Asset Protection for Renters

Do you rent an apartment, house, or condo? Do you feel that your belongings are protected from theft, natural disasters and fires through your landlord’s insurance policy? If so, think again. True, your landlord or apartment community likely has insurance, but their policy only protects their own property. Hopefully, your community offers security features such as an alarm system, gated entry, keyless door lock or some combination thereof. But even with the peace of mind these barriers provide, a burglary or natural disaster can certainly deem your home and property a total loss. Purchasing a suitable renters insurance policy is the best safety net to protect the assets you have spent years accumulating.

Before speaking with several companies about their renters insurance services, take a complete inventory of your belongings and assess their value. Also, gather the receipts from each item’s original purchase and appraisals for your valuables. Take a photo inventory of all items to be covered by your policy, including detailed photos of each room of your home in its entirety.
Selecting the right company to provide your renters insurance is a crucial step. Ask friends and family for recommendations, and do your own research including calling each company armed with a list of questions. Obtain a written statement of the events that are covered under each policy. Take detailed notes about each company’s coverage, rates and the overall impression you receive from the representative who assists you. Remember, these are the people you will be contacting for help after a devastating loss of property, so be thorough and choose your provider wisely.

Pay attention to what situations are covered by each company, and how they may affect you lest you need to file a claim. Ask about specific disasters that may affect you based on your geographic area. For instance, is your home in an area where hurricanes or earthquakes are a viable threat? If so, you may need additional coverage for these types of events.

Throughout your research, you will come to discover that all insurance policies are not created equal. Inquire whether each policy covers the replacement cost or the actual cash value of your possessions. Replacement cost and actual cash value are entirely different means of being compensated when you file a claim. A policy covering the actual cash value of your belongings will pay you the depreciated value of your assets (minus your deductible), regardless of the amount you originally paid. A three year old television for which you originally shelled out $2,500 will not be covered for the full $2,500 under this type of policy. A policy covering the replacement cost, however, will allow you to collect the full amount that it costs you for a replacement television (minus your deductible).

Policies, coverage and rates vary greatly among providers. Taking the time to perform preliminary research will help you make an informed decision and obtain coverage from a company you trust to deliver at the time when you need it most.

About the Author: Nolan Mondrow is the owner of Zurich Products, a leading provider of quality home security solutions, including the right keyless door lock for every need.

Upgrading to Keyless Entry in the Home

These days, most vehicles include keyless entry, which allows car owners the convenience of unlocking doors with the push of a button or code. So why do most home owners still fumble with keys when it comes to unlocking the doors in their homes? Home door locks that incorporate technology such as fingerprint recognition, electric and digital keypad locks and combination locks are convenient alternatives to traditional keyed locks. As keyless door lock technology has progressed, the equipment has become increasingly affordable for the average home owner. Keyless door locks provide benefits and convenience with the potential to one day take the place of keyed door locks as the standard in new homes.

When considering installing a keyless access system in the home, you will notice that there are mechanical and electric systems with diverse capabilities on the market. Keypad door locks require that you enter the correct code on a keypad to gain access to the home. Parents particularly value locks with keyless access because multiple children can learn the code and enter the house, eliminating the need to keep up with a key. Keypad door locks also offer the flexibility to change the code whenever necessary. A homeowner may give the home access code to a temporary worker who needs to enter the home on a particular day, and change the code thereafter.

Fingerprint recognition door locks are also growing in popularity in the keyless entry arena. Fingerprint recognition is the most accurate system of authentication, and has long been established in the security and criminal investigation fields. Today, door locks for the home utilizing fingerprint technology are widely available in the consumer market. Installing and programming a fingerprint recognition door lock allows every member of a household to access the home by simply touching a pad. Like keypad door locks, many fingerprint recognition systems can also be easily programmed to allow temporary access to workers or house sitters who have specific business in the home. Workers’ fingerprints can be pre-programmed to grant them permission to enter within a pre-established time range, giving the homeowner peace of mind and heightened security.

