Home Invasion
Burglary Prevention
Advice
Your home is your castle...right? Is your home really safe
once you leave for work or school? Your
home is considered a sanctuary where you
should feel safe. Your home is the only
environment where you have control over
who can get close to you or your family.
Protecting your home and family from
criminal intrusion should be high on
your list of priorities. See
Family Security
Tips for more information on
protecting your family from harm.
Before we go
on, we want to stress how valuable the
Voice Alert
Alarm System is for homes and
businesses. Sensors can easily be placed
near doors or windows, and you will be
alerted by a voice, from a small base
unit you keep inside the home, where an
intruder or visitor is approaching.
Countless customers have written to us
telling their story of how the Voice
alert saved them from crime or
vandalism.
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Voice Alert System-6 ZONE is a new annunciator
system featuring wireless PIR sensors transmitters and a remote
receiver/speaker base unit, that can handle 6 zones. Users record their own alert messages
and are then notified with their own voice message when activity
in a monitored area is detected. Key applications include:
• Wireless Driveway Alarm
• Residential and Business Security
• Child Monitoring and Pool Safety
• Home Automation or Business Protection System-6 allows a maximum of six user recorded
messages. Each message is specific to one zone. For instance,
zone one could be for a driveway alarm -“Car coming up
the driveway” while zone two could be for a sensor monitoring
the back yard- “Alert! Child by the pool!” Perhaps
a third sensor guards a side entrance against intruders. However,
when this PIR detects movement, the base unit plays “Intruder
on patio” and triggers a floodlight using one of four relays
included on the base unit. System-6 can monitor all three zones
simultaneously and still have three additional zones available
when needed. Users can alter their messages and place the wireless
sensors wherever they wish.
Commercial Security Applications
Voice Alert System-6 can support commercial users by monitoring
their storeroom inventory, announcing customers, or even
promoting products on sale. Since the Wireless System-6 features
user-recorded alerts, the variety of applications depends
primarily on the type of commercial operation.
To install, simply mount the PIR where you need zone control,
plug in the base unit and then record a voice message to
identify each zone. Other features include: on/off switch, audio
line output connection, adjustable volume control, missed
message indicator, missed message playback, one button message
check, enable/disable PIR switch, and low battery voice
notification. Voice Alert System-6 is an excellent plug and play
solution for hard-to-wire areas.
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Common Applications
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Alert Message Examples
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Storeroom or restricted access
security |
"Someone in storeroom" |
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Customized entry greeting to clients
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"Welcome to Food Mart" |
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Notification of customer entry
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"Customer is out front" |
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Shipment delivery notification |
"Delivery arriving" |
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Annunciation of CCTV camera activity
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"Motion by camera 3" |
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Warehouse inventory protection |
"Intruder by section J" |
Voice Alert System-6 sets up in minutes and can be completely
customized to fit their individual needs. The wireless PIRs
feature: all weather protection, adjustable mounting and sensitivity,
and can send a signal 300 feet through walls and up to 1000
feet in open space. You may add transmitters (VA-6000T)
to cover as many areas as you want.
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Includes the base unit and a wireless
sensor.
VA-6000S |
Extra Sensors
VA-6000T |
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Home Burglary
By far, the most common threat to our
home is burglary. According to the FBI,
a burglary occurs somewhere in the
United States every 15.4 seconds. By
definition, the crime of burglary is a
non-confrontational property crime that
occurs when we are not at home. However,
becoming a burglary victim can leave a
family feeling vulnerable and violated.
To avoid becoming a burglary victim, it
is important to first gain an
understanding of who commits them and
why.
The majority of home and apartment
burglaries occur during the daytime when
most people are away at work or school.
The summer months of July and August
have the most burglaries with February
having the fewest crimes. Burglaries are
committed most often by young males
under 25 years of age looking for items
that are small, expensive, and can
easily be converted to cash. Favorite
items are cash, jewelry, guns, watches,
laptop computers, VCRs, video players,
CDs and other small electronic devices
are high on the list. Quick cash is
needed for living expenses and drugs.
Statistics tell us that 70% of the
burglars use some amount force to enter
a dwelling, but their preference is to
gain easy access through an open door or
window. Ordinary household tools like
screwdrivers, channel-lock pliers, small
pry bars, and small hammers are most
often used by burglars. Burglars
continue to flourish because police can
only clear about 13% of all reported
burglaries and rarely catch the thief in
the act.
