Home Security Alarm Systems & How They Can Protect My Family

Home security alarm systems provide several advantages to you and your family. Alarm systems are directly involved in waking up homeowners, family members and neighbors through calls and sirens, which scares away an intruder. Other than this direct service, these systems are able to notify the local authorities in cases of emergencies. Hence there are certain benefits of home security alarm systems which a homeowner should make available for the safety and security of his house and his family members.

Home security alarm systems are made to provide protection to your entire family and valuable home belongings and can even inform the local authorities in case of an emergency. Therefore, you should select competent home security alarm systems not on the price factor alone,  but on the merit of other features of the device as per the security aspect of the environment. If you go for a “do it yourself” kind of device, be sure to receive the service of professional back up team of the provider in case of emergency or when the system malfunctions.

While you decide to buy home security alarm systems, you should try to find out the answers of these typical questions.  Are you in need of home security systems which are cost effective only or do you need sophisticated top class models of security systems for  protection of your house and family?   Is the provider of the system able to provide 24/7 support?   When you are satisfied with the answers, you will be able to decide on home security alarm systems for your needs.

The incidences of home invasions have considerably increased in most cities and towns. This has necessitated the installation of some kind of burglar alarm system for families. If you analyze crime reports, you will find that homeowners and the business houses are losing valuables worth billions of dollars each year. Therefore, it has become necessary for homeowners to install  home security alarm systems for safer living and peace of mind. Home owners must have working knowledge of these home security alarm systems so that they can utilize the system effectively.

Installing home security alarm systems are never that complicated as some people may think. There is a misconception among the general public that only very complicated and sophisticated home security alarm systems will work in cases of an intrusion or an emergency. You should know that standard security systems are also equally efficient and provide proper security protection.  You should always evaluate your needs and the features of home security alarm systems to help reach a decision on buying home security alarm systems for the safety and security of your house or business.

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House Alarms to Protect You Against Lock Bumping

The majority of people are not really aware of one of the major risks that homes are prone to – Lock bumping. The best way to protect your home against lock bumping is to get house alarms installed in your home which will give you an immense feeling of safety and security. But let us first examine briefly what exactly lock bumping is.

Lock bumping is a lock picking method that is employed by burglars to disable pin tumbler locks. Most American homes use pin tumbler locks for security and the lock bumping technique is carried out by a trespasser who uses a key made just for the purpose of “bumping’’ your lock. This special key is called a bump key. The best way to scare off burglars who implement this method is to have a security system installed in your home.

Lock bumping keys used to open pin tumbler locks are very cheap and can be made very easily. As a result it becomes extremely easy for the burglar to get into your home. Do it yourself house alarms are extremely useful in protecting your home against thefts and burglaries. As you install these house alarms yourself, you become more alert about the probable weak security areas of your home and they can even protect you against lock bumping.

Another advantage of these house alarms are that since you can install sensors at all main points of access into your home, a burglar who tries to lock bump your pin tumbler lock or any other lock for that matter, will hesitate to try it out when the security system go off . Most thieves are opportunists and a majority of them will not take the risk of breaking into a home which has house alarms installed.

Of course, lock bumping may not be possible on the lock that you have chosen for your home. But there may be other ways for thieves to gain access into the home especially when you are away. This is when monitored security systems become extremely useful. The monitoring center will notify you and the police as soon as someone tries to break into the house and as a result you can act immediately and protect it from being burglarized.

Remember that no lock is completely secure as each one has its plus and minus points. Getting house alarms fixed at different vantage points in your home will give you an incredible peace of mind and you can rest peacefully knowing fully well that your house cannot be lock bumped so easily.

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Home Alarms Buying Checklist

A home is not just a building with four walls;  it’s much more than that, and hence it is necessary that a house be safe from burglars.  One solution to this problem is home alarms. These easily make sure that an intrusion by a burglar is stopped and the house is protected. Home alarms are the most convenient and easiest of the home security systems.

