subject: Tips To Choosing A Home Security System [print this page] It is somewhat difficult to view crime as something that can actually happen to you. The various procedural dramas on television have helped to fictionalize the process, lulling some in to a false sense of security. Unfortunately, crime does happen in the real world. There is no guarantee that you will not experience some sort of illegal activity in your life, and a large majority of Americans find themselves as victims every year. Amongst the most common criminal acts are simple home robberies. Most of these robberies occur during periods when the residents are not home, but home invasions do occur when there are residents present. In either case, having a stranger break in to your home can greatly affect your life, and it is important to take steps to prevent this from happening. The best way to do so is to install one of a number of different home security systems. While the process can be costly, it is still quite important.
Here are some tips to choosing an sort of home security system...
First and foremost, make sure that your system has some kind of motion detection capability. These sensors are able to alert your security system, and anyone in your home, of a potential intruder. These sensors can be set up to monitor interior and exterior movement, and will sound an alarm if movement is detected. Most sensors will send a signal directly to the alarm company, and the triggered alarm may cause a potential intruder to run away.
Any system that you purchase should be backed up by a well trained, well respected security company. This company should be able to provide you a great deal of support in helping you figure out not only why your alarm has gone off, but what to do in such a situation. Make sure to contact your local police department as well as your security company, and you should get a rather rapid response from both.
Always make sure to place security stickers and signs up around your property. These simple bits of decoration are usually even better protection than the system itself, as most criminals will make an attempt to avoid those homes that they know are protected. This simple precaution can save you many headaches, but it is by no way foolproof.
A good home system is significantly more alert than a human guard or a an animal, but it must be hooked up to some kind of reliable system. Make sure that your home has a reliable phone line or internet system, and your home security system will be capable of round the clock watch over your home.
Finally, consider adding additional security to your home through the use of video surveillance. This can be an invaluable tool in helping the police find the thief, and it can also be helpful when filing a claim with your insurance company. Video surveillance may not be standard on most systems, but many companies do offer these devices for a relatively low fee. Make sure to contact your security provider to find out about any extra kind of coverage that they can provide.