Although home burglaries may seem
random in occurrence, they actually
involve a selection process. The
burglar's selection process is simple.
Choose an unoccupied home with the
easiest access, the greatest amount of
cover, and with the best escape routes.
What follows is a list of suggestions to
minimize your risk by making your home
unattractive to potential burglars.
Doors and Locks
The first step is to harden the
target or make your home more
difficult to enter. Remember, the
burglar will simply bypass your home if
it requires too much effort or requires
more skill and tools than they possess.
Most burglars enter via the front, back,
or garage doors. Experienced burglars
know that the garage door is usually the
weakest point of entry followed by the
back door. The garage and back doors
also provide the most cover. Burglars
know to look inside your car for keys
and other valuables so keep it locked,
even when parked inside your garage. Use
high quality Grade-1 or Grade-2 locks on
exterior doors to resist twisting,
prying, and lock-picking attempts. A
quality deadbolt lock will have a
beveled casing to inhibit the use of
channel-lock pliers used to shear off
lock cylinder pins. A quality door
knob-in-lock set will have a 'dead
latch' mechanism to prevent slipping the
lock with a shim or credit card.
- Use a solid core or metal door
for all entrance points
- Use a quality, heavy-duty,
deadbolt lock with a one-inch throw
bolt
- Use a quality, heavy-duty,
knob-in-lock set with a dead-latch
mechanism
- Use a heavy-duty, four-screw,
strike plate with 3-inch screws to
penetrate into a wooden door frame
- Use wide-angle 160° peephole
mounted not any higher than 58 inches
The most common way used to force
entry through a door with a wooden jamb
is to simply kick it open. The weakest
point is almost always the lock strike
plate that holds the latch or lock bolt
in place followed by a glass paneled
door. The average door strike plate is
secured only by the soft-wood doorjamb
molding. These lightweight moldings are
often tacked on to the door frame and
can be torn away with a firm kick.
Because of this construction flaw, it
makes sense to upgrade to a four-screw,
heavy-duty, high security strike plate.
They are available in most quality
hardware stores and home improvement
centers and are definitely worth the
extra expense. Install this heavy-duty
strike plate using 3-inch wood screws to
cut deep into the door frame stud. Use
these longer screws in the knob lock
strike plate as well and use at least
one long screw in each door hinge. This
one step alone will deter or prevent
most through-the-door forced entries.
You and your family will sleep safer.
Sliding-Glass Patio Doors
Sliding glass doors are secured by
latches not locks. They are vulnerable
to being forced open from the outside
because of these inherently defective
latch mechanisms. This can be easily be
prevented by inserting a wooden dowel or
stick into the track thus preventing or
limiting movement. Other blocking
devices available are metal fold-down
blocking devices called "charley bars"
and various track-blockers that can be
screwed down. We have
these available at our
FeelSaferNow Stores. You have to
secure your doors and windows with
devices that make it hard for a
criminal, so that they will give up and
get lost.
The blocking devices described above
solve half the equation. Older sliding
glass doors can be lifted up and off
their track and thereby defeat the latch
mechanism. To prevent lifting, you need
to keep the door rollers in good
condition and properly adjusted. You can
also install anti-lift devices such as a
pin that extends through both the
sliding and fixed portion of the door.
There are also numerous locking and
blocking devices available in any good
quality hardware store that will prevent
a sliding door from being lifted or
forced horizontally. Place highly
visible decals on the glass door near
the latch mechanism that indicates that
an alarm system, a dog, or block
watch/operation identification is in
place. Burglars dislike alarm systems
and definitely barking dogs.
- Use a secondary blocking device
on all sliding glass doors
- Keep the latch mechanism in good
condition and properly adjusted
- Keep sliding door rollers in
good condition and properly adjusted
- Use anti-lift devices such as
through-the-door pins or upper track
screws
- Use highly visible alarm decals,
beware of dog decals or block watch
decal
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Use
our
Electronic Barking Dog Alarm for
extra security, and for a warning to
you or your family. A loud barking
dog is a huge deterrent to a
criminal. It detects movement
through windows, walls, doors..etc.
The "dog" gets viciously louder as
the person gets closer. It has
several settings, including
rainforest sounds and more. The
barking dog is so mean sounding,
that even bears will be deterred. We
have many customers who use the
electronic barking dog alarm in
their summer homes and cabins. It
prevents bears from approaching
decks and windows.
