Having home security cameras is increasingly becoming popular nowadays. More and more people are realizing their efficiency, not only for keeping robbers away but also for deliveries, checking in on your children, and even for monitoring pets when you’re not at home.
With a number of affordable options and a wide range of technology available to many, having home security cameras is something that all homemakers must consider. This includes the need to protect CCTV camera after deciding which one to install.
The Need for Home Security Camera Protection
Anyone needs some peace of mind when it comes to the safety of their homes. It’s true whether you are seeking refuge in it after a long and tiring day or if you’re going away for a long trip. Hence, it really is a good thing that new technologies are now available to a lot of families.
We also can’t ignore the fact that having your own home security cameras helps law enforcement. While no one wants to be a victim of property crime, security cameras will provide the proper documentation needed for apprehending suspects and obtaining justice.
Ways To Keep Your Home Security Cameras Safe
Despite serving the same purpose, not all security cameras are the same. While some are weatherproof and waterproof, proper maintenance will still continue to be a necessity. It would also help if you follow key installation tips and use accessories to keep them safe.
1. Clean your cameras regularly.
It may not seem obvious, but one of the primary ways by which to protect your security cameras is to keep them clean. Its features like infrared lights and LED lights are known to attract mosquitoes, spiders, moths, and other bugs. In turn, more bugs and even spiderwebs may obscure video footage. Insects can also cause false sensor alerts.
Fortunately, it is easy to clean security cameras. Most of the time, you’ll only need a microfiber cloth or a soft brush to keep its lenses clear. Use these tools to remove dust, insects, dead leaves, and the like. You can also use insect repellants to ward bugs away, but we don’t advise spraying it directly to your unit.
A recent innovation is designs that resemble old-fashioned street lights. It helps the cameras camouflage as outdoor decorations or as everyday objects. As a result, it keeps them more obscure while protecting them from natural elements at the same time. This is definitely a viable option if you simply don’t have the time to clean your cameras regularly.
2. Secure a proper location.
Various environmental conditions can cause significant damage to your security cameras if you’re not careful. Dust, extreme temperature changes, and harsh wind can be detrimental to your units. Thus, you need to be strategic about where you place your cameras.
Use protected spaces, when available, especially for cameras with no covers. Locations such as roof overhangs, egresses, or below a second-story deck are great areas to consider. It’s best not to mount them on metal surfaces in case of lightning strikes.
In the end, what’s most important is to install it in a strategic location that both protects it from the elements and still gives it a good vantage point to secure your perimeter. If that’s not possible, you can always use camera covers instead.
3. Use camera covers.
Camera covers are both waterproof and weatherproof to keep your devices safe from the elements. There are even models made from special metals to prevent the absorption of extreme heat. Others also include incorporating heavy-duty aluminum or composite fiber that can withstand strong winds.
Here’s a pro tip: Placing a silica gel packet inside the camera’s housing will effectively help remove moisture from the camera lens. You can also use foam seals so that there is an added layer of camera housing protection.
Consider buying shields for the lens to protect the integrity of your video quality. What it does is block the direct hit of the sun, which can potentially interfere with your footage. As a bonus, these protective add-ons can help reduce dust buildup.
The Bottom Line
We hope that the tips we mentioned help you protect your security cameras. These tips will work whether you’re only considering having one camera installed or you already have a complete setup at home.
While the cameras do their job in securing the safety of our homes, it would not hurt to keep the devices safe at the same time. This way, home security is maximized and done properly. Even security cameras designed for outdoor use will need care and attention to prolong their lives and maintain optimal efficiency.
On top of the tips we shared here, don’t forget to explore other resources, too, such as this home security guide and security camera review, both published by Forbes. Keep safe!
