SECURITY
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Choosing the right home security system is something homeowners or renters likely want to get right the first time. B...
SimpliSafe—a top choice among home security companies and our choice for the best DIY home security system, just knoc...
Those of us who feed the birds share one common goal: getting a closer look! From binoculars and window-mounted bird ...
The front door is more than merely an entry into your house. It’s part of the exterior decor, offering an opportunity...
Smart outdoor lights can be useful throughout the backyard or garden, with choices to light up pathways, improve secu...
Home security systems can help homeowners or renters feel safer in their homes, making them well worth it for many cu...
Glass can be an amazing building material, but—in many cases—it’s also the weakest link on the exterior of a home. Wh...
If you have a home security system, you should thank Marie Van Brittan Brown. She was a Black woman inventor who desi...
Q: I saw on the news that criminals can steal your home title through identity fraud. Is home title theft real? How c...
Many homeowners rely on a secure home safe to keep important documents and small amounts of money or jewelry under l...
Thorny plants, many of which actually “make their points” to discourage animals from eating their foliage, may provid...
Q: After a recent wave of property crime in my area, I’d like to look at adding a security system to my home. When I ...
Q: We’ve just moved to a new neighborhood. When we lived in our previous home, everyone on the street left their porc...
In homes with dogs, a reliable dog gate is a valuable tool for control and safety. These simple but practical gates a...
High-speed WiFi networks and smart home devices make our lives easier by providing us with entertainment, security, a...
Many of the everyday tasks of life—locking the door, adjusting the thermostat, dimming the lights, and capturing porc...
Both SimpliSafe and Vivint feature among the best home security systems in the industry. Choosing between Vivint vs. ...
Both Vivint and ADT are fantastic options for home security; in fact, Vivint and ADT are often considered two of the ...
The holidays are about family, love, and warmth—or at least they should be. But every so often some coldhearted scroo...
Locks are the best method for securing a door. But if a lock fails, if the door doesn’t have a lock, or if you don’t ...
Both Frontpoint and SimpliSafe are big names in the home security world, and both companies are known as having some ...
SimpliSafe and ADT are both household names in the home security world, but there are quite a few differences between...
Typical Range: $3 to $10 per monthYou’ve implemented several home security tips to help make your home a safer plac...
Q: Because of a recent uptick in property crime in our area, we’ve been thinking about installing a security system, ...
Even homes located in seemingly safe neighborhoods can benefit from a home security system. Vivint and Ring are two o...
Amazon’s Prime Early Access Sale is happening right now, and there’s no better time to save on major purchases. Here ...
Take a good look at your home. Where do you feel you need video coverage? Is there a dark space you can’t quite see f...
Q: I’ve noticed that many of my neighbors have security systems—or at least signs on their lawns that say they do. On...
Q: There are so many security cameras on the market now, and with a slight rise in crime in my neighborhood I’d like ...
We walk through doors every day as we move from room to room and building to building, yet how often do we really thi...
Q: Our local police department recently sent out an alert about a rise in catalytic converter thefts in our area. I’m...
The best home safe keeps your important documents, jewelry, guns, or other valuables safe and secure—either from othe...
For added convenience and security, a garage door keypad allows for keyless entry into a garage. For times when a hom...
Wildfires can wreak havoc on entire communities instantaneously. Unfortunately, wildfires are getting more intense an...
Q: I wanted to add window sensors to my home for extra peace of mind, and I thought it would be a simple task of sear...
Q: Our neighbors were recently away on vacation and mentioned after they returned home that they had forgotten to loc...
Q: I’ve noticed a recent increase in break-ins and property theft in my neighborhood over the past few months, and I’...
Outdoor motion-sensing lights illuminate your property when needed without wasting power. Much in the same way a moti...
Typical Range: $64. 99 to $349. 99 National Average: $99. 99For a variety of reasons, many homeowners and renters ...
PoE (Power over Ethernet) security camera systems are a reliable choice for both home and business monitoring. These ...
Add an extra layer to home security and give intruders pause with a barking dog alarm. No burglar wants to take their...
Q: I’ve just moved into my first home, and I’ve suddenly realized how much I took for granted about home safety and s...
While there are security systems that offer outdoor cameras, they also come with hefty up-front costs and typically h...
