| How to Install a Security Camera System for a House Posted: 12 Feb 2017 04:00 PM PST The idea of drilling holes through the walls of your house to run video and power cables for a security camera system might seem daunting; but many security systems come in all-included packages that make setting up your surveillance system a breeze. Read on for guidance on buying and installing your own home camera system. EditPreparing Your Home - Make a diagram of your surveillance needs. It is both expensive and impractical to monitor every square inch of your house, so you need to prioritize what areas you want to watch the most. Draw up a rough diagram of your house or print out the blueprints and note where you might want to place cameras. When you are done, check out each location to make sure it is not blocked by anything and provides the best view possible. You may want cameras for:
- Front and back doors.
- Off-Street Windows
- Large common spaces
- Driveways
- Porches
- Stairways[1]
- Buy the right package to suit your needs. You can buy each piece individually, but it is generally cheaper and easier to buy bundled security systems. At minimum your system should have 1-3 cameras, a DVR (digital video recorder), appropriate wiring (siamese and BNC cables), and power cords. Unless you are choosing to monitor a large area, wireless cameras with wall mounting should cover your needs.
- Basic Home Security: Get a package with 2-3 outdoor cameras (to monitor doors), and a DVR with at least 3 days of recording time.
- Monitoring Valuables/Young Children: 1-3 indoor wireless cameras can cover a small room effectively and stream the footage right to your computer.
- Alternatively, buy your cameras individually. Once you know how many cameras you need, you'll need to think about what specific cameras you want. A home surveillance system can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to well over a thousand, so make sure you consider the type of cameras you need before buying -- the features below should be clearly labeled on the box. While you can buy all of the parts separately, buying a full "surveillance set" is usually cheaper and easier to install.
- Wireless vs. Wired: Wireless cameras are easy to set-up without drilling or running cables through your house, but the quality can be sub-par the further they get away from the receiver. If you are covering a big area, go wired, but most houses find wireless and easier set-up process.
- Indoor or Outdoor: Cameras that are not made to be place outside will quickly break when exposed to rain and humidity, so be sure to choose accordingly.
- Motion Sensing: Some cameras will only record when they notice motion, saving space and energy while only capturing footage when someone is in the room.
- Remote Viewing: Many high-end cameras offer the ability to stream their footage to your phone or laptop anywhere in the world, making it possible to check out your house through a provided program or app.[2]
- Set up a recording device and monitor. In order to store and view your footage you need a Digital Video Recorder (DVR). This device receives all of the video feeds and broadcasts them onto a monitor, usually a computer screen or small TV. DVRs have a variety of memory capacities that allow them to store a certain amount of video, from hundreds of hours to one day's worth of footage.
- If you buy a complete surveillance set the DVR is usually included with the camera.
- Network Video Recorders (NVR) and analog recorders (VCRs), also available for purchase, work the same way as a DVR, using an internet signal (NVR) or blank tapes (VCR) to record instead of a digital hard-drive. The following installation tips will work here as well.
- Test your equipment before installing. Make sure your cables, DVR, cameras, and monitor all work by connecting each one before you install anything.[3]
EditInstalling a Camera - Choose a high, broad angle for your camera. The best angle of any room is usually looking down from the corner where the ceiling meets the walls. Make sure you can clearly see all entries and exits and that the camera is near a power outlet.
- If you are mounting a camera outside, place it above 10ft so that it cannot be easily knocked down.[4]
- Mount your camera to the wall. Some cameras come with sticky pads to adhere your camera to the wall, but screwing your camera in is the safest way to mount your cameras long-term. While every camera is different, most of them can be mounted the same way:
- Place the mount in it's desired location.
- Using a sharpie, make marks on the wall where each screw should go.
- Drill a hole for each screw using an electric drill
- Hammer in any molding pins.
- Screw the mount into the wall.
- Position the camera to your desired angle.[5]
- Attach your camera to a power source. Almost all cameras come with a power adaptor that plugs into a normal wall socket. Plug the small, round end into the power input on the back of the camera and plug the other end into the outlet.
- If your power adaptor is missing or broken, contact your manufacturer.
