Who/What do I need to protect? Who is taking that stuff from the back room?

Either something bad has happened or you simply wish to be proactive and ready. You want to feel safe..obviously. Maybe you’ve had many break-ins in your neighborhood and you want to protect your home from being next. Perhaps you want to trust your staff, but let’s be realistic…not everyone is trustworthy. In either case, a security camera system can drastically reduce the incidents of theft and burglary just be having security cameras out in the open. Worst case scenario, you have digital proof if you need to press charges or go to court.

What kind of system do I need?

Most home systems will only require 1-4 cameras to watch entrances or a child’s room; while business systems usually need to cover more angles, such as cash registers, stock rooms, and more. You can choose a variety of styles of camera. First determine your needs, and then ask which model would suit you best. Be sure to check out some security web sites first, so the terminology seems more familiar.

Where should the system be? Outside or Inside?

That depends on your answer to what “Who/what do I need to protect” question. If you are worried about burglars entering your home, then you need outside cameras near entrances. You may not require as many cameras as you would think at home. Generally speaking, you would want one at each entrance. At work, you may be worried about the stock room losses…in which case interior cameras would a wise choice. If it’s a dim stock room, you can consider cameras with low light capabilities.

Wired or Wireless. This is the Question.

If you are able to run wires, have the time/patience, and want to save a couple dollars – Wired. Most homes, and businesses without drop ceilings have a terrible time running wires; in some cases its simply not possible. This is when its time to use wireless security cameras. Stay tuned for a page dedicated to wireless cameras.

Logging in through the Internet?

The ability to watch your home or business through the Internet is gold. It’s referred to as Remote Monitoring or Viewing. How about viewing your home while on vacation? This honestly provides some peace of mind! How about watching your kids come home from school safely? You catch my drift.

Why do I need a security camera system?

It’s because you worked hard to build a business or purchase a home. You deserve to protect your investment and feel confident that your investment will remain, no matter what the circumstance. Peace of Mind!

Good luck with your first security camera system!

Step 1: How many cameras will you require?

Take a walk around the area you want to view. Take notes as you do it (that will help later on when you’re talking to any sales reps). Look high and low. Now stand back.

Answer a few questions before proceeding:

Are you inside or outside?
How high are the exterior walls?
What materials are the walls made out of?
Is there landscaping or trees around?
Are there internal walls or dividers present?
Is the area in a high traffic zone? (i.e. delivery trucks passing etc)

All of these things are important to keep in mind when choosing your security cameras. You’ll need to know whether you’ll need waterproof or vandal proof cameras, whether you need heaters for year round usage or cameras that can adapt well in any light condition (or weather condition).

If you have a large flat exterior wall, you may consider buying a pan tilt zoom camera. This allows you a greater field of view with only ONE camera! Cameras mounted inside should keep to a corner area to minimize blind spots. These are very general tips, as many stores and offices have shelving and small divider walls which may distort your field of view. Same goes for landscaping in your entrance or loading vehicles in the rear of the building. You’ll need to see what’s going on no matter if you bought a system in January and realized by June your delivery trucks and trees have blocked your view.

Another factor worth considering is where your weak spots are. Taking that walk around will help you notice things that would have been missed previously. Such as: that corner that never gets used, the back door that only gets used for smokers, and the hallway that leads from the staff washroom. They might not be considered high traffic areas, but it’s the hidden spots that thieves will take advantage of.

SIZE REALLY MATTERS

If loss prevention is your reason for that new security camera system, than consider that bigger is better. A really big camera might be what you’re after. The more visible the camera, it will be less likely shoplifters will consider your business. Same goes for the staff. Although we hate to admit it, at least 75% of employees say they’ve snatched the odd item from under the boss’ nose. The presence of a security camera, the less likely they will be willing to risk their job by dipping into your stock.

LIGHTING

You’ll definitely want to consider the time of day you want to capture most. Retail store locations are often work late into the evening, especially in the Holiday shopping season. You’ll need a camera that can operate well in light and dark settings. Perhaps you want to record the yard at night. Infrared technology or Black and white cameras work best.

Consultation with a professional security installation company before purchasing will ensure you get the system that you need.
Lisa Pedersen works at Skyway Security in New York, selling quality security camera systems for home and work. Tips from the sales staff continue…look for more articles!