Residential Security Systems - Do We Need Them?
By Tom Kerasias
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. Edwin Holmes first introduced residential security systems to the public back in the mid 1800s. At the time, they were a luxury only the very rich could afford.
Today 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..
1. Save lives.
2. Protect our homes and families.
3. Provide piece of mind.
4. Minimize damage to personal property.
5. Reduce insurance premiums.
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?
It's a scary thought, I know but...
Due to recent advances in technology, residential security systems now offer improved safety features.
These safety features ensure that in the event of an environmental threat, people are safe, and that they make it out of the house in time.
Today, the best home security systems offer life saving protection when it comes to home environmental needs.
They include...
* Fire detectors to safeguard against the possibility of a fire.
* Smoke detectors to warn against the threat of smoke inhalation.
* Carbon monoxide sniffers to detect the presence of a poisonous carbon monoxide gas leak.
Residential security systems can detect a threat in the home environment, initiate the siren to inform the occupants of the house, and send a priority signal to the alarm company 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.
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 cameras.
* CCTV (closed circuit television) cameras.
* Internet cameras.
* 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.
3. They Provide Piece 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.
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.
Yes We Need Them
The best home security systems provide more than just security. They provide protection and safety on many levels.
They also provide us with an overall piece of mind knowing that we are well protected.
Aside from being a necessity, the 5 points mentioned above are all excellent reasons to consider getting a residential security system for your home.
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