Keeping your home safe is a priority, with a focus on protecting your loved ones and valuable possessions from intruders. Today, security cameras are becoming a standard feature of many U.S residential properties, with more than 50 percent of homes having at least one security camera.
Common residential security camera installation locations include the front doors and windows of residential properties. While these can deter intruders from entering those areas, high-risk areas are often found in places that are not visible. Many criminals are aware of these blind spots, which can potentially expose your home to break-ins.
Knowing where these blind spots are and how to plan camera placement strategically is essential in ensuring security and peace of mind at home.
Why Identifying Camera Blind Spots is Crucial
Every 15 seconds, a home burglary occurs in the U.S; that is roughly 4,800 incidents a day. If your home security leaves room for blind spots, your home can become an easy target for criminals.
Blind spots refer to any area on your property that is not within the peripheral vision of your security system. Because all security cameras have scope limitations, relying on one or two devices is rarely enough.
Below are some of the reasons why identifying and addressing blind spots is crucial for your home security systems in Nashville:
- Prevents Undetected Intrusion – Blind spots create opportunities for intruders to enter and leave your property undetected. Strategic security camera placement can help remove this risk.
- Provides Comprehensive Footage – Eliminating blind spots ensures all areas of interest are covered by the camera, providing valuable evidence in case of a security incident.
- Reduces Tampering – When properly positioned, security camera systems can remain functional even if one surveillance camera is tampered with or obstructed.
- Maximizes Deterrent Effect – Installing visible cameras in strategic locations can deter potential intruders from attempting.
How to Find Blind Spots in Your Home
Locating blind spots inside and outside your home can be tricky. Since they are obscure, you will need to perform a thorough assessment of your home:
Understand Your Security System’s Field of View
The field of view (FOV) is the extent to which a security camera can see and capture. Different camera lenses and settings can impact FOV:
- Wide-Angle Lenses – 2.8mm lenses have around 100–120° FOV
- Narrow Lenses – 12mm lenses have around 25–30° FOV
- Standard Lenses – 3.6mm lenses have around 80–90° FOV
Anything outside a camera’s field of view becomes blurry or is no longer captured and is considered a blind spot.
Be Familiar with Vulnerable Areas
Knowing the most common blind spots in residential areas can make identification easier. Here are several places that burglars often take advantage of to break in:
- Front and Back Door Corners – 34 percent of burglars enter the front door, while 22 percent happen in the back.
- The Garage – 9 percent of break-ins began in the garage.
- Basement Windows – Often overlooked, but this accounts for 9 percent of home robberies.
- Second Floor Access – 2 percent of burglars will attempt access via the second floor.
- Pet Doors – Smaller intruders might also be able to enter the house through pet doors.
- Garden and Landscaping – Bushes, trees, ladders, sheds, and other outdoor objects can serve as entry points or hiding places.
- Indoor Areas – Hallways, transition areas, staircases, furniture, and rooms containing valuables must have proper surveillance.
Perform a Visual Inspection
While this might be tedious, one of the best ways to identify blind spots in your home security system is to conduct an examination. Walk around your property and pay close attention to areas where burglars can potentially hide, including corners, landscaping, furniture, and other obscure locations.
Conduct Trial Runs
Ask a family member or a friend to pretend to be an intruder and sneak around your house. Have them approach various angles and observe the security camera in real-time to determine obstructed or uncaptured areas.
Addressing Residential Security Blind Spots
1. Use Overlapping Camera Placement
Position cameras so their fields of visibility overlap. This ensures that if one camera is obstructed or fails, another can still capture the area. Overlapping coverage is ideal for driveways, backyards, and side alleys.
2. Choose the Right Camera Types
Different areas require different camera types. Bullet cameras are great for long-range outdoor views, while pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras can monitor large zones.
Also, consider using wide-angle cameras, which allow you to capture a wider area and reduce blind spots. Since wide-angle cameras have a greater range over long distances, fewer cameras are needed, adding the benefit of cost savings.
3. Avoid Obstructions and Reflective Surfaces
Make sure trees, walls, or décor do not block cameras. Additionally, avoid placing cameras near reflective surfaces like glass and metal sheets that can distort images and create blind spots.
4. Install Security Cameras at Optimal Height
Mount cameras eight to ten feet off the ground and angle them downwards to capture faces and movement clearly. This height reduces tampering risks while maximizing visibility across entryways and open spaces.
5. Enhance Lighting Conditions
Lighting is paramount to your camera’s performance. Place your surveillance cameras in well-lit areas, or use extra lighting if needed. It is also recommended to use motion-activated or infrared cameras to maintain efficiency at night.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can Cameras Truly Prevent Burglary?
While there is no guaranteed solution to completely preventing intruders, homes with cameras are 300 percent less likely to be broken into.
What Rooms do Burglars Target First?
Many burglars prioritize the master’s bedroom, followed by entryway drawers and shelves, the home office or study, and the living room.
How Often Should I Check or Reposition My Camera?
It is a good practice to review camera placement and footage every three to six months, especially after landscape changes, renovations, or neighborhood incidents.
What Camera Features Should I Look For?
Choose cameras with wide-angle lenses, night vision, mobile alerts, and cloud storage. You can also consider camera alarm systems for enhanced security.
You Can’t Protect What You Can’t See—Let Unlimited Security Be Your Eyes
Blind spots are the bane of every residential security system; with the right strategy and expert support, every hidden vulnerability can be brought to view.
Looking for top-tier residential security companies near me? Unlimited Security is Tennessee’s award-winning security solutions provider of robust, round-the-clock protection for homes and businesses alike. Our cutting-edge surveillance systems don’t just keep watch; they deter, defend, and deliver peace of mind when you need it the most.
Get a consultation and acquire smart security insights today with The Alarm Lady Linda Stubblefield by booking an appointment at our website or contacting (615)-436-3060.