In the previous article on Home Security Camera Placement, we outlined the best places in your home to consider placing a home security camera for maximum coverage and safety/prevention against burglars and home invasions. However, if you're considering home surveillance cameras, then some considerations might affect your choice.
Important Considerations
Camera Size & Shape
Home security cameras come in all shapes and sizes, but the best ones for this use all need CCTV cables to connect to recordings devices like DVRs. These kinds of security systems also require power supplies since they'll be running 24/7. That's why you must give careful consideration to where your power outlets are and how they're distributed throughout your home.
House Design
Home security surveillance is only as effective as the number of angles and locations from which home invaders can be recorded. So, if you want to take every possible precaution against burglars and thieves, don't underestimate the importance of home security camera placement. When you're looking for places to put your CCTV cameras, it's important to remember that burglars are well aware of where homeowners typically place their cameras and will do whatever they can to avoid being recorded in the act. So, don't assume that criminals are dumb, especially when it comes to home invasions.
Visibile vs Hidden Cameras
There's no correct answer to this question since inmates that were interviewed for a home security survey recently had conflicting answers. Some considered no-cameras a sign that the house was an easy target, while others considered a house with cameras a sign that valuables were inside and should be burgled. It's important to consider your home and surrounding property before you decide how visible or hidden your cameras should be. It might also be a good idea to talk with neighbors who have security cameras and ask them where they place theirs since you'll want to avoid any blind spots on your property.
Camera Durability
It's crucial to think about the weather conditions that your cameras will encounter, especially if they won't be protected at all. Ensure that your exposed outdoor cameras have adequate temperature ranges and high IP ratings to protect them against the elements.
Reflection & Glare
Reflections from mirrored surfaces and glare from windows on bright, sunny days can seriously hinder the recording footage quality. While it's rare for burglaries to occur during the day, the problem becomes immediately apparent at night by indoor or outdoor lights reflecting on surfaces like shiny tabletops, swimming pools, and so on.
Power Supply Placement
The placement of power outlets in or around your home affects where you can put your camera systems. While some security experts recommend moving your cameras around every so often, the better option is to simply power them from a location where they can be mounted and still see what you need them to see.
Reach
Lastly, it's important to keep cameras and their supporting cables and mountings out of reach of criminals. Going deeper, what this means is that criminals looking to cause harm to your property, whether inside or out, shouldn't be able to easily snip some wires and then make their way into the property. Needing a ladder or similar climbing equipment to disable security camera systems makes it that much more difficult for criminals to cause harm to your property, your valuables, or your family.
General Tips for Camera Placement & Use
Secure points of entry
Like doors and windows where criminals might get in. Burglars tend to stay away from homes with security cameras, but if you live in an area that's susceptible to them, put cameras in places where you need the most protection.
Monitor both Indoors & Outdoors
With cameras that are either indoor, outdoor, or both. Monitor the most trafficked areas of your home including entrances and storage rooms, but also consider locations with too little traffic that might be of interest to criminals, like garages or sheds. Put at least one camera near access points for plumbing and HVAC equipment in case someone tries to damage these systems as a way to gain access to your home.
Keep Everything Out of Reach
Where necessary and keep cables from being cut, even if it means buying longer cables or security camera mounts with additional length.
Consider Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting with motion sensors as well as floodlights can help you identify criminals attempting to use your home as a hiding place or who might be lurking outside, preparing for their next move.
Conclusion
In the end, securing your home comes down to two things: picking the right system for your home and working with a home security contractor who understands the best way to protect your home and loved ones. If money is a consideration, then consider working with local home security contractors like Protective Security Services rather than large national chains. These firms have tremendous local knowledge, have unmatched levels of customer service, and can offer you customized solutions with flexible contracts that work with your budget.