With the Economy Declining and Crime Increasing, Home Security Products are Expected to be on Many Holiday Wish Lists
SAN DIEGO , Nov. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- 'Tis the season for shopping. But this year, instead of that flat screen TV or fashionable piece of jewelry, savvy shoppers are looking closer to home. They are considering home security products, ranging from surveillance video cameras to motion detector lights.
"Certainly there is nothing sexy about a flood light or a sliding door bar, but these gadgets and many others can help protect your loved ones and give peace of mind during these tough economic times when crime is rising," said Kathleen Baty , a former crime victim and nationally-regarded security expert known as the 'Safety Chick.' "Most of these items are very affordable and can bring added cost-savings like discounts on homeowner insurance rates."
Some of the Safety Chick's top picks include:
ADT's SafeWatch SafePass(TM) -
For anyone looking for extra convenience in home security, wrap up a SafePass and put it under the tree. With just a simple wave of a small key-tag at the touch pad to arm and disarm an ADT home security system, SafePass is a convenient alternative to using a security code. It also helps to minimize false alarms. For homeowners wanting to install a complete home security system, packages start at
Solar Powered Outdoor Security Light with Siren from Sun-Mate Corporation -
On Christmas morning when Dad opens the box containing this solar powered outdoor security light, his smile will shine as brightly as this (over 600 lumen) halogen light that easily installs. Once activated, the light floods into the target area for up to three minutes or as long as it is triggered by movement. The product is perfect for security in yards, on garages or wherever security lighting is required. Checkout www.sun-mate.com
Fire Escape Ladder -
This season, show your loved ones how much you care about them with the Kidde 2-story fire escape ladder. Sleep soundly at night in your upper level bedroom knowing the easily deployed ladder is close by. The 13-foot ladder hangs over your window to allow for speedy escape. Outfitting every upper level bedroom is strongly recommended by fire safety experts and will be a great family gift of security for many years to come. For more details visit www.firesafetysource.com
Girls' Night in Wedge Alarm -
This gadget is a great stocking stuffer for anyone wanting extra security, especially female business travelers. It provides both alarm deterrence and a guard against entry for doors. A 120-decibel alarm will sound the moment the door touches the contact plate or when the unit detects vibration. The door wedge features a tamper sensor. If an attempt is made to move the unit away from the door, it will trigger the alarm. Great for use in hotel rooms, dorms, apartments or home. Log onto www.safetychick.com to place an order.
ADT Companion Service Personal Emergency Response System -
For that special senior on your shopping list, give ADT Companion Service. With this product, if the senior falls or has an unexpected medical emergency in the home, ADT is just the push of a button away to help. Through a two-way voice intercom, the senior is connected to a specially-trained ADT professional who will call emergency personnel if needed. The base station includes high and low temperature sensors that can send an alert if unsafe temperatures are detected in the home. AARP members can enjoy special savings. Visit www.adt.com for more information.
Holiday Home Security Tips
Ensuring the security of your family and property is a key priority year round, but it is especially during the holidays when statistics show criminal activity increases.
"This is one of the most wonderful times of the year, but unfortunately it can also be one of the most dangerous," Baty said. "We are preoccupied, scattered and definitely not focused on what is going on around us, making perfect prey for thieves."
If you are travelling during the holidays, here are some tips Baty recommends to help keep your home secure.
-- Advise your security company if you are going away and supply all the necessary information -- Inform your neighbors of your holiday plans so that they can keep an eye on your property -- Stop all newspaper deliveries and ask a friend or neighbor to collect your mail. A bulging mail box is a dead giveaway that you are not at home -- Double check that you have locked and secured all windows and doors before leaving home -- Have good exterior lighting, preferably on a timer -- Do not leave tools like ladders outside, as they can be used to break into your houseAnother good holiday home security tip is to properly dispose of boxes from expensive presents like stereos and flat screen televisions. Leaving the empty boxes outside your house targets you for a burglary.
As for preventing a fire in your home, it's also a good idea to properly maintain your Christmas tree and to correctly install decorative lights. If a fire does occur in a home with ADT fire monitoring, activated smoke and heat detectors alert trained professionals working 24/7 in one of several interconnected monitoring centers across North America . They promptly contact a nearby fire department to report the alarm.
By following these tips and purchasing home security products as holiday gifts for friends and family, 2009 will start off safe and secure.
SOURCE ADT Security Services