- Attach wired camera to your DVR. Surveillance equipment is connected using a BNC (Bayonet Neill–Concelman) connection. BNC cables are simple to use -- they are identical on both sides and you simply plug them into the appropriate port, turning a small nut on the end to lock it in place. Plug one end into your camera's "Output" and the other into one of the DVR "Input" ports.
- Note which input you plug into -- this is the input your DVR must be set to in order to view your camera's video.
- If your cable does not have a BNC connection you can buy a simple BNC adaptor online or at a hardware store. This will slip onto the end of your cable to make it BNC compatible.[6]
- Link wireless cameras to your computer. Wireless cameras will come with a software disc that you need to install to view your feeds. Follow the on-screen instructions to access your cameras.[7]
- Some cameras have a small receiver that attaches to your computer through a USB port. Make sure this is properly attached.
- Write down your camera's IP address (ex. 192.168.0.5) if provided -- this number can be typed into any web browser to view your camera remotely.
- Attach the monitor to the DVR. This connection frequently uses a BNC cable as well, but some DVR's can attach with HDMI cables, or coaxial cables. Using your preferred connection, attach one end to the DVR's "Output" port and the other to the monitor's "Input."
- You can hook up as many cameras as your DVR has inputs -- it will automatically record every camera you install.
- Note which input you plug into-- this is the input you need to choose to see your cameras.
- Troubleshoot any connection issues. Check that the camera, DVR, and monitor are all hooked up to a power supply and turned on. Make sure your cables are securely attached and that you have selected the right inputs for your DVR and monitor. Some monitors will display every camera at the same time, others have "input" buttons that allow you to switch between cameras.
EditConsolidating your Surveillance System - Create a central "surveillance hub." When you are wiring a lot of cameras at once, you'll need one simple place to bring all of the feeds together to your DVR. This should be a place that is easy to access, and where you can comfortably run wires from anywhere in the house. Attics, offices, and your internet router all make good places to base your surveillance system.
- You should only need one DVR for all of your cameras.
- Use Siamese cables to wire your system effectively. The most common surveillance cable is a Siamese cable, named because it consists of two cables attached together. One is for power, and the other is for video. This means you will only have to run one wire through your house to set up each camera. The cable is usually sold as RG59 or RG6.[8]
- The braided red and black side is for power. Red is positive and black is negative.
- The singular, cylindrical cable is for video. Each end will have either a BNC attachment or a coaxial cable.
- Use a power supply box to power multiple cameras through one outlet. Power boxes, available online and in hardware stores for $30-$50, allow you to power you cameras through a single wall outlet. They come with multiple ports, and are great for powering close-together cameras or cameras that aren't near an outlet, like attic cameras. However, you will need to run lengthy amounts of wire to attach each camera to the same box.
- Always attach the cameras before hooking the box to electricity.
- Make sure you buy a power supply box big enough to power each one of your cameras. They should list how many outlets they support on the box.
- Attach each video cable to a separate DVR port. Your DVR can handle multiple cameras at once, allowing you to record every room in the house with only one box. Your monitor will then display every camera, or you will have to cycle through them using the "input" button on your DVR.
- Hide your wires. To have a truly professional looking system you can run your cables through the walls and towards your surveillance hub. Be sure you know the layout of your walls and the location of any pipes, cables, or studs as you begin running wires. Running cables requires you to drill a hole in the wall, then thread the cable through the walls to your DVR through open spaces in your house, usually the attic.
- If you are not comfortable drilling into your walls and running cables through, call a professional carpenter or handyman to take care of the cabling.
- You can also secure cables to the walls or baseboards using a staple gun.
- Consider hiding cables under rugs, but tape them down so that no one accidentally trips.
- Alternatively, call home-security specialists to set up a custom system. There are many home-security companies that will install cameras, motion sensors, and automatic emergency calling for you, though they cost much more than a typical DIY installation. However, if you have a large house, are uncomfortable with wiring, or want extra features like motion-sensors and alarm systems, call a security firm near you.
- ADT, LifeShield, Vivint, and SafeShield are larger, nationwide providers of home security systems.
