Every home should have a security system for a variety of reasons, ranging from personal protection to safeguarding against various property threats. Home security systems give your customers an extra set of eyes, whether they’re at home, out for a few hours, or away for weeks at a time.
But a security system won’t do much good if the security cameras aren’t placed correctly. Imagine having a break-in, a fire, or some other threat and the only thing the cameras recorded was a blank wall. Here is a detailed guide on where to place security cameras inside and outside the home so your customers get the professional installation and protection they need and deserve.
Where to Place Security Cameras Inside the Home
Here are some of the top places inside the home where you’ll want to place video surveillance for your clients:
Hallway or Main Stairs
It will be difficult for someone to move through the home undetected if you place indoor cameras in the hallway or main stairway. If someone breaks in through a bedroom, bathroom, or another unmonitored area, their image will still be captured on camera when they move into these passages.
Common Areas
It’s always a good idea to place a camera in the home’s common areas. These are the main gathering points for people who live there. Common areas might include the living room, kitchen, or den. Having video cameras in those areas gives your clients an overview of the home, so they’ll probably capture a burglar. But the cameras will also show if the repairman or cleaners are working as promised or the kids or pets are doing something they shouldn’t.
Second Floor
Does your client keep any valuables on the second floor of their home? Many do, so there’s nothing wrong with adding some additional camera coverage in a second-floor hallway as well.
Basement
If you are creating a comprehensive home surveillance system for your client, it makes sense to include the basement. This is particularly the case if there are any valuables stored there or there is an access point from the outside.
Detached Buildings or Garages
If your clients have detached buildings or garages on their property, these are locations that should definitely have video surveillance. Most people keep valuable tools, recreation equipment, and vehicles in these buildings, so they are prime targets for thieves. They might also hold a few hazards which could be the cause of emergency situations in the home.
Where to Place Security Cameras Outside the Home
Here are some of the top places outside the home to place security cameras for your clients:
Front Door
Believe it or not, few burglars will try to enter through the front door. But that doesn’t mean there shouldn’t be a camera there. This is a top place for crimes like mail and package theft as well as home invasions or solicitation fraud.
Back & Side Doors
If the home has back and side doors and windows, these should have cameras as well. Burglars would prefer entry by these doors because they often can’t be seen from the street.
Driveway & Garage
Garages are common entry points for burglars, so it’s always a good idea to have a security camera outside your client’s garage or pointed at their driveway. This can capture anyone entering the property or attempting to gain access to it.
Windows
Windows, particularly those on the ground floor, are prime targets for criminals. As much as possible, home security cameras should cover all ground floor windows to provide the highest level or protection.
Yard
Placing cameras facing the yard will help your clients identify anyone who might be scoping out the place with the intent to commit a crime. It’s also a handy feature for recording kids, animals, and trespassers.
Where NOT to Place Security Cameras
While security cameras are a great idea, they shouldn’t be placed everywhere. Some placements can create privacy violations. Here are a few places you don’t want to place cameras for your clients.
Bedrooms
While it might be tempting to set up cameras in bedrooms to keep an eye on children, elderly parents, or valuable property, this is generally a bad idea. There is an expectation of privacy in many of these spaces. And while most systems are secure, you don’t want to take the chance that a hacker could gain access to intimate images. If your clients wish to keep tabs on small children, a baby monitor is probably a better option.
Bathrooms
Similar to bedrooms, there is little reason to place security cameras in a bathroom. It’s unlikely a burglar will enter this room, so there’s no reason to monitor it.
Neighbor’s Property
Laws regarding camera placement vary from state to state, so it’s wise to have a good grasp of these. In general, homeowners are permitted to have outdoor security cameras that cover their property. The neighbor’s property may be captured in the background of those images.
However, it’s not a good idea to point cameras directly at a neighbor’s property. This opens up questions of privacy violations. Everyone is entitled to a certain degree of privacy, so you don’t want to help your clients violate any laws.
Keep Your Customers Secure With Quick Response Video Monitoring Services
Now that you know all the best and worst places for installing security cameras for your customers, it’s vital that you provide them with trustworthy video monitoring services. For more than 40 years, Quick Response has been a national leader in providing security companies with comprehensive video monitoring solutions.
As a TMA Five Diamond central station, our monitoring and dispatch staff are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to ensure your customers are safe and protected and your business promises are kept. Contact us today if you would like to learn more about our central station monitoring services.
