Home security alarms are available to suit every need and every price range, from low-tech to sophisticated surveillance equipment. Effective systems can help stop trespassers, alert homeowners if someone has broken in, and ensure the personal safety of residents. Prices vary widely depending on the system chosen, the amount of equipment needed, and the complexity of the installation.
The first step in external security is the prevention of unwanted intrusions. Home security can be low-tech, such as locks, window bars, and adequate outdoor lighting. At a minimum, all exterior doors, including garages, bases, and side doors, must be equipped with deadbolts. Simple deterrents such as these have their uses, but lack the ability to warn if the premises have been entered. Many homeowners prefer to listen for a siren or other audible indication of trespass.
The basics include sensors on doors and windows that sound an alarm when they are opened. Intruders expect front and back doors to be secured, so it’s important to install alarms on all exterior doors. Motion detectors and glass break alerts provide additional protection. Driveway alarms warn vehicle owners or approaching people.
Traditionally, people have relied on safes inside the house to protect valuables. With identity theft rampant in today’s world, personal information must also be kept under lock and key. Thanks to technology, safes are now stronger and offer more protection than ever before. Most electronic equipment, such as computers, can be programmed to sound an alarm when it is tampered with.
Personal safety is essential. Motion activated security lights will deter an intruder and reduce the risk of attack from residents coming home late. Almost all residences have a smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide detector. The primary purpose of these is to protect residents from accidental fires and deadly fumes, however they also warn if an intruder has started a fire or released a toxic substance.
Private entrances, while generally silent, provide an added layer of security, as they require an access code to open. Keyboard inputs offer another measure of protection. Surveillance cameras and recording devices, available in a wide range of prices and sizes, provide evidence of indoor and outdoor activities. They can be prominently displayed as an obvious deterrent or hidden.
Monitoring is a key factor in the effectiveness of home systems. A security company and/or law enforcement should be notified when security is breached. The notification is automatic, usually by the system making a phone call. Some systems will send a text message to absent owners.
Installation can be complex or easy, depending on the owner’s experience and whether a wired or wireless system is chosen. Experts tend to consider hardwired systems the most reliable; however, those systems can be more complicated and often require professional installation. Wireless systems can be made by yourself. An added benefit of wireless technology is that homeowners can control equipment from their cell phone. Wireless systems, however, can often be more easily disabled by an unauthorized person.
An important component of a home security system is the control panel. It should be located where people can conveniently turn the equipment on or off, but not in an area where an intruder can access and disable the alarms. A backup battery is highly recommended in the event of a power outage or if power lines are cut.
Criminals are often looking for a quick and easy break-in. Properly installed and maintained home security alarms will send them elsewhere. Experts advise requesting a home inspection and a detailed estimate from more than one company or manufacturer before choosing a system.