- Most home surveillance packages come with the wires, DVR, and cameras included, and are a much easier way to start your system then buying everything separately.
- Know your limits -- if you are uncomfortable drilling, working on ladders, or wiring electrical connections, call a professional or get a security system package installed.
- It is illegal to record people without their consent, unless they are on your private property.
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| How to Cope With Panic Attacks Posted: 12 Feb 2017 08:00 AM PST While most everyone experiences some level of anxiety, panic attacks can make you feel out of control. Panic attacks are typically unexpected, intense bursts of fear and anxiety. You may feel like you're losing control in the moment and are unable to avoid future attacks.[1] You may suddenly feel as though you can't function, are being smothered, or even think you're having a heart attack. These episodes can be debilitating and keep you from enjoying your life. Simply knowing more about what panic attacks are and how they can affect your life can be a great first step in learning to cope with them.[2] Once you understand the nature of your panic attacks, learn coping mechanisms to help you regain control of your life. EditHandling Panic Attacks in the Moment - Breathe deeply. When in the middle of a panic attack, it's likely you will struggle to breathe naturally. The best way to work through a panic attack is to turn your attention to your breathing. Focusing on your breath and learning to deepen it will help you relax and work through the panic attack. Breath awareness can end a panic attack and decrease their frequency overall.[3]
- Take a moment to notice the sensation of your breath entering your nostrils or mouth as it travels down your airway into your lungs. After a few breaths, try to notice any other sensations that might accompany your breathing. Becoming more aware of the subtle sensations in your body can help you influence how your body responds to emotional spikes.
- First, practice deep breathing exercises when you are calm and not in panic. By practicing in safe and calm environments, you can be more prepared when experiencing a panic attack or intense anxiety. Practicing deep breathing will help you relax and can help you work through any future panic attacks.[4]
- Stay present. Whatever you are doing, focus on that. If you are driving your car, focus on the sensation of your hands on the steering wheel and your body making contact with the seat.[5] Tune in to your senses and listen to what noises you hear. If you are alone, sit down. Feel the coolness of the tile against your skin or the softness of carpet. Focus on what sensations your body feels: the fabric of your clothing, the heaviness of shoes on your feet, if you're leaning your head against something.
- Return to your rational mind. Allow yourself to think clearly. Don't go immediately to judgments ("I can't believe this happened, this is embarrassing") but allow yourself to recognize that you are okay and that nothing is happening that is life-threatening.
- Pinpoint the physical symptoms of panic attacks. Panic attacks can happen out of the blue: one moment you are fine, and the next moment you are convinced you are about to die. Since symptoms of panic attacks can mirror some of the main indicators of a heart attack or stroke, some people fear they are experiencing a heart attack when it is actually a panic attack. You won't actually pass out or have a heart attack from having a panic attack.[6] Symptoms of a panic attack can include:[7]
- Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing
- Pounding heart
- Intense cold or hot flashes
- Shaking or trembling
- Blurred vision
- Feeling like you're choking
- Strong stomach pains
- Headaches
- Chest pain
- Look for stress triggers. Panic attacks occur more often with stressful life events, like the loss of a loved one, a major life event such as going to university, getting married or having a baby, or psychological trauma like being robbed.[8] If you've experienced stress recently and tend to be more of an anxious person, this can heighten your vulnerability to experience a panic attack.
- If you've had a panic attack in the past and are experiencing current stressful events, know that you may be at higher risk to experience another panic attack. Spend extra time taking care of yourself.
EditManaging Anxiety - Manage your stress. Don't let stress pile up in your life. Manage your stress by engaging in activities each day that help you relieve stress.[9] This can include yoga, meditation, exercise, writing, drawing, or anything that you find helpful in relieving stress.
