Make sure your security system includes multiple layers of security:
- What you see from the street or outside your home.
- The perimeter of your home: openings, doors and windows.
- Interior protection: devices to detect movement.
- Life Safety protection: smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Remote panic buttons: medical or life threatening emergencies.
What you see from the street or outside your home
Your first layer of security is what can be seen by everyone outside of your home. A critical component of your security system must include the proper placement of yard signs and window decals displaying the fact that an electronically monitored security system is installed in your home. It is statistically proven that a home with a reputable and recognizable security system is three times less likely to be burglarized. So show the would-be criminals that your home is protected.
The perimeter of your home: openings, doors and windows
Your second layer of security is to secure every potential accessible opening into your home. Every accessible door and window needs a sensor installed and connected to the alarm panel. If a burglar attempts to break into your home, you want to be alerted BEFORE he enters. This is important whether you are at home or away. If you are home, you want to be alerted before that burglar gains entry and is moving through your home. No surprises. And when you are not home, you want your siren to sound and the police to be dispatched as soon as possible to limit your potential loss.
Securing all access points is critical because not all burglars enter through a door. They want to gain access to your home and not be seen by neighbors.
Glass break sensors are also part of securing your perimeter. Door and window contacts will work only when the door or window is opened. In case the glass in a door or window is smashed to gain entry, you want a glass break sensor to hear that breaking glass and set off the alarm before someone gets into your home.
Interior protection: devices to detect movement
Your third layer of security consists of protecting the interior of your home and the people and things inside. Interior motion detectors are installed to provide that extra layer of protection just in case a burglar is successful in gaining entry to your home. You want to detect any inside movement if a stranger is moving through your home.
Life Safety protection: smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
The fourth layer of security is to include life safety devices connected to and monitored by your security system. At least one smoke detector and one carbon monoxide detector should be connected to your security system and monitored 24/7. House fires are extremely dangerous and toxic. The amount of toxic gases produced during a house fire or carbon monoxide emissions can overcome you and your family while sleeping and cause unconsciousness. You want your security system to work for you to send an alert to the fire rescue teams as soon as possible to avoid tragedy.
Remote panic buttons: medical or life threatening emergencies
And finally, at least one remote control panic button should be included with every home security system. The remote can be used as a panic button in case of emergency, including a home invasion, medical problem or any threatening situation. You can also turn your system on and off with this device.
Now that you know “What Makes a Great Home Security System”, please refer to our article(blog) on “How to Decide What Home Security System is Right for You”. After reading both of these articles, take a walk around your home inside and outside to decide what security system devices would be appropriate for your security needs and lifestyle.
When finished, read our article “Understanding Home Security System Value, Cost and the Competition”.