July 15, 2020 by Anas Mustafa
Burglaries are considered the most common threat for most households, with an estimated 28 percent of cases happening when a household member is present. Investing in a proper home security system can give you the extra coat of protection and peace of mind that your loved ones and valuables are well protected.
Most home burglaries occur when the thieves spot an easy opportunity to access your property and grab items they can turn around for a quick profit. Recent studies to discover the offenders’ perspectives before burglaries revealed that over 70 percent of the hundreds of convicted burglars interviewed actively look for security cameras before invading the property.
Considering that most thieves access the home by breaking through doors and windows, keeping them locked and installing the right security technologies to monitor access, including a home alarm system and security cameras, can act as a huge deterrence to burglaries.
This implies that having the right security system can act as a great deterrent and stop anyone from assuming that your home is an easy target. But with so many devices, services, and options on the market for protecting your home, it can be difficult to choose what you need.
Here are some considerations to help you find a reliable right home security system:
Modern security system technologies allow you to do a lot more than simply keeping intruders away from your property. They can monitor carbon monoxide levels, check for leaky pipes, communicate with your children when they come home from school, or alert you when you have a guest or package delivery on your front door.
The right mix of features depends on what you want to protect or do with your system, and how much you’re willing to spend. The common security system packages include:
These include the standard security devices such as burglar alarms, outdoor cameras, glass break sensors detectors, and other sensors that warn you of intrusion, vandalism, or theft.
Smart home technology adjusts to your family’s preferences and schedule so you can control the lighting or thermostat remotely, access your home from through an app in your smartphone, and receive video alerts and other notifications for events in your home, like through a doorbell camera.
You may want a security system that can warn you of environmental concerns, such as high temperatures, carbon monoxide poisoning, fire, smoke, and even moisture, to detect leaks or frozen sports in your pipework.
Security providers usually offer integrated security systems so you can choose the most important features from each category to fit your security needs and budget. This means that you should know your security priorities before approaching your security company.
Monitored alarm systems are common among homeowners, and involve a home alarm system with 24/7 access to professional assistance all year-round. This means that once your alarm is tripped, an operator from your monitoring station will contact you immediately to determine the cause of the alarm.
You can then confirm the intrusion or notify them that it was a false alarm. If you need assistance, local authorities will be dispatched to your home. In some cases, a patrol officer may be asked to pass by your property to assess any threats.
However, monitored security services require you to pay a monthly fee. Some people who don’t require round the clock monitoring may choose to forgo this option. But you should still receive notifications of any suspicious activities taking place in your property so you can check-in and take action yourself.
Hardwired alarm systems have the advantage of not needing to change batteries. Although the wires need to be well hidden so they’re not cut by the intruders, which may require drilling into walls and ceilings to route the wires. Wireless alarm systems overcome these challenges but require batteries to be changed on the sensors every now and then. The best systems on the market have been incorporated with lithium batteries to ensure sensors have a 5 to 10 year battery life.
Over the last 5-10 years wireless security systems have become the preferred system as they can be installed in any home or business without having to wire up the entire property. Usually the only wire for a wireless system is the wire to contact power to the main control panel. A good system also incorporates a 24 hour backup battery in case of a power outage to ensure the system stays online. Also wireless security systems like those made by 2GIG also have 2-way voice built in which has become an important feature to avoid false alarms. If your home or business has existing hardwired sensors you can still upgrade your control panel to a newer wireless touchscreen alarm system and use your existing hardwired sensors with a translator that makes your older sensors compatible with your new security system.
It is always recommended when getting a security system to ensure you get one that uses a dedicated cellular connection and not a hardwired landline connection.
Developments in technology have made CCTV (closed-circuit television) or video surveillance mainstream, with businesses using it for both security and management to assist in personnel management, productivity, and health and safety.
Homeowners can also take advantage of these systems to monitor their home security. Security Cameras on a CCTV system capture high quality digitally recorded images, allowing you to recall specific footage at the touch of a button. If integrated with your network, the live video stream and recordings can be accessed from multiple remote computers or a smartphone.
Video surveillance can be used proactively, whereby the technicians install multiple pan, tilt, and zoom (PTZ) cameras strategically around your property, with you or hired security personnel operating them to spot any potential risks and respond immediately. If used reactively, like when installed in a car-park, you can use the video footage for post-incident investigations to track and apprehend the perpetrators.
Home security integration is the primary reason to work with a professional security system provider. With their expertise, the providers take the time to understand your security needs and create a flexible, well-designed and integrated solution that includes each of the features mentioned above that are relevant to you and fit your budget.
For instance, you may choose a home security system that includes:
These can be installed inside or outside your home to monitor activities in real-time, day and night. They can be hidden depending on the purpose, but visible outdoor cameras help to deter potential intruders.
These emit a loud siren when someone tries to pick the lock or climb through a window.
Sensor devices that trigger alarms if the glass from your door or window is broken. Mostly used for extra protection in blindspots, like basement windows or side doors.
These sensors check unauthorized movement in specific areas of the house and alert you of an intruder.
To aid in energy management and remote-controlled lighting from anywhere at any time.
These sound a signal if smoke is detected, and an operator immediately dispatches a response team even when you’re not available.
This allows you to remotely arm/disarm or control your security system.
Cost is an important consideration, and consulting with a professional will ensure that you get the best security system for your money. Also, ensure that they offer convenient aftercare support so you can contact them in case of faulty operation or system upgrades.
To learn more about what to consider when choosing a home security system, call the Canadian Security Professionals at 1 877-494-9911 or contact us here.
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