Your home should be a sanctuary from the outside world. You get to decide who visits and who knows where you live.

Everyone should feel a sense of privacy in their own home, and it’s important to maintain that feeling by being proactive with your home safety.

According to Crimepreventiontips.com and Jacksonville State University, a home burglary occurs every 15 seconds in the United States.

Improve your home’s safety features inside and out by following these tips and advice from American Security Today.

Increase Your Safety with Better Habits

You can boost your home’s security without making any huge changes by taking simple action. Make it a habit to do a few simple tasks every day or when you leave.

You’ve probably forgotten to lock the door a time or two on your way out, but you should regularly check the lock for every entryway to your home when you leave.

Intruders are always looking for the easy way in, so a locked door is a sign that a homeowner is mindful.

On your way out, remember to switch on a light and TV to give the appearance of someone being home.

Other ways to deter thieves include taking your mail daily and maintaining your yard.

Cutting back bushes and overgrown limbs reduce the shadows and hiding places ne’er-do-wells would otherwise take advantage of.

Last but not least, It’s important to be cautious about opening the door to unexpected visitors, even if they claim to be utility workers or are wearing uniforms.

There have been numerous reports of people posing as utility workers or city/county employees to gain entry into homes. Once inside, they often rob the occupants or commit other crimes.

In some cases, these imposters have even used violence. If you are unsure whether someone is legitimate, you can ask for identification or call the company they claim to work for to verify their identity.

Simple Safety Modifications

Aside from making security more convenient and efficient, a new smart security system can also pay off should you decide to sell your property in the foreseeable future.

Home values boost at appraisal time, as security is a much sought-after amenity. Just remember to save your receipts for the products and the labor for installation (if any), as you’ll want proof of the upgrades for the appraiser.

Set up indoor and outdoor cameras, and install one of the increasingly popular video doorbells on the market.

Some record footage 24/7, while others begin recording when someone approaches your door.

Phase out traditional locks and unlock your door from your smartphone.

And while a home security system is going to be the best way to keep your home protected, it can be effective to place a sign in your yard and stickers on windows or doors that state you have a security system – as long as you have some follow-through.

You should also look into home management apps.

For instance, this home management app puts experts in your hand by providing you with plenty of tips and high-quality videos on repairs, and video chats with experts who can walk you through any repair or renovation process.

(Meet Frontdoor, your one-stop app for all things home repair and maintenance. Because there’s nothing like the feeling of done. Courtesy of Frontdoor and YouTube.)

Motion sensor lights in dark areas near entrances are good ways to alert potential burglars of their presence. As long as these are placed in an unreachable location, motion lights are a great, cost-effective way to monitor what’s happening outside.

Install blinds or drapes that aren’t see-through, so no one can see what’s inside your home unless you allow them.

Good Neighbors

When it comes down to feeling safe at home, you must feel safe within the neighborhood. Get outside, walk around the neighborhood, and get to know who lives by you.

As soon as you move into a new home, introducing yourself to people in the area is always a good idea.

Aside from knowing your neighbors, you can rely on them as another layer of security.

For example, if you’re a single woman in a home alone, wouldn’t it feel nice to know some people will be around to watch your home when you’re out of town?

You can ask one of them to park in your driveway periodically to make it seem like someone is home when you’re out of town for work or vacation. The bond with a neighbor will help you feel at ease so you can focus on other aspects of your life.

Do what you must to feel protected in your home. From warning stickers to smart technology, you can find a way to maximize your home’s security within your budget.

Start researching your options today so that you can sleep soundly tonight.

American Security Today focuses on threats at every level. If you have any questions, feel free to email mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.

Hanwha Vision Takes Platinum in 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program

American Security Today’s Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program, and now entering its Eighth Year, continues to recognize industry leaders of Physical and Border Security, Cybersecurity, Emergency Preparedness – Management and Response, Law Enforcement, First Responders, as well as federal, state and municipal government agencies in the acknowledgment of their outstanding efforts to Keep our Nation Secure.

Hanwha Vision

Best Thermal, Infrared Camera Solution

• TNM-C4960TD Bi-Spectrum Camera

•  The TNM-C4960TD Bi-spectrum camera is part of Hanwha Vision’s continually expanding line of dual-head, visible sensor/thermal imaging-based cameras.