Customers have a wide and a varied range of home security systems to choose from. But this doesn’t make the task any easier. It is important that the homeowner remember certain important things when selecting home alarms for their homes. Installing a home alarm as a part of the home security system can be a complex process. Some proper research will help a homeowner decide on what kind of home alarm system to choose.

Before installing a home alarm system, it is vital that a homeowner knows how the home alarm works and its specifications. The most important task to accomplish is to get acquainted with the basic components of the home security system. The two main types of home alarms are wired alarm systems and wireless alarm systems. Wired home alarms  have an electric cable running which connects the components to one another as well as to a central control panel. Wireless systems  are primarily wireless and are easy to use.

The basic components of wires and wireless alarms are same. They consist of sirens, sensors and a control panel. They are also designed not just to detect intrusion and burglary but also other accidents and hazards that may occur like fire accidents or gas leaks. However, both the wired and wireless systems  have their own pros and cons so it is important that the homeowner checks for his needs and requirements before installing a home alarm.

One advantage of wireless alarm systems is that they are easy to install and are more preferred over the wired alarm systems as labor costs are inexpensive.  Wired security systems cannot be moved once installed while wireless home alarms are portable and are more convenient than wired home alarm systems.  Wireless home alarms run on batteries and need to be checked periodically.  They also need frequent replacement. On the other hand, home alarms which are wired run on electricity and are connected to the power grid in the house.

The security of the home and the people living there is of prime importance,  so selecting the right kind of the home alarm is necessary. The home is an investment of a lifetime and therefore, taking care to see that it protected and cared for is essential.

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Home Security Services: House vs. Apartment

In this age of crime, home security services are the order of the day. Whether you choose to live in a house or an apartment, no property is completely safe from unauthorized entry, unless you employ the expertise of home security services.  Security systems in apartments can be easily breached since so many non-residents walk in and out of buildings, making it easier for thefts to go undetected. At the same time, home security services for houses especially  located in remote or secluded areas need an extra tweak because the prospects of someone hearing an alarm go off  is close to nil.

On top of the list of home security services is the traditional burglar alarm. These highly efficient systems serve the sole purpose of preventing intruders from breaking into private properties, by letting out a high-decibel siren, loud enough to wake up the entire neighborhood. Wireless alarm systems are recommended for apartments because they come without wires, are easily portable and can be set up without violating any rules of an apartment community.

On the other hand, home security services integrate hard-wired security systems for houses since they are long-lasting and can withstand the requirements of a large, spacious residence. However, if wiring becomes a hassle for double-story houses that have no ceiling access, it is suggested to set up wireless zone alarms with room-to-room settings, giving you the freedom to leave the alarm armed in the bedroom on the top floor while you are watching television in the living room on the ground floor.

Though not always a necessity for apartments, home security services for houses include surveillance cameras as the best weapon against burglars. In order to have the property fully secured, experts advise both indoor as well as outdoor security camera surveillance, covering all four corners of the house. Home security services will take care to install each camera in such a way as to cover the front door, backyard, swimming pool or any other vulnerable areas of the house. Indoor cameras will be placed on every floor so as to survey all the rooms and special areas where valuables are kept.

Motion sensors are an integral part of home security services for apartments. Not considered a must for houses, these gadgets are the penultimate evolution in sensor technology and greatly increase the security of apartments to the next highest level. Especially for those who want their pets to roam around freely, it’s wiser to have pet-friendly motion detectors mounted that will allow pets weighing up to a mass size of 80lb to go undetected.

The entire gamut of home security services is not complete without a mention of simple, tailor-made security measures for houses and apartments. As part of home security services for houses, spiked, anti-climb devices on top of the gate and adjacent fences are a must. Also consider solar-powered lighting around the house to keep the area well-lit and plant thorny bushes near fences to obstruct intruder access.  It is also always worthwhile to place blinds on all windows, replace locks with five-lever dead locks and reinforce all doors with bolts. Whether you live in a house or apartment, having strong home security services is vital in keeping your loved ones safe and ensuring lasting peace of mind.

