It is perhaps the case that security is more important now than it has ever been. With the preference for carrying expensive digital smartphones or tablets it is no surprise that many individuals feel at risk on the street as well as at home. This is why it is essential you are on your guard all the time, and don’t flash a valuable phone, tablet or even a watch or jewellery unnecessarily. You never know who the potential criminal may be, and some people do go to desperate lengths to get what they want from you.
It’s the same at home – and in the workplace where security is also essential – as there are always burglars looking for places to take a chance on. This is why you need to make sure that your home is the least attractive to potential thieves, and that means looking at security systems. As our title asks, are home security systems effective? The answer can be either yes, if they are the right one for the property and are installed and monitored correctly, and no in the case of those that have not been thought through correctly.
What do we mean by the right security system? That depends on the property and what you are protecting within, but there are a few things that are essential in every security installation. One is visibility, another is monitoring, and you should never forget external lights. Let’s talk about each of these and explain what we mean.
Deterrence and Protection
The aim of every home security system is to deter potential thieves. Say you live in a quiet street of just a few homes. Burglars like this sort of developments as quite often most of the houses will be empty during working hours, and with fewer people around at night they can offer a perfect opportunity for an experienced thief. If you house has a visible and obvious security system – an alarm box, cameras and signs on the fences all help – and one across the road does not, the burglar is most likely to go there than risk your home.
You may think that they will look for the one with the best security as that shows there is something worth stealing. Any burglar wants to be in and out as quickly as possible, and most are opportunists looking for something saleable rather than of great value. So, to begin with you need an alarm and camera system, and a vital part of the system should be motion sensing external lights.
If you want to know more about up to date home see security see securitysystems.net for some great ideas and advice on the type of deterrents you can buy, and you’ll also find more about our next subject – signing up with a security monitoring company. What are they about and why do you need one? Let’s have a look at that in more detail.
Choosing a Security Company
Why should you use a security company, and what do they do for you? A security company will check out your property, recommend the best system for you, install it, and then offer you a monitoring service. This will include them responding to every alarm that is triggered. They will usually have live video feed to your property in order that they can film and monitor anybody within the grounds, and they will notify the relevant law enforcement services as well as you.
Is this worth doing? Many people take a lot of added peace of mind from knowing their property is monitored 24 hours a day, as it means they have live security all the time. Furthermore, video monitoring systems record the film for future use, which is helpful in identifying the person involved if they are gone by the time the police or security guard arrives.
Even if you don’t enlist the services of such a company it is strongly advised that you fit one of the latest video doorbells. These are not expensive and are useful in even the smallest properties. They allow you to view the situation outside from within the property or, with the best systems, remotely on your mobile phone. They are worth having a look at as they may be added security to your property when you are there and when you are not.
More Security Measures
Now that you know the importance of an up to date, monitored security system and the visibility aspect including external lights, it’s equally important that you do all you can to protect your property and belongings in other ways. For example, if you do have valuable jewellery, watches, or other items in the house, invest in a decent safe. A burglar has not got the time to try and open one so will leave it alone.
You should also do all you can to make your home look as though it is occupied when you are not at home. Lights on timers are a good idea, and then there’s a very useful aid to security you might not have thought of – Alexa! Your Alexa system has a burglar deterrent within it whereby you can select it to play the sound of a dog barking, for example, when it senses a sound. A burglar will usually avoid home with a dog.
Furthermore, be careful on social media when talking about your schedules. If you are out and enjoying yourself, wait until you get home before you enthuse about it to your friends – you don’t know who has access to your friend’s page, after all. This great article about some things you can do to help deter burglars is a good read and offers some sensible advice.
Be vigilant; get your locks changed for the best available – and don’t forget your windows – and ask a security adviser to have a look at your home and make recommendations. It pays to be as vigilant as you can because there is always that one opportunist who will try and find a way into your home.
I'm so excited to tackle all my home improvement projects! From plumbing to DIY and cleaning - I'm ready to get down to work! #homerepair #homecleaning #plumbing #diy #fixerupper #realestate #renovation #interiordesign #farmhouse #diy #homedecor #hgtv #home #farmhousedecor #modernfarmhouse #farmhousestyle #fixerupperstyle #fixandflip #homerenovation #realestateinvesting #beforeandafter #homesweethome #remodel #realestateinvestor #interior #realtor #joannagaines #flippinghouses #countryliving #design #homedesign #farmhouseinspired #investmentproperty #bhghome #renovationproject #farmhousekitchen #homeimprovement #farmhouseliving #cottagestyle #decor #realestateagent #magnoliahome #homeinspo #magnoliamarket #kitchendesign #dreamhome #shiplap #construction #houseflipping #investor #farmhousedesign #architecture #farmhousechic #homereno #rusticdecor #reno #kitchenremodel #webuyhouses #magnoliatable #rentalproperty #fixerupperinspired #newhome #interiors #homeremodel