When you invest time and money into your dwelling, you want to ensure its safety as much as possible. If you've spent any time researching home security, though, the amount of information available may overwhelm you. Do you need all of the high-tech bells and whistles, or will a simple burglar alarm suffice? Should you upgrade everything to smart home capabilities?
Houses, apartments, condos, and other places of residence don’t all follow a one-size-fits-all approach, and neither are home security systems. Protect your home better by keeping these factors and components in mind as you set up your home security system.
Size
You can, and should, choose security features that meet your needs. The size of your home affects the size of the system you need. In a larger home, your security system has to handle a lot of incoming information, analyze multiple situations, and monitor many points of interest. In a small house or apartment, you likely won't need something so sophisticated.
Alarms
A burglar alarm is an elementary component of home security. If you purchase an alert, your professionals will install sensors on doors, windows, and openings to the house, which will sound a siren or horn if someone enters without authorization. Sensors may go off immediately upon opening, or you may be able to set specifications.
Alarms usually connect to a keypad that can turn off the sensors before you enter or set the sounds to go off at certain times of the day. The alarms will either sound at your residence or alert your local law enforcement to a break-in. An alarm system is a helpful tool, but if you have concerns about dangers beyond burglary, you may want to look into additional measures.
Motion Detectors
Motion detectors cover a specific range and react to any movement in that area. A motion sensor may be useful to trigger outside lights or warn the monitors (yourself or the security company) that someone has tried to enter or even warn you of entry to particular parts of the house. Depending on the sensors you choose, you may trigger an alarm upon motion or receive a video feed of any movement.
Cameras
Does a video feed option appeal to you? Many home security systems now include cameras so you can get a better idea of what triggers your alarms. They can be small enough to sit unnoticed beneath your doorbell or in the corner of a room, or large enough to warn away would-be criminals as they enter your porch. Save space in your system by linking your camera to motion detectors, or get a constant video feed.
Locks
No matter how many gadgets you attach to your house, any attempt at a break-in will be too easy if you don't install good locks. You likely already have a classic keyed lock on your doors, but with the rise of smart home technology and internet-enabled devices, you can take your security up a notch or two. Smart locks or electronic door locks may give you more peace of mind as you prepare your house against intruders.
While you may discover other necessary safety measures for your home, keep these basics in mind as you plan how to protect your property, possessions, and people who live with you. Choose a security company that cares about your safety and will work with you to make your home as secure as possible.
Ready to make some changes to keep your home safe?
A-A Lock & Alarm Inc
has all the tools you need and the experts to help you install them. Get in touch today to begin your journey towards home security.