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Home Security Companies With The Shortest Alarm Response Time

Securing your home with a state-of-the-art home security alarm goes a long way in assuring the safety of your possessions. But you will be another victim of false security unless you use the service of the home security companies that specialize in monitoring home security systems. The best home security companies offer you reliable security at a reasonable price tag and have a very short alarm response time.

Established home security companies are well-equipped with their own sales forces and local office outlets to provide clients with all-inclusive services, including equipment and monitoring services. Most of these home security companies will want to look around your home or property before helping you decide which system will be appropriate for your security needs. They will also pin-point any possible limitations and suggest solutions that have worked well for similar challenges.

The security alarm response deserves top priority when narrowing down your search for the best home security companies in your locality. The average response time can vary a lot depending on the company that monitors your security system. When a security alarm is triggered, home security companies, who monitor homes from a local monitoring station, will respond to the alarm with their own response security; while others, who monitor homes from a remote third party station, will simply alert the police.

Alarm responses directed to the police are quite ineffectual due to the large number of false alarms triggered every day. According to a 1999 police survey in one U.S. city,  the average home alarm response time was forty-five minutes. Since then, it has become mandatory that home security companies confirm and provide a “verified response” for such security alarms before police take up the issue.

Most security companies are able to effectively respond to alarms and subsequently reduce the alarm response time to as short as five minutes. Home security companies with the shortest alarm response time are considered the best because they usually monitor home security systems from a local station and are equipped with their own security response teams. These companies will have a strict set of guidelines that they adhere to in the event of an alarm trigger, such as security fleet size, number of guards at a given point of time, home monitoring method and so forth.

In less than five minutes, these home security companies will verify the alarm and immediately notify the appropriate emergency personnel while understanding the importance of calling to ensure that your family is safe. So when choosing home security companies, go for the ones with the shortest alarm response time. Compare their guidelines and at the same time, contact your local police department to know which company’s response time is the shortest.

This is especially important if you live in a remote or secluded area, where the prospect of someone hearing the security alarm is close to nil. Add to it the long alarm response time by disreputable home security companies and you can be positive of having your property burglarized beyond belief, by the time the police arrive.

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Home Security Monitoring Advantages

Home security monitoring systems provide safety of your family and the property. You will find several providers who are able to offer professional alarm systems for your requirements.  The house with the perfect kind of alarm system is probably not very often touched by burglars due to a monitoring system. You should therefore make sure to install a top class home security monitoring system from a reputed provider who can install the device with the help of trained professionals.

Your home will remain safe as well as your valuables which you have very dearly earned. There are companies who understand the importance of home security monitoring and they provide professional support to you for the protection and safety of your house with their high grade home security monitoring systems. You are able to take advantage of the system in case of any emergency that may arise in your home at any time. The talented security providers have a center for monitoring the action of different systems, which are interconnected to provide speedy communication.

All centers have sophisticated equipment and expert professionals to handle all information from different home security monitoring systems. They are always ready for different emergencies with the highest degree of protection so that you are never at risk when you install a high class system for the safety of your house. Remember that your house is continuously monitored throughout the day. The system is prepared to transmit signals to its centers in cases of emergency. The primary duty of the monitoring center is to get in touch with the owner of the home security monitoring system through telephone whenever a signal is acknowledged at the center.

Generally the owner is available to speak to the company via telephone , but in case the code number is different or no response, the center will not delay but send the communication to the local authorities for taking further action.   The authorities will be requested  to the scene to find out the reason for the alarm and to take necessary actions. It is beneficial to have a sophisticated home security monitoring system installed at your house, where every emergency is properly investigated by the authorities through the workings of the monitoring center. If your business has the latest home security monitoring technology, you should feel relief that you have the best protection system that is available in the nation and you do not have to worry about a home invasion.  You can sleep well at night knowing that your home security monitoring system will keep your home and your belongings and your loved ones safe and secure.