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7.5 inches tall |
Four settings to choose from: Continual tranquil
sounds of the rainforest, Alert sound of an angry and protective
watchdog, Soothing rainforest sounds to alert you of a guest's
arrival and Alert sounds of both the angry watchdog and
a warning siren.
- Reliable 24-hour protection
- No Installation required
- Protection with none of the problems of owning a real
dog.
- Switches from the watchdog to the tranquil sounds of nature
with the simple switch of a button.
- Variable distance sensitivity (up to 21') as well as volume
control.
- Senses movement through walls, doors, and glass to alert
you of a visitor's arrival.
- Size: 7.5" x 5" x 5.5"
- Maintenance free.
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Windows
Windows are left unlocked and open at
a much higher rate than doors. An open
window, visible from the street or
alley, may be the sole reason for your
home to be selected by a burglar. Ground
floor windows are more susceptible to
break-ins for obvious reasons. Upper
floor windows become attractive if they
can be accessed from a stairway, tree,
fence, or by climbing on balconies.
Windows have latches, not locks and
therefore should have secondary blocking
devices to prevent sliding them open
from the outside.
In sleeping rooms, these window
blocking devices should be capable of
being removed easily from the inside to
comply with fire codes. Like sliding
glass doors, anti-lift devices are
necessary for ground level and
accessible aluminum windows that slide
horizontally. The least expensive and
easiest method is to install screws
half-way into the upper track of the
movable glass panel to prevent it from
being lifted out in the closed position.
As a deterrent, place highly visible
decals on the glass door near the latch
mechanism that indicates that an alarm
system, a dog, or block watch/operation
identification system is in place.
- Use crime prevention or alarm
decals on ground accessible windows
Be a Good Neighbor
Good neighbors should look out for
each other. Get to know your neighbors
on each side of your home and the three
directly across the street. Invite them
into your home, communicate often, and
establish trust. Good neighbors will
watch out for your home or apartment
when you are away, if you ask them. They
can report suspicious activity to the
police or to you while you are away.
Between them, good neighbors can see to
it that normal services continue in your
absence by allowing vendors to mow your
lawn or remove snow. Good neighbors can
pick up your mail, newspapers,
handbills, and can inspect the outside
or inside of your home periodically to
see that all is well. Good neighbors
will occasionally park in your driveway
to give the appearance of occupancy
while you are on vacation.
Allowing a neighbor to have a key
solves the problem of hiding a key
outside the door. Experienced burglars
know to look for hidden keys in planter
boxes, under doormats, and above the
ledge. Requiring a service vendor to see
your neighbor to retrieve and return
your house key will send the message
that someone is watching. This
neighborhood watch technique sets up
what is called territoriality
which means that your neighbors will
take ownership and responsibility for
what occurs in your mini-neighborhood.
This concept works in both single family
homes communities and on apartment
properties. This practice helps deter
burglaries and other crimes in a big
way. Of course for this to work, you
must reciprocate and offer the same
services.
- Get to know all your adjacent
neighbors
- Invite them into your home and
establish trust
- Agree to watch out for each
other's home
- Do small tasks for each other to
improve territoriality
- While on vacation - pick up
newspapers, and flyers
- Offer to occasionally park your
car in their driveway
- Return the favor and communicate
often
Lighting
Interior lighting is necessary to
show signs of life and activity inside a
residence at night. A darken home
night-after-night sends the message to
burglars that you are away on a trip.
Light timers are inexpensive and can be
found everywhere. They should be used on
a daily basis, not just when you’re
away. In this way you set up a routine
that your neighbors can observe and will
allow them to become suspicious when
your normally lighted home becomes dark.
Typically, you want to use light-timers
near the front and back windows with the
curtains closed. The pattern of lights
turning on and off should simulate
actual occupancy. It’s also comforting
not to have to enter a dark residence
when you return home. The same light
timers can be used to turn on radios or
television sets to further enhance the
illusion of occupancy.
Exterior lighting is also very
important. It becomes critical if you
must park in a common area parking lot
or underground garage and need to walk
to your front door. The purpose of good
lighting is to allow you to see if a
threat or suspicious person is lurking
in your path. If you can see a potential
threat in advance then you at least have
the choice and chance to avoid it.
