Home Security

Considering a home security system? You have a lot of options – so many that it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

Do you want a wired or wireless system? Security cameras or monitoring system – or both? Do you want infrared sensors, day/night cameras, two way voice communication? How about fire alarm monitoring as well as burglary?

When choosing a security system for your home, it’s important to step back first and look at your options. What may work for you may not work for someone else’s home. Different homes need different types of protection.

And you also need to consider your budget as well as your comfort level. For example do you want your home to be shut up tighter than Fort Knox? Or do you just want a fake security camera with an ADT sticker out front to deter potential burglars?

These are a few considerations before choosing the right system for you. But when it comes to the actual system part – what options do you have?

Here’s a brief overview of your basic choices:

#1 Home Alarm

This is usually a siren that goes off when a monitored door or window is opened. The alarm sound can potentially scare off burglars and alert homeowners that someone is in their home.

The upside to a home alarm is that it can be more affordable than some other options. The downside is that if the burglar knows you’re not home and you just have a basic alarm, they probably won’t be deterred from cleaning out your stuff and moving on.

Another downside is that if you or your kids are home, someone needs to have the presence of mind to call the authorities if somebody does break in. And this can be difficult in an adrenaline-pounding situation.

You can sometimes find a home alarm that will auto-dial a certain phone number like the police if it is set off. However be aware that if you have a false alarm, you can get charged a hefty fee if this happens.

#2 Home Monitoring System

This is what most people think of when they consider a home security system. A home monitoring system means you have a third party service like ADT or Brinks monitoring your home for burglary, fire, carbon monoxide etc.

When something goes wrong, the system sends an alert to the monitoring center. The center then contacts the homeowner and/or the proper authorities.

The benefit to this is that you have a reliable 3rd party looking out for your home so if something goes wrong you don’t have to worry that you (or your kids) won’t have the presence of mind to call the proper authorities.

Another benefit is that you can often customize the service to give you exactly what you need including adding nanny-cams, wireless viewing, email alerts, etc. The downside to this is that there is a monthly monitoring fee.

#3 DIY Home Security System

These are usually wireless out-of-the-box systems you buy and set up yourself. There are a wide variety of options here from basic to very complex. You can get security cameras, DVRs, motion sensors, etc.

A benefit to doing it yourself is that you may be able to save some money and you can also customize your system to be as simple or state-of-the-art as possible.

The downside is that you have to make sure you’ve got enough coverage for your property. There are some very cheap do-it-yourself systems out there that are easily disabled in less than 10 seconds so you don’t want to take a chance on protecting your home and family, just to save a buck.

#4 Home Security Cameras

You can buy these on their own or often as an entire system which may include indoor and outdoor cameras, video monitors etc. This is more of a do-it-yourself option however you can get a monitoring system like ADT to add in security cameras as well.

The benefit to this option is that you can constantly monitor what is going on in your home – even from your iTouch or laptop computer. You can see who is at your front door. You can see who’s pulling up on your driveway. You can even keep an eye on your nanny or a caregiver for your elderly parent.

So those are some basic options you have when choosing a home security system. Each one has it’s advantages and disadvantages. Every home is different and I recommend you take some time to familiarize yourself with the options you have and what kind of protection you personally are comfortable with.



By: Christopher Winters


About the Author:

One of the most popular trends in home security today is the installation of wireless alarm systems. Before you jump on the bandwagon, though, you should know a little more about how these systems work, as well as the benefits (and drawbacks) to this technology. To start off, let’s examine the two forms of wireless alarm system:

There are two dominant types of wireless home security systems on the market today: self installed systems and professionally installed systems (ADT and others). Both offer wireless benefits, but they are very different, as well. Self installed systems are usually very simple to install, though they are limited in their application as well as their usefulness to consumers. This is because they are not monitored and have no ability to alert police, fire or emergency authorities. A professionally installed system comes with dedicated monitoring capabilities (read that as 24-7) as well as the means to alert the right authorities (through the monitoring company).

Now that we know that a professionally installed system is the best option for comprehensive protection, let’s move on to other aspects. The installation itself is not completely wireless. While all the sensors are wireless, the control unit(s) are not. These need to be wired into the home for several reasons, including being wired into your phone line. This is how the system communicates with the monitoring station. Some new systems offer wireless communication through your ISP, as well. Regardless, the installation of the control units is minimally invasive for your home.

