alarm systems are popular, with the equipment being the basic foundation. They can be wired or wireless, providing protection against intruders, fire, and noxious gases. Consisting of magnetic door and window sensors, motion sensors, panic buttons, a security pad, and a main control panel, additional parts can also include glass breaking detectors, vibration sensors, closed-circuit TV recorders, and more.
Typically, these kinds of systems are installed and monitored by professionals. If an alarm is set off, the monitoring company calls the corresponding service for dispatching help. However, if you’re handy, parts are available for do-it-yourself installations.
Security surveillance equipment is an additional layer of protection. There are two types: covert (hidden) and overt (visible). Standard with these are a video camera (or several), a device for recording as well as playback, and a monitor. A motion detector is optional. Surveillance security has gained popularity because it provides taped evidence of all activity. Furthermore, the price has decreased, making it more affordable.
Criminal activity remains high, climbing every year. To ensure you don’t become a victim, employ some of these products and techniques. If that’s impossible, you can still put visible decals from an alarm system company in strategically selected windows. Additionally, a large “Beware of Dog” sign in your front yard can’t hurt.
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