3 Tips To Help You Select And Install Your Home Security Cameras

Installing security cameras in and around your home is a good way to help deter burglaries and to help catch a burglar after the break-in occurs. Before you buy and install your security cameras, here are some tips to help you choose your cameras, place them legally, and position them in the best locations in and around your home to keep you and your home safe.

Choose Appropriate Camera Features

If you want to install an outdoor security camera, you first may need to consider the outside temperature your cameras will be subjected to. If you live in a climate that has cooler nights or winter weather, you may consider buying cameras that have thermostatic controls. These controls warm and cool the camera appropriately whenever the lens becomes clouded with condensation or frost. As both of these situations make your camera useless, this is an important feature that you may not want to skip. 

A security camera with infrared night vision capabilities will allow you to keep an eye on areas around your home at night that are not always lit with regular lighting. But, it's important to know whether you need a security camera with infrared illumination or passive infrared detection. Passive infrared detection allows your camera to scan for movement in the dark, then to begin recording it with infrared vision. The infrared illuminated camera illuminates and records video continuously throughout the night using infrared technology.

Your budget may determine whether you can afford color or black-and-white video capabilities, as color cameras can cost more than basic black-and-white. If you catch an intruder or burglar using your color camera, you will be able to determine the color of their skin, hair, and clothing. With black-and-white video, you won't be able to discern colors, as all the images are going to be in varying shades of black, gray, and white.

Follow the Law

Before you decide where you will install your security cameras inside or outside your home, it is important to know the laws about where you can legally place them. You cannot place security cameras any place in or around your home where someone would have an expectation of privacy. This includes the bathroom or bedroom of your home. 

If you need to install hidden cameras to watch a babysitter or house keeping staff, you can do so with a few hidden cameras. By placing a hidden camera in any common area rooms, such as the living room, kitchen, pantry, or dining room, you can watch your nanny or house keeper without invading their personal privacy or breaking the law.

Keep in mind it is illegal in most states to record someone's voice on a security camera without their knowledge or permission. So, if your cameras are equipped with this feature, you may want to turn the microphone access off.

Select the Right Locations

Install your exterior security cameras in areas around your home that are the most likely for a burglar to use to gain access into your home. Thirty-four percent of burglars enter through the front door of a home, so this is a good place to install a security camera around your home. If an intruder tries to gain access into your home by the front door, you will have it captured on video. Then, placing a camera at your front door with the camera's lens facing away from your home, as a peep-hole camera, can also be used to help you see who is knocking at your front door.

Statistics also show that 22 percent of burglars enter a home through its backdoor, so its important to install a security camera covering any side, basement, or back entrances to your home. A side, back, basement, or other off-street entrance to your home is more attractive to burglars. The reason is because these locations are out of the view from the street and the burglar is more likely to get away with their crime. It is also important to point a camera toward any off-street and first-floor windows, as 23 percent of burglars choose to enter a home through its first-floor window.

Use these tips to help you in adding security cameras to your home.