# data[].attributes.body
Safe Simple Secure is a security firm in Edinburgh that can provide you with expert security advice and systems.

# data[].attributes.headline
Fantastic Benefits of Installing a Video Door Entry System

# data[].attributes.subject
Fantastic Benefits of Installing a Video Door Entry System

# data[].attributes.body
Video door entry systems are becoming increasingly popular as the benefits are better than an audio system and they are becoming more affordable. This article highlights some of the many benefits.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
It doesn't seem so long ago that CCTV systems were just for large business premises and warehouses. Now it has become quite normal to see home CCTV systems with small cameras watching the front and back of houses.

The technology for doorbells and door entry systems has also advanced greatly in recent years. This has resulted in video door entry systems being suitable for all homes and flats, not just very expensive properties. This technology has also become cost-effective so that it is a viable option for everybody.

Video Door Entry System Benefits

1. Personal Security

The main benefit of a video door entry system has over an audio door entry system is that you can view the person at your door.

If you live in a flat and someone buzzes an audio system asking to get in because they are reading electricity meters you have to let them in on trust but it could actually be a burglar looking for somewhere to easy to gain entry. With a video entry system, you can see their uniform and ask to see their ID badge before letting them in.

Elderly people or people living on their own, even in houses and bungalows, find they feel more confident answering the door if they can see who it is first.

2. Cleanliness

In the past, common tenement stairs were often open with no front door. This meant that litter could blow in or people could hang around in the close. Having either an audio or video door entry system makes it far easier to keep your communal areas clean and tidy with no litter or vandalism.

3. Ease of Use

Again, modern technology means that homeowners can either view the person at the door via a handset located in their home or on an App on their phone. The benefits of being able to see the person from your phone are vast.

An elderly or disabled person can buzz in a family member or carer without leaving their chair.
Perhaps, more useful for a business, but you can give someone entry when you aren't there. In the case of a business, they may give access to delivery drivers at a non-manned door while they sit at the main reception.
Some systems have motions sensors so your phone will alert you when you are out if someone is at your door. This could be a potential burglar.

4. Home Security

Just as burglar alarms and security cameras can put off a potential burglar, so can a video door entry system. Why stand at a door where you can be seen and identified when you can try a block of flats up the road that just has an audio door entry system? Also, if the homeowners have gone to the bother of installing a video door entry system, then what other security measures have they installed?

Just remember, for any door entry system to work and give you these benefits you need to follow the following basic rules:

Always ensure you shut the door properly after leaving or entering the building.

Do not jam the door open or leave it on the snib unless you are actually at the door doing something.

Don't let someone in just because they say they are going to a neighbour who hasn't answered.

Burglars will make the most of your carelessness.

If you would like to know more about the door entry systems that can be installed by Safe Simple Secure, please do get in touch.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Fantastic Security Benefits of Installing a Video Door Entry System

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It doesn't seem so long ago that CCTV systems were just for large business premises and warehouses. Now it has become quite normal to see home CCTV systems with small cameras watching the front and back of houses. The technology for doorbells and door entry systems has also advanced greatly in recent years.

# data[].attributes.headline
Fire & Smoke Alarm Law for Homes in Scotland

# data[].attributes.subject
Fire & Smoke Alarm Law for Homes in Scotland

# data[].attributes.body
Did you know that all homes in Scotland must now have an interlinked smoke alarm?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
At Safe Simple Secure, we are delighted to have been chosen as one of the Scottish Government's partners on their new Fire Alarm campaign about the new fire detection law.

Back in September 2020, we wrote about this new law in our article ' Do I Need A Fire Detection System? '. At the time the law was due to have come into force in February 2021, however, was then delayed until February 2022 due to COVID-19.

This new law has been introduced to ensure that everyone is much safer at home.

Scottish Fire Alarm Law For Homes

One smoke alarm is to be installed in the room which is most frequently used for general daytime living purposes.

One smoke alarm is to be fitted in every circulation space on each storey, such as hallways and landings.