A regular mailbox can’t deter a nosey neighbor or parcel thief, but a locking mailbox can. Mailboxes that lock typica...
For many pet parents, a dog fence is an absolute necessity. Whether you want to keep your furry friends safe in your ...
Many homes in warmer areas have beautiful doors that open outward to let the outside into their living spaces. Fresh ...
Windows add air and light to a home, which can make properly securing them a difficult prospect—most of the methods t...
Q: Most of our neighbors have some kind of security system: Some have basic doorbell cameras, others have DIY systems...
Q: I’m moving into a new apartment, and while I’d have preferred to be on a higher floor, the only apartment availabl...
Q: We recently experienced a burglary, and couldn’t figure out how the burglars got into our home. A partial view fro...
In just the past 5 years, more than 250 million square feet of self-storage space has been built in the U. S. Suffice...
Typical Range: $150 to $2,040 National Average: $1,330Video footage from security cameras is featured heavily on i...
Though the news is rife with reminders about skyrocketing egg prices (which were up almost 60 percent year-over-year ...
If you're interested in investing in a home security system, now may be the perfect time to do so. Right now, during ...
The graceful appearance of double doors opened to a sunny patio can make your home feel open and welcoming. French do...
Q: My new apartment is awesome on the inside, and I’m excited to be living on my own for the first time. I’m also a l...
Countless articles in home magazines and on decorator websites focus on curb appeal: choose this color to stand out, ...
Your doors—front, back, side, garage, and patio—are what stand between you and the outside world. Sometimes opening t...
If you’re lucky enough to have a sliding glass door in your living space, you’ve probably marveled at the amount of l...
A security system can make renters feel much safer when living in an apartment building, especially a nonsecure one. ...
Buying a house is the most significant financial purchase many will make, which is why it's vital to know everything ...
Q: I recently rented a new apartment. After I moved in, I learned there has been an uptick in break-ins in the neighb...
Q: I’ve recently decided to invest in a home security system. The system I chose allows me to install and set up the ...
Investing in an alarm system is one of the best ways to prevent break-ins, protect cars sitting in the driveway, and ...
Basement windows can add a touch of natural light and a breath of fresh air to a space that can otherwise be dark, st...
Some people may remember home intercom systems from the ’70s while others may have encountered them as door-entry dev...
Whether you’re a billionaire with a secret passion for fighting crime, someone who is low on storage space, or a prep...
A home security system is designed to help customers protect their possessions, investments, and families. The best h...
Q: My kids came home from school all excited to try a few Alexa memes, including something called Intruder Alert that...
Q: I got a notification that my Amazon package had been delivered, but when I got home it wasn’t on my step. The cont...
Q: Many of my neighbors have security cameras now, and I love the idea of being able to keep an eye on my house. But ...
Q: Our family regularly locks ourselves out of our home. It’s funny at first, and then just inconvenient and annoying...
Q: We’re replacing our very old front door, and we discovered when we were hunting for a new handle and lock set that...
Few folks will argue about the importance of having high-quality, reliable smoke detectors in their home. The sole pu...
Q: I’ve been seeing a lot of videos posted by neighbors from their Ring cameras. I’m intrigued, and like the idea of ...
Q: I’d like to get a security system to protect my home and family, but there are so many new options on the market t...
Highlights The cost for a Vivint security system ranges from $997. 99 to $2,827. 92 depending on the package chosen,...
Highlights The average monthly cost for a SimpliSafe home security system is between $0 and $27. 99. The exact cost...
Q: Our new neighborhood has a reputation for being very safe, but over the past year the rate of property crime nearb...
Q: I’d really like to get a home security system, but I don’t like the idea of people all over my home installing equ...
Swimming pools, playsets, fountains, and other landscaping features can make a yard more enjoyable for you and your f...
Highlights The typical cost range for ADT home security is between $599 and $1,049—this includes initial equipment c...
Q: I’m interested in a home security system, but I’m not sure I want people in my home installing a lot of hardware o...
Q: Recently a friend looking for a house in our neighborhood told me that our area isn’t safe compared to surrounding...
These temporary fixes can help you secure apartment doors, bathroom doors, bedroom doors, and even entry doors without a permanent lock.
