Gerald, not his real name, arrived home at around 7:30 p.m. like any other weekday. He’s a 31-year-old accountant who lives in a one-bedroom apartment with his most trusted companions, a labrador retriever and an American shorthair cat. His schedule is pretty routinary: wakes up at 5:00 a.m., drives to the office at 6:30 a.m., clocks out at 6:00 p.m., and arrives at his porch at 7:30 p.m. However, things went awry one Tuesday evening when Gerald found his front door forcefully opened and his pets gone. Several valuables were also stolen including a desktop computer, a flat screen TV and a gold watch. It was every homeowner’s nightmare.
Burglaries account for nearly 20 percent of property crimes in the US, with 71.6 percent occurring in residential properties in 2015. The losses were beyond the financial. In some cases, pets are injured, taken or killed. A home security system is simply non-negotiable. To secure your home, it’s not enough to install a surveillance camera or alarms. It’s essential to also know about new threats such as cyberattacks and effective security tips to avoid these risks.
Alerts on-the-go
More than half of reported burglaries in the US involved forcible entry. An alarm system for pet owners can help prevent illegal intrusions and keep pets from harm’s way. Install alarms in all doors and windows in your home including the backdoor. Once a criminal detects guard dogs on the front door, he may either hurt the animal or find other entryways. The latest models of alarm systems can alert the homeowner via an electronic gadget such as smartphones and tablets once a breach is detected. You can also have notifications sent automatically to authorities for immediate response.
Security software updates
Technology is continuously bringing us new innovations on pet alarm security systems. However, this also equips criminals with better ways to execute their activities. The best way to counter these threats is to install a firewall and regularly update your software. Change passwords in your alarms systems are often as possible and review recorded feeds even if no breach was detected. Take note of suspicious activities such as unknown passers-by captured by cameras lurking near your residence. They may be assessing the security infrastructure in your home and planning an attack. Always stay vigilant.
Real-time video feeds
Criminals are not the only elements pet owners should be concerned of. Puppies may ingest dangerous substances in your home such as toxic plants and cleaning supplies. Aloe vera, calla lily and daffodils can be fatal when eaten by puppies and kittens. Surveillance cameras can help ensure pet safety. New cameras can allow you to monitor your home real-time via video feeds sent to your laptop or smartphone. In any case, make sure your plants are beyond your pets’ reach or replace them with non-toxic plants. Keep cleaning materials inside drawers or on high cupboards.
Fire and water detectors
According to the latest official data, there were 365,500 reported home fires in the US in 2015. These incidents led to $7 billion in property losses. Protect your pets from fires by screening off wood stoves, fireplaces and other similar facilities. Install smoke detectors in your home especially in areas you rarely visit such as the attic and basement. You should also have leak detectors that provide protection against leaks, flooding and water damage. Protect your home against calamities.
Home security in your fingertips
The world is gearing towards home automation like wireless alarm systems to install in your house. Switches and sensors are can be connected to a central system that can be controlled via a web interface or mobile app. Instead of installing separate software for your alarms and surveillance cameras, you can integrate these along with other systems in your home. Home automation allows a homeowner to oversee alarms and cameras, heating and ventilation, lighting, and even the central locking of perimeter doors and windows through one software. Since this is primarily powered through the internet, take note of protection against hacking and cyberattacks.
Social media diligence
Secure your home and pets by exercising due diligence. A study by the University of California Institute for Prediction Technology suggests that information from social media can help prevent violence and crimes. Conversely, Facebook posts and tweets can also be used to facilitate felonies such as burglaries. Keep your social media accounts on private setting. Avoid posting personal data such as your whereabouts, and details of your plane ticket and planned vacations. You can post photos of your summer in the Caribbean when you get back. You wouldn’t want burglars to know when your home is unattended.
Microchip your pets
Dog theft can happen anywhere. No yard fence is high enough for a determined criminal. Aside from installing security cameras and alarms, you should also consider getting your pet microchipped. A microchip, which is an absolute proof of ownership, can be implanted on dogs, cats, horses, ferrets and other animals. Although it doesn’t work as a tracker, all animals brought to a veterinarian are scanned. The scanned microchip number is verified with the manufacturer and the latter will contact the owner. Getting your pet microchipped is not your only task. Remember to register the microchip and keep the information on it, such as your phone numbers, updated.
Create a conducive home for your pets
Installing a home security system and microchipping your dogs are just some of the ways to provide a secure home for your pets. You should be aware of items and activities in your home that can pose safety risks. Keep cords tied or out of sight to avoid strangulation. Puppies love playing with pieces of clothing such as socks and rags that can cause intestinal blockage. Keep cigarettes, nicotine gum and patches out of reach, as these contain substances dangerous to dogs. Your garden should always be well-kept. Oil, paint, and insecticides should be secured in containers. Make sure you only have non-toxic outdoor shrubs and flowers.
The impact of burglary can go beyond money. There had been cases when pets are harmed, stolen or killed. A security system is a must-have in every home. The latest innovations in home security allow people to monitor their properties off-site on the internet. Aside from the installation of alarms and cameras, due diligence should be exercised at all times. Among the security tips for pet owners, the most important is vigilance.
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