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Security Alarm Systems - Why should I have a security alarm system?
Having a security alarm system may decreases the chances of a burglary. Even
if the alarm system does not keep a burglar from breaking in, it may cause the
burglar to stay a shorter amount of time.
What Should a Security Alarm System Include?
Most systems rely on a combination of contacts placed at doors and windows
and motion sensors.
It is best that all exterior potential points of entry have contacts that
sense when they are open. Glass break sensors are also available and
recommended.
Motion sensors should not be used as the primary means of
detection because they do not detect someone until they are already in the
house.
The basic elements of a standard home security system include:
Control panel: This is where the system wiring terminates,
the backup battery is located and where it is connected to the phone lines if it
is a monitored system.
Keypad: This is where the system is armed and disarmed.
Siren: Audio Alert
Inside motion detector: These sense changes in a room
caused by human presence. Special motion detectors are available for people who
have pets.
Door and window contacts:; This sounds the alarm when the
door or window is opened (and the system is on).
A central monitoring station (Company): If the system is
monitored, and the alarm is set off, the control panel sends a message to a
central monitoring station, which is manned 24 hours a day.
After
attempting to contact the homeowner, the central monitoring station will contact
the police, fire department, or medics.
Additional items that can be added to the basic system are:
Smoke detectors
Glass break detectors
Panic buttons
Pressure mats for under rugs
Closed circuit TV to allow monitoring and/or recording
inside or outside a home.
Alarm screens for windows.
Monitored systems typically work as follows:
- The security system senses something.
- The security system waits 30 to 45 seconds to give the homeowner a chance to
deactivate the system to prevent false alarms.
- If the alarm is not deactivated the security system sends a message to the
monitoring company over telephone lines.
- The monitoring company receives the message and verifies the alarm,
generally by placing a phone call to the home. If they do not receive the proper
password or do not receive an answer, they call the police.
- The police respond.
Unmonitored systems typically have on-site alarms and/or
flashing lights. It relies on neighbors to call police.
Neighbors or passersby should never investigate an alarm themselves.
With an unmonitored system, it is best to have a combination of strobe lights
and alarms. They should be located on the street side of the house and in an
inaccessible spot as possible. It is best to discuss the installation with your
neighbors and to place the siren and flashing light on the house where it can be
easily seen.
How to choose an alarm company
Choosing an alarm company can be confusing and the technology complicated.
Here are some suggestions:
Check with friends or neighbors for recommendations on reliable companies.
Find out how quickly the alarm company will install your system after
purchase. See if the company sells systems faster than they can install them.
Determine how quickly they respond to requests for service after
installation. Ask for references from some of their customers who have required
service and call and talk to these people.
Ask about warranties.
Obtain quotes from at least three different companies.
Ask the alarm company what screening they do when hiring their alarm
installers and salespeople. You want a company that screens for criminal
backgrounds/records, etc.
Call your local police department and ask how long it takes them to respond
to a home security system alarm. Don't be surprised if the estimated response
time is as long as an hour. Also ask if there are any fines for false alarms.
Lastly, when comparing prices remember to compare detection coverage and
features. Not all alarms are created equal.
Things to Remember About Security Alarm Systems
Burglars realize most security systems sound inside the house and then the
alarm is transferred to remote locations through the telephone lines.
Most phone lines are typically exposed on the outside of the house in an
easily accessible location where the phone line can be cut. If the telephone
line is cut, the security alarm system cannot notify the central monitoring
station of the break-in.
If the phone line is run underground until it is inside the home (with the
main telephone junction box inside the home), the thief cannot tamper with the
telephone line until after he or she has broken in.
Having a protected phone line to your house is a good idea whether you have a
security alarm system or not.
Remember: Security systems do not prevent thieves from breaking into
homes.
A good security plan should include strong window,
door and lock products and good
security habits.
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