The Meaning of a Purple FenceThe term “trailblazing” has become a common metaphor for something that is new or innova...
Q: Crime is on the rise in our neighborhood, and my neighbor just adopted a dog, claiming that the dog’s mere presenc...
If you’ve watched police procedurals on television or glanced through your town’s police blotter, one of the most com...
As online shopping has become more popular, the rate at which packages are stolen from customers' porches has also ri...
Installing a fence, whether it’s wooden, PVC, or metal, is a great way to secure your yard and maximize privacy. Bonu...
As society has turned inward, toward car travel and television and video games, the sense of security that came from ...
If you’ve been the victim of a crime and lost possessions that were financially significant or dear to you, you proba...
If you frequently hear car alarms sounding off at night in your neighborhood, it might be time for a floodlight camer...
Typical Range: $280 to $1,109 National Average: $695For many people, home is their sanctuary. Unfortunately, a bur...
A trailer hitch lock helps prevent the trailer from becoming the target of thieves, whether it’s connected to a vehic...
Break-ins are a violation of one of our most sacred and personal spaces: our homes. A criminal breaking into an empty...
Home invasions can take a significant financial toll on victims; the emotional toll is perhaps even greater. The loss...
On the surface, a doorbell is a seemingly simple device. But in reality, doorbells are an integral part of any front ...
Q: I came home from work last week and could see from the driveway that my front door was kicked in. I ran to my neig...
Whether you use your garage as a home workshop or as a place to get your vehicle out of the elements, the best smart ...
A video doorbell is a home security product and also means of being alerted that there’s a visitor—all rolled into on...
Your home should be the place where you feel the safest; one of the best ways to achieve this peace of mind is by ins...
Keeping a home secure from vandals, porch pirates, and wandering animals can help ensure the safety of both the prope...
Professionally monitored home security systems usually involve a company watching your home 24 hours a day, 7 days a ...
Baby boomers, that massive segment of the U. S. population born between 1946 and 1964, have consistently changed the ...
A door security bar can be an excellent investment. This device, placed behind a door, adds extra reinforcement to an...
The days of squinting through a peephole, peaking through the curtains to see who’s at the door, or calling out “who ...
Pocket doors can be excellent space-savers in modern homes and they’re an original touch in many older houses. Howeve...
A floor safe can keep valuables such as jewelry, cash, guns, and even sensitive documents safe from would-be thieves ...
Home security is of paramount importance, but fumbling with your keys while juggling packages, especially in nasty we...
In an automated smart home, the best keypad door lock blends seamlessly with a home setup. Many work via Bluetooth, c...
Though many people associate lock picks with nefarious intent, there are actually plenty of legitimate reasons for ha...
Any type of home security system is designed to keep the house and its inhabitants safe from property damage and thef...
Documents such as medical records, banking statements, and bills are stored in the cloud or on digital thumb drives. ...
Modern lifestyles can be so busy, with various household members all on different schedules, so it’s high time for an...
Hidden cameras offer an easy and affordable way to monitor your home and keep an eye on your valuables. These tiny ye...
Most nefarious activities that might take place on your property, be it car theft, vandalism, break-ins, or trespassi...
Fireproof safes can stop a fire or break-in from escalating from terrible to truly disastrous by keeping essential do...
If you keep precious jewelry, documents, and/or heirlooms at home, you may want to conceal these items in a wall safe...
Even if you live in an area with a low crime rate, having an extra level of protection between your kitchen and the o...
A quality combination lock can secure your valuables away from home or add extra protection to a backyard gate or out...
When shopping for a new wallet, you may want to consider purchasing a radio frequency identification (RFID) wallet th...
Leaving a four-pawed pal home alone can be tough, but a pet camera—similar to a nanny cam —can ease the situation. Sy...
According to the U. S. Fire Administration, residential fires account for 75 percent of fire-related deaths in the Un...
A portal that allows your pooch safe and easy access to the outside can be a real convenience for pet lovers. A dog d...
How can air conditioners and car keys protect you from being burglarized? Read on for clever tips and tricks to improve your home's security.
Bike theft is, unfortunately, very common without a bike lock. Thankfully, you can guard against theft and protect yo...
Residential outdoor security cameras were once reserved for the well-to-do. Thanks to advancements in technology, out...