Upgrading to a keyless entry system in your home is surprisingly easy and affordable. Many keyless locks offer a combination of access options, such as fingerprint recognition and a keypad, adding to the convenience that keyless access to the home provides.

About the Author: Nolan Mondrow is the owner of Zurich Products, a leading provider of quality home security equipment, including combination, fingerprint and keypad door lock technology.

Multi-Level Home Security

Home invasion and burglaries have been increasing at an alarming rate, and people want to use the most effective tactics to protect their homes and families. A plethora of home security products crowd the market, making it difficult to determine the best way to truly protect a home. The mere thought of losing everything you have worked for years to build in an instant is frightening, and having it actually happen seems almost unbearable. While no one preventative measure is fail proof, a combination of conscientiousness and establishing multiple barriers can greatly reduce the chance of losing your valuable belongings to a thief and being robbed of your security at home.

First and foremost, keep in mind that home burglars are looking for an easy target. Most burglaries ensue after a thief has entered a home effortlessly through an unlocked door or window. It is important to speak with everyone in your household about the security plan, and make sure each person is an active part of the program. Always locking the door behind you does not help if someone else always leaves it unlocked. The simplest and possibly most valuable habit you can develop to protect your home is keeping all doors and windows locked, at all times. Criminals know the weak points of the average home, such as an unlocked back door or garage door. Keeping doors and windows locked is your first level of protection, yet it may be the easiest way to make a prowling criminal go elsewhere.

A home security system, which can connect to authorities when activated, is a great second level of protection against thieves. Most home security systems come with decals, which should be prominently displayed to show that your home is protected by an alarm system. The intent is for the presence of the alarm to deter a burglar from pursuing your home further.
Preventing a criminal from gaining access to your home is the primary goal of this multi-level home security plan. But it is also important to implement some form of protection from being completely cleaned out if a criminal penetrates your first barriers and enters your home. A great way to protect your valuable possessions is to have an appropriate sized fireproof safe installed in your home. Safes are typically bolted to a floor or wall, and come in a wide variety of sizes to secure your most prized belongings.

An effective home security program does not require a huge budget. Accepting that burglary is a real threat and taking simple precautions to prevent it can provide a priceless payoff in home protection.

About the Author: Nolan Mondrow is the owner of Zurich Products, a leading provider of quality home security solutions, including the right fireproof safe for every need.

Child Care Surveillance

Video surveillance systems continue to rise in popularity across the board, showing up more in businesses, at traffic lights and on city streets. Advances in technology are making video surveillance systems smaller, more affordable and more practical, most types being compatible with a standard home computer. Thanks to the dropping price and shrinking size of surveillance cameras, surveillance systems are now mass marketed and increasingly making their way into the homes of average consumers. With home invasion on the rise, consumers are seeking the increased security barrier that video surveillance provides, both for the deterrence factor and for their own awareness. The added sense of security provided by the use of video surveillance systems makes them invaluable to homeowners.

As with most technological trends, availability of the equipment through mainstream avenues has affected multitudes of new applications for video surveillance. Not surprisingly, parents are using video surveillance in their homes while they are away to monitor the behavior of children and caregivers. In-home monitoring has been both welcomed and met with controversy, as technological innovation inches one step closer to giving us the benefits of being in two places at once.

Sadly, neglect and abuse are not unheard of in the childcare industry. It can be argued that video surveillance of childcare providers is a step in the right direction. Many day care centers across the country agree, and are even installing video surveillance systems that allow parents to remotely view the daily activities at the center. The increased accountability that takes place alongside the implementation of a day care surveillance system can give parents invaluable peace of mind regarding their children’s safety.

