Most of us have probably installed the most robust home security systems inside our homes to protect our families and household items. However, we often underestimate the need for outdoor security systems.
According to a 2018 study conducted by the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology on over 400 burglars, the majority of burglars use doors and windows to enter a home. This is where the role of outdoor security systems comes into the picture. They not only prevent burglars from entering your home but also alert you of suspicious activities outside your home.
Most outdoor security systems these days comprise motion sensors, outdoor security cameras, video doorbells, and more, to secure your home from the outside.
4 Things to Focus on When it Comes to Outdoor Security Systems
Choosing the Right Outdoor Security Cameras
In the ever-evolving security system market, it can be a daunting task to find the right outdoor security system, especially cameras.
Here’s a quick checklist to help you find the best outdoor security cameras:
- Connectivity: Wired or wireless
These days, you can find both wired and wireless outdoor security cameras on the market. However, the wireless ones are more versatile but can be less reliable.
Wireless cameras depend on your home’s WIFI. A spotty signal or outage could mean your cameras are out.
In the absence of wires, you can adjust the camera angles per your requirements. This will allow you to record even the most vulnerable corners outdoors.
Not only this but wireless outdoor security cameras are cost-effective, both in terms of the product and their installation. Most wired outdoor security camera systems require installation experts. Even though we’re not always in favor of DIY home security systems, wireless outdoor security cameras provide you with the option to install them yourself.
Also, wireless outdoor security cameras are typically battery-operated. Therefore, there is some maintenance.
Lastly, wireless outdoor security cameras come with compelling smart features that allow you to connect them to your WiFi network and access real-time footage via smart applications on your smartphone.
- Type of cameras: Box, dome, PZT
The type of outdoor security cameras you want will depend on how you are planning to use them and where. Do you want the outdoor security cameras to be discreet or do you want them to act as visual deterrents?
Box cameras are the largest. Therefore, they are visible from quite a distance. Dome cameras are suitable for discreet use. They are compact and spherical, and can easily fit in your palms.
Lastly, if you’re looking for outdoor security cameras to monitor large areas outside your home, pan, tilt, and zoom (PZT) cameras can be a great buy.
- Image clarity and detail: Low or high resolution
The size of the area you want to monitor will determine your choice of camera resolution.
Expansive areas will need high-resolution cameras to ensure excellent image quality, even when you zoom the image. On the other hand, smaller areas need low-resolution cameras.
- Lighting
Outdoor areas typically experience different lighting conditions throughout the year. Therefore, you need to assess the direction of the light in different conditions to pick the right outdoor security cameras. Nevertheless, these days, you can easily find outdoor security cameras built using technologies such as artificial illuminators and IR filters to tackle different lighting conditions.
Consider investing in night vision outdoor security cameras if you want to monitor your surroundings throughout the day.
- Tamper Detection
It’s important to prevent animals, kids, and burglars from tampering with your outdoor security cameras. Therefore, choose an outdoor security system that comprises a tampering detection device.
- Video Storage
Lastly, check the video storage option. These days, most homeowners prefer outdoor security cameras with cloud storage; it is easy to use and flexible. Just make sure you consider how often your camera is recording – continually or only on motion – as well as the resolution you are recording at. These items can influence the size of storage that you need.
Never Be in the Dark With Outdoor Motion Sensor Lighting
Outdoor motion sensor lighting can enhance the outdoor safety and security of your home. These lights act as active deterrents outside your home and deter animals and trespassers away from your property. Not only this but they also make it easier for neighbors to keep an eye on your property when you’re away.
Lastly, they are a great solution when you, your kids, or the elderly in your home arrive in the dark. Outdoor motion sensor lighting allows you to see properly in the dark.
The motion sensor along with bright floodlights is the most critical component of many outdoor security systems. They are durable and sturdy. They require minimum maintenance and are cost-effective too. You can install these lights yourself too.
Before you start looking for the right outdoor motion sensor lighting for your home, you need to determine how many of them you want to install and where. We suggest installing a pair of motion sensor lights outside each entrance and exit door.
How to Include Garages, Sheds, Decks, or Patios in Outdoor Home Security
Outdoor home security systems can prove to be great assets when it comes to protecting different outdoor areas in your home, such as your deck, garage, patio, and shed.
Here are some quick ideas on how to include your deck, garage, patio, and shed in your home security plan:
- Consider installing outdoor motion sensor lighting to deter burglars. Most burglars target decks, garages, patios, and sheds after sunset. Therefore, these lights are perfect for garages that are not attached to homes.
- Get a garage door sensor or automatic garage door closer. An open garage door is like a red carpet welcome for burglars. Research suggests that the garage is the favorite entry point for burglars. Another research reveals that 9% of burglars enter through the garage. Therefore, ensure you keep your garage door locked to prevent burglars from entering. A homeowners association in Arizona has made it mandatory for homeowners to keep their roll-up garage door shut. As a result of this, burglaries have been reduced by 50% in the area.
- Lock or hide your stuff. Unattended deck or patio furniture, or open windows with valuables inside your garage can attract burglars. Therefore, consider using a chain and lock to secure your deck or patio furniture, and installing blinds to keep the windows covered.
- Install a shed or garage alarm. A shed or garage alarm can be another layer of security in your outdoor security plan. It is easy to set up and cost-effective too. These days, you can find different types of shed or garage alarms on the market, based on your requirements. These include door/window frame contact shed alarms, vibration detecting shed alarms, and motion-detecting passive infrared (PIR) shed alarms. Most of these alarms are paired with sirens or text messages to alert homeowners if a break-in is detected.
Make Good Neighbors With Home Security Fences
When preparing your outdoor home security plan, don’t forget to add home security fences. They not only prevent burglars from entering but also act as an aesthetically appealing security barrier for your home.
Here are some critical reasons why you should make good neighbors with home security fences:
- They provide security. First things first, home security fences keep burglars and thieves away from your home. They are great security tools to ensure your kids, pets, and valuables remain safe.
- They prevent graffiti and vandalism. Vandals are a growing problem for many homeowners. They can damage your outdoor areas or leave graffiti on your walls. Home security fences (when positioned properly) can deter graffiti artists and vandals.
- They add aesthetically appealing features to your home. Stylish home security fences can enhance the look of your home from the outside. These days, you can easily find a variety of home security fences on the market. These include aluminum fences, electric fences, mesh fences, and so on. You can also find security fences in different colors and designs.
- They improve the value of your home. Just like good home security systems, premium-quality security fences with great security features can improve the resale value of your home. Homebuyers look for sturdy security fences when buying a home.
Now that you’re convinced that you should install home security fences, here are some quick tips to help you find the right ones:
- Ensure the fences are hard to climb and have a spiked top. Also, ensure the top and bottom horizontal bars that are required to strengthen the fences are not located at the knee or waist height.
- Ensure the fences do not comprise a hiding area. Fences with hiding spaces can be used by burglars to keep an eye on your home.
- Ensure the fences do now allow digging under them. Install cement footings around the foot of the fences.
- Ensure the fences are strong and cannot be cut. Avoid mesh fences.
- Ensure the fences have strong hinges and supporting structures and are padlocked.
At ProTech Security, we have a strong history of experience, innovation, and customer service. The ProTech Security Advantage is more than 35 years of service in Northeast Ohio and a strong commitment to providing quality, cost-effective protection for homes, businesses, educational institutions, and government facilities. To see what ProTech Security can do for you, contact us today.