Say goodbye to keys and hello to extra home security with one of today’s smart locks. It's been a decade or so since ...
Protecting your identity from cybercriminals is essential for safeguarding your privacy and personal financial information. Failing to take basic steps can leave ...
Take this immediate action if your computer or accounts are breached so you can mitigate the damage and prevent further security risks.
Your home is your sanctuary. Of course, you want to keep it safe and secure. But there are times when you cannot be p...
Quality matters, especially where security is concerned. Inferior padlocks tend to frustrate users in one of two ways...
Indoor cameras have been a regular part of security systems for years. You can mount one at a shared entrance to trac...
The safety of your home and its occupants should not be taken lightly. A security system is often the first line of d...
A household safe or fireproof box isn’t just for storing priceless heirlooms, art, or stacks of cash. In fact, a number of common documents—while not quite as exc...
Home safe options provide peace of mind when you’ve got cash, important documents, jewelry, and other valuables in th...
Doorbell cameras have arrived. They show “who’s there?” and most can be conveniently configured with a smartphone, co...
Take preventative measures and be prepared for worst-case scenarios with these home safety essentials.
Outdoor illumination keeps the home visible at night and helps deter crime, but leaving lights on all night is a cost...
What's the best way to protect against household crime? Arm yourself with awareness and knowledge, and implement these suggestions for crime prevention in 2020.
Entry door locks are an essential element of home security. Choosing a door lock might seem like a simple decision, b...
Protecting family and property is of primary importance to homeowners. Security systems can be valuable allies in this quest, but don't discount other important f...
Whether you're home for the holidays or not, this festive season is a popular time for break-ins. Find out what mistakes you might be making that leaves your hous...
Your house is only as safe as its weakest entry point, and for many, that point is an overhead garage door. While hom...
August is a great time for a family vacation—one last fling before school starts. But before you take a plane, train, or automobile out of town, make sure to prot...
The FBI statistics are sobering: a burglary occurs roughly every 13 seconds in America. There were an estimated 1.4 million burglaries in 2017, and burglary victi...
Add privacy, security, and beauty to your yard with these inexpensive fence ideas.
Tiny houses are on trend for many reasons—they are eco-friendly and anti-consumerist, and they offer an affordable path to homeownership. But if you are consideri...
I absolutely love tech gadgets for our home. Most recently, I set up a super simple security/notification system, the...
Your home is only as secure as the locks on its doors. Over time, or as a result of security situations, you may feel...
Inspired by the budding greenery and aided by the warmer temperatures, homeowners inevitably get the urge to spruce t...
Why does it always seem to happen just as you're sitting down to enjoy a nice dinner with your family?—the phone rings, and the solicitors are calling! Technology...
Choose one of these lighting options for a safer and more striking backyard.
If you have a glass sliding door in your home, you no doubt appreciate how it creates a nearly seamless visual connec...
Looking to relocate? Consider settling down in one of 2021's safest cities in the U.S.
It doesn’t always pay to become an early adopter of the latest and greatest technological advancements. In fact, some home tech products just aren't worth the inv...
No one likes to think about the possibility of fire, flood, storm damage, or theft. But should such a disaster occur,...
A "Welcome" doormat and seasonal decor can improve your home's curb appeal, but they won't do much to deter burglars and keep your family safe. Outfit your entry ...
It’s no secret that Americans practically live in their cars, treating them as a home away from home. But cars are typically much easier to break into than the av...
Heading out on vacation? Ensure that your home remains safe and sound while you're away. Here are some crucial items ...
A well-trained thief can break into your car in less than 10 seconds, and it takes only a minute to hot-wire it and drive off. A car is stolen approximately every...
Of all the weird and wonderful gadgets that debuted on the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter in 2017, the cream of the crop dazzled us with their daring designs a...
When it comes to fire safety, who is more qualified to offer up tips and reminders than firefighters themselves? Stay safe this season (and every season) by adher...
If the cost of a high-tech security system is beyond your means, consider these low-cost options to keep your home safe.
An estimated 3.7 million burglaries occur every year in the United States, each resulting in an average loss of more than $2,000. You can minimize your loss, shou...
To shred or not to shred? This is an especially vital question in these days of identity theft, when access to your personal details makes you vulnerable to attac...