One heat alarm is to be installed in the kitchen.

All alarms should be ceiling-mounted and interlinked.

Where there is a carbon-fuelled appliance, such as a boiler, fire (including open fires), or heater, a carbon monoxide detector is also required. This does not need to be linked to the fire alarms.

If you live in a one-bedroom flat, you will need two smoke alarms and one heat alarm.

The rules for a 3 bedroom home are clearly depicted in this Scottish Government image.

This image shows where you will need alarms in a 1 bedroom flat.

More information about the new law can be found on the Home Fire Safety page of the Scottish Government website and on the Safer Scotland Facebook page.

Safe Simple Secure Fire Safety Services

Our staff have been fully trained in the new legislation and can install a fire detection system that meets these standards within an hour and with minimum disruption to your home. Our Smoke Alarm website page contains more information about our smoke alarm installation services. You can also just contact us for more information and a free quote to get this work done.

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
At Safe Simple Secure, we are delighted to have been chosen as one of the Scottish Government's partners on their new Fire Alarm campaign about the new fire detection law. Back in September 2020, we wrote about this new law in our article 'Do I Need A Fire Detection System?'.

# data[].attributes.body
Are you missing your pets when you are at work?  Are they missing you or up to mischief?  You can see them during the day from your phone with Pet CCTV!
As your Pet CCTV is monitoring some rooms in your house, it also gives the added bonus of extra home security.

# data[].attributes.body
Our Christmas home security tips and advice.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
For many people, Christmas is their favourite time of year. If you have children or grandchildren then you are likely to have some very excited people in your home.

Unfortunately, the season of good cheer that is mostly about peace, joy and goodwill to all men still has people who will take advantage. At Safe Simple Secure, we want you to have a fantastic Christmas so here are our top home security tips.

Car Security & Christmas Shopping

Ensure that Christmas presents are not on show in your car. Always keep them in the boot or covered up. Try not to do one big shop for presents so that people can see you taking lots of parcels and bags into your property. Spread out your Christmas shopping so that you're taking only a few bags home at a time. Also, do not leave presents overnight in your car, as if you are unfortunate enough to have your car stolen, at least the thieves won't have ruined your Christmas from one point of view.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
For many people, Christmas is their favourite time of year. If you have children or grandchildren then you are likely to have some very excited people in your home. Unfortunately, the season of good cheer that is mostly about peace, joy and goodwill to all men still has people who will take advantage.

# data[].attributes.body
Fire Safety for Homes in Scotland
Does your home meet the current fire safety laws in Scotland? Are you and your family safe?

# data[].attributes.body
Learn more about Safe Simple Secure on their Notion page.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Notion – The all-in-one workspace for your notes, tasks, wikis, and databases.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A new tool that blends your everyday work apps into one. It’s the all-in-one workspace for you and your team

# data[].attributes.body
Safe Simple Secure offers home security in Edinburgh. Their house security services include burglar alarms, CCTV and door access systems.

# data[].attributes.headline
How to keep your home safe whilst on holiday

# data[].attributes.subject
How to keep your home safe whilst on holiday

# data[].attributes.body
Here are our top 10 tips for keeping your home safe while on holiday: ...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
When you are about to go on holiday your mind is probably thinking about packing, buying currency, getting travel insurance, booking an airport car park space and making sure you have packed your passport.

Do you think about the security of the home you are leaving behind?

Here are our top 10 tips for keeping your home safe while on holiday:

1. Security
To make your home look occupied, invest in a light on a timer switch that will come on for a few hours in the evening. Light up a room that you normally use in the evening. Some people are inclined to set the hall light to come on or a table lamp near a window. These are both quite obvious to a burglar. If you have an alarm ensure it is in good working order. If you don't, we recommend installing aburglar alarm system as this is a great deterrent. We can visit your home and provide a free quote for a new alarm system and/or CCTV. We will also point out any other home security risks that we can see.

2. Final checks
The last checks you need to do before you head off for a great holiday are:

Are all windows locked?

Are all devices switched off?