So what are the limits regarding surveillance of your child’s nanny or babysitter in your home? The answer touches on the controversial topic of privacy rights that could constitute an entire book in and of itself. It is currently legal in the U.S. to record video surveillance of a person’s actions without consent, so the ultimate decision lies with the parent. While individuals express different views on the ethical implications of surveillance, the general consensus is that awareness of the surveillance is key. Childcare providers as a whole seem not to oppose video surveillance, as long as they are aware that it is taking place.

The benefits that parents receive from knowing the conduct of a nanny or babysitter are obvious. Parents can now have the peace of mind of knowing that their child is not being mistreated by a caregiver, and can consequently be selective in finding find the best care for their children.

About the Author: Nolan Mondrow is the owner of Zurich Products, a leading provider of quality home security products including video surveillance equipment, keyless door locks and a perfect wall safe for every need. For more information, please visit http://www.zurichproducts.com.

Benefits of Keyless Door Locks

Rapid technological advancement continues to bring about complex innovations centered around simplifying our lives. We rely on expediency more than ever, and consequently expect products we buy to make our lives increasingly convenient. Today we can hardly recall our lifestyles before the advent of luxuries like cell phones, high speed internet and keyless vehicle entry. With the demand for convenience rising and keyless door locks becoming increasingly affordable, a growing number of people are upgrading to keyless door locks to protect and streamline their homes and businesses.

A keyless door lock is one that can be controlled using a combination, an access code or fingerprint recognition, eliminating the need for a key. Keyless door locks allow each person who lives at a residence to enter the home without a key, and give employees easy access to designated areas of their workplace. Lost, stolen or forgotten keys are problems of the past. For most people, the convenience of not having to toil with a key is enough, but numerous other benefits are associated with utilizing a keyless door lock.

Utilizing a keyless entry system is especially beneficial when a contract worker or house sitter needs temporary access to your home. It is not necessary for contract workers to have a permanent key to your home, especially since key duplication is effortless. Additionally, the common practice of hiding a key outside makes your home vulnerable to burglars who know the routine. Fingerprint recognition systems allow admittance only to those who have pre-programmed access, and many even allow you to grant access for a specified period of time. For instance, a housekeeper or contractor can be given permission in advance to enter on a certain date within a scheduled timeframe. And since fingerprints cannot be duplicated, fingerprint recognition systems have a tremendous authentication advantage over traditional door locks and even keypad locks. Similarly, access codes to keypad locks can be shared with temporary workers and then easily changed when access is no longer necessary.

A keyless door lock is also advantageous in cases where locks would otherwise need to be changed. People encounter the need to change the locks in their homes and businesses for a number of reasons, such as losing keys, theft, or to prevent entry by a former employee. Changing access codes or fingerprint permissions is much more expedient and cost effective than the process of changing all of the keyed locks in a building at once.
Keyless entry systems are no longer reserved for the elite few. Along with more affordability, the security and convenience that keyless door locks provide are transforming them into a mainstream consumer commodity.

About the Author: Nolan Mondrow is the owner of Zurich Products, a provider of quality home security solutions,
including a keyless door lock for every need.

Creating a Safer Neighborhood

Home invasion is on the rise in the United States. With alarm systems, surveillance cameras and reduced cash availability becoming common for stores and other businesses, residences are becoming more attractive targets for thieves. Organized neighborhood watch programs are designed to strengthen the sense of community in an area, and to warn criminals that residents are watching out for one another. Whether or not your community has an established neighborhood watch program, you can benefit from the same concept by building relationships with your neighbors and being a considerate neighbor yourself.

Getting to know your neighbors makes your home and neighborhood safer by instilling a sense of unity and ownership in the community. Make sure to introduce yourself to your neighbors on each side, across the street and behind your home if you have them. Communicate with your neighbors and their families, and make sure they are aware of who should be at your home. Interacting with your neighbors on a friendly level makes them familiar with your family routine and regular guests, increasing the likelihood that they will notice and take action if they witness suspicious behavior at your home.

