Reduce risk not anxiety

For three weeks now, the Nancy Guthrie case has captured the nation’s attention. These types of events also cause many to question their own safety and security. Many moved to Bluffton to avoid these types of events and many choose to live in communities that have some degree of visible security: guards, gates, and fencing. Some readers do not live in such communities, and even those that do — they want to bolster their security by doing something. This usually means — buying something.

Unfortunately, the consumer doesn’t always have clarity when making decisions in this critical area, and the marketplace is littered with noise. There is no shortage of products or salespeople telling the consumer that this one thing will “make them safe.” From alarms to cameras to panic buttons, the consumer has a lot of choices.

Begin this process of deciding what to purchase with a fundamentally important question: How many of these products actually reduce risk and how many just reduce anxiety?

Certainly, it is best to spend money on things that actually reduce risk. As discussed previously, the first step in a safety and security program is listening to intuition. If the product seems too good to be true, it most certainly is. When looking at bolstering residential security, a layered approach is often recommended. This means multiple systems layered over the residence to mitigate the chance of an unfavorable event.

The following are items to consider. This is not an exhaustive list; it is a place to start. Please remember — if being targeted directly, contact a security consultant for a professional assessment

Alarm: There are a number of off-the-shelf products available and there are various companies that still sell the “whole package.” The point of the alarm is to serve as a visible deterrent (stickers and signs) and detect unlawful entry through various sensors and alert the police if the home is breached. Remember, the system is not effective if it is not turned on, so arm it.

Panic Buttons: These are often sold as part of an alarm package that can be carried or installed in the residence. They reduce risk when installed appropriately. As designed, they work on the concept of the button being pushed and police are dispatched with little delay.A word of caution here: If a salesman says, “When you hit this button,50 cops will be here in less than 90 seconds” – this certainly cannot be true.

Cameras: Doorbell style cameras serve a number of purposes. They allow for visual recognition of people at the door and allow you to have conversations through the door versus opening the door and trying to figure out who the person is and what they need. They also serve as a first line of observation and provide some peace of mind if away from the home. It is favorable to pay for a subscription and pay for an extended data plan.

Exterior Lighting: Motion-activated lighting on the perimeter of the home alerts the homeowner of an approach and alerts the individual approaching that the home has some security.

Safe Area: Designate a windowless room in the home that serves as a last line of defense in case of an intrusion. Bathrooms or master closets work well. Add a lock and strengthen the door by installing 3-inch screws at the strike plate that screw into the stud.

All things being equal, one of the best things to do is get a dog. Not only are they great companions, but they do also deter entry through their presence and barking and some are large enough to defend the homeowner if an intruder enters.

James Hamilton is a nationally recognized security expert with more than 33 years of protection experience. He is a former FBI Special Agent and created the close protection training for the FBI. He is the founder of the Hamilton Security Group and can be contacted at: www.hamiltonsecuritygroup.com