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Home Security for the Safety of Your Home and Family

There are over 1 million burglaries every year in the United States. A break-in occurs every 27 seconds in the US. That is a staggering statistic but one you can avoid being part of. 83% of would-be burglars check for the presence of an alarm system before attempting a break-in. By adding a home security system you can reduce your risk of being a victim of burglary while benefiting in many others ways as well.

Why Get a Home Security System
Wired or Wireless?
Options for Your System
What to Expect
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Reasons to Consider Adding a Home Security System

Protection from Burglary or Home Invasion

Like most of us today, working during the day and returning home at night is standard. This leaves your home open to burglars and intruders. It might surprise you that break-ins happen more during the day than at night. Protecting your home with a 24-hour home security system should be at the top of your list for your family and peace of mind.

Help with Emergencies

In every emergency situation, time is critical. The ability to act quickly in an emergency can make all the difference in the outcome. A home security system can connect to sensors like fire alarms, carbon monoxide monitors, or medic alerts. This saves valuable minutes and seconds, so you can receive the help you need in an emergency situation.

Protection of Valuables

Every home holds items that are precious to us. We keep important memories, family heirlooms, and everything we value. This is another reason a home security system matters. Protect everything in your residence with home security. Some items are irreplaceable. Take the worry out of your daily life and protect what is most important to you.

home security 101: All You Need to Know

Major Consideration – Wired or Wireless Home Security

There are two major security types: wired systems and wireless systems. Each has it’s own pros and cons. Which you select definitely impacts the installation process, your interactions with the system, and what capabilities the system can handle.

Wireless Security System

Pros

  • Quick to Install – No need to drill or route cabling leasd to quick installs and greater flexibility on placement
  • Easy to Remove or Modify – If you plan to move, you can take your system with you. We can also easily expand or change the system as your needs shift
  • Remote Access – Since there is no central panel you can use remote key fobs and mobile devices to access it

Cons

  • Risk of Hacking – These systems typically leverage wi-fi and thus can be accessed remotely or jammed in some cases
  • Limited Length of Range – Due to reliance on radio signals to communicate there is a limit to how much area can be covered. For large homes or integration with secondary building this could be a challenge
  • Battery Maintenance – The sensors typically run on battery power and those batteries need to be changed when they run down or the system will not work correctly

Wired Security System

Pros

  • Reliable and Consistent – Doesn’t rely on wi-fi so less likely to trigger false alarms or have interference impacting performance
  • Better for Large Spaces – Capable of handle more sensors and distance than a typical wireless system
  • Low Maintenance Long-term – Power is hardwired and installation is permenant so they is nothing to do post-install

Cons

  • Expensive to Install or Expand – Everything is hardwired so it will require cable to be run to a central control panel which is more complex to do
  • Not Mobile – Once installed the system stays with the home as it is more expensive to relocate than to get new
  • Vulnerable to Power Outages – While wired security systems have battery backup it typically only lasts a few hours which could leave you without a system at a critical time

Home Security System Options to Consider

Monitored vs Unmonitored

When selecting a home security system, you have some details to consider. For example, should you install a monitored or unmonitored system for your home? While unmonitored systems are less expensive, you don’t receive the benefits that come along with a monitored system. Imagine 24/7 coverage for your home, family, and valuables. A monitored system always has someone ready to answer to your emergency. In addition, most security experts agree that a monitored system is your best bet for a safe home.

Adding Cameras – Interior & Exterior

Interior and Exterior cameras have become popular for many homeowners. In fact, exterior cameras now have motion capture and movement detection abilities extending beyond what we’ve come to expect as consumers. If there is an accident, or in the event of an emergency, your exterior cameras capture the information you need to share with authorities. Your indoor cameras capture everything happening inside the home. If there is an incident, you’ll have the proof you need to protect your valuables.

Additional Home Safety Features

Home security is more than just protecting the things you own–home security increases personal health and safety as well. Your home security system can detect carbon monoxide in the air, protecting your family from harmful fumes. Your security system can warn you in case of a potential flood, as well as water detection for your home. For your older relatives, your security system offers movement monitoring and medical alert services, making your home a safer place for everyone in your family.

Integrate with Home Automation

Home Automation simplifies your life and your ability to manage your home. With your home security system, you can turn your lights on and off, control your thermostat, and even connect to smart outlets throughout your home. With a simple click, you can make decisions about your home from anywhere in the world. Your home security system puts you in control of your devices, outlets, heating, cooling, cameras, and more.

Discover More About Adding a Home Security System

Preparations and What to Expect

Are you ready to add a home security system? Here is what you need to know about preparing for and getting your system installed.

Preparing Your Home

There isn’t much to do in terms of preparations for a home security installation. The main step is providing clear access to the areas where you want installation done. Make sure you’ve considered and discussed the placement of any door sensors, cameras, monition sensors, and other monitoring tools. If you are having keypads installed, make sure to note where they should be placed. For wired alarm systems you will likely need to provide access to your basement or attic as well.

You will also likely need at least security code for your system. It helps to think of that in advance instead of on the spot. It should be something you can remember but not too easy to guess.

Installation of Sensors

The first step is typically to add all the sensors, cameras, and other devices. It is best to do a walk through with the installation team upon their arrival to make sure everyone is on the same page. If it is a wired system there will need to holes drilled in walls and window frames to accomodate the wiring. Your installation professional will need to determine the best paths for everything.

Learn How to Use Your Home Security System

Once the installation is complete, your installer should go through how to use the system. They will show you how to arm and disarm it, along with some basics about the sensors and cameras that have been installed. If there is a mobile app provided it is best to make sure to download it and set it up as well at this time. We would also recommend triggering the alarm in a few different ways so that you know what happens and how to react.

Set up Home Automations

If you have added home automation to your system there many options to work through. Make sure the your installation professional has taught you how to use this powerful part of your home security system. Some the basics include controlling your lights and temperature controls. For example, having the lights outside turn on at dusk and changing the thermostat to your perfect temperature when you get home from work are pretty common. Understanding how to control these capabilities are definitely important for maximizing the value from your new system.

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