Familiarity among the community becomes especially important when you are away from home for an extended period of time. If you will be away for several days, it is a wise idea to notify your neighbors in advance. If possible, make arrangements for someone to check the inside of your home periodically, leaving different lights on and collecting mail and newspapers to give the appearance that someone is home. Trusting a neighbor with a key to your home is preferred to hiding a key outside, since intruders tend to know where to look for hidden keys that will give them easy entry. Another good idea is to utilize a keyless door lock and share the entry code with a trusted neighbor.

In order to benefit from having good neighbors, you must be a good neighbor yourself. Volunteer to do everything for your neighbors that you hope they would do for you. When your neighbors will be away for several days, offer to gather mail, keep an eye on their home, and even park your car in their driveway occasionally to give the impression that someone is home. But stay alert for suspicious people and behavior in the area, even when your neighbors are home. Making a mental note of the regular visitors to your neighbors’ homes, such as scheduled lawn care personnel and friends, will make you more aware if you notice a suspicious visitor. Building trusting relationships with each of your neighbors creates a beneficial situation for everyone in the community.

About the Author: Nolan Mondrow is the owner of Zurich Products, a leading provider of quality security equipment, including the right keyless door lock to protect your family. For more information, please visit http://www.zurichproducts.com.

Home Safety through Awareness

Home is your sanctuary from the rest of the world, where you should enjoy security and be confident with the safety of your family. But sadly, home invasion and burglary can be a real threat to anyone, with any income level and in any kind of neighborhood. By viewing your home through the eyes of a criminal, you will see that simple oversights can give criminals the green light into your home and your security. Awareness is the key to protecting your palace.

Burglars are burglars for a reason. They are scouring for ways to obtain money to fulfill their financial needs, minus honest work. The key here is to realize that criminals are looking to take the easy road, which in your home translates to an open garage door, an unlocked back door, or a cracked window. Like other areas of their lives, burglars do not want to spend a lot of time or energy gaining access to your home. By being aware of the most common ways that homes are broken into, you can prevent your own home from being the easy target criminals seek.

The most seemingly obvious way you can protect your home is keeping all windows and doors closed and locked, all the time. As easy as it sounds, most burglaries occur during the day, with effortless access being gained through unlocked doors or windows. If you live in a household with children, make sure to emphasize to them the importance of closing and locking doors and windows. Children live in a world of incognizant bliss, and cannot fathom unforeseen consequences such as a home invasion.

If you have the option, installing an alarm or video surveillance system to protect your home will provide great additional protection. Surveillance systems, with their accompanying decals for deterrence, can be set up to automatically contact the police department if you so desire. But keeping in mind the “easy access” mentality, the main benefit of having an alarm system is that criminals do not want to bother.

You may also consider protection inside your home, in case a burglar does gain access. Storing money, precious jewelry and other valuable, easily pocketed possessions in a safe will serve as an added barrier against theft. Experienced burglars know to go straight for the places that people commonly hide valuables, such as drawers, closets and jewelry boxes. So owning a safe, preferably a fireproof safe, that is properly bolted to a floor or wall can prevent total loss if your home is entered by a thief.

Burglars do not only take your tangible possessions and money, but more devastatingly rob you of your sense of security at home. Being aware and taking action can alleviate you of worry and can ultimately prevent your home from becoming a thief’s next free for all.

About the Author: Nolan Mondrow is the owner of Zurich Products, a leading provider of quality home security products, including the right fireproof safe for every need.

Small Business Video Surveillance

A video surveillance system is an excellent business investment in terms of reducing losses from theft and vandalism. Video monitoring should ideally be used in combination with other precautionary measures as a part of a company’s comprehensive safety strategy. Prevention and deterrence are more desirable goals than apprehending a criminal after a crime has been committed, and having an established company-wide safety plan helps reduce the chance of a business being targeted. As components of the safety strategy, business owners should ensure that parking lots are well lit at night, and that employees are taught what actions to take if they are confronted by an intruder. Having a fireproof safe for storage of excess cash and valuables, as well as secure, keyless door locks will provide additional protection from intruders who ignore the threat of conviction by the video surveillance system. Besides giving business owners peace of mind, utilization of surveillance systems in small businesses helps deter crime, reduce employee theft and create a stronger long-term workforce.

