| A lesson can be learned from a recent news article. The story talks about a Georgia woman who works from home. A burglar broke into the house while she was working. The security system was not armed. Therefore, the criminal was in the woman’s home office in a couple of minutes. She reached for her gun but it made matters worse. The man grabbed the gun and beat the woman with it. Indeed, statistics show that gun owners are more likely to be hurt themselves than fend off an intruder. The burglar may not have gotten in if the security system was armed. The Importance Of Security A home security system is key to deterring criminals. That is why many companies offer yard signs and stickers. Law enforcement officials say neighborhoods with the most security systems are safer. In addition, burglars may try to break-in but they leave when the alarm sounds. Further, families rest easier knowing the system is there. An added bonus comes from many insurance companies. Normally, premiums are lower for homes with security systems. Likewise, security systems increase a home’s value. Making An Attractive Target Many police officers claim residents lay out the red carpet for thieves. Indeed, there are tell-tale signs that a home is unoccupied. For instance, residents leave town and no one picks up the mail or newspaper. It is always best to have someone gather the mail or stop delivery. Leave some lights on to indicate someone is there. Making sure all the doors and windows are secure is important. For instance, it may be easy to break-into sliding glass doors. However, special locks are available and a security system makes it harder. Finally, make sure the doors all have deadbolt locks. Home automation is really popular and smart locks are worth looking into. The Automated Home Turning the home into a “smart home” is a big trend. Basically, this means smartphones or remote controls can be used to do things. The devices can turn the lights on, open the garage and turn on the alarm system. Lighting, locks, heating and air can all be controlled. In fact, one can turn appliances on. The technology works with software that connects everything. Wireless home security systems are usually added to the mix. Fortunately, there are ways to protect the system from hackers. Experts recommend changing passwords regularly. Additionally, WIFI networks should be secured if they are used for the system. Most wireless security systems have encrypted signals. This makes it harder for anyone outside to access the system. Antivirus software is a must for computers that access the system. The software protects against viruses and malware. Do It Yourself One of the main advantages of a wireless home security system is the low cost of installation. Further, there are no wires to run and holes to bore. Likewise, when the residents move, it is easy to take the system with them. However, consumers still need to choose the best wireless home security system for them. Indeed, most wireless systems come with all the components that are needed. The most requested features include infrared motion sensors, trip sensors, cameras and lighting controllers. The SimliSafe system is popular with consumers. Experts say it is a good value with no contracts and monthly monitoring starting at $14.99. Interactive monitoring is $24.95 per month. The kit sells for $295.00 and includes the base station, 1 key-chain remote, 1 keypad, 4 entry sensors and 1 infrared motion detector. Additional components can be purchased as needed. One happy customer says, “one of the things I love about Simplisafe (as opposed to competitors), is that your security system is scaleable. Order a base system and add on, as you are able.” Other Systems Protect America is a favorite in a recent article about the best wireless home security system. The company sells five wireless security plans. Each plan offers a talking control panel, motion detector, internal siren, door chime and battery backup. Additionally, the consumer must install this system, as well. Experts recommend the silver package which includes 10 sensors and a motion detector. There is no base price and the consumer pays only $37.99 per month for monitoring. Frontpoint is a leader in the wireless security system market. The company touts its state-of-the-art wireless control panel. The system comes with a variety of sensors including door, window, glass break and motion detectors. If a sensor is tripped, the control panel sends an encrypted signal via the cellular network to the monitoring system. This means the signal cannot be stopped. The consumer can choose interactive monitoring. Therefore, homeowners receive text messages when there is an alarm. Frontpoint is always introducing new technology. Now, there is the touch-screen Qolsys’ IQ panel. The IQ panel has lots of extras including the ability to communicate through the cell network and WIFI at the same time. There are no installation charges and monitoring starts at $34.99 monthly. ADT started in the security business in 1870. Amazingly, the company remains relevant by competing in the wireless market. A basic wireless system starts at $48.99 per month, one of the most expensive. Basic comes with a wireless control panel, 3 wireless sensors, 1 wireless motion detector and CellGuard. CellGuard is the name of ADT’s wireless connection to the monitoring center. Consumers prefer the pulse package at $52.99 monthly. Pulse includes basic wireless plus mobile access and alerts. A third plan adds video and an extra keypad for $58.99 per month. Most of the wireless systems are similar. However, systems that seem less expensive may not come with the features you want. The best advice is to research before purchasing. |
