What To Ask When Buying a Home Alarm System
If you’re looking for your first home security system, odds are you’re really not sure where to start. Here are some critical questions to ask when comparing residential alarm systems.
1. How does the alarm system work?
Find out how your specific home alarm system will work. The right home security company will be more than happy to explain the difference between wireless and hardwired systems and how individual sensors will operate within the home.
2. Is the system tamper-proof?
While no alarm system is 100% tamper-proof, you want to make sure critical components are as protected as possible. Power and communication wires and sensors should not be easily accessible outside the home, and all alarm system components should be protected from the elements to avoid damage.
3. Do I need a monitored system?
Any alarm system you choose should be monitored 24 hours a day to ensure any triggered alarm notifies a staffed monitoring center to dispatch police or fire rescue. Some alarm systems may only create an audible siren inside the house, which does little to save your property when you’re not home.
4. What options should I consider for my alarm system?
Home automation is one of the most popular options for home security, allowing you to control your alarm system, adjust your thermostat, turn on and off lights and lock or unlock doors from anywhere in the world via internet or smartphone app. Additionally, you may want to look into a home video surveillance system to see and record what’s happening inside and outside your home 24 hours a day.
5. Can I read some customer testimonials?
A trusted alarm system company should be more than happy to share feedback they received from current customers. If you’re talking to a company that’s not as willing to share what their customers have to say about them, there might be cause for concern.
Daily Habits that Undermine Home Security
Many people undermine their own home security with a handful of bad habits that can be easily remedied. Check below to see which of your daily activities are making your house less secure.
Fake Rock with a Key
The key in a rock is about as convenient as it gets – both for you and a potential burglar. If the key is under a mat, or a planter, or anywhere near your home’s doors, you can guarantee even amateur burglars know where to find it.
Lighting Mistakes
Exterior lights are one of the most effective ways to keep criminals away from certain areas outside your house. When you’re away, don’t
leave interior lights on the whole time. Putting lights on a timer or remotely turning them on and off via home automation are more convincing ways to indicate you’re home.
Leaving Your Security System Unarmed
Even if you’re only leaving the house for a few minutes, it’s always important to arm your security system. It takes the average burglar only 57 seconds to gain access to a home.
DIY Home Security
Store-bought security systems are generally unmonitored, so your only hope is that the siren scares away the intruder, which isn’t always the case. Alternatively, many people rely on dogs, but dogs may be easily distracted or trapped away from the house.
Forgetting to Lock Doors and Windows
Most people remember to lock the front of the house, but forget the back door or windows. Burglars will take any possible entry route, and back doors and windows are one of the most common avenues of entry. Remind yourself and your family to lock windows after use and to lock every door behind you.
Posting Your Vacation Plans on Social Media
It’s natural to want to share your big plans and life events, but it can also be a burglar’s dream come true. You never really know who is listening to what you say on social media.