Security Systems For Home
In today’s world, security is a very important element for our peace of mind. When it comes to our security systems for home and property, security is of highest importance. Keeping our family protected is one of our highest priorities. Unfortunately, crime has been on the rise in many communities. Did you know that more than two million burglaries happen every year in the United States?
Burglary Statistics – Home Burglary
To get a clearer picture, it is important
to understand what all is classified burglary. According to the FBI’s
Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, burglary is an unlawful entry of
a structure to commit a felony or theft. Burglary does not have to
include the use of force to gain entry. The subcategories that the UCR
uses for burglary are: forcible entry and unlawful entry where no force
is used. Their definition of “structure” includes apartment, barn,
trailer house, houseboat, office, railroad car, stable, or vessel (i.e.
ship).
According to the UCR report for 2010,
there were 2,159,878 burglaries, which actually decreased by 2.0 percent
compared with 2009 data. Compared to 2001 numbers, burglaries were up by
2.0 percent in 2010. Burglaries accounted for 23.8 percent of all
property crimes committed in 2010. Of the burglaries committed, 60.5
percent were by forcible entry while 33.2 percent were unlawful entry
without force. The remaining 6.3 percent were forcible entry attempts
that were unsuccessful.
Victims of these offenses sustained
approximately $4.6 billion in lost or damaged property, an average loss
of $2,119. Residential property accounted for 73.9 percent of all
burglary offenses.
Homes that have no security system are
2.7 times as likely to be targeted by a burglar. One burglary takes
place every 14.6 seconds. The statistics tell us that one in every six
homes will one day be burglarized. Of all residential burglaries, 60%
occur during daytime hours.
Burglary Prevention
Here are seven quick tips that will
prevent home invasion and keep your home and property safe:
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Burglars try to enter your
house or business without being seen. This favors rear doors. Often,
rear doors are sliding patio type doors. Not only lock them, but secure
sliding glass doors with a board or dowel in the inside track.
-
Always keep your outside
doors and windows locked, even when you are at home. Don’t make it easy
for a burglar.
-
Keep the outside of your home
or business brightly lit during the night. Burglars are much less likely
to approach a well-lit area.
-
Always prune back any shrub
that may conceal a door or window. Craftiness is an advantage a burglar
will always try to use. Minimize the burglar’s chances.
-
Have a home
surveillance system
and make sure you arm it each time you leave your home. Also make it a
habit to set your alarm at night.
-
Never leave a hidden key on
the outside of your home. A burglar will try to look in all the places
one may normally leave a key. Especially never leave a key above the
door frame or under a doormat.
-
Have a neighbor pick up
newspapers when you are gone. Also leave an inside light on or set some
lights to come on with a timer. This gives the appearance that someone
is at home.
Keep in mind that burglary is not the
only reason one might break into your home. There are a number of other
reasons that could prompt a person to do so. The motive could also
include revenge, some sexual crime, or even kidnapping. Never be alone
in your home. If at all possible, have a home security system installed.
By doing so, you can have others also looking out for your welfare.
Home Security Systems
Unfortunately, an experienced criminal
can generally get through most any lock within 60 seconds. As a result,
it is suggested that you get some kind of home security system as well.
There are several kinds of security systems for home, to choose from.
The definition of a system implies that there is more than one
component. There are basic home security systems where only doors and
windows are alarmed. With these systems, there is typically a loud alarm
inside the home. The purpose of the loud alarm is to get neighbor’s
attention and to hopefully scare off the burglar. The last thing most
burglars want is to have attention drawn to them.
That simple alarm system can be expanded
to also have a loud outside alarm or bell. Some home alarm systems also
include motion detectors in hallways or large room openings. This way,
even if for some reason the burglar cuts out a window and enters without
setting off the window alarm, the motion detector will pick up on the
intruder’s presence.
For a nominal monthly fee, you can have
an alarm company monitoring your home 24X7. If an alarm is activated,
they have a few phone numbers to call. If they don’t get a prompt
response, they dispatch the local police to your residence.
These home security alarms can also be
hooked up to fire alarms, smoke detectors, and heat detectors. With a
new awareness of carbon monoxide poisoning, that can also be monitored.
As of the first of 2012, carbon monoxide alarms are required by law in
California.
Home Security Cameras
For a more elaborate home security
system, there may be exterior home security cameras that are always
recording what activity is happening outside the home. There are also
motion detector cameras that will only record activity when there is
some kind of motion detected. With these systems, there is normally a
DVR that has a significant amount of memory. Often, the system is set up
to record over old data. When the cameras only record when action is
occurring, it doesn’t us up as much memory.
Wireless Home Security Systems
When installing your own home security
system, unless you had wires run when the home was being built, may be
difficult to wire. That is, unless you use a wireless system. These are
much more costly, but make the installation so much easier. Without
having to run any wires, you simply install the cameras where you want
them along with the monitor and recorder.
The Best Home Security Systems
As with most products, you will generally
speaking get what you pay for. If you want one of the best home security
systems, you will end up paying much more. The more bells and whistles
your home security system has, the more it will cost. There are some
very elaborate systems available today.
Home Security Companies
It’s a good idea when looking for a good
alarm system to also shop around for good home security companies.
Normally, these alarm companies have their own installation experts. It
is advisable to get a few estimates before committing to a company. Sit
down prior to checking out security companies and decide exactly what
you need to have. Then explain to each sales representative what you
want to accomplish. Listen carefully to what they tell you. Keep in mind
they may try to sell you more than what you need. You will probably be
surprised at the different quotes that you receive. The sales
representative may also have some good suggestions, such as trimming of
trees or bushes.
Other Security Devices
As mentioned earlier, there are a number
of home security alarm devices that are recommended for your safety.
Fire alarms are very important. Thousands of homes are lost to fire
every year. Unfortunately, many lives are lost as well. In addition to
fire alarms you may consider having heat alarms installed in your attic.
These may sense extreme temperatures before a smoke detector is
activated. Carbon monoxide alarms are also important, especially in
older homes. Since carbon monoxide is odorless, it is a deadly and
unsuspected killer.
Considerations To Make Prior To Purchasing A Home Security System
Before selecting a home security system,
make sure you are familiar with all the services available today. Here
are some important questions to ask:
What does the alarm company charge for
the system itself?
What kind of sensors and how many sensors
does their price include?
Is there an additional charge for the
installation?
Does the monitoring service they provide
live monitoring 24x7?
In case of a break-in, what system to
they have in place to notify the authorities?
What kind of warranty does the system
have?
How many years is the alarm system
guaranteed?
Do they have a money back guarantee for
the home security system?
What all is covered under their warranty?
Is faulty equipment including sensors
included in their warranty?
It is wise prior to purchasing a home
security system to do some research on TopConsumerReviews.com who has
reviewed and ranked the best home security systems available today. When
it comes to home and property security, there is much more involved than
protecting against break-ins. Check out other pages on this site for
more thorough information. We hope you find the information on this site
to be helpful. We wish you the best of luck in finding the best
home security system for your specific needs. May you and your family always be safe!