A security and
monitoring system is installed to protect your home from thieves, burglars,
trespassers and other dangers including fire.
There are a variety of home alarm systems to decide upon. When considering one for your home remember
that they all offer different operational functions with one thing in common,
they are designed to protect your home.
Some of the common types of alarm systems include electrical circuits,
motion detectors, infrared alarms and other varieties that are all relatively
efficient. Below is more information
about alarms and information to have you select one that best suits your needs.
A monitored system is
one that is wired to alert a central call center if the homes alarm is
triggered. In turn the call center
contacts the homeowner to check with them if they are okay. The call center is alerted of an alarm
through phone wires. Clever thieves who
are able to locate outdoor phone wires that are exposed could cut them not
allowing the call center to be alerted.
When considering a system such as this remember that there is always the
option of using cellular or radio back up for your monitored alarm system. This
helps ensure that if phone service is cut, or disabled due to weather or
equipment failure your backup system will help keep you protected.
One major disadvantage
to a monitored alarm system is that once the alarm is activated it takes thirty
to forty seconds for the security company to contact the homeowner. They wait this long to see if the alarm was
accidently set off by the homeowner. The
homeowner has a code that they use to deactivate the alarm; if this is not
entered and the homeowner not gotten a hold of the security company will alert
authorities. The major problem with this type of system is that in the time it
takes all of this to occur and experienced thief could have entered the home,
caused harm to the family within and stolen a variety of personal possessions.
Another home alarmsecurity system is one that remains unmonitored. This system provides a loud siren both inside
and outside of the home when the alarm is triggered. This leaves the homeowner and neighbors to contact
police and response personal. Sometimes
you will see this type of system include bright flashing lights alone with the
siren. The biggest pro to this variety
of alarm is that there are no monitoring fees associated with the alarm. This system relies heavily on the fact that
most thieves and burglars are immediately put off by the sirens and
lights. People that are out to rob
homes want to get in and out without being noticed. This type of alarm does not allow that to happen
easily. Once the alarm is tripped this
is difficult.
Monitored or not, home
alarms offer security to your family and possessions. The alarm offers personal security,
protection for your personal belongings, discounts on homeowners insurance and
increase in the resale value of your home.