A home security system usually refers to an electronic detection system that will alert control stations to unlawful entry and protect your home from a variety of threats, such as burglary, fire, flood, carbon monoxide poisoning, and natural gas poisoning. Other types of home security systems may include alarms systems, video monitoring systems, access control systems, home automation systems, and physical deterrent systems. Common alarm systems include motion detectors, smoke detectors, door and window sensors, sirens, carbon monoxide detectors, glass-breaking detectors, temperature detectors, power failure detectors, water leaking or flood detectors, pet-immune sensors, and medical alarms. Video monitoring systems may include intercom systems and alert systems that work in conjunction with security cameras and video recording equipment. Access control systems contain control panels, keypads, card readers, or biometric readers. Home automation systems allow people to automate their homes through remote methods, such as adjusting heating, cooling, and lighting on their smart phones or tablets. Physical deterrent systems include such physical mechanisms as window bars, gates, and fences; their visual appearance will work as a strong deterrent. In terms of technology, there are wired and wireless security systems.
Why Home Security Systems Matter?
Security systems are essential for lost prevention and personal safety. They are particularly important in North America, where home crime rates have been notoriously high. For instance, in Canada, breaking and entering is one of the most common police-reported offences. There is an average of one break-in every three minutes in Canada, according to Statistics Canada’s police-reported crime statistics from 2012. Also in 2012, there were 70 fire deaths in Ontario, and 59 of these fire deaths happened in residential structures. Between 2000 and 2009, there were 380 accidental carbon monoxide poisoning deaths in Canada, according to Statistics Canada.Residential security systems give home owners peace of mind while they are away from home, especially when they have to be away for weeks or months on end. With digital security camera technology, people are able to keep an eye on their homes while they are away at work or on vacation.
With security systems installed at home, criminals could be detected in the act before they have the chance to rob, vandalize or otherwise damage a property. Criminals would be careful to avoid homes that have security systems installed. In fact, many statistics indicate that a home with a security system is far less likely to experience a break-in.
Apart from preventing crimes, home security systems also reduce the amount of loss if a burglary does take place. A study completed by Dr. Simon Hakim of Temple University found that the average loss from a burglary is $5,343 when there is no alarm installed on a property. However, that average drops to $3,266 when there is an alarm installed.
How Home Security Systems Work?
Generally speaking, a security alarm system contains two essential parts: the control panel and the detectors. When a detector detects a threat, it sends a signal to the control panel; the control panel then sends a warning signal to the 24/7 monitoring station, which sends alerts to homeowners. If the homeowner is not responding, the monitoring station operator will contact the emergency organs and dispatch emergency personnel to the site.
Depending on specific needs and budgets, each security system can be installed and work either separately, or in combination with other security systems. In general, alarms systems combined with monitoring cameras work best. The above-mentioned study also showed that the chance of burglary drops 66.2 percent when there are three or more security precautions taken by the homeowner.
Installing a security system in the house or condo is a good financial investment. Normally homeowners receive a discount on their home insurance if they have installed home security systems. Some companies, such as SafeTech Alarms Systems, can help their clients get additional group discount rate off their home insurance premiums.
At SafeTech we have over 100 years of combined security industry experience. SafeTech Loss Prevention Experts will determine the right security solution for your application.