Home security systems are becoming a vital part of any residence. Crime is always on the increase, and protecting your home with a security system is becoming cheaper and much easier, with user friendly systems – even with do it yourself equipment.
There are many different systems to choose from, and many experienced and approved providers that will select, install, monitor, and maintain your system. You can have a simple system that has coverage of say three to six areas, with one code pad or you can have many code pads throughout the house, many coverage/sensor points, coupled with cameras and digital video recording and monitors.
You can even have a system that is home automated intelligence. This means that all electronics and security systems throughout your home can be managed from a single keypad or mobile phone. You can have cameras that record back to your laptop at work, mobile phone, or a receiving monitor/screen in your vehicle.
But first things first
1. Let’s start with why you want a security system, and what you want the system to do. Make sure you know the answers to these two questions, as it will save you time and money in ensuring that you get the correct system to suit your needs.
2. How much do you need to spend? This usually goes hand in hand with what you are protecting – house, family and/or possessions. Always buy the best that you can afford, you can often regret going for the cheapest system as it will generally cost you more in the long run. Having a well priced and effective system means that you can add functionality in the future, and upgrade to suit your needs. This is also a very good selling point should you sell your property.
Choose a consultant
- A consultant may be an independent contractor or from a systems company. Their aim is to complete an assessment of your home, identify what you are protecting, and establish your budget. This will tell you what you need to suit your specific circumstances.
- There are a number of system options that may suit you:
Systems with motion sensors (PIRs)
- Motion sensors pick up any movement in a designated area, and report back instantly to your security system. This will trigger the alarm.
- If you have animals, you can choose the type that recognizes animals (pet friendly). These enable you to have pets inside during the day and night without triggering the alarm.
Wireless and wired
- Combining the two will ensure not only reliability, but will allow for the ability to add and upgrade at any time.
- If the power is cut by an offender, the back up battery will take over so that your home is still secure. Therefore, ensure that you have purchased an approved back up battery system which should last at least 48 hours.
- Depending on what you have purchased, you may find that your security system has the capability to send the monitoring company a ‘tamper’ alarm message if your power or phone line has been cut. With today’s technologies almost any alarm configuration is possible.
- The wireless system may also have the capacity to send a tamper message to the monitoring company. This needs to be confirmed with the installer and system company. Do not take anything for granted with home security systems, as there are many varieties on the market with different capabilities.
Magnetic switches coupled with motion sensors
- This means that you have more protection through magnetic switches being placed on any external doors, windows, other entrances. If this switch is moved/tampered with, it then triggers an alarm.
You can have compatible digital security cameras
- These can be mounted internally and externally, and have DVR’S (Digital Video Recording Systems) as a viewing tool. The memory on these devices can be from one hour to three months or longer depending on memory capabilities, how much footage is taken, and the speed of digital recovery.
- If the system is compatible, video images can be sent to your work or holiday computer, car, or mobile phone.
For more information, please see Security – You Home
Acknowledgements: Foresight Security Planning