Home Security
Buyers Guide
Although home
burglaries are a frequently reported crime, they are
often preventable. A number of burglaries occur in
part by open or unlocked windows that allow a
criminal to walk right in. Even in burglaries
involving forced entry, the crime may have been
prevented if homeowners had reinforced their
personal security with a burglar alarm. Home
security alarms monitor the home and deter burglars
by setting off alarms, flashing lights, and even
triggering calls to the police station. Before
purchasing home security equipment review some of
the questions that typically arise and answers that
can help you get the best system for your needs.
Q: What type
of system are you interested in?
A: When creating a home security checklist you will have to choice
between a wireless and wired system. A hard-wired
security system usually requires professional
installation, as wires will need to be run inside
the walls of the home that connect each of the
various sensors to a central control panel.
A wireless
system is designed to be inclusive; the keypad,
siren, and power source are contained in one main
control unit that is plugged into the outlet or
mounted on a wall. Sensors use radio frequencies to
communicate with the control unit. Do It Yourself
wireless home security devices, as they are often
called, require limited installation and are simple
to set up. Separate components can be added to a
wireless security system to provide added
protection. Security devices, like outdoor lights,
motion sensors, and door and window sensors can
provide peace of mind to homeowners.
Q: What is
the difference between an interior, perimeter, and
perimeter with backup system?
A: Perimeter systems are those that work to prevent an intruder from
getting into the home in the first place. These
systems may consist of sensors installed on the
exterior doors and windows that trigger an alarm or
illuminate the area if activated. Perimeter systems
may also consist of magnetic strips, mechanical
switches, and window screens equipped with built in
alarms. A perimeter with backup covers any gaps in
perimeter protection and can detect an unexpected
attempt at entry by a thief.
For example, a
burglar may trigger a window screen alarm by opening
up a window to enter the home. Others could attempt
to break the glass while leaving the window closed.
A glass break detector could prevent this
vulnerability. Backup may refer to systems equipped
with a backup power supply in case the power goes
out. Interior systems are those that detect an
intruder once they have breached the exterior of the
home. The system can consist of motion detectors,
pressurized mats, and photoelectric beams. Most
homes receive the best protection from a combination
of interior and perimeter sensors.
Q: What type
of environment are you trying to protect?
A: The type of environment protecting will determine the best type of
security system. High-rise condominiums, apartments,
and townhouses are exposed to heavy foot traffic
from visitors and residents, making them more likely
to be exposed to security breaches than homes. For
townhouses and high rise condominiums, the best bet
is a wireless security system, as most rental
agreements forbid making installation changes to the
apartment. These systems are also portable and can
be transferred to a new home or location once the
rental agreement ends. As many companies require
customers to sign a multi-year contract, apartment
residents may be best served with an alarm that is
rented or leased.
For those
living in stand-alone homes, security systems should
to protect the interior and exterior. Hard-wired
systems are usually preferred for
residential home security since the
system is more resistant to tampering and allows the
user greater flexibility in the distance between
devices. For individuals constructing a new home
installing the wires for a wired system is easy.
Individuals dealing with an older home, however, may
prefer the use of a wireless home security system to
avoid expensive installation fees. DYI home security
systems can be achieved by starting with a basic
residential wireless security system with a keypad
and sensor, and adding additional security devices
as desired. Protective fencing, outdoor lights,
timed interior lighting, and window reinforcements
are valuable and inexpensive security components
that compliment most wireless residential security
systems.
Q: What are
you trying to protect with your security system?
A: Most individuals think the purpose of a security system is to protect
against intruders. This can be done through alarms,
sirens, and lights that deter a criminal from
entering, or quickly lead the intruder's detection;
but security systems are designed to do much more
than that. Smoke and heat detectors can be used in
conjunction with a standard security system to
detect fires, while carbon monoxide detectors can
warn residents of dangerous levels of carbon
monoxide poisoning. Before choosing a security
system that meets your needs, it is important to
brainstorm possible emergencies and plan
accordingly. Children and valuables play a large
part in choosing a security system; consider
investing in a safe or extra window sensors on a
child’s room.
Q: What is
your working budget?
