The Importance of Home Security

Whether you are a first time homeowner or have lived in the same house for many years, strong home security is essential in keeping your belongings and family safe. According to the FBI, home robberies occur every 12 seconds. To prevent a burglar from invading your home, consider implementing a home alarm system as well as some type of outdoor security.

Today’s home security systems are more advanced and more effective than ever, and can be very affordable for a homeowner. There are two main types of home alarm systems: wired and wireless. With a traditional hard-wired alarm system, wires run from the main system to every point and motion detector in the house which includes all doors and windows. Setting up a hard-wired alarm system can be labor intensive but has been traditionally a very dependable way of securing your home. If you are having a home built, having the wires ran during the construction phase will be the most cost effective.

Wireless systems have become popular in recent years because they are easy to install, easy to troubleshoot and portable. Wireless home alarms run on radio wave frequencies that are transmitted from motion sensors and contacts to the central unit. Wireless systems are ideal for older homes and for homes that are multi-level. Because a wireless system is powered by lithium batteries, it’s not vulnerable to wires being cut by an intruder. It’s also easy to maintain, requiring only a regular check on batteries to make sure they are functioning properly. Wired and wireless systems also have other monitoring features that can detect if there is a fire, carbon monoxide or flooding. Deciding whether to choose a hardwired or wireless alarm system will ultimately depend on several factors including your lifestyle, type of house and your budget.

Not only is indoor security important, but so is outdoor security. One of the first steps to outdoor security is making sure there is adequate lighting. Whether you decide to use continual lighting or motion sensor flood lights, keeping vulnerable areas lit at night is one of the best ways to prevent trespassers from prowling around in the dark. Home surveillance cameras have also become a popular home security option in recent years. You want a camera that will be able to record detailed movement, functions well in low lighting and is weather resistant. If you can’t afford an outdoor camera, installing a fake camera is an inexpensive way to scare off intruders. Other outdoor security options can include driveway alarms that can alert you to possible trouble, strategically placed landscaping such as planting a thorny bush under a window, or placing your security provider’s sign in a visible location. Regardless of what type of outdoor security you decide to implement, always make sure you have strong locks, reinforced doors and secure windows to deter criminals.

Homeowners who have a home alarm system installed will be able to lower their homeowner’s insurance rates and it can increase your home’s resale value. Having a solid security plan coupled with good security habits and human surveillance is the best way to prevent a home invasion and bring peace of mind to you and to those important in your life.