- One excellent way to manage stress is to get plenty of sleep, around 7 to 8 hours. This can help you handle the stresses of daily life.[10]
- Practice progressive muscle relaxation. Practicing relaxation helps you cope with stress and anxiety on a daily basis and can help prevent anxiety over the long-term.[11] To practice muscle relaxation, lie down and relax your body. Tense and then release one muscle group at a time. Start with your right hand and forearm by making a fist, and then relaxing. Move to your upper right arm, left arm, then your face, jaw, neck, shoulders, chest, hips, right and left legs and feet.Take your time and feel yourself let go of any tension within your body.[12]
- Expose yourself to panic symptoms. After experiencing a panic attack, some people develop a fear of panic attacks themselves. This can lead to avoiding situations that might induce panic. You can lessen the fear the more you expose yourself to symptoms.[13] If you have persistent panic attacks, you might try to recognize the unique body signals related to your panic attacks, such a tightness in the throat or shortness of breath. When you notice these signs, remind yourself that no physical danger will actually come from a panic attack.[14]
- Practice holding your breath, shallow breathing, or shaking your head from side to side. Mimic the symptoms you experience and do them in your own control. Recognize that you are okay and no harm will come to you.
- Do this in a controlled setting, so that if it happens uncontrolled, it won't be as fearful.
- Get plenty of exercise. While exercise helps your overall health, it is closely related to helping you handle panic attacks.[15] Since panic attacks are tied to physiological effects related to heart function-- like a rise in blood pressure or decreased oxygen-- working on your cardiovascular health can reduce the effects panic attacks have on your body.
- Go for a run or a hike, take a dance class, or try martial arts. Do things that you find fun and get you moving!
- Avoid stimulants. Try not to use nicotine products or caffeine, especially in situations where you've had panic attacks in the past.[16] Stimulants speed up many of your physiological processes, which could make a panic attack more likely. They may also make it harder to calm down from a panic attack.[17]
- For example, if you've had panic attacks before and are someone who is typically anxious meeting new people, think about skipping that cup of coffee before going on a blind date.
- Consider an herbal treatment or supplement. If you're experiencing mild anxiety (not a full blown panic attack) the herbal supplements chamomile and valerian root have been shown to relieve mild anxiety to some degree.[18] Be sure to check for any medication interactions before taking them and always follow the packaged instructions. There are also other supplements available that can reduce the effects of stress and anxiety. These include:
- Magnesium. Check with your doctor to see if you have a magnesium deficiency, which may be making it harder for your body to deal with past stresses.[19]
- Omega-3 fatty acids. You can take a supplement, like flax seed oil. Omega-3s have been shown to reduce anxiety.[20]
- Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). If you're deficient in this acid, which is a neurotransmitter, you may have trouble calming your nerves, get headaches, and experience palpitations, among other things. Take 500 to 1000mg of GABA a day or eat more broccoli, citrus, bananas, or nuts.[21]
EditGetting Help - Engage in Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT). When seeking out treatment, find a mental health professional that practices CBT. Your therapist will help you identify unproductive thinking patterns which might lead to anxiety or dysfunctional responses, as well as possible triggers for your panic attacks. Gradually, you'll be exposed to the specific conditions you may be afraid of or uncomfortable around.[22] This can desensitize your anxiety. CBT functions to train your thoughts and behaviors to support you and not to cause you problems.
- Practicing CBT along with breathing techniques can be helpful tools for calming your panic and focusing on whatever else is happening in the present moment.
- Identify situations that trigger your panic attacks. You may want to make a list of the kinds of situations in which panic attacks happen for you. This can also help you identify when panic attacks seem to happen. This way, you'll be prepared to use coping techniques like gradual exposure (CBT) and awareness/breathing techniques.
- Being proactive towards panic attacks can make you feel more in control and buffer the effect panic attacks will have on your mood and behavior.
- Let people who are close to you know about your panic attacks. Explain your situation as clearly as possible. If you're struggling to describe attacks, print off information about panic attacks for them to read. This can be helpful for people who don't get panic attacks, who may have a hard time understanding what they are. People that care about you will appreciate knowing how you're actually feeling. You may be surprised at how supportive they will be, and how helpful their support might feel.
- Strong social support systems have been shown to be essential in dealing with stress, especially in cases of anxiety disorders.[23]
- Talk with your doctor about prescription medications. Prescription medications such as tricyclic antidepressants, beta blockers, benzodiazepines, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI's) can significantly lower the likelihood of panic attack episodes.[24] Check with your doctor to see if one of these types of medications might be right for you.
