subject: Selecting a Home Security System [print this page] Selecting a Home Security System Selecting a Home Security System
According to a recent FBI crime report for America, violent crimes are down by 6.2% for the first 6 months of 2010. In fact, the breakdown is as follows:
7.1% decrease in homicide
10.7% decline for robberies
9.7% for vehicle theft and arson
6.2% for rapes
3.9% for aggravated assault
1.4% for burglaries
However, just because the crimes rates are a bit lower in no way relegates having a home security system in place. After all, having a home security system is one of the best things you can do to protect your family. Yes, having a big dog can help, but they are not as effective as having an armed home security system. So, if you are planning on having a home security system installed, there are several things you will want to look for. These requirements can range from monthly cost to types of packages, so to help you determine what type of home security system will work best for you, these questions should be included as part of your decision making process:
What do you fear the most in regards to keeping your home and family safe?
What are the crime rates for your home? You can usually find this out from your local precinct or you can check out the FBI's crime rate reports available on their website.
Does 24/7/365 peace of mind for your home and family have a price tag? If so, what is it?
Do your neighbors have home security systems installed? If so, who do they recommend?
Once you have the answers to these questions, you are ready to begin making calls and talking to perspective home security system providers. As part of the consultation (either in person or over the phone) be sure to ask about the following:
What does the basic home security system package include? This should include main control panel, a main keypad, one or more door and window sensors, one or more interior motion sensors, and an interior siren.
What types of features do the other home security packages offer? Typically, the next level of home monitoring should offer multiple indoor and outdoor security / motion sensing lights, video surveillance, impact resistant doors, carbon monoxide and fire detectors, arming the system from a remote location and many other advanced security measures based on your needs.
Is the monitoring service local? While this may not seem important, it can make a difference in response time for an emergency. A local team will know if there is any weather, road work, traffic concerns, etc. that could affect how quickly a response team can arrive; a out-of-town team is not as likely to be cognizant of these concerns.
What is the home security providers policy regarding false alarms? You will also want to check with your city/police department's policy regarding this as well.
These are just a few of the considerations to include in your selection of a home security system. Yes, it may take a little bit of homework, but keeping your home and family safe are worth it. They deserve the effort expended to keep them safe. What are you doing about keeping your family from being a part of next year's crime stats?