Exterior lighting needs to bright enough
for you to see 100-feet and it helps if
you can identify colors. Good lighting
is definitely a deterrent to criminals
because they don't want to be seen or
identified.
Another important area to be
well-lighted is the perimeter of your
home or apartment especially at the
entryway. Exterior lighting on the front
of a property should always be on a
timer to establish a routine and
appearance of occupancy at all times.
Common area lighting on apartment
properties should also be on a timer or
photo-cell to turn on at dusk and turn
off at dawn. The practice of leaving the
garage or porch lights turned on all day
on a single family home is a dead
giveaway that you are out of town.
Exterior lighting at the rear of a home
or apartment are usually on a switch
because of the proximity to the sleeping
rooms. The resident can choose to leave
these lights on or off. Security lights
with infra-red motion sensors are
relatively inexpensive and can easily
replace an exterior porch light or side
door light on single family homes. The
heat-motion sensor can be adjusted to
detect body heat and can be programmed
to reset after one minute. These
security lights are highly recommended
for single family homes.
- Use interior light timers to
establish a pattern of occupancy
- The
Voice Alert Driveway System is
excellent for notifying you, in your
own recorded voice, that someone has
come onto your driveway. Additional
sensor alerts can be set up at
doors, windows, tool sheds, pool
area or anywhere.
- Exterior lighting should allow
100- feet of visibility
- Use good lighting along the
pathway and at your door
- Use light timers or photo-cells
to turn on/off lights automatically
- Use infra-red motion sensor
lights on the rear of single family
homes
Alarm Systems
Alarm systems definitely have a place
in a home security plan and are
effective, if used properly. The reason
why alarm systems deter burglaries is
because they increase the potential and
fear of being caught and arrested by the
police. The deterrent value comes from
the alarm company lawn sign and from the
alarm decals on the windows. Home and
apartment burglars will usually bypass a
property with visible alarm signs and
will go to another property without such
a sign. Some people, with alarm systems,
feel that these signs and decals are
unsightly and will not display them. The
risk here is that an uninformed burglar
might break a window or door and grab a
few quick items before the police can
respond. Also, don't write your alarm pass code on or near the alarm keypad.
Alarm systems need to be properly
installed and maintained. Alarms systems
can monitor for fire as well as burglary
for the same price. All systems should
have an audible horn or bell to be
effective in case someone does break in.
However, these audible alarms should be
programmed to reset automatically after
one or two minutes. The criminal got the
message and will be long gone but your
neighbors will have to listen to the
alarm bell, sometimes for hours, until
it is shut off. If you use a central
station to monitor your alarm, make sure
your response call list is up to date.
Home alarms, like car alarms, are
generally ignored except for a brief
glance. However, if you have established
and nurtured your neighborhood watch
buddy system, you will experience a
genuine concern by your neighbor. It is
not unusual to have a neighbor wait for
the police, allow them inside for an
inspection, and secure the residence. A
good neighbor can also call the glass
company or locksmith to repair any
damage, if pre-authorized by you.
The greatest barrier getting to this
level of neighborhood participation is
taking the first step. You can get help
by calling your local crime prevention
unit at the police department. Most
police departments in large cities have
neighborhood watch coordinators to help
you set this up. You should invite your
adjacent neighbors over to your home for
coffee and begin the information
exchange.
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How it Works:
1. When the door/window sensor or motion detector is
triggered, it sounds an alarm and sends a signal to
the base unit.
2. The base unit dials the first telephone number of
your programmed list.
3. The person answering the call will hear a
prerecorded alert message.
4. That person will have the option to listen in on
the room, broadcast their voice through the base
unit, or disarm the system.
5. If there is no answer, or if the person doesn't
disarm the system, it will dial the next number on
your programmed list. Includes 1 base unit with AC
adaptor, 1 Window/door sensor (wireless transmission
up to 250 feet), 1 motion detector (range up to 8
yards) and 1 remote control with panic feature for
arming and disarming the unit.
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Home Safes
Since the prices of good home safes
are falling, having a safe in your home
is a wise investment. Home safes are
designed to keep the smash and grab
burglar, nosey kids, dishonest
babysitter or housekeeper from gaining
access to important documents and
personal property. Our
diversion
safes are excellent for hiding
valuables.
