Residential Security Systems
Do We Need Them?
Residential security systems provide us with personal safety. They protect our homes, our families, save us money, and reduce the risk of damage to our investments.
In the mid 1800’s they were a luxury only the very rich could afford. In
today’s world they have become a necessity. They are critical to home
protection and family safety. They are also very affordable.
Here are the top 5 reasons why residential security systems should be integrated into all homes. They:
- Save lives.
- Protect our homes and families.
- Provide piece of mind.
- Minimize damage to personal property.
- Reduce insurance premiums.
Now let’s dig a little deeper into each…
1. They save lives.
If in the middle of the night a fire broke out, or a room filled with smoke, or there was a carbon monoxide leak, would your family be safe?
Would they make it out of the house in time?
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Residential security systems can detect a threat in the home’s environment, initiate the siren to inform the occupants of the house, and send a priority signal to the alarm company’s central monitoring station. Depending on the setup, certain systems can even dial the local authorities directly. Now, that’s a comforting thought!
2. They protect our homes and families.
Is your home protected against a break-in or a burglary? What can you do to discourage unwanted intruders? Crimes against homes and families are ever present.
Just watch the evening news or read your local newspaper and you’ll see that this is true. These crimes can range anywhere for quick break-ins, to aggressive burglaries, to violent home invasions. FBI statistics reveal that law enforcement agencies in 2005 reported an estimated 2,154,126 burglary offenses-a 0.5-percent increase compared with 2004 data. You can read the report here. Good residential security systems incorporate protection for the confined area (the inside of the home). This can range from window latches and bars, to door locks, to sensors that detect the opening of a door and window, to sensors that detect the breaking of glass. If burglars were to enter the confined area, motion sensors would detect their movement.
Advanced systems now offer sensors that can distinguish between human and animal movement for those homeowners who have pets. To further protect our homes and families, residential security systems can include security camera, cctv (closed circuit television) cameras, Internet cameras, and remote monitoring. The most basic way to protect your home and loved ones is to discourage break-ins before they occur. The best way to do this is through yard security signs and window security stickers. Surveys have shown that over 90% of seasoned burglars avoided homes that displayed security decals.
They emphasize the importance of home security systems and how vital they are when it comes to protecting you and your family. Protecting your apartment should also be a priority. People who rent can now install DIY apartment alarm systems that can be easily UN-installed when they move. Visit the apartment security page for more information on what you can do to set up proper security and safety for your apartment.
3. They provide peace of mind.
Do you know what’s happening in your home when you’re not there? Is your mind at ease? Thanks to the Internet, you can now monitor the activity in your home remotely. Like say from the office or from your hotel room when you’re on vacation. Computer software and cameras allow you to see exactly what going on at home regardless of where you are. Certain setups even allow you to manipulate and command the security system through the Internet. Nanny cams for example, allow you to see exactly what the babysitter is doing (or not doing).
4. They minimize damage to personal property.
Residential security systems can even include water sensors. These sensors detect the presence of rising water in the event of a broken pipe or sewer backup.
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Caught early on by the sensor, it can immediately notify both the monitoring company and the homeowner that water damage is occurring in the home. The water can turned off sooner, thus minimizing the damage to the home. Depending on the setup, certain systems can even dial the local authorities directly. The same applies in the event of fire or any other environmental hazard. Caught early on, the damage to the home can be minimized.
5. They reduce insurance premiums.
Residential security systems that include a central monitored alarm system can actually lower your yearly insurance premiums by 10% – 20%. Most insurance companies regard the installation of an alarm system an excellent step in home security. The industry wide average is about a 15% reduction in insurance premiums.
Recommended: Best Home Security System Setups, The Ultimate Guide
Yes We Need Them
The best home security systems offer many layers of protection like
- Environmental protection for your home.
- Securing the confined area of your home.
- Saving you money with the insurance companies.
- Providing you an overall piece of mind.
Aside from being necessary in today’s world, the 5 points mentioned above are all excellent reasons to consider residential security systems.
