Home Security 101
Imagine…
You could protect your home and family with the click of a button!
Whether you are on vacation, at work or sleeping, you are protected from burglars and an unexpected fire. A burglar alarm system is a great way to give your family peace of mind. But how does it work?
Alarm System Components:
Alarm systems are controlled by an alarm panel or the “brain” of the system.
On wireless systems, the brain is the keypad. On traditional hardwired systems, the central control unit is located in a closet, attic or the garage. Hardwired keypads simply allow you access to control your system. The alarm control panel connects your alarm system with the monitoring company. In the event of an alarm, your control panel automatically communicates emergency messages to the alarm center. Alarm systems are so advanced, the alarm company will even know what point of entry was breached by an intruder!
Here are the main parts of an alarm system:
Alarm contacts are installed on your doors and windows. When your door/window is opened, the alarm contact sends a signal to the control unit triggering an alarm.
As a secondary defense, a motion detector is placed in a high traffic area (stairs, hallway etc.) of your home. Motion detectors sense the movement of an intruder, sending an alarm signal to the main control. Most modern motion detectors are equipped with a low sensitivity setting to allow pets under 40 lbs to run freely at floor level without triggering an alarm. Your alarm system also allows you to arm only the perimeter doors and windows at night so you don’t accidentally trigger the motion.
Glass break sensors pick up the frequency of broken glass. They work great in rooms with lots of fixed windows that do not open. A benefit of glass break sensors is that they arm at night and work great with homeowners who own multiple large (over 40 lbs) pets.
Traditional smoke detectors sound an alarm when smoke is detected, awaking your family in the event of a fire. What happens if you are on vacation, at work, or sleep too soundly to hear the noise? Alarmed smoke detectors are specially designed to not only sound a high decibel siren, but they also send an emergency message to the alarm center, which in turn dispatches the fire department. Most insurance companies offer extra discounts for homes with monitored smoke detectors.
Keyfob remotes allow you to arm or disarm your system from anywhere around your house (up to 100 feet away from the keypad). Keyfob remotes also have a special panic button that turns the siren on and dispatches police if you need immediate help.
Homes with an alarm system are 70% less likely to be broken into than homes without an alarm system!
Questions? We provide a free in-home security consultation.