No matter what your budget or the size of your home, you probably do some things to protect your family and your property. Knowing that a burglary occurs every 12 seconds in the U.S. underscores the need for a residential alarm. There are several types of residential alarm, designed to work together for optimal home security.
Choosing the best residential alarm or combination of alarms is relatively simple. Once you know how each type of alarm works, it is easy to see how the various types of alarms work together. The best way to analyze your needs and choose the right equipment is to talk with a home security professional.
Professionals know that a home with no security system is three times more vulnerable than a home with security. Even if you plan to make choices and install equipment yourself, you need to do the research. Be sure to also learn where to place each device for optimal coverage.
Residential Alarm Types
A comprehensive security system will almost certainly include each of the following types of residential alarm.
1. Door alarms are designed to notify you or set off your residential alarm if someone opens a door. They should be installed on every door. You might also install them on garage and storage shed doors to protect property. Door alarms have a side benefit – they chime when a door opens and the alarm is not activated. This makes it very easy to keep track of where everyone is at all times.
2. Window alarms may or may not make sounds when the system is not activated, but once you turn the system on, they will trip your residential alarm. They should be installed on all ground level windows, windows in children’s bedrooms, and bedrooms of people with special needs. Installing them on garage windows and other out-buildings can also be a good idea.
3. Smoke Detector Alarms. No home should be without good smoke detector alarms. The sensitivity of the detectors is such that they are able to detect a smoldering fire even before it erupts into flames. These are the first line of defense for your family in case of fire. These should be placed outside sleeping areas, on each floor of the house (including the basement) and possibly in your garage and other accessory buildings.
4. Heat Sensor Alarms use very sensitive sensors that detect changes in room temperature. Whether you choose the style that trips the alarm if a pre-established temperature is exceeded or you use the style that responds to a rapid change in temperature, they save lives. Many people use heat sensors in the kitchen, dining room and family room, but you need to think about rising temperatures in the kitchen before installing. They are excellent in out-buildings and in vacation homes (both for fire and for freezing pipes).
5. Motion Sensor Alarms. Motion sensors are programmed to trigger the alarm if any type of motion is detected within their range of view. These are often placed inside exterior doors to detect intruders who manage to bypass other alarms or to detect activity in your yard. These residential alarms can be programmed in ways that allow them to ignore pets and young children moving around in the house.
6. Glass-breakage Alarms. Glass-breakage alarms might be your first warning of an intruder. The sensors are programmed to know the difference between the glass in a window or door breaking and a drinking glass dropped nearby. These can be placed near any doors or windows through which someone might try to gain entry to your home. They can even be placed in a child’s bedroom for extra security.
7. Fence and Gate Alarms are not used as often as other types of residential alarm, but they could provide the first warning that someone is on your property and does not belong there. These can work in several ways ranging from sounding an alarm to turning on exterior flood lights.
Each of these residential alarm types serves a specific function and works in combination with other alarms and sensors. Together, they alert you that something is wrong. When monitored by a professional monitoring company, they will remove the danger of trying to reach a telephone if there is an intruder or sending emergency services to assist you.
Todd Cavanaugh is a ten-year home security specialist. Protech Security Systems installs pre-wired and wireless monitored security systems, 24-hour surveillance cameras, access control systems and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. See his business web site for his recommendations on how to select a residential alarm.
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