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The Connected Home is Finally Here

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A connected home is one in which appliances and accessories are connected to the Internet. An example would be a refrigerator that texts the homeowner when the eggs are about to run out (the egg tray has the sensor).

4HIt’s projected that a connected home can be built from the inside out, but connection is taking off via small devices or appliances that use a smartphone as a remote control: for instance, a light bulb that’s controllable with a mobile. With this setup, you can flip lights on and off when away from your home, or customize lighting with the smartphone such as setting up brightness to come on at a certain time.

Imagine a smoke alarm that sends messages to you when you’re away from home if it senses smoke. Well, someone else already did; it’s been invented. This funky technology can even be connected to a thermostat and automatically shut off the furnace if there’s a CO leak.

And there’s an app that can control many music systems via your smartphone. Are you now thinking about the Jetsons?

One to two percent of people have connected devices that control energy, appliances, climate and lighting, even home monitoring. Interestingly, according to a survey, nearly half of respondents are not quite ready to live like the Jetsons.

Nevertheless, the most popular connected home device is an alarm system. Plus, there are connections for garage doors, monitoring of pets and other occupants such as the elderly, and door locks (e.g., an electronic key for a repair person that expires by end of day).

In fact, there’s even a single application that can offer multiple connections, eliminating the need to have an application for every connected device. How cool is that?

Robert Siciliano personal and home security specialist to BestHomeSecurityCompanys.com discussing burglar proofing your home on Fox Boston. Disclosures.

What is a Reverse Peephole Viewer?

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A reverse peephole viewer is exactly what the words sound like: It reverses the effects of a peephole, meaning it allows you to see inside, from the outside. The viewer’s lenses reverse the effect of the peephole’s convex lenses, and easily fits in your pocket.

1HLaw enforcement commonly uses the reverse peephole viewer to access possible threats inside a home.

For obvious reasons, a person wanting to invade a home would love to have a reverse peephole viewer. The peephole is a two-edged sword: providing a sense of security to the residential dweller, but allowing some thug on the other side to see in. The viewer can be easily obtained by anybody.

Peephole Safety Tips

When’s the last time you examined your peephole?

  • Look through your peepholes to see if the image is clear.
  • If the view is unclear or cloudy, or in some other way compromised, consider replacing the peephole.
  • Examine the outside of it as well. Is it loose? Can you unscrew it? If so, remove this portion and or tighten it.
  • Use Loctite to treat the threads of the outer part and then put it back.
  • Inspect the peephole’s edges for gouging; this can mean tampering.

Replacing a Peephole

  • The inside portion has two notches. Put a large screwdriver into these notches; unscrew this portion while you hold the outside portion still.
  • Unscrew all the way; remove each part from your door.
  • Get the diameter of the hole, then buy a peephole of equal diameter.
  • The ideal peephole has a 180 degree view.
  • To install the new one, keep in mind it screws together like the old one.
  • Before installation, use Loctite to treat the threads to help prevent loosening and tampering.

Hotel Room Peepholes

  • Inspect the peephole from both sides before unpacking. Is it loose or gouged? Installed backwards? Is the view clear? If there are any problems, request another room.
  • Don’t assume that hotel staff checks every peephole after every guest checks out. It’s up to the guest to make sure the peephole is efficient.

Robert Siciliano personal and home security specialist to BestHomeSecurityCompanys.com discussing burglar proofing your home on Fox Boston. Disclosures.

Defensive Shrubs prick Intruders

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Ever consider using plants to deter an intruder? No, not smashing a cactus into his face, (but that’s an option) but growing thorn-bearing tress, shrubs and vines outside your house. The reasons these plants have thorns is to protect them from predators. They can protect you from predators as well.

1SIf vulnerable areas of your residence have thorn-bearing plants, this can ward off intruders. Some plant varieties grow very fast and prolifically. It’s just a matter of finding out which type of plant grows best in your location. To determine your plant hardiness zone go here to search your zone and plant.

Thorn-bearing Trees

Nobody wants to climb a tree whose trunk is jutting thorns.

  • Honey locust. This tree sprouts sharp red thorns, but also provides edible sweet seeds that can be given to livestock.
  • Argentine mesquite. The thorns on this tree grow to two inches. No criminal will want to tackle these thorns to get to your second story window.
  • Black locust. These thorns not only prick, but cause swelling and additional pain.

Thorn-bearing vines

Here is security and beauty all wrapped into one. Check out the following varieties:

  • Climbing roses
  • Catsclaw creeper
  • Bougainvillea
  • Blackberry vines

Thorn-bearing bushes

Nobody’s going to want to get past these to access your window.