• The product family includes models for indoor electronic body temperature monitoring to new devices suited for outdoor applications, including transportation, traffic monitoring, and refineries.

• Using a thermal imager makes a camera like the TNM-C4960TD well-suited to the “always-on” 24/7 monitoring requirements of many government applications, especially in no light or challenging conditions, such as nighttime, fog, or extreme weather. Like all Hanwha Techwin products, the camera is NDAA-compliant.

  Key features of the TNM-C4960TD include a built-in 25mm fixed lens (FoV: 17.4° thermal) and 10.9~29mm motorized varifocal lens (FoV: 42°~15° visible), triple codec-compatible (H.265/H.264/MJPEG), Wise Stream III (visible), WiseStream II (thermal), and
  Wide Dynamic Range of 120dB.

(Meet Hanwha Vision’s new Bi-Spectrum AI Thermal Cameras! (TNM-C4960TD, TNM-C4950TD, TNM-C4940TD). Courtesy of Hanwha Techwin America and YouTube.)

• *Hanwha Vision (formerly Hanwha Techwin America) was also recognized as a Multi ‘ASTORS’ Awards Champion in the 2021, 2020, 2019,  and 2018 Security Awards Programs.

The continually evolving ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program will highlight the trail of Accomplished Women in Leadership in 2023 and the Significance and Positive Impact of Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in our Next Generation of Government and Industry Leaders. Because #MentorshipMatters.

So be on the lookout for exciting upcoming announcements of Speakers, Presenters, Book Signing Opportunities, and Attendees at the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon in November of 2023 in New York City!

Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards at https://americansecuritytoday.com/ast-awards/.

Comprehensive List of Categories Include:

Don’t see a Direct Hit for your Product, Agency or Organization?

Submit your category recommendation for consideration to Michael Madsen, AST Publisher, at: mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.

Homeland Security remains at the forefront of our national conversation as we experience an immigration crisis along our southern border and crime rates that are dramatically higher than before the Pandemic across the United States.

These challenges have become a national priority with an influx of investments in innovative new technologies and systems.

Enter American Security Today, the #1 publication and media platform in the Government Security and Homeland Security fields, with a circulation of over 75,000 readers and many tens of thousands more who visit our AST website at www.americansecuritytoday.com each month.

The pinnacle of the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Ceremony Luncheon Banquet, an exclusive, full-course plated meal event, in the heart of New York City.

The 2022 exclusive sold-out ‘ASTORS’ luncheon featured representatives of law enforcement, public safety, and industry leaders who came together to honor the selfless service of those who stand on the front lines and those who stand beside them – providing the capabilities and technologies to create a safer world for generations to come.

Last year marked the 20th anniversary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which came out in force to discuss comprehensive collaborations between private and public sectors that have led to the development of intelligence and technologies which serve to protect our nation.

The keynote address was provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner (DEAC) Diane Sabatino, who described the changes to CBP through the tragedy of 9/11 and the relentless commitment to its mission and ongoing investment in the latest technologies and innovations to protect our borders and Homeland.

The resounding theme of the DEAC’s remarks was her pride in the women and men of the CBP and their families who support them.

AST was also joined by Legendary Police Commissioner William Bratton, who spoke about his love for the City of New York, the Profession of law enforcement to which he has dedicated his life, and for which he continues to drive thought leadership and innovation.

New York City Police Department (NYPD) Chief of Department Kenneth Corey, came out to address Luncheon attendees and shared some of his experiences and the changes in policing he’s witnessed over his more than three decades of service.

FDNY Chief Joseph Jardin honored the men and women of the FDNY, not only those who currently serve but all of those who have selflessly served, with special recognition of those lost on 9/11.

Chief Jardin spoke about the continuing health battle of many following 9/11 with cancer and respiratory disease, yet now knowing the full consequences, would not have made a different decision to respond.

As Chief Jardin noted, mission-driven service is the lifeblood of every firefighter, volunteer, and sworn member, and has been so throughout the history of the Fire Service.