Deterrence is a major benefit of having video surveillance equipment in use at a business. Cameras and video monitors, when prominently placed, show criminals that their actions are being recorded and that the business owner is serious about prosecution of thieves and vandals. Knowing that criminal activity is monitored at a certain business reduces the chance that a criminal will target that location.

Many business owners also enjoy the productivity benefits of having a video surveillance system in place. Employees who know that their actions are subject to review are more productive, and are considerably less likely to steal company money or products. The mere existence of the equipment again serves to deter malicious activity that would otherwise cost the company money. Firing or convicting employees who are taking unlawful advantage of access to company money sets a precedent that prevents future employee offenses, resulting in more trustworthy long-term personnel.

Sometimes businesses will be targeted by criminals regardless of the presence of recording equipment. In the event that a business is burglarized, vandalized, or the scene of other unlawful activity, the existence of video footage significantly increases the likelihood of a perpetrator being caught and convicted. Video footage of a criminal in action gives investigators important clues that can lead to arrest and evidence that can result in conviction. Similarly, stealing, harassment, or other misconduct by a company employee can be proven, so that appropriate action may be taken.

Affordable video surveillance systems are available to meet the needs of all business sizes, and pay for themselves in reduced losses and employee productivity.

About the Author: Nolan Mondrow is the owner of Zurich Products, a leading provider of quality fireproof safes, keyless door lock, and video surveillance equipment. For more information, please visit http://www.zurichproducts.com.

Minimizing Loss in a Fire

Home fires can be ignited by lightning, electrical shorts and human error, to name a few, and no one expects to be a victim. The unpredictability of fires and devastation that ensues makes it imperative for you to have a plan for keeping your family safe and to take precautions to protect your valuables.

Families need to discuss a fire escape plan in advance, which will significantly reduce the chance of a family member being tragically injured or killed in the event of a fire. Having an escape plan is especially important for households with children, who may not understand the importance of getting away from smoke or that a doorknob can be dangerously hot. Children and adults alike need to recognize the dangers associated with smoke inhalation and fire, practice getting out of the house safely and know the family’s designated meeting location. Having accessible second story fire escape ladders should be a part of the plan, since regularly used doorways and stairs can be inaccessible due to fire and smoke.

Protecting your irreplaceable possessions from the unexpected is an important step you can take to ensure peace of mind and to help your family move forward after a disaster. Besides having an escape plan, it is also important to store legal documents, valuable heirlooms, and other irreplaceable items in a fireproof safe. Knowing that you will not lose crucial documents and keepsakes in a fire makes the circumstances more bearable and allows the family to focus solely on saving lives.

What should be kept in a safe? This depends on what items are most important to your family, and what you cannot afford to lose. It is always a good idea to keep documents such as wills and life insurance policies in your safe, ensuring that they will survive a fire and can be retrieved when needed. Additionally, many people keep photographs and other items with sentimental value locked away and protected from fire and other disasters.

There is no shortage of fireproof safes on the market. It is in your best interest to speak with a qualified expert from a specialized company to ensure a sensible purchase. Safes come in all sizes, with different ratings and different types of locks. For example, the same safe that keeps paper documents from burning may not necessarily protect electronic data from melting. Compose a list of the items that you plan to store in your safe before you speak to a specialist. The expert will be able to make suggestions that you may have overlooked, and ensure that vital factors such as safe size, rating, and the strength of your floor are taken into consideration.

About the Author: Nolan Mondrow is the owner of Zurich Products, a leading provider of quality fireproof safes, wall safes, keyless door locks, keypad door locks and combination door locks. For more information, please visit www.zurichproducts.com.