  • Cactus. If your climate permits, these spiked plants will scare off intruders. The chollas have two inch thorns.
  • Pyracantha (fire thorn bush). The thorns will produce a burning stinging that will last for hours.
  • Rogosa roses. These pretty flowers have plenty of thorns.
  • Catsclaw acacia. The thorns are hidden by flowers and leaves; a nice surprise for a burglar.
  • Washington hawthorn tree. It can be pruned into a bush and grow right under a window, displaying aesthetic red berries.
  • Oregon grape holly. This attractive shrub has two inch thorns.

An alarm system is a great way to deter a bad guy from coming in your home, but may not stop an intruder from making contact with a portal to your home. However, many different kinds of vegetation can make a criminal think twice before even getting close enough to put his hands on a window or other portal.

Beef up your home’s electronic security network by planting a network of beautiful but imposing greenery.

Robert Siciliano personal and home security specialist to BestHomeSecurityCompanys.com discussing burglar proofing your home on Fox Boston. Disclosures

10 More Things Burglars Don’t Want you to Know

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In a previous post, Schlage and I revealed the 10 things burglars don’t want you to know, and guess what, there are10 more!
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  1. If a burglar can hear your TV or sound system, chances are pretty good he’ll think someone’s home. Don’t rely only upon your state-of-the-art alarm system.
  2. An alternative to leaving a TV on while you’re on vacation is to use a device that generates a simulation of the flickering lights of a TV at timed intervals.
  3. Burglars don’t mind taking the entire safe with them if they’re too impatient to figure out how to crack it. Bolt it down.
  4. A barking dog really does deter break-ins. So do nosy neighbors.
  5. A one-time loud noise (like a window being broken) almost always doesn’t compel a neighbor to investigate. If it happens continuously or even just a second time, he usually will. However, a burglar is inside your house after just one window smash.
  6. Yes, a person casing your neighborhood for break-ins looks like the guy who would never do such a thing: clean-cut, maybe dressed in a workman’s uniform with a fake logo, carrying inspection equipment to make himself look legit.
  7. Never reveal your vacation or business tip plans on your Facebook page. Don’t assume nobody could figure out your address just because it’s not on your page.
  8. No errand is too short to leave the alarm system turned off. A burglar can invade your home and steal your valuables in a lot less time than it takes you to run the shortest errand. Products that you don’t have to arm, like the Schlage Touchscreen Deadbolt with a built-in alarm feature, can also help out when only stepping out for a short amount of time.
  9. Ignoring a knock or doorbell is a smart idea, but leaving the door unlocked—even when you’re home—isn’t. Many burglars will try the door if nobody responds. If it opens, they’ll enter.
  10. No matter how hot the day is, never leave a window open even a tiny bit when you’re away. Burglars can’t resist this.

Robert Siciliano home security expert to Schlage discussing home security and identity theft on TBS Movie and a Makeover. Disclosures. For Roberts FREE ebook text- SECURE Your@emailaddress -to 411247.

3 Essential Post-Burglary Tasks

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What should you do if you come home to find it’s been ransacked? Don’t panic; be organized and strategic.

2BThere are three main actions you should take, in the following order:

  • Report and check
  • Clean up
  • Plan ahead

Report the crime and check the home

Your goal here is safety first and then catching the bad guys. The following tips will point you in these directions.

  • If you’re sure your house was robbed before you make entry, do not enter until the police come.
  • Call the police, then check to make sure all occupants are unharmed, starting with the most vulnerable, if the crime took place while you all were present.
  • If you come home to what appears to be a burglary/invasion, immediately call the police once you know you’ve been robbed.
  • Leave the home and seek a safe place like a neighbors or your running car.
  • Don’t linger outside; the burglar/s could still be inside.
  • Don’t assume that the intruders will get away with it because there’s no sign of them. Your stolen property may still be recovered.
  • Do not touch anything until the police arrive.
  • If you’re sure the burglar/s are gone and nobody is hurt, do an inventory of stolen belongings. Create two lists: one for the police and one for your insurance company.
  • Don’t wait longer than 24 hours to file a police report; prompt reporting is necessary for an insurance claim.

Clean up

Burglary and home invasions can have long lasting emotional and traumatic affects on a person. Your goal here is a fresh start so the impact of the robbery doesn’t take over your being. If your home or apartment develops a “black cloud”, then moving may be your only consolation.

  • After the police are finished, clean up. Promptly remove furnishings or appliances that are no longer functional, as these will otherwise serve as reminders of the violation.
  • Alter the rooms where the robbery occurred so that they’re not as much of a conditioned stimulus for fear or anger: repaint the walls, rearrange the furniture, get new curtains.

Plan ahead

Being proactive is the most effective way to avoid being chosen as a victim or to reduce the impact of a burglary.

