Your
awareness of the need for security, is the best place to begin a discussion
on physical property security. What is security awareness? Our definition
is multi-faceted, and includes the ability to identify known and unknown
threats, being aware of the technologies, products and services that can
defuse those threats, knowing how to operate the products and systems you
have,
and most
importantly the awareness that these systems must be used, and must be used
all of the time.
This security awareness may be more important to the security of your home and business
than any of the security hardware or systems you install. Why is this? Any
lock or security system, will not do you any good unless,
You use
it!
An old
adage states that "locks only keep honest people honest", and is
possibly very true. If the "bad guys" really want to get in, all
we can really hope for is to slow them down. If you, with our help, choose
and have installed the correct hardware and/or systems, we CAN slow them
down - or at least discourage them from threatening your loved ones and your
property.
We've all heard the
stories, usually from older relatives, about never having to lock our doors
or cars, because the town was so safe, and they knew everyone. Well it is
sad to say, but those days are gone. When people choose not to secure their
property, they are not doing only themselves a disservice, they are
also hurting their community. If any one of us makes it easier for the
"bad guys" to prosper, they will multiply, our communities become
less safe, our property values decline, and our quality of life
suffers.
Yes that's right, if a
lock is not locked, it's only a decoration. You need to be aware of using
your locks every time you leave as the "bad guys" don't advertise
what day they are coming!
In medieval times
security was easy; the property owner built a castle, dug a moat, and
erected a drawbridge. Today these measures are not practical, or even desired.
In today's society, if you lived in a castle, and made all of your decisions
based on safety and security, you would at the very least be labeled as
paranoid. It is important that you balance the level of security you
install, and how it operates, with your unique situation. You and any other
persons need to fully understand how your systems operate - does it require
you to lock it manually or will it fortify your property automatically. If
you have too much security, you will not use it; too little security, and it
will not do the job.
Back to our medieval
castle. The property owner recognizing that he might have to increase the
level of security at a moments notice, made provisions to place his archers
along the walls. We don't have any archers, but we can be sure that systems
and plans are in place. Thus, we can increase the level of security and
protection if the threat level increases.
You can combine this
security awareness with properly chosen and installed hardware and/or
security systems. And with the general security tips provided at this site.
Then you can take this information and apply it to your
particular situation. With a little initiative and the use of this new
security awareness you will be on the way to creating "Peace of Mind" for
your family, business and community.