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Burglar Alarm Types

The fundamental principle of burglar alarm systems is composed of a central control panel attached to sensors or detectors and preferably with a siren or a sound making device. The main function is performed by the central control panel which has the capacity to receive signals from detectors and routes the information to perform further action. The siren may function instantly or after some time and the information is sent to the monitoring agency. The entire system can be turned on and off with the help of a keypad to be operated manually or in some cases by remote control. The key pad is pre-programmed as per the need of the owner of the property.

Normally the burglar alarm systems which are used are either wired or wireless types. There is another category of burglar alarm systems which are self contained units, which look like small electronic gadgets. The central control panel, which is the main brain of the device, receives signals from the detectors and takes further action.   The security system does not set off a siren but contacts the monitoring agency instead.

The siren is for making people alert. A burglar alarm system may contain flashing lights also. The strobe lights are mounted in such a position that they can be seen from a distance. The sound of the siren with strobe light flashing may cause the intruder to leave due to the chance of getting detected. The position of the siren is normally fixed beyond reach at a good height.

Burglar alarm systems have sensor devices which are activated when signals are received from detectors, which are mounted to spot any kind of movement, noise, smoke, temperature variation, shock or vibration.   The passive infared sensors are able to spot any kind of temperature change so they can detect human body temperature and notify the homeowner of an intrusion.

Magnetic switches are the most important elements of the burglar alarm systems. They are placed to offer protection to windows and doors and are immensely useful and common. They are simple to install, inexpensive and are the most dependable kind of sensors. The device contains a magnet and a switch with a spring for making the electrical link to complete the electric circuit. Whenever a window or a door, fitted with the magnetic sensor and a switch opens, the circuit is broken and affects the signal to reach to the control panel of the security systems.

There are other kinds of detectors like the ultrasonic and microwave detectors. The ultrasonic works on the principle of sound waves and any intrusion in a vacant room is disturbed which the sensor is capable to note and sends signals to the central panel of the burglar alarm systems. Microwave detectors work on the radio waves and do the same thing.

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Security Alarm Systems Vs. Guard Dogs

The rate of crimes and thefts today have risen at such an unbelievable pace that house owners are forced to employ some kind of home security to protect their valuables and home. The two main solutions to their problem are to keep a guard dog or to install security alarm systems. Both of these have their positive  points, but home security alarm systems will be a better bet.

If you are planning to get a guard dog, there are many things that you need to do before it is ready to guard your home. You have to first train it for security purposes. Another point to remember is that not all dogs can be trained to be a guard dog. Training a dog can also be expensive.  And if your dog does not get the appropriate training, it may turn out to be very violent.   No such issue will arise if you opt for an alarm system instead.

Another draw back is that it is not very easy to maintain such a dog. Some guard dog breeds require special diets which might not come within your budget. These dogs have to be taken for walks and exercised regularly in order to keep them fit and alert. Home alarm systems do not have such problems.

You will also find it difficult to go on vacation if you have a guard dog at home as they cannot look after both themselves and your home. You will have to get a care taker for your dog or leave it at a dog hotel. If you plan to board your dog, then there is no reason to have a guard dog in the first place.

Getting your home a security alarm system will be much easier. Just  call and set up free consultations with as many alarm companies as you’d like. They will come out and give you free quotes for the kind of home security alarm will be ideal for your home. They will install it for you and you do not have to worry about security system ‘biting’ you, your family or friends.

Suppose an intruder gets in and the home security alarm system goes off, the monitoring center will immediately get in touch with the police and the house owner. This cannot be done by a dog.

Another advantage is that monitoring servicescan also inform us if any calamities like a fire or smoke occurs, while a guard dog cannot. Alarm systems can even gauge levels of hazardous gases in the house. You can even fix sensors on to the home security systems to check out pipe freezing or even basement flooding.

Thus home security alarm systems are a far better deal for protecting your home, but you have to ensure that the security system that you select is the one that suits all your requirements.

