Entries Tagged 'Home Security Systems' ↓

Due to the ever-changing technology of the telecommunications industry, the Alarm Industry has also had to make it’s own changes to keep up. There was a time that no phone line meant no protection. Most monitored alarm systems require that a home be equipped with a traditional, analog landline telephone service to allow the security system to communicate (in the case of a break-in) with an emergency dispatch station (for police notification). However, as the ubiquitous use of cell phones continues to increase, as well as the increasing popularity of Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) phone services offered by internet companies, traditional landline phone services are becoming more scarce and, consequently, pose a problem for alarm systems that have always relied on phone-line communication to notify the police of a break-in. The past few years, however, have given the Alarm Industry some new solutions to this challenge—the most successful being the use of cellular units for communicating between the home and the emergency dispatch station in the even of an intrusion.

Similar to a cell phone, this device works in conjunction with the rest of the security equipment and, rather than transmitting information via phone lines, will transmit emergency information to a dispatch station through wireless signals. This means that no phone line is necessary. Unfortunately, many alarm companies still follow the practice of only using equipment that will perform in combination with a landline phone because the use of cellular communication units (cell units, as they’re more commonly called) can be costly and the subsequent need to pass that cost to the consumer results in fewer people willing to make the purchase. However, Alarm.com, one of the primary companies that has led the industry in cellular communication, is one of the few companies that has proven itself successful in finding a way to provide cellular alarm services for those without traditional landlines.

Unlike many other cellular service providers, Alarm.com’s specialized focus has allowed them to develop cellular security equipment (partnered with General Electric) that is small enough to be unobtrusive (and in some instances completely hidden in accessory hardware equipment) and at a price close enough to traditional monitoring costs to be effectively indistinguishable. In fact, with this type of affordable equipment, homeowners now have the option of choosing to add, as an additional protection, a cellular unit to their system to backup a traditional phone line in the event of any failure. More importantly, with these new advances, home security is now technologically, and financially, accessible to homeowners without traditional phone lines.

Although all homes differ they do still have one thing in common: they can all be protected. One of the first questions that many new homeowners ask themselves is “Is this neighborhood safe for my home and family?” The good news is that regardless of neighborhood, your home can be protected if three simple guidelines are followed:

1) Make sure everyone can see that your home is protected. Homes with security protection should always have a sign in a conspicuous area indicating that it is protected with monitored security (meaning that the police are automatically notified during a break-in). Some people might ask, “Why would I want to advertise that I have something to protect?” yet, everyone knows that there is no such thing as a home without something or someone valuable to the owners. Letting would-be burglars know that your home is protected is the first step in deterring break-ins.

2) Install an alarm system with an audible siren. Some burglars might be brave enough to take their chances in entering a home that has a security system, but very few are brave enough to stay in one once a 90+ decibel siren is blaring in their ears (and, more importantly, in those of your immediate neighbors who will want to know what’s happening!). It is well known that loud sounds and bright lights (many alarm systems can also be connected to lights so that they turn on when your alarm is activated) can disorient and unnerve those that would unlawfully enter your home causing them to them change their mind and leave before having the chance to cause any further harm.

3) The police must automatically be notified! Naturally, it is the exceptional burglar that will continue to stay in a home with a siren that is blaring in their ears as well as attracting the neighbors’ attention. However, it is precisely for those rare individuals that decide to stay that the police need to be at your home AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Obviously, you can’t be at home all the time so having a monitored security system that will automatically notify the police of a home invasion is of utmost importance since time can’t be lost. In fact, the newest in home security technology will also have a two-way voice intercom that will allow a live operator from a dispatch station to literally hear into your home and communicate with whomever is there. This will result in not only a faster response from the police, but they’ll also be completely prepared when they arrive to the scene.

Above all, remember that no matter what your home looks like or where you live, following these guidelines will bring greater security to your home and family.

Home security has always been important, but in the modern world most people are just starting to realize just how important it is. If you would like to purchase a home security system, you are making a very smart move. When you decide to put your home security system together, you have to out yourself in the shoes of the people that might want to break in and take your possessions or harm your family. By putting yourself in their shoes you can form a more effective barrier against them.

Do not start by simply purchasing devices that look effective. Take a pen and paper and walk around the perimeter of your home. Note any plans you have for each entryway into your home and keep track of any areas that look like weak links in your defense. What devices will fill these gaps and where do you want to position them? If you were a thief, where would you try to enter the house? What would you do to get inside and what security devices would you hope not to run into? If you think to yourself that a certain device would be a real pain in the neck to get past, then that may be a device you would want to employ to help defend your home and family.

Some things to consider are lights that are triggered by motion or body heat, or wireless cameras with a recording device within the home. Consider using cameras with night vision. You may also want some way of being notified of any trespassers, such as with an email alert or a cell phone call.

Once the outside of your home is secure you can start to think about the inside. Go back to all of the entry points that you identified and think about where an intruder would go from there if he made entry at that point. What would a thief do once he got in through this point? What can you do to stop him there? What security devices could deter the criminal once he is inside your home?

Wireless home security is often the best way to get the job done, and Pinnacle Security is the world leader in providing the best wireless security at low prices. Wireless security systems are superior in many ways. They can be placed easier since you do not need to worry about wires, and that allows more flexible controls and integration of devices and systems.