  • Before being robbed, take photos of valuables; list their model and serial numbers.
  • Ask yourself what you can do to deter another invasion.
  • Assess your house and pretend you’re a burglar. Where are the weak points? Are there areas you’d be able to easily enter?
  • If you don’t have a home alarm system, get one. If you already do, find out why it didn’t stop the invasion. Consider upgrading it.
  • Change all locks.
  • Get shatter-proof window screens.
  • Enroll the entire family (save for preschoolers) in a self-defense program. Don’t assume a gun is your only or best defense.
  • Discuss with law enforcement, locksmiths, your insurance company and security professionals ways to improve your plan.
  • Live happily ever after.

Robert Siciliano personal and home security specialist to BestHomeSecurityCompanys.com discussing burglar proofing your home on Fox Boston. Disclosures.

Carbon Monoxide Home Safety

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CO Alarms do save Lives

7HWhat you can’t see or smell can kill you. Many CO deaths could have been prevented with an alarm.

How is CO dangerous?

CO gas robs your blood of oxygen, slowly (at lower levels) or quickly (at high levels), choking off your air supply.

  • A low-level leak can leave you feeling weak, dizzy, nauseated, with a headache and other aches: a flu-like feeling.
  • A higher-level leak will put you to sleep fast and you won’t wake up.
  • CO gas mainly originates from heating equipment, but can also leak from gas stoves, hot water heaters, fireplaces, gas dryers, barbecue grills, lawn mowers, snow blowers, generators inside the garage (the door doesn’t even have to be shut for a leak to be dangerous), and of course, cars.

CO Alarm Management

  • Before buying, make sure the alarm has the approval label of an independent testing company (e.g., Underwriter’s Laboratory).
  • Alarms should be placed on all levels of your house, including basements and attics.
  • Install the alarm within 10 feet of doors to bedrooms.
  • In plug-in models, the battery life may get shortened from a prolonged power outage; you may need to replace it often. When the power is restored, replace it. A power outage will not affect a battery-only alarm.
  • Depending on make and model, get a new alarm every five to seven years.

Don’t put off purchasing CO alarms if your home lacks them. They’re easy to install, small and inconspicuous, yet can save your family’s life. And in many states, it’s the law.

Robert Siciliano home security expert to Schlage discussing home security and identity theft on TBS Movie and a Makeover. Disclosures. For Roberts FREE ebook text- SECURE Your@emailaddress -to 411247.

Burglars busted bolstering Buffoonery

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Social media makes dumb criminals look (and act) even dumber. Take the case of Damian and Rolando Lozano of Texas, who were suspected of stealing items from 17 cars in the town of Rosenberg.

5HDamian was caught, but Rolando was still out there somewhere. The Rosenberg police posted Rolando’s photo on their Facebook page, hoping that visitors might recognize him and point to his possible whereabouts.

Whom but Rolando himself responded to his photo on the police’s Facebook page! He posted a brief note that included “catch me if u can muthasuckas.”

It took the police only 15 minutes (some speculate much less than that) to track the location of where Rolando’s snarky post originated from: a family member’s house. And that’s where he was arrested.

He, along with his brother, are suspects in a case known as the Seaborne Meadow’s Burglary of Motor Vehicles. The geniuses are now behind bars.

How did the police nab Rolando so quickly? Was it computer forensics? Well, according to a subsequent post by the police, tips from the community helped them track the thief to the relative’s house. Perhaps this was in part due to the friendly appearance and humorous photos of the Rosenberg police Facebook page.

Looks like this police department is onto something: Make a Facebook page that appears more community oriented rather than government-official oriented, and maybe the community will become more proactive in helping solve crime cases.

Robert Siciliano personal and home security specialist to BestHomeSecurityCompanys.com discussing burglar proofing your home on Fox Boston. Disclosures.

Teens trash Million Dollar Mansion

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If your home is full of valuables, why not add one more valuable: a home security system?

1HA mansion in La Habra Heights (California) was ransacked by 16 teenagers; they made off like bandits with over $1 million worth of property. It all began when some local teens noticed that the mansion was vacant (the homeowner was out of town). They announced a backyard party via Twitter.

The $7 million house was burglarized during the party. The teens made a party of the robbery, going as far as tweeting images of theft in progress.

Thank goodness 16 of these male and female crooks were taken into custody. Some of the stolen items have been recovered, including a stuffed snow leopard valued at $250,000, a suit of armor, statues, electronics and scuba gear. Looks like this glorious mansion did not have a security system, or if it did, it was not left on before the homeowner went out of town.

Had this home had a comprehensive security system (or at least any pre-existing one turned on), the teenagers would not have been able to gain entry without setting off ear-piercing alarms and activating a response from the local police department. The police would have been there within minutes.

In fact, a complete security system would have made it impossible for the kids to even remain outdoors and party. A complete security setup should include a deterrent to even walking onto the property, let alone hanging out on it.