You probably consider your home to be a safe haven from all the danger and mayhem in this crazy world, and most of t...
The only thing you can expect in life is that the unexpected can and eventually will happen. So, it’s worth making sure that you and your household are prepared f...
Despite taking every precaution, some homeowners unwittingly attract burglars to their property. According to the FBI, the average financial loss from a burglary ...
When disaster strikes, how prepared are you to handle the fallout? It pays to prep for all manner of calamity—from power outages and house fires to extreme weathe...
Key rings can get crowded (and heavy!) fast, when you consider all that you load up on them: keys for your car, front...
During the holiday season, hordes of people pack up their bags and embark on extended vacations. But in the excitement of planning a trip, homeowners often neglec...
Once upon a time, the only type of theft a person had to worry about was the old-fashioned kind, in which someone mig...
Where I live out in the country, the nights can be very dark—no city lights down the street, and nothing more than th...
A safe home is a happy home. Locking the front door is just the start when it comes to protecting your nest. There's a wealth of security systems, add-ons, and tr...
The holidays are a time for visiting family and friends near and far, but it can also be a prime time for break-ins since it’s easy for burglars to recognize the ...
Victims of burglaries suffer some $4.7 billion in property losses a year, according to the latest FBI statistics. You may already be protecting yourself with a de...
Joining the ranks of smart-home gadgets and gizmos is Scout, a completely wireless, internet-connected home security ...
So, it’s the 21st century and we’re not living like the Jetsons. Fine. But we can get as close as possible to total home automation with these incredible new inve...
With each passing year, our houses are getting smarter and smarter. It's no fantasy; appliances that mix drinks or cook dinner at your command—a simple touch on y...
Motion sensor lights are a must for any home security system, but sometimes they get out of whack, turning on and off...
Marty Hoffmann of Kwikset, a leading manufacturer of home security products, says that in the weeks surrounding Chris...
When it comes to hiding valuables in your home, you don't need a massive safe bolted to the floor in the bedroom—you just need to stay one step ahead of would-be ...
Automated security systems are nice to have, but the easiest and least expensive way to improve the security of home ...
In our high-tech world, keeping your home fully protected is easier than it's ever been. Vastly more sophisticated than those blaring door alarms of yesteryear, t...
When it comes to home security, we've certainly come a long, long way from hanging signs that caution "beware of dog"...
You may think that putting a timer on your lights is a waste of time—what burglar worth his salt would be fooled by a...
It wasn't so long ago that when an intruder broke into a house, the home security system would sound an alarm and, if...
It wasn’t so long ago that when an intruder broke into a home, the home security system would sound an alarm. If it w...
Here’s something you probably don’t want to think about this summer: Most burglaries happen in warm weather, during b...
Bob helps carpenter Bob Ryley build a redwood deck. Carpenter Danny Ruffini installs a custom-made redwood-and-cedar fence on the perimeter.
Bob meets with a local real estate broker and with homeowner Sarah Monzon, whose basement will be finished to create additional family space.
Bob meets with representatives from both MacLock and Wizard Industries, both of whom demonstrate the installation of this special, high-strength lock system.
Bob Ryley is installing the new lockset from Baldwin Brass on the front door.
In a progress report, Ted Riley shows Bob the pre-primed red cedar siding , the heavy-duty metal Bilco bulkhead installation, and the Quechee home's standing seam...
Bob meets up with Tim Woods (of the Internet Home Alliance) in the basement of the Quechee home to hear about the progress made integrating the connected home tec...
Bob Ryley meets with Ken Frankel (from Lucent Technologies) to discuss the new HomeStar wiring system.
A Northern White Cedar picket fence is discussed and installed.
Bob learns about the features of the newly-installed security system.
Contractors put in the brick walkway. Forester Moulding and Lumber replicates the porch railings and balusters. Also, new security and sprinkler systems are insta...
Landscaping work continues, as the new security system is installed and the reproduction railing is going into place on the front porch.
A Grinnell sprinkler system goes into the garage building. Bob gets a brief history of the sprinkler concept and a few tips on installation.
Bob discusses the wireless alarm system being put in the garage. Because the building will often be unoccupied, this system won't just monitor the alarm. It will ...