A: Home security equipment can be as expensive or inexpensive as the
buyer chooses; there are many options available to
meet a wide range of needs and budget concerns. Some
basic Do It Yourself wireless systems can be found
on store shelves for less than $100. Of course, the
cheaper the system the smaller the range of
protection and some may only have a transmission
range of several hundred feet. More advanced
wireless camera home security systems are ideal for
surveillance, and with additional sensors, the cost
can be hundreds of dollars.
For a
comprehensive wired system, installation and
equipment can cost $1000 or more. Home security
companies will often offer discounts on installation
and equipment to work with customers on a limited
budget. Some wireless equipment may even be
available for free in exchange for homeowners
signing a multi-year contract for monitoring
services. Monitoring fees are often available for
less than $50 a month.
Do It Yourself
home security options are available to homeowners on
a limited budget. Easy DYI home security precautions
include using dowel rods to reinforce your windows,
timed interior lighting can be an effective
deterrent, and using decorative outdoor lights along
the driveway can serve a dual purpose when
protecting your home.
Q: When will
you be activating your alarm?
A: Most individuals keep their alarm active during the nighttime and when
sleeping, many homeowners, or renters, also activate
their security system during the day when they are
out of the house. Some interactive systems are
capable of offering additional layers of protection,
allowing parents to monitor when their children
arrive home from school or use the alarm to protect
sensitive drawers in the home, such as medicine or
gun cabinets. Those that like the convenience of
monitoring on the go or who tend to forget to arm
their systems before leaving the house can benefit
from interactive systems. These sophisticated
systems allow web-enabled mobile phones to function
as remote controls – allowing the user to control
the system from afar.
Q: Are there
pets in the home?
A: Animals in the home can accidentally trigger a false alarm and cause
police to be dispatched to the home. To avoid false
alarms, look for a motion detector that can
distinguish between people and pets, these detectors
usually only trigger an alarm when a human presence
is detected. These systems are designed to work on
pets that weigh less than 85 pounds.
Q: Who will
be using the alarm?
A: Everyone who will be using the security alarm should be trained on use
the system and should have a passcode for the keypad
that allows them to arm and disarm the system. This
includes anyone living in the home and even people
that are frequently coming and going from the home,
such as babysitters, housekeepers, and other
professionals. Having one passcode just for family
use and setting up additional passcodes for use by
others who require access to the home is strongly
recommended. User-friendly systems also need to be
adaptable to the unique needs of the individual
using. For example, individuals who are deaf or hard
of hearing may need visual cues from flashing alarm
lights. User-friendly designs featuring illuminated
keys that are easier to see in the dark and
one-touch functions allow the users to receive
assistance during an emergency.
Q: Should
you use a local alarm or Central Station Monitoring
style system?
A: Local alarms activate a signal at the home, such as bright lights,
loud sirens, or bells. These signals are designed to
cause attention to scare off the burglar and alert
the homeowner and the neighbors so they can contact
the police. Such systems can work well for those who
live near enough that neighbors can hear and see the
disturbance and are willing to provide assistance
such as in apartment buildings and townhouses. Local
alarms, however, are not ideal for remote rural
areas or for vacation homes. The most effective type
of system is one that provides continuous monitoring
through a central facility. Homeowners are required
to pay a monthly fee and if an alarm is triggered by
the system, real people are on the other end to
contact the authorities.
Q: What are
some of the basic components of a security system?
A: The central part of a security system is the control panel; the
control panel carries out system commands and is
connected to all the sensors in the residence. If a
sensor is triggered the control panel will take
action, alerting the authorities or automatically
dialing whatever numbers have been preprogrammed
into the system. The keypad allows for user
interface, keying in of the system passcode, and
monitoring of the entire system. Most are designed
to resemble the buttons found on phone but some
newer models feature touch screen displays. Window
and door sensors, detect if an entrance is opened
and trigger sirens or flashing lights to bring
attentions. Security cameras may also be used for
surveillance of the interior or exterior of the
home.
Residential Home Security
False Alarms, Pets and Rodents
What is a False Alarm?
Protecting Your Home
Tips To Consider When Choosing Quality Alarm Systems
Important Questions to Ask When Choosing an Alarm
Home Security Checklist
Choose the Right Type of Alarm System