Keep your router switched on if your alarm or camera are using an app.

Close internal doors so that an intruder can't see right through your house from one window.

Empty your bins (you don't want to come back to a smelly house)!

Switch on your alarm and lock all doors.

Have a fantastic, relaxing holiday!

If you would like any further help and advice on home security, please get in touch with one of our security experts at Safe Simple Secure.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How To Keep Your Home Safe While On Holiday

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
When you are about to go on holiday your mind is probably thinking about packing, buying currency, getting travel insurance, booking an airport car park space and making sure you have packed your passport. Do you think about the security of the home you are leaving behind?

# data[].attributes.body
The ideal home security system will depend on the style of your property.  This article is to guide you on where you may have security weaknesses and advise on some possible solutions.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The ideal home security system will depend on the style of your property. This article is to guide you on where you may have security weaknesses and advise on some possible solutions.

Flats

Surprisingly flats are a great target for burglaries. There is a misconception that as the building is heavily populated it is safer but this is not the case. With a large footfall of people and a lack of relationship with the occupants, it is hard to know who is a resident and who is not.
Ground floor
This is the easiest to access and the most vulnerable.

Windows are usually easily accessible.

Once access has been gained to the stair, most flat front doors are tucked away allowing time to break-in.

Protect with a burglar alarm and a security camera.
Second floor and above

Access via the front door is still an issue.

The stair is often empty during working hours allowing time at the flat front door.

Protect with an alarm and CCTV.
Top floor or penthouse

These require the same security measures as the second floor.

Be aware of the balcony and access from the flats to the side or above and below.

Protect with a burglar alarm covering the patio doors as well as the front door, with a security camera at each door.
Some advice for all types of flats

Plants can be used to hide entrances and to make things difficult to climb.

Keep bikes out of the communal areas and locked in a bike store. Perhaps install a decoy camera in the bike store.

Make sure door entry systems are functional and if you don't have one we can install one as this is the first line of security before getting into the stair.

Keep postal timers as short a time as possible or provide the postman with a key.

Any deliveries that are made when you are not in shouldn't be left at the door advertising this fact. Ask a neighbour to be your alternate delivery option in this case or request for items to be taken back to the post office/depot.

Semi detached / terraced houses

If you get on well with your neighbours and look out for each other your home security will be much improved. If you live in terraced housing or a semi-detached house then consider the following:

Do you know your neighbours?

Do they know when you are on holiday or visa versa?

Create a neighbourhood watch scheme with your local neighbours or create a WhatsApp or Facebook group to post on and keep everyone updated with what's going on in the street.

Are there communal gardens/areas that are easily accessed and lead to your garden?

Plants, trees and bushes act as privacy but can also hide a burglar that is at your door or windows, allowing them time to break in. Keep these below head height.

Any low extensions or flat roofs? Think about how accessible these can be. Window sensors on windows next to flat roofs are suggested.

Bikes in the garage or tools? Roof racks advertise a bike nearby. Also, people can be followed back from popular bike routes such as the Pentland Hills or Glentress. Remove your bike racks from your car and lock all bikes inside a locked garage.

Access via communal lanes? Can a gate be fitted with a lock creating more time and distance between the public areas and you/your neighbour's property?

A burglar alarm and home CCTV can help with all the above. These add another layer of protection and stop the opportunistic burglar, creating more time needed to enter the property. Perhaps, you and your neighbours can share the cost of a communal CCTV system to protect the whole street?

Detached properties

Could you put up a fence with bushes at the other side, some rose bushes or holly bushes/trees?

Garages are sometimes detached from the property; make sure the same applies to the above.

Locks secure and used! Add a separate alarm or additional detectors on the garage. Has the garage got an internal door to the house? Is it kept locked and alarmed?

Patio doors are another weak point. A bar or additional lock makes things harder to open.

Keep gardens well tended to and rubbish removed. This makes the house look lived in and looked after.

Low-level extensions or outbuildings that could be used to gain entry to an upper window?

Is your property in the town/country? A remote property may need monitoring with additional police response or CCTV.

