Category: Home Security

Having a security system for premises is something everyone thinks about but the challenge lies in selecting the security option available so that you get the right level of protection. Although there are different types of home security systems available in the market today, choosing the right one can be overwhelming at times.

Basically, security systems are of two types – Monitored systems and Unmonitored systems. Monitored systems include 24/7 surveillance by the company itself which provided the security system. You get a higher level of security and professional help with monitored systems. At the second phase of security systems are un-monitored security systems. Unmonitored systems do not have a monthly fee since you are doing the monitoring yourself. In the case of unmonitored systems, you rely on your neighbors for calling help in case the alarm is triggered when you are out. Most popular types of home security equipment that you can add to your home or office include:

MOTION DETECTORS: Motion detectors are primarily meant to detect and prevent unauthorized access to your property. Generally, these are placed at doors or windows and when breached, they set off the alarm. When buying a motion detector make sure it has the option to adjust the sensitivity level so that the possibilities of getting a false alarm are minimized.

SMOKE AND HEAT DETECTORS: As the name suggests these types of equipment are used as a protection against Heat and Fire. Most modern houses are already equipped with these right when they are built, for those which are not, it can be a must have addition.

EXTERNAL VIDEO CAMERAS: External video cameras are probably the first type of DIY home security option to come about in the home security market. Security cameras can be wired or wireless. Installation is generally very easy for these type of cameras and it only requires mounting the device outside the premises in the desired location. This kind of security system is most commonly found in homes, stores, shopping malls, companies and industries where continuous monitoring is required. Most security cameras come with the option of being hooked up to a video recording device for continuous recording.

DOOR AND WINDOW CONTACTS: These are a common part of most modern alarm systems. The purpose of it is to determine whether a door or window is currently left open unintentionally. The device will send a signal to the alarm system in such an event and it will set off making the house owner or the monitoring team aware of the situation.

SECURITY SIRENS: The purpose of a security Siren is to make an emergency situation known. It also scares off intruders and thieves with its sound. If you are not going to use a unmonitored security service, a security Siren is an accessory that you cannot afford to miss.

FLOOD AND WATER SENSORS: Flood and water sensors generally come as an optional feature in home security alarm systems however these are very important for houses having a basement or houses in close proximity to a lake, river or sea. These devices can detect high water level at the sump pump or when water is present in an area where it should not be.

Home security systems can be both budget-friendly and expensive so a little bit of research is worth investing both time and money in. In case you are going to a monitored home security system, ask the security officer for a quick security requirement assessment for your home or property. Once you know your exact requirements, you can request and compare quotes from major home security companies in your area. You can also go online and compare prices for equipment from various providers.

When availability is at disposal, the challenge only lies in choosing the right product or service. Having a security system around makes us feel safe when we are far from our home and hence everyone should be availing such a system.

Kim Klewer is the President of APC America. In Business since 1986, APC offers a variety of services, from Alarm and Home Protection to comprehensive commercial security, fire, video and access control systems. APC has served more than 15,000 clients across the U.S., in every domestic state.

It is understandable that you want to protect both your valuables and the security of your loved ones. Installing a home security system is a smart choice, but be prepared to encounter some confusion when choosing between the different types of home security systems. Rest assured, however, that whichever type you chose, you know that you’ve done the most to secure your home and family!

Security systems that protect a home have surely come a long way from locks and barred windows. Modern technology has made these devices surprisingly sophisticated. Luckily, this sophistication is not reflected too much in their price: affordable prices, in the range of a couple hundred dollars, made these devices relatively common in modern homes.

Some home security companies offer significant discounts just in order to get your business. For under hundred dollars a month, you can pay a home security company to have someone keep an eye on your home day and night. It is a very small price to pay for your peace of mind! In some cases, you can even get a free installation and free equipment when you sign up for a home monitoring service. Besides, just announcing the presence of a security company, protecting your home day and night, can act as a deterrent to a potential criminal threat!

Installing a home security system may actually save you money because some insurance companies are willing to shave your premium if you have an electronic alarm system in place. Taking into account the average national premium, and how much an average electronic alarm system costs – the installation will pay for itself, just in insurance savings, in as little as three years.

There are two main types of security systems that protect your home: monitored alarm systems (video surveillance), and local area systems (so-called “bells only”). The latter are the more basic ones. These traditional unmonitored systems have various types of sensors placed in and around the house: for example, they can be hooked up to doors and windows. Some devices of this type will also include motion detectors. “Bells only” typically include the use of sound alarm that goes off when the device detects a perceived threat. This will alert you – or your neighbors, if you’re not at home – of any unauthorized entry, and the loud alarm will scare off the burglars. Some devices of this type will also transfer the information about the location and the type of threat to the nearest police department.