Former head of the FBI’s active shooter program, Katherine Schweit joined AST to sign complimentary copies of her book, ‘STOP THE KILLING: How to End the Mass Shooting Crisis, thanks to the generosity of our 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Sponsors. 

The 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program was Proudly Sponsored by NEC National Security Systems (NSS), ATI Systems, Automatic Systems of America, guardDog AI, Fortior Solutions, IPVideo Corporation, Rajant Corporation, RX Global, and SIMS Software!

We were pleased to welcome the esteemed New York City Fire Department (FDNY); the New York City Police Department (NYPD); and the NYC Hospital Police,  as well as Executive Management from the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and many other DHS agencies, Federal law enforcement agencies, and private/public partnerships such as the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE), the 30×30 Initiative, a coalition of professionals advancing the representation of women in policing; and Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) (rail safety advocates).

The prestigious Annual ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program highlights the most cutting-edge and forward-thinking security solutions coming onto the market today, to ensure our readers have the information they need to stay ahead of the competition and keep our Nation safe – one facility, street, and city at a time.

In 2022 over 240 distinguished guests representing Federal, State, and Local Governments, and Industry Leading Corporate Firms gathered from across North America, Europe, and the Middle East to be honored among their peers in their respective fields.

Each year, to keep our communities safe and secure, security dealers, installers, integrators, and consultants, along with corporate, government, and law enforcement/first responder practitioners, convene in New York City to network, learn and evaluate the latest technologies and solutions from premier exhibiting brands at ISC East, the Natural Disaster & Emergency Management Expo (NDEM EXPO), and the ASIS NYC Expo.

ISC East is the Northeast’s leading security & public safety event, hosted in collaboration with sponsor Security Industry Association (SIA) and in partnership with ASIS NYC.

Corporate firms, the majority of which return year to year to build upon their Legacy of Wins, include:

Advanced Detection Technologies, AMAROK, ATI Systems, Axis Communications, Automatic Systems, BriefCam, Canon U.S.A., Cellbusters, CornellCookson, CyberArk  Fortior Solutions, guardDog.ai, Hanwha Techwin of America, High Rise Escape Systems, IPVideo Corporation, Konica Minolta Business Solutions, NEC National Security Systems, NICE Public Safety, OnSolve, PureTech Systems, Quantum Corporation, Rave Mobile Safety, Regroup Mass Notification, Robotic Assistance Devices, Rajant Corporation, SafeLogic, Select Engineering Services LLC, Singlewire Software, SolarWinds Worldwide, Teledyne FLIR, Valor Systems, and West Virginia American Access Control Systems, just to name a few!

Why American Security Today?

The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old-school basics to what is Today – a fast-changing security landscape.

American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State, and local levels of government as well as firms allied to the government.

American Security Today brings forward a fresh compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that hold readers’ eyes throughout the story with cutting-edge editorial that provides solutions to their challenges.

Harness the Power of the Web – with our 100% Mobile Friendly Publications

AST Digital Publications are distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals, in federal, state, local, and private security sectors.

‘PROTECTING OUR NATION, ONE CITY AT A TIME’

AST Reaches both Private & Public Experts, essential to meeting these new challenges.

Today’s new generation of public safety and security experts need real-time knowledge to deal with domestic and international terrorism, lone wolf attacks, unprecedented urban violence, shifts in society, culture, and media bias – making it increasingly difficult for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security Professionals to implement coordinated security measures to ensure national security and improve public safety.

These experts are from Government at the federal, state, and local levels as well as from private firms allied to the government.

AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website, and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.

AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.

Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.

To learn more, please see the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2022 ‘A Year in Review.’

The Annual CHAMPIONS edition reviews ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firm’s products and services, including video interviews and more.

The 2022 CHAMPIONS serves as your Go-To Source through the year for ‘The Best of 2022 Products and Services‘ endorsed by American Security Today – and can satisfy your agency’s and/or organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.

From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection, and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware, and Networking Security – to name a few), the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION has what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitigate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.

It also features guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders and recognized firms in the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.

For more information on All Things American Security Today, as well as the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.

AST strives to meet a 3 STAR trustworthiness rating, based on the following criteria:

• Provides named sources
• Reported by more than one notable outlet
• Includes supporting video, direct statements, or photos

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