How to choose a home burglar alarm system

Thirty minutes in front of the television on the local news hour should convince you of either of two facts: first, the number of burglaries and burglaries is not decreasing, and second, these kinds of crimes are being committed in places we always thought that they were safe. . Crime is no longer restricted to cities; robberies and home invasions are occurring more and more frequently in rural areas. Yet only about a quarter of homes in the United States are protected by a burglar alarm system. In fact, almost half of residential burglaries each year are carried out without breaking into the home.

Understand your burglar alarm system needs

The first step in selecting your home burglar alarm system is to assess and understand your needs. One way to approach this task is to sit down and simply list your concerns. What are the fears that torment your dreams? Are you worried about the safety of your children? Do you have a hard time keeping up with an elderly parent who has a tendency to withdraw? Do you have valuable electronic equipment at home? Do you have an art, jewelry or antique collection?

The next step is to review in your mind the recent news that has made you feel less secure. Has there been an increase in the crime rate? Has there been a home invasion nearby? Has there been a wave of car thefts?

Now think about your property. Does your yard adjoin a wooded area? Are you in a high crime neighborhood? Is your street very busy or not? Is the street dark at night or well lit? Do you participate in a neighborhood watch program?

Finally, think about your family and your lifestyle. Do you have young children, adolescents, someone with a physical or mental disability, or someone with Alzheimer’s disease in the family? Do people come and go at all hours? Is the house empty most of the day or night?

How much burglar alarm system do you need?

If you think you’ll be on a tight budget, you may want to think about your burglar alarm system options in terms of what you need and what would bring you the most convenience. Think about the components of security systems and how important they are to you. For example:

– Gate and fence alarm

– open/open doors

– open/open windows

– Activity in your garden

– Movement in all or part of your home

– Alarm or alert due to lack of habitual activity

– Breaking glass

– Smoke detection

– Fire/heat detection

– Detection of extreme temperatures

– Presence of Carbon Monoxide

– Radon gas

– Flood

– Keep children away from harmful substances.

Before you leave this section, take a minute to think about the other side of intrusion alarms. Are there people you need to keep inside? Want a way to tell if someone has left or left the yard? Do you need a burglar alarm system that can help you with this?

Other questions to consider

There are a few other questions you may want to consider before selecting your burglar alarm system.

1. Do you want a wired or wireless burglar alarm system?

2. How long do you plan to stay in your current home?

3. Do you anticipate significant changes in the composition of the family in the near future?

4. What kind of monitoring of your burglar alarm system do you want?

5. Do you want to be able to monitor or record activity in or around your home?

With this information in hand, you’ll be well prepared to speak with a home security professional. Even if you think you want to install your burglar alarm system yourself, it’s important to make sure you’ve covered all the necessary bases. Some home security professionals offer consulting services billed by the hour. Work with a trusted home security professional to choose the burglar alarm system that fits your budget and meets your family’s needs.