- Reflect on your family history. Panic attacks and anxiety disorders can be traced through families.[25] By understanding your family history, you may get a better understanding of what triggers anxiety in your family members, how they cope, and what you can learn from their experiences.
- Don't be afraid to ask your family members about their experiences with anxiety. Reach out and have honest conversations with your family about anxiety so you can better understand what is going on within yourself.
- Realize that you are not alone. Keep in mind how many people experience panic attacks every day. Some estimates suggest that six million people in America alone have panic attacks, with women suffering from them almost twice as often as men.[26] But, the number of people who have had a single panic attack at some point in their lives is probably much higher. Many of these people get help from various types of support groups.[27]
- If you want to speak face to face with other people who have had panic attacks, don't be afraid to attend a meeting and share your story with them.
- Drinking a glass of water may help, or taking a small nap.
- When you feel better, help someone else get help. There are so many scared people out there of all ages, so tell them your story. You really can help others just by talking and sharing experiences.
- Calm down and think of positive things. Try listening to calming nature sounds or take a relaxing nap.
- Remember that it is temporary.
- Meditate, do the mindfulness mediation program (on your own or in a class).
- Don't turn to alcohol or drugs to help you cope. They will only hinder your healing and add to your problems. Acceptance, professional help and educating yourself are much more productive.
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| How to Determine Your Face Shape Posted: 12 Feb 2017 12:00 AM PST The visual effect of certain hairstyles, makeup, and glasses will change based on the proportions of your face. This wikiHow will help you determine your face shape. EditKey Points - Oblong: Your face resembles a tall rectangle with rounded corners. It has broad but even foreheads, cheekbones, and jaws.
- Round: Your face resembles a circle, with wide cheekbones and a tapering jaw and forehead.
- Square: Your face is wide at all points, with a broad forehead, strong cheekbones, and an angular jaw.
- Oval: Your forehead is somewhat broad, with narrower cheekbones, and a tapering jawline.
- Heart-shaped: You have a broad forehead, strong cheekbones, and a small chin.
- Triangular: You have a broad jaw but small forehead.
- Diamond: Your cheekbones are wider than your chin and forehead, which are both narrow.
EditIdentifying Your Face Shape - Stand in front of a mirror. Any large, stationary mirror will do. You should be able to easily reach it from a standing position in front of it - you'll need to be able to draw on it without having to lean forward.
- Stand looking directly forward into the mirror, with your back straight, your head high, and your shoulders back. If you have bangs, pull them out of the way.
- Make sure the lighting is over head and not directional. Lighting will affect the shape you draw.
- Trace the outline of your face. Using lipstick, a bar of soap, chalk, a dry-erase marker, or some other non-permanent sketching tool, carefully trace the outline of your face in the mirror. Start from the bottom of your chin, proceed up the edge of your face on one side past your cheek bones, follow the curve of your hairline, go down the other side of your face, and end up back at your chin. Try to stay as still as possible while you do this.
- Don't include your ears - just the edges of your face.
- Judge your facial outline. Step back and look at the shape you've traced. Where is it widest? Is it tall or short? What shape are your jaw and forehead? Based on the answers to these questions, your face should fit in to one of the following categories:
- Oblong: Your outline should roughly resemble a tall rectangle with rounded corners. Oblong faces have broad but even foreheads, cheekbones, and jaws.
- Round: If your outline closely resembles a circle, with wide cheekbones and a tapering jaw and forehead, you might have a round face.
- Square: Your outline should not be tall but should be wide at all points, with a broad forehead, strong cheekbones, and an angular jaw.
- Oval: The forehead should be slightly broad, with narrower cheekbones and a tapering jawline.
- Heart-shaped: These faces are characterized by a broad forehead, strong cheekbones, and a small chin.
- Triangular: If your outline features a broad jaw but a small forehead, this might be the ticket.
- Diamond: A diamond face differs from a round or oval face in that the cheekbones are significantly wider than the chin and forehead, which are both narrow.