Monitored home security systems are the most advanced, and therefore a pricier option. Monitored home security systems include video surveillance, where cameras are connected to a central monitoring system. They serve as video door phone, and for identification and access control, but they can also be used as crime deterrence: their presence signifies that your home will not be an easy target. Just the sight of a video camera is enough to scare away potential burglars! They know that they are more likely to be identified when breaking into a home with a video surveillance, and the video material can be used as an evidence against them. Some types of monitored systems can also sound alarms and alert the police. The company will call your house and ask for a password, and if there is no answer, or the wrong password is given over the phone, they will call the police. When used to protect apartment complexes, they include live monitoring and a trained security guard.

The most important consideration when choosing a security system to protect your home? Using it consistently, and in a manner, it was meant to be used! Teach yourself, and each member of your household, how to correctly arm and disarm your home security system. Finally, display the signs that announce that your home is protected by a home security system – that alone will keep most burglars at bay! Having a home security system in place indeed means improved home security!

Make sure that you don’t become too complacent, though: a security system needs to be regularly maintained and used responsibly. Never reveal the code with deactivates your home security system to anyone. It is still a good idea to always lock your doors and windows when leaving home, and follow other basic home security measures.

Frequently Asked Questions about your Home Security System

Do Home Security Systems prevent burglaries?

A home security system will not prevent a break indirectly. The system is designed to detect if someone is trying to break into your home or if they have already entered your residence. Depending on the options that you have chosen for your alarm system you can detect a thief before they enter the home. The system will trigger a loud alarm that can drive the burglar away. If your alarm system is connected to a central station with 24-hour monitoring then the authorities can be dispatched to your home automatically. Te presence of an alarm system does statistically reduce break-ins over homes without one.

How do I choose the best home security system?

A good quality alarm system is more than a brand name. There are basically two types of systems available. These are wired and wireless. The wired system requires running wire throughout your home from the control panel to every home security device. The wireless security system operates with the use of transmitters and batteries that communicate to the control panel. The wireless system is a favorite with DIY Installers and professional installers alike. There are cases when the wired system is a clear choice but that is usually for more complex installations.

What features should I select when purchasing a home alarm system?

Security Systems have evolved drastically over recent years and are much more than a basic intruder alert system. They can be controlled remotely from a cell phone or laptop computer. Your lights can be turned off and on by a programmed schedule or by remote access. You can even open your doors with the tap of a button from anywhere in the world. The more important question is what types of protection that you want. Today’s security systems can also double as an emergency alert system for the elderly.

The basics of any home security system should be:

Perimeter protection of all doors and windows
At least one motion sensor inside your home
Fire protection with a minimum of one smoke detector
A Carbon Monoxide Sensor
Can I have an Alarm System in an Apartment?

People that rent apartments do have a tendency to be more transient than people that purchase their homes. This means that many times you do not get to know your neighbors or if you do they may not be living next to you for long. Considering this as the norm then a security system can be even more important in an apartment because you do not have the built-in protection of neighbors looking out for each other. A wireless alarm system is the best choice since many control panels can be installed without penetrating any of your walls. They are easily removed and taken to the next location that you move to.

Do I have to pay for Home Security?

There is always a cost to just about everything. Do not be fooled by the ads that say you can get a free security system. The free security systems use an over inflated value for what you are getting and the cost is built into the monthly fee that you will be paying for central station monitoring. You have several options in the amount of money that you pay but there will always be a cost.

Option One-Do It Yourself Install with No Monitoring

The cost involved will be for the cost of the control panel and the individual devices that you select for your home. This is a onetime cost unless you choose to expand and add more devices.

Option Two-Do It Yourself Install with Monitoring

The cost of the equipment will be the same. If you do your own installation and want to get monitoring by a professional company then they will charge you a minimum of a service call and a monthly fee for monitoring.

Option Three-Professional Install with No Monitoring

This option will be the cost of equipment and labor. Alarm companies are counting on the recurring revenue that is generated every month so if you have elected to not have your system monitored then there will be no discounts on the installation price. Remember that anywhere you go will have a built-in markup on the equipment.

Option Four-Professional Install with Monitoring

This is actually the most inexpensive way to get a security system for the short term. I say short term because the alarm installation company will give you a free security system. However, the system will be limited in devices. The typical free offer is 3 door sensors and 1 motion detector. This is a very limited system and only offers partial protection. The alarm company will install additional devices at an additional cost. The problem with this type of system is that besides the minimal protection you are actually paying for the system every time you pay for your monthly monitoring.