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How Alarm Companies Differ

These days, safe guarding your home and valuables has become extremely important. But the question of which home alarm to choose can be a tough decision to make. You have to carefully research into the matter before purchasing one. Home alarm companies are an extremely important criterion when selecting a home security system.

Alarm companies help you to choose a product which will be best suited for your requirements and also will aid you in installing this security system in your house. This is an added benefit as you do not have to bother about whether the system is working properly. Alarm companies vary in a lot of ways and you have to really conduct a detailed study about which company is best suited for you. Here are some tips to help you  understand the differences between companies.

Ask for Referrals.

One of the most successful ways of selecting the best company among the numerous security companies is to ask around. There may be friends, neighbors or acquaintances who can give  you a first hand report about these companies from them. Another way is to evaluate independent reviews, internet memo boards and community forums.

Research on options.

A majority of these home alarm companies possess their own websites and each company varies in how they present themselves. You can study these web pages carefully and these will offer you the required information about their product and about themselves. Some companies possess professional national group associations which might be an added benefit. It is also a good idea to check with the BBB.

Check out comparison sites.

Another way to check about how different alarm companies vary is to study the comparison sites. The main criteria that will be compared is the cost of the system, whether there is a system for monitoring, the various equipments that are available with different alarm companies, the experience of the company and so on. There are also some comparison sites which allow you to vote for companies you like.

Ask for  quotes

Another means of knowing more about the various companies is to request for quotes either personally or through the Internet. Most reputable companies will have experienced staff that will come to your home and give an estimate. You can also inquire about the various particulars of the security system that you are planning to purchase. A competent company can make an impact with their expertise in the field.

Alarm companies also vary in their terms of contract, guarantee period, insurance coverage and total sum they charge as fees. Remember to also inquire about the procedures that are involved in installation and monitoring methods.

You may now have  a fairly good idea about how alarm companies differ in their security systems. After going through all the above mentioned procedures, you still have time to choose your pick before you sign a contract.

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House Alarm Features You Cannot Be Without

Having a house alarm in your home has become unavoidable today as it is totally unsafe to live in a house with no security at all due to the ever increasing rate of thefts and crimes. After you decide to purchase an alarm, a question you should ask is: what kind of house alarm will be ideal for my requirements?

Selecting a house alarm may seem to be a cumbersome process as there is a wide array of security systems for you to take your pick from. But you must remember that there are some significant features that need to be looked into before you decide to buy a particular home security system. Some knowledge about these factors will make  purchasing a suitable house alarm an easier task.

The most important criterion that you should be looking for in a house alarm are as follows:

• 3 Layer Protection – This feature is a must for an ideal house alarm system. Doors and windows are the primary defense level in a house. They can sense trespassers from outside.  Motion detectors form the secondary defense level. They offer you protection from inside and operate as a backup for protecting an area. The last layer is the smoke detectors and heat sensors.

• Interconnected – If you have a choice of purchasing home security equipments individually, the ideal system would be one that is completely interconnected and the whole system operating a single unit.

• No Power Interruption – Most of the home alarm systems are either battery operated or power operated. The battery operated one needs a regular battery check up, but will work even when there is no electricity. Your main requirement is that the house alarm system should work twenty four hours a day.

• Alarm System – There are numerous types of alarm systems namely the bell only, zone based, video based and audio based. Every system will notify the owner whenever intruders get inside. The best alarm system will be one that has alarm confirmation technology.

• Monitoring System – One of the most important features of a house alarm system is having some kind of security to safe guard your home while you are away. A monitoring system is a must for a perfect house alarm system. There are three types of monitoring facilities that are now available. They are self monitoring, police monitoring and third party monitoring and it is left to you to choose what is best for your needs.

• Biometrics – This is the latest kind of technology integrated into the home security system. These include biometric scans like finger print detection and retina scan. You can buy a house alarm system which has this feature.

• Value for money – You should remember that it is not the price that matters but the quality of the product. So you should select a house alarm system which will really be worth paying for.

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