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Where To Start With DIY Home Security?
secretrobotron writes "I'm a recent university graduate from a co-op system which has kept me on the move every other semester, so I've never really had a permanent place to live, and I've never had the opportunity (or the capital) to buy expensive things. Now that I'm working, those restrictions on my life are gone and I'm living in an apartment with things I don't want stolen. I would love to build a DIY home security system, but I don't even know where to start since Google searches reveal things like diysecurityforum.com, which help only to an extent for a curious newcomer. Has anybody out there successfully built a home security system on a budget? If so, where did you start?" Related query: When similar questions have come up before, many readers have recommended Linux-based Zoneminder (last updated more than a year ago); is that still the state of the art?
I went down this path years ago only to have a system plagued with the occasional false alarm. I spent years tring to figure out why. The cause was discovered by accident when the police, who was nearby, commented that the alarm went off as soon as he pressed the button on his two way radio. The system was not immune to RF interference. I have since settled on a good quality commercial system that I have installed myself, it is programmable and covers all of the areas of the house that I want and sends me an SMS if it is set off. Someone else has done the painstaking R&D leaving me to get on with enjoying life.
OK. This is all about Risk Management. There are four strategies to Risk Management (check out the ISO on Wikipedia - 31000 I think?): 1. Mitigate the chance, 2. Mitigate the damage, 3. Insure it, 4. Accept it.
It sounds like you're not too keen on Accepting it, so lets consider the other three options. The magic here is to budget for it. Don't spend $1M to protect your $1000 stereo.
Chance mitigation is all about making it less likely for you to be invaded. This is about taking away temptation (eg tint your windows, good curtains), making entry harder (locks, security screens), and discouraging attackers (those cool stickers that threaten trunk monkey attack)
Damage mitigation is about reducing the damage once they're in. Alarm system. Connected to local security firm. Be prepared to pay $1 per day for monitoring.
Insure it. Nuff said.
There is nothing in this about video-ing the perps. There is nothing in it about having a gun, or traps or anything weird. When you assess the possible outcomes, those things don't reduce your loss, and likely increase your trauma.
Good luck!
Actually, come to think of it, a well-trained dog is probably one of your better security options.
Is 1563649 a prime number?
The odds that you will get your stuff stolen are pretty low. Security systems are mostly a waste of money. Just get some realistic looking ADT stickers (from eBay) that will make the thieves think you have a security system. Having an actual system will get you ZERO extra security, just costs.
In case you get your stuff stolen, get home insurance, they will give you money and then you can buy newer toys! Actually, get insurance anyway, if the building burns or something and you are responsible, you really want insurance.
Dog
Better auditory detection capabilities.
Better olfactory detection capabilities.
Better friend-or-foe algorithms.
More reliable than any electronic equipment.
More trustworthy than any security system vendor.
Faster response times than any security or law enforcement.
More immediate and satisfying effects than any justice system.
Fluffier.
Actually, come to think of it, a well-trained dog is probably one of your better security options.
The likely cost of dog, plus regular veterinary maintenance, plus daily feeding, plus pet-sitting while away on holiday or business is substantial. (Remember, you can't board your security system at a kennel, or even store it at a friend's place while you're away -- it doesn't work, then.) You're out of pocket for quite a bit more than the typical homeowner's insurance policy, and the cost of dog food is probably comparable to most security system monitoring charges.
Meanwhile, the typical security system doesn't need to be walked twice a day (rain, snow, or sunshine), isn't going to shed on all of your clothing, and won't chew on your shoes.
~Idarubicin
Yes but will your fancy 'lectonix give you puppy kisses when you are feeling blue???
I subscribe to the theory that thieves are lazy, they will seek out the easiest target.
Technology will only get you so far. Video surveillance will show you the perps after the fact. Alarms might scare off kids and amateur criminals. Shotgun traps will get you thrown in jail.
If you have ground floor windows, plant thorny bushes in front of them. Roses look nice. Invest in motion detecting exterior lighting. Put up a fence. Reinforce your doors. Install better locks. Make sure all points of access are easily seen by your neighbors and the police. Don't leave expensive stuff where it can be viewed from outside.
The goal is to make your place a less attractive target than the neighbors.
there are 3 kinds of people:
* those who can count
* those who can't
Is there some virulent new strain of libertarianism going around that finds voluntary, contractually based, private-sector risk pooling to be insufficiently individualistic? Seriously?