Am I required to have a phone line or cellular phone for my security system?

In the old days if you wanted your home security system to be monitored you were required to have a phone line. This was never an issue because most everyone had a phone installed in their home. With the addition of cell phones to everyone’s life, many people no longer have a home phone line. If you want to have your home monitored then you must select to get a phone line or you can use cellular technology. This does not mean that you need a cell phone. The control panel has a GSM device that uses cell phone towers to communicate to the central station instead of the traditional phone line. The cost of this service is built into your monthly monitoring fee. You do not have access to use the cellular device. It is dedicated to the alarm system. If you do not currently have a phone line you must consider the additional cost of adding one and paying for the monthly service. Your monitoring service will range from $24.99 to $65.00 per month depending on the alarm company and the features that you are using. If you choose to use a phone line you are adding an additional $20.00 per month.

Is Cellular better than Landline monitoring?

In my opinion cell phone monitoring is the best type of monitoring. A landline can easily be disabled by a savvy burglar. The cell phone chip is located inside the control panel so in order for it to be disabled the intruder would need to be inside the home. By then the alarm would have already been triggered. The cell phone technology also allows complete remote control of your system while landline access is limited.

Will my call waiting affect my home security system?

When a security system is properly installed the system will take over your phone line. If the system goes into alarm and needs to contact the central station the phone line is automatically disconnected from the house lines and at that point is dedicated to the sole use of the alarm system. Once the transmission is complete the line is returned for normal operation.

When I have a power loss will my alarm system still work?

All home security systems are designed with a battery backup. When your normal house power is lost the control panel will switch over to battery power. If there are no alarms generated while on battery power your system can last at least 24 hours without your power being restored.

Every individual, family, and community need adequate security in order to live in peace and comfort as required. Business and life will thrive and communities will prosper when there is adequate security. Unfortunately, there are some communities that are quite unsafe and it is essential to ensure that such communities are protected from all issues of insecurity. There is only so much that the government and local authorities can do. Families will need to enhance their own security at the home and this is where the local home security industry comes in.

There are a good number of security firms providing quality advice and services to the local communities. It is important that families and businesses in a given local community feeling rather vulnerable seek adequate protection and security services from these providers. It is important that property owners, home owners, and all other leaders ensure they have the capacity and the ability to ensure that their property is protected. There is nothing as important as ensuring that the family is safe at home. This can be secured by engaging the services of home security industry players. A good local firm can provide monitoring and other services to a family home.

The security firm will not just protect the occupants of the home but the contents of the home as well. This means all the possessions such as personal effects, valuables, electronics, furniture, furnishings and assets such as cars and all others will be protected and secured by a good local security firm. There are several ways that this sort of security can be achieved. The first is the dispatch of security personnel to either guard or regularly monitor the home. This is important as the security personnel are well trained and can handle all the different situations that may arise from the security arrangements.

There are various other ways that security around a home can be organized. One of these ways is to install security gadgets and features. These include monitoring gadgets such as video cameras, CCTV, lasers, alarm systems, flashlights and all others. These can be installed at entry points, exits, the gates, windows and at strategic locations within a home. A good security official will be able to assess a property and recommend areas where these gadgets can be installed. They will identify the most vulnerable locations such as dark areas and open spaces.

Installing security gadgets is important as these will monitor a home even in the absence of the owner and the entire household. These gadgets are very reliable and can operate on a 24-hour basis every single day of the week. It is important to choose the most suitable so that a family receives the most reliable services from these home security industry found locally. Robbers, burglars, and prowlers intending to cause harm to people or to steal and rob will be deterred by homes where there are security features, security gadgets, a security dog and all other features. Even installing a security sign is enough to deter prowlers and intruders.

Technology has given us many amazing things and a residential home security system is one of them. It has allowed the average person the ability to simply, effectively, and quickly install and secure our homes. With many home-based businesses, this is not a luxury, rather a necessity.

Security is one of the top concerns that every homeowner has. Times have changed and the need for security has changed as well. Too often we only think of our security and the security of our family after something has happened to us, friends, family members, or neighbors. The need to properly equip our homes with alarms and security systems has never been greater. People take proactive approaches to most things in their life. However, in our home security, we often fail to plan for the unexpected, the safety and security of our family and possessions.

