Home security systems are very much in demand as homeowners want to protect their family and assets. Burglaries are quite a common occurrence and the likelihood of such an event occurring is much higher for homes without a security system. These days, at least 1 in 6 homes have electronic security systems in place. Most break-ins happen with burglars coming in through the front door and the rest of the time through back doors or basements.
How to start the process:
When a homeowner is looking to get the best HSI Security Systems installed, they should contact a few different companies. Find out how long they have been in business, if they have a license and also to come over so that they can inspect the property and give an estimate for how much it would cost to install and monitor an alarm system. It also pays to check if there are any unresolved complaints against individual companies. Most alarm companies will come over and give quotes in writing – be sure to ask them for references and check if their previous clients were happy with the job. When one has a written contract from 3 or 4 companies, they should be read thoroughly to find out what services are offered. Check out whether it makes sense to lease or buy.
Basic elements of a home security system:
Some of the standard features of a security system are:
- control panel – the location where all the wiring ends and the backup battery is usually placed
- keypad which is used to arm and disarm the alarm system with a numeric code
- siren is one which alerts owners as well as law enforcement in the case of a break in
- Motion detectors can be placed inside a home to detect any movement due to the presence of a person or pet. Special detectors can be installed in homes with pets
- Door/Window contacts: these contacts have magnets which form a circuit between the window and sill and also a door and door frame. The alarm gets tripped when a door or window is opened.
- Monitoring: Once the system is in place, signals are transmitted to the company over a phone line or the company and in case of trouble, law enforcement or fire department personnel are dispatched for assistance.
Some companies help with the relocation of equipment when people move and also with monitoring at the new address.