However, the most elaborate security system won’t make your home look occupied. Adjuncts to an electronic security system can include:

  • A small device that generates flickering light, simulating a TV set on. Place these in several rooms whose windows are easily seen, and cruising teens or older thugs will think someone’s home.
  • Devices that turn lights on and off at timed intervals.
  • Leaving a TV or sound system on loud.
  • Having a trusted adult keep an eye on the house.
  • Hiring a trusted house sitter, preferably one with a dog that will bark when someone approaches the house.
  • The security company’s logo should be in plain site on main doors and on all ground level windows. The company’s sign should also be staked into the ground at several points where a burglar is likely to traverse.

Robert Siciliano personal and home security specialist to BestHomeSecurityCompanys.com discussing burglar proofing your home on Fox Boston. Disclosures.

5 Home holiday security myths

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It happens every 15 seconds in America: a burglary, says the FBI’s 2010 Crime Clock Statistics. Don’t fall for the following myths.

Myth 1: “I can’t afford an alarm system.”

2HThere are security systems for every budget. You can even get monitoring from an alarm company for just $9.95 a month—easy money if you give up a little soda and chips every month.

Myth 2: Never tell anyone when you go away on trips.

Someone should know when you’re away—such as a trusted family member, friend or neighbor, to keep watch of your home. Yes, don’t reveal your travel plans on social media and to someone you just met in the slow moving line at the grocery store. But a trusted person should know your travel agenda.

Myth 3: Hide a spare key under the door mat, fake (or real) rock or flower pot.

This advice went out with the dinosaurs. The first place a burglar will look is under these items. Leave the key with a trusted person, or better yet, go keyless:

There are no more keys to lose, hide, carry or forget, so you can secure your home while you run or walk around the neighborhood.

I run and used to have to wear a small runner’s pouch just to keep my house key on my person, but not anymore. Schlage’s Touchscreen Deadbolt is the best keyless lock out there. It’s a motorized bolt that automatically locks and unlocks when a four-digit user code is entered, and its lock-and-leave functionality requires only one touch to instantly safeguard the home.

Myth 4: “Intruders wouldn’t be interested in my home.”

Many people who’ve been burglarized thought their neighborhood was too safe for such a crime. What’s to stop a robber from a “bad neighborhood” from venturing into your neighborhood? A burglar may be drawn to what seems like an idyllic neighborhood because he figures there will be few home security systems, not to mention plenty of unlocked doors and windows.

Myth 5: “I don’t have anything of value.”

A burglar will grab anything that’s easy to grab and run off with, then sell on the street or eBay. Portable electronic gadgets may be just what the thief is looking for.

Robert Siciliano home security expert to Schlage discussing home security and identity theft on TBS Movie and a Makeover. Disclosures. For Roberts FREE ebook text- SECURE Your@emailaddress -to 411247.

10 Holiday home security checklist tips

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You can have peace of mind while away from home during the holidays by implementing the following home security tips.

  1. 1SHome vacation checks. Arrange with your local police department to periodically cruise by your house when you’re out of town.
  2. Alert your neighborhood watch group. Inform the group of your vacation plans so they can be extra alert to suspicious activity about your house. If there’s no formal watch group, ask a friend or neighbor to check up on your residence. This includes having them remove any packages on your doorstep or accumulated newspapers.
  3. Police inspection. Schedule a police officer to assess your residence for security ideas.
  4. Update the burglar alarm. Inform the alarm company you’ll be out of town; provide them a phone number where you can be contacted. Give the alarm company the phone number of anyone checking up on your residence. If the alarm is tripped, the company will be speaking to you or your friend, rather than the burglar in the house when he picks up the phone.
  5. Inspect motion detectors. Make sure that motion detectors cannot be set off by billowing curtains or pets.
  6. Secure all portals. Make sure all the locks work. Repair any cracks in doors or windows. Set the pin lock on your garage if it opens by remote. Sliding doors should have bars that prevent giggling them open.
  7. Conceal valuables. Keep valuable items out of sight from peepers outside the house. Don’t keep spare keys in places obvious to burglars such as under a flower pot or fake rock. Remove valuable items from sight in your car, if parked in the driveway, and put a lock on the steering wheel.
  8. Stop mail and newspaper delivery. Arrange with the post office and newspaper service to have your mail and newspaper on vacation hold.
  9. A lived-in look. Mow your lawn just before you leave for a long trip so that it looks recently cared for. Use automatic light timers for holiday lights if your house is decorated with these to fool burglars that you’re home.
  10. Discard any signs you have expensive items in the house. Examples might be empty computer containers or flat screen TV boxes lying around outside. Store bikes, toys, etc., in the garage.

Robert Siciliano personal and home security specialist to BestHomeSecurityCompanys.com discussing burglar proofing your home on Fox Boston. Disclosures.