Your home is your safe haven, and it should always be kept that way. You never want to feel unsafe in your home. Why take the chance of losing that feeling of invincibility and security due to the lack of preparation. Your home should be the singular place that your family, children, and friends can come to when the world feels unsafe.

The facts are simple and people must wake up to it. There has been a noticeable rise in the number of criminal activities in most US states, including robbery, burglary, and hold-ups. We must understand the times when our homes are most vulnerable and what it is we can do to prevent us from being a statistic. Let’s first look at the risk areas:

Burglaries and home invasions can happen at any time. However, statistics show us:

• Most break-ins occur between the hours of 10 am and 3 pm. For many homeowners and renters, this fact shocks them. When break-ins are thought of, it is under the “cover of darkness.” The fact is, intruders do not necessarily want a confrontation, they want your items. They will do so when they think no one is at home, usually at work.

• Most break-ins occur right at the front door! 34% of all break-ins occur right at the front door. Next 23% of break-ins occur through first-floor windows. 22% of break-ins occur on the first-floor backdoor. 9% enter through a garage. Why? They will pick an entry to the home that allows them to stay inconspicuous. Often times vulnerability occurs at the places that people think less of. People often fear their child’s second story window. You must secure that area for sure, however, it is the common areas that are chosen and these are the areas that are most neglected, security speaking.

According to the FBI, home break-ins occur every 13 seconds. As economical times become more trying, these statistics are not going to decrease, they will only increase. The fact is police and law enforcement are not adept at preventing break-ins, it is simply impossible. The homeowner is the one who has the control, with the power of wireless home security alarm systems or traditional alarm and security systems. That is the greatest deterrent of them all.

Here are a few more statistics to prove the need for a wireless home security alarm systems and/or traditional residential home security:

• 2.5 million homes are broken into every year.

• ONLY 17% of all homes have any kind of residential home security system.

• 1 out of 3 residential break-ins results in the assault.

• Criminals are not just stealing property when they break in, they are stealing identity as well.

• 85% of all break-ins are done by “not” professionals. Meaning, it increases the danger level to the resident.

Statistics and facts can go on for pages. The question becomes; Are you one of the 83% of homes in America without a residential home security system? The time to take action is now. How do you safely, securely, and economically prepare you home with a wireless home security alarm system or another type of alarm and security system? There are solutions!

Your house and property may have a much different alarm and security needs, and you need effective solutions. Those solutions for residential home security can come as wireless home security alarm systems or the more traditional alarms and security systems. The time is now to be proactive, not reactive.

Home security has become one of the most important problems for homeowners all around the world. The steady increase in the number of crimes being committed each day has resulted in the requirement of a robust system of alarms that can alert the residents of the house in the case of any trespassing or an emergency situation. Modern homeland systems are equipped with the latest technology, which enables them to secure a person’s home entirely from outside as well as inside threats.

These systems are very capable devices for protecting one’s home but they do with a hefty price tag. Therefore, the decision of buying or purchasing a new alarm for your home is one that needs to be made very carefully. Any hasty decision-making can result in you investing your money in buying a system that you do not even require. Here are some tips that can come in handy when purchasing a new security alarm for your home.

Search the Internet

The internet has become a great medium of the search for the people in the last few years. You can find any and everything on the internet with ease nowadays. When looking for purchasing a new security alarm system for your home, searching the internet is a very good option to use. Find out the names of the companies that provide the best alarm system online and visit their websites. You can learn a lot of useful stuff about the companies from their website like the services they provide and the prices they charge for them. Thus, when you want to purchase a new home security system for your home, remember to search online.

Ask the Opinion of your Friends and Neighbours

Asking the advice of friends and neighbors that have a security system put in place in their homes can help you in purchasing a good security system for your home. People who have prior experience of buying a security alarm can offer useful advice about the best companies and security systems, which can aid you in your search for a new system. Moreover, they can also tell you about the stores or places from where you can buy the security systems on discount. Therefore, do ask the opinion of friends and neighbors when buying a new alarm system for your home.

Interview the Local Security Alarm Providers

Security Systems need to be installed properly for them to provide effective security to the homeowners. Getting a local security system’s provider can help you in the installation of the home security system. The local providers know about the locality and the requirements as well and can provide you good advice about the security features that you need to have in your security alarm system. Thus, it is best to interview the local providers of security alarm systems before purchasing a new security alarm system for your home.

Keeping these tips in mind can help you a lot in finding a top class homeland security alarm system for your home.

Finding a good company for buying home security systems is crucial. Therefore, if you are looking for a good company that can provide you a quality Home Security Alarms then visit an online store.