A wireless home alarm communicates or sends signals to the control unit through RF signals (radio frequency). Some systems have been designed to use infrared beams, as well. When the system is armed, the detectors monitor the surrounding area for motion (actually registers as a temperature difference) and send the signal to the control unit. The control unit then sends a signal to the monitoring company and sets off the alarm. When the monitoring company receives the signal from the alarm system, they will contact the homeowner to ascertain the situation.

In addition, there are quite a few accessories or add-ons that can be included with this type of home alarm system. If there are elderly family members in the home, young children or anyone with health problems, you can include panic buttons that will alert the monitoring company and medical response authorities. Carbon monoxide detectors are another popular option, as are water monitoring sensors for areas in a home that are susceptible to flooding. There are numerous other aspects that can be added, as well, such as wireless video cameras and wireless arm/disarm devices that can be carried on your key ring for better security options.



By: Bruce Kelly

About the Author:

MrRule21 asked:

www.rule21.com …. for the 21 rules for home security and ADT Home Monitoring

Jessica asked:


I am renovating my home and need a home security and monitoring system. I have heard the worst things about ADT and I know there are other companies out there. Any suggestions would help. Thanks.

Doz asked:


What home security system is the best?

ADT, Brinks, etc?
My parents are building their new house where it is very secluded with only 4 neighbors. The old farm house on the property is in very bad shape. It was broken into. I think my parents need sceurity once their new house in built. 1) Location and 2) nosy neighbors 3) if my parents take a long drive and are gone, neighbors can nose at their things

Doz asked:


What home security system is the best?

ADT, Brinks, etc?
My parents are building their new house where it is very secluded with only 4 neighbors. The old farm house on the property is in very bad shape. It was broken into. I think my parents need sceurity once their new house in built. 1) Location and 2) nosy neighbors 3) if my parents take a long drive and are gone, neighbors can nose at their things

Jessica asked:


I am renovating my home and need a home security and monitoring system. I have heard the worst things about ADT and I know there are other companies out there. Any suggestions would help. Thanks.

pepper asked:


Our new house has a preinstalled Brinks home system. After searching reviews, it appears they are a hit/miss in terms of customer complaints and complements. Does anyone have any honest opinions and stories about who is a better home security system provider. Thanks.
Who is a better home security company to go with, ADT, Brinks or some other firm? Any good stories and suggestions?

Mike B asked:


I recently installed a wireless home security systems (ADT), and now I am noticing a clicking emanating from my home theater system. I am wondering if it is caused by the new security, and if so, how can I fix it?

A bit of detail on the clicking: it is similar to, but not the same as, the phone interference caused by certain (GSM) phones.

Concerned about home security? Take a look at the following tips from the Discovery Channel, where former thieves help people protect themselves and their homes.

Alarms

The break-in rate of homes without an alarm-system are much higher than those of homes with an alarm system, so when you move into your new home, make sure that you invest in an adequate alarm system from a reputable service company, like ADT. It is essential that your alarm system be connected to the police and fire departments in your city. In addition to having an alarm wired to all of the doors of your home, it is a good idea to make sure that all windows have vibration and/or glass-break sensors. Have the central panel placed in a secure location to prevent thieves from attempting to disable your security system, and if possible, consider an alarm system that includes ultrasonic sensors divided into different zones to detect movement in your home. A panic button is also a good idea for extra protection.

Locks

All doors located next to windows should have captive key locks. These are locks that prevent thieves from simply breaking the glass windows, reaching inside and unlocking a deadbolt lock. Also, make sure that all windows include devices that stop them from being fully opened from the outside, and that you close and lock all doors and windows when you leave the house, even those on upper levels of the home. Lastly, when you move into a new house or apartment, have the locks changed or re-keyed, as it is common for former inhabitants to hold on to their keys, as well as anyone else they may have given a key to.

Windows

Security bars on basement windows and portable AC units are an extremely important component of home security, and often overlooked. Try to avoid placing very expensive items or electronics near windows, and use curtains and/or blinds to prevent thieves from casing your home from the outside. Broken window are both an access point and a sign that you may not be paying proper attention to home security, fix or replace them immediately. Security film can be placed on the outside of your windows; making them shatter-proof from the outside, but breakable from the inside should you need to escape.

Garage

Treat the windows and doors of your garage in the same manner as you would the doors and windows of your house. Doors and frames should be sturdy and include a deadbolt lock, windows should be secured. Make sure your car is always locked when it is in the garage, with the alarm activated, and have the interior lights of your garage wired to a panel inside your home, so that you do not have to walk into a dark garage to turn on the lights. Many people forget to change the code on their garage door opener, meaning that anyone with the same brand of garage door opener can open your garage with the factory-set code.

By: Natalie Ingram

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