Operation Identification
This is a program supported by most
police agencies. They recommend that you
engrave your drivers’ license, not your
social security number, on televisions,
stereos, computers, and small electronic
appliances. They suggest this so they
can identify and locate you if your
stolen items are recovered. I suggest
that you go way beyond this step
I recommend that you photograph your
valuables in their locations around your
home and make a list of the make, model,
and serial numbers. This is very
important for proof when filing
insurance claims. You should keep this
list in a safety deposit box or with a
relative for safe keeping. Keep receipts
of the larger items in case you need to
prove the value of the items for
insurance purposes. Beyond that, I
recommend that you photocopy important
documents and the contents of your
wallet. You will be thankful that you
took these steps in case your home is
ever destroyed by fire or flood, is
ransacked, or if your wallet is lost or
stolen.
- Identify your valuables by
engraving your drivers’ license
number
- Photograph and record the serial
numbers of all valuables
- Photocopy the contents of your
wallet and other documents
- Store the copies in a safe
deposit box or with a relative
Lastly, and most importantly, ONE
MORE TIME....please do not open you
door to a stranger EVER. Always lock all
of your doors and windows ALL OF THE
TIME. This alone will decrease your
chances of a break in significantly.
No matter what your budget allows, at Feel Safer Now, we
have a home security product that fits. It is essentially important that you can protect yourself and your loved ones these days. Unfortunately crime is not going away, and in fact it is getting worse. These products will let you know if an intruder is trying to enter or has entered your home, apartment, dorm room, or hotel, giving you the opportunity to defend yourself or your loved ones.
Please scroll down to view these 7 unique, very popular
products.
CRIME TIPS
NEW! Auto Dialer-Calls your cell phone or
other phone when it detects motion!
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Mace™ Big Jammer
- Strong 20 gauge steel adjustable door brace
- Installs easily under door knob and provides added security
for home or business.
- Adjusts to fit most hinged doors.
- End caps
can be removed to allow for use on sliding glass doors as well.
- Clean, baked enamel finish makes it attractive for in-house use.
PLEASE NOTE: The door brace is not designed as the primary
locking device on your exterior door. It is
intended as additional security used in
conjunction with your current door hardware
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Dual Function Door Brace (works on Hinged Doors and Sliding Doors)
NON-MARRING YOKE: (removable for sliding doors)
Designed to work with most types of door hardware.
Helps protect against finished damage.
DESIGNED TO FIT MOST DOORS: Simple push button adjustment requires no tools
HIGH STRENGTH STEEL TUBE: 20-gauge steel for greater strength
PADDED FOOT: provides sure grip on most floor surfaces and
protects against finish damage.
PORTABLE: Collapsible, to fit in most suitcases and garment
bags
LIFETIME GUARANTEE
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| Mace™ Motion Alert
is a passive infrared system that detects motion in any selected
area. Compact and attractive, it mounts easily (vertically or
horizontally) near any entry area and is battery operated, eliminating
any need for wiring. Unit can be coded with a personal security
code and can be set to utilize a two-tone entry chime, instead
of the alarm sound. Mounting screws included. 9-volt battery not
included.
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This compact, attractive Magnetic
Door/ Window Alarm uses magnetic affinity to initiate its
110 decible siren. The base of the alarm is bolted to door or
window frame, the actuator is connected to the window or door.
The alarm is activated by opening the door or window. Great for
any door or window, particularly those hard to protect sliding
glass doors. Requires 3 lithium button cell batteries (included).
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| The Mini Alert
Alarm uses passive infrared technology to protect a room from
intruders. Producing an infrared triangle, the Mini Alert creates
an unseen barrier that's impossible to penetrate without setting
off the alarm! Battery operated, the Mini Alert needs no wiring
and can be easily moved to a new location. Mounting bracket included.
Requires three "AA" batteries.
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Mace™ Window Alert
is a 95 decibel glass breakage alarm that attaches to windows
and set off by vibrations if someone tries to break through. Installs
easily on any window. Solid, state-of-the-art design. Battery
included.
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| Shipping is FREE (Continental USA orders only) if you
order a minimum of $75.00 from our web site. Otherwise
we will add $6.50 shipping . Crime prevention tips  |
Keyless Entry Locks - The original, high-quality keyless lock for home and business door hardware. These elegant, unpickable locks have push-button combinations and hacksaw-proof deadbolts for maximum security. Easy to install--no keys, no wires, no batteries. Full 5-Year Warranty, Weatherproof, 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.
Motion
Sensor Detects Motion and Activates Auto Dialer
