subject: Getting More from Advanced Home Security Systems [print this page] Getting More from Advanced Home Security Systems
Installing a home security system is a decision that many homeowners make upon moving into a new residence. It's a good decision, especially in neighborhoods where you're new and might not know neighbors or past problems in the area. Especially if you're choosing to upgrade an existing an older system, there are many options to consider that take advantage of the latest home alarm technology.
Before thinking about upgrading your alarm system, especially when moving into a new property, it's especially important to consider the basics first. These aren't even electronic functions but are your standard security precautions. Examine door locks for wear, and replace ones that appear rotted or in poor condition. Examine window locks, and pay close attention to sliding doors to back yards. These are often neglected when it comes to repair, since people tend to focus on their front doors more. The same attention should be paid to garage entrance doors or other alternate entry points. Make sure that outdoor lighting works, and put it on a motion sensor if possible. Finally, use combination locks or deadbolts to secure gates into the backyard from the front of the property.
Once you've taken a look at the basics, you're ready to move on to the high-tech stuff. A lot of technology that may have been extremely expensive at the time of the original alarm installation has probably come down substantially in price over the past ten years. Motion detectors, for instance, were formerly a high-dollar option for expensive properties. Today, they're an integral part of a standard alarm setup. Glass breakage detectors (that can detect smashed windows by frequency) are a great add-on, especially for homes with large picture windows.
Other home alarm system add-ons might be especially prudent if you have kids around the house to worry about. Items like video surveillance are easily installed today, and can wirelessly transmit a signal to a computer, TV or website. This can be especially useful when checking in on kids after they're home from school. Kids can use remote controls to activate and deactivate the alarm system, eliminating the needs for younger kids to use cumbersome alarm panels. If there's a pool around, a variety of pool alarm systems are available to prevent drowning. Some of these work by securing the gate area, while others take things a step further by guarding the water surface itself with an electronic protection grid. These are great options for homes with younger children who might be at home with an older sibling who might not watch as attentively as an adult.