Do you have neighbours close to you?

Do you have a driveway that is open/hidden/covered by trees? Think about cutting these back like mentioned earlier to allow people to see what's going on.

Is there a field or public path near/next to your property? Ease of access and being remote make things easy for a burglar with all the time they need along with no neighbours to worry about any noise.

Is there street-lighting or do you need additional security lighting?

Is your car parked in a driveway? If away on holiday and there is no car present this could advertise the fact you are away.

At Safe Simple Secure, we can offer security solutions for all properties whatever the size. Depending on where you live there are different challenges to secure your property. Please contact us for a no obligation quotation and to review and advise on how we can protect and secure your home and your family.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How To Make Different Types of Homes Safe And Secure

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The ideal home security system will depend on the style of your property. This article is to guide you on where you may have security weaknesses and advise on some possible solutions. Flats Surprisingly flats are a great target for burglaries.

# data[].attributes.body
To help strengthen the security of your home, we wanted to provide you with a short guide on some of the most effective (and affordable) burglar deterrents.

10 Burglar Deterrents That Work

Install a Burglar Alarm System

Burglar alarm systems remain one of the most popular and effective burglar deterrents any homeowner can invest in. The only issue is; most homeowners forget to use them or don’t know how to operate theirs...
Read on...

# data[].attributes.headline
Why a DIY Home Alarm System Doesn't Make Sense!

# data[].attributes.subject
Why a DIY Home Alarm System Doesn't Make Sense!

# data[].attributes.body
Why a DIY Home Alarm Systems Doesn't Make Sense
It’s a fact that burglars will avoid homes which have a well fitted home alarm system. Especially if it is well maintained which means that it has annual checks which thoroughly test all components. Your local DIY store will sell home alarm systems which you might consider because of their relative cheap cost compared to a professionally installed alarm system. But these systems do come with several disadvantages.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Why a DIY Home Alarm System Doesn’t Make Sense! - Copy

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Why do businesses use CCTV?

As a business owner or manager, you want to protect your property, staff and assets to the best of your ability. You also want your staff and customers to feel safe at all times. Security cameras can help achieve these goals.

Advantages of CCTV in the Workplace

Crime Deterrent
Installing some security cameras cannot guarantee that your business will be free from all crime, however, it is a great deterrent. Criminals do not want to get caught so if they see a CCTV camera, they are more likely to move on elsewhere.

It can also prove a useful deterrent for inconvenient crime such as your walls and fences being graffitied.

Another benefit found by businesses is that it can prevent illegal activities outside your building. It is highly unlikely that someone will deal drugs by your camera. This can also make your premises feel safer for customers to enter.

Collecting Evidence
The cameras may only reduce the chance of crime at your business but they will increase the chance of someone getting caught and found guilty at court as your recordings can be counted as evidence.

CCTV recordings are also usual evidence to hand to your insurance company to back up your claim. Or if for example, a member of staff is claiming they had an accident at work but you can show at the date and time of the claim they are working.

Insurance Costs
Some insurance companies will reduce your insurance premium if you have adequate security such as a CCTV system.

Monitoring Activities & Processes

With wireless CCTV you can monitor your business in real-time from a PC, Smartphone or Tablet. If you have a factory you can see if there are any production problems without leaving your office or you can see if customers are being dealt with quickly and efficiently on your shop floor. This can even be done if you are working from home.

Staff & Customer Safety
CCTV can be seen as a negative thing by staff. They may feel that they are being watched all the time to check that they are working but in reality, it is mostly being used for their safety. CCTV can prevent customers from being violent or aggressive to your staff and if they do it will all be caught on camera.

Customers may feel safer parking in your car park if they can see security cameras.

At Safe Simple Secure, we can advise you on a suitable CCTV system based on the size of your premises and the security risks.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Why do businesses use CCTV? As a business owner or manager, you want to protect your property, staff and assets to the best of your ability. You also want your staff and customers to feel safe at all times. Security cameras can help achieve these goals.