If you’re a homeowner, keeping your family safe has to be one of your utmost concerns. Security cameras are vital tools that will help to keep your home secure, but they’re only one component in your arsenal of tools. For example, you can connect other devices like alarms, to your home security cameras for extra protection.
Nevertheless, picking where you’re going to put your security cameras, picking what kind of security cameras are right for you, and more are all important steps in creating an effective home security system.
In order to ensure that your security cameras are as effective as possible, we’re going to discuss some tips regarding security cameras. By the end, you will have some safety tips that are vital for any homeowner to understand.
Let’s get started.
Make a Camera Placement Diagram
You need to have a visual map of all the cameras in your house, to ensure that you have the most effective security system possible. For example, you need to think about where cameras should be, and then draw out where these cameras would be.
Think about it like a blueprint. With a camera placement diagram, you’ll have a blueprint of your home that includes where the cameras will be. This way, you can think through whether or not you need more cameras or less cameras, and you can talk to your family and professionals about the best place for cameras, before you opt to install the cameras where they’re diagrammed.
One of the best things about a camera placement diagram, is that you’re able to move around the cameras if you decide it’s better suited elsewhere. There’s no commitment here, you’re just trying to figure out the best place for your security cameras.
Be sure to talk to a professional to discuss where the best places for your cameras are, in regard to height. Some cameras need to be at a certain height to document properly, so be sure to go over those logistics with a professional.
Think about Places that Need to Be Surveilled
It’s important that you take a moment to brainstorm which spots around your property need to be surveilled.
Here are some common weaknesses:
- if you have a back door that is poorly lit
- garage that is prone to being left open
- deck that is covered
Put cameras in these areas, to ensure that you’re able to see what’s going on.
Of course, there might be certain spots in your home that you’d like to have cameras on, whether that be your living room or the room that includes your safe and valuables.
A rule of thumb that’s good to consider, is that you should always have cameras at any entryway, hallway, room with valuables, or an outdoor space. Look at your camera diagram. See what spaces don’t have a camera coverage. It might be a good idea to add an additional camera, to cover the space that is currently not captured. Remember, the point of security cameras is to keep your family safe, so there’s never any harm in adding an extra camera to be cautious.
If you have a tall bush, a nook, or any place that a burglar can hide if they are trying to escape, it’s a good idea to put a camera there, too. So that you can ensure that you catch any home intruder, be sure to put a camera in any space that you think could be a hiding place.
Think about Power Sources
Be sure to consider power sources, when you’re installing your cameras. Of course, it takes electricity to run your cameras, so be sure that your home is equipped to run cameras in all the places that you need them. You might want to consult a home security professional, to ensure that there won’t be any electrical problems.
Think About Camera Features
In today’s world, there are a lot of features that come on home security cameras. Whether that be sound features, an alarm feature, or other features, be sure to think about whether or not you think additional features are necessary for your security cameras.
Ideas for Camera Placement
Burglars are not as creative as we think that they’d be. So, it’s a good idea to put cameras in your entryway, because often burglars simply enter through the front door.
If you have stairs in your home, you should definitely have cameras in all of your stairwells. If there’s a basement, make sure that you have security cameras there, too.
In terms of having cameras on your driveway, it’s a good idea to have your driveway recorded. Often thieves will park in your driveway. You’ll want to be able to read license plates in your driveway. So, for extra protection, make sure to document the driveway with security cameras.
Where to Avoid Placing Security Cameras
When it comes down to it, your safety is incredibly important. That means that you have to avoid placing any security cameras in the bathroom. That’s an obvious breach of privacy.
Moreover, don’t place any security cameras on tree branches, because this is an unstable surface. Because of that, your camera will likely fall and be unusable. Also, don’t put your security camera in any place that will capture your neighbors’ home. This is a violation of their privacy.
Hidden Versus Visible Cameras
You could hide cameras by putting birdhouses or rocks in front, but sometimes it can limit the camera view. This can put you at risk of not getting the footage that you need. To avoid any problems, talk to a professional before you install any hidden cameras on your property.
Allied Home Security Can Keep You Safe
If you’re in the market for new security cameras, be sure to reach out to Allied Home Security. We’re eager to help you find the Houston home security system and cameras that are right for your home. For more information, contact us.