- Clean the mirror. Wash or wipe away any markings you've made, especially if you're in a public restroom!
EditUsing Precise Facial Measurements - Find a mirror. You'll want to take facial measurements in front of a mirror. For best results, use a large mirror in a room with good lighting so that you can clearly see every part of your face. Most bathrooms have large mirrors over the sink, though any large mirror (like a vanity mirror in your bedroom) will work fine.
- You'll also need a flexible tape measure (not a stiff ruler) that can comfortably hug the curves of your face, plus a piece of paper and a pen or pencil to write down your measurements.
- Measure your cheek-to-cheek width. To find the width of your face, measure across the top of your cheekbones. Place the end of your tape measure just past the outer corner of your eye - this is your starting point. Then, carefully lay the tape measure in a straight line across the bridge of your nose to just past the outer corner of your other eye this is the end point of measurement. The tape measure should be resting on the top of the "apples" of your cheeks (in other words, just on top of your cheekbones). Read the number on the tape measure and record this measurement.
- Measure your jaw line. Next, you'll want to determine the size of your jaw. Look straight ahead into the mirror and find the widest part of your jaw. Usually, this is an inch or so below the bottom of your ear. This will be the starting point for your measurement. Measure from this spot to the tip of your chin. Then, simply multiply this number by two to get the combined length of both sides of your jaw. Record this number.
- Measure your forehead. Look straight ahead into the mirror and find the widest part of your forehead. Usually, this is about halfway between your eyebrows and your hairline. Place the start point of the measuring tape on one side of your forehead at its widest point. Run the measuring tape along your forehead horizontally until you come to the same point on the opposite side of your forehead. Read the number on the tape measure and record this measurement.
- Measure the length of your face. Finally, it's time to determine the length (or "height") of your face. Find the exact middle of your hairline (the line formed where your hair meets your forehead). Start your tape measure at this middle point. Run the measuring tape down your face, over your nose, and to the tip of your chin. Read the number at the end point and write down this measurement.
- For men and women with shaved/bald heads - try to measure from the point where your hairline would be. Unless you've shaved your head within the past few days, you should be able to feel the light "stubble" of new hair growth at the top of your forehead. If you're unsure, estimate by raising your eyebrows and measuring from just above the highest wrinkle that forms on your forehead.
- Fit your facial measurements to a face type. Every person's face is different (unless you're an identical twin!) However, the vast majority of faces fit into one (or more) of several categories. These facial categories are: Oblong, Heart, Square, Oval, Round, Triangular, and Diamond.[1] Keep your measurements handy and continue reading to determine which category (or categories) you fit into!
 - Oblong faces (sometimes called "rectangular"[2]) are longer than they are wide. They also have fairly similar measurements in terms of cheek, forehead, and jawline.
- Heart faces are defined by the upside-down triangle shape of their face, which results from having a relatively pointy chin and medium-to-wide forehead and cheek measurements. These faces are generally just a little longer than they are wide at the cheeks (about an inch and a half or less.)
- Square faces are about as long as they are wide - their cheek and length measurements are within about an inch or two of each other. In addition, the cheek, forehead, and jaw measurements for square faces should be similar - the edges of a square face should be almost straight up and down. A square face's jaw should have clear, sharp angles at its widest corners.
- Oval faces are similar, proportionally, to an upside-down egg. They are longer than they are wide, with a forehead that is slightly wider than the jawline and a gently rounded chin.
- Round faces, like square faces, are about as wide as they are long. However, they have a relatively small forehead and a small, curved jawline. If your "cheek" and "length" measurements are within an inch or so of each other, your forehead measurement is smaller than your cheek measurement, and your jawline lacks the sharp angles present on square faces, you have a round face.
- Triangular faces are the opposite of heart-shaped faces - they're widest at the bottom and skinniest at the top. Triangular faces have long, wide and square jawlines and relatively narrow foreheads.
- Diamond faces are widest at the cheekbones, with a tapering forehead and a skinny, pointed chin. They are somewhat longer than they are wide. If your cheek measurement is larger than your forehead and jaw measurements and your chin is relatively pointed, your face has diamond-shaped properties.
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