Home Security Facts and FAQs

We’ve recently completed some research pertaining to the most frequently asked questions in home security, and having derived much of our information from the Home Security Facts statistics report, we’ve put together the following compilation of answers to the most frequently asked home security questions.

A man's home is his castle, as the saying goes. But homes today don't normally feature ramparts, drawbridges, moats and six-foot-thick stone walls to keep out unwanted visitors. Today, a house alarm, and preferably a managed home security system, is needed to ensure your home's security. Not only does installing a home security system improve the safety of your family and possessions, but it can also decrease your home insurance costs. The Top Five House Alarm and Home Security Devices list highlights ten devices and features of home security systems that can make your house a safer place.

Talking Devices help you to understand the status of your home and monitoring as well as program the system. Some security systems feature talking master control panels, key pads or remotes. The talking feature may not result in great conversation, but it will help you understand your system a little better.

Some home alarm systems include extras like Key Fobs and Remotes to control the system at a distance. Somewhat similar to a car's key fob, home security key fobs include buttons to activate and deactivate the house alarm system. Some even include a panic button that activates the house alarm and alerts the proper authorities in the event of an emergency. Remote controls are similar and often larger. The features of remotes vary greatly and can include a full key pad, a talking feature and a panic button as well.

Yard Signs and House or Window Decals advertise your home's protection. A recent study of residential security found that homes without alarms were 2.7 to 3.5 times more likely to be burglarized, and that the most effective deterrent was the alarm monitoring company's yard sign (SIA Research Update, Security Industry Association, October 2001). Some choose to post the signs to deter possible break-ins without actually installing a home alarm system. While this effort will lower the odds of an attempted burglary, a yard sign alone cannot fully protect your home.

Wireless Systems protect your home without adding extra cords to trip over or extensive installation of in-wall cords. In wireless house alarm systems, each sensor or keypad communicates with the master control panel via radio frequencies or existing wiring in your home. A burglar will never be able to disarm the system by snipping the wires. This ensures the system is fully integrated and monitoring all parts of your home without using up your outlets or creating an obstacle course of wires for you.

In the coming weeks, we’ll have more on proper home security and what it can mean to you!

Keep Your Castle Secure

As a homeowner, one of the more important things on your mind should be your home security. Your home is your family’s sanctuary and it’s the place you should feel the most safe and secure. Unfortunately, we live in a time when crime rates are high and security is hard to come by. The good news is that there are things you can do to protect your home and to provide yourself and your family with peace of mind in terms of home security.

Believe it or not, the primary goal of most burglars is to find an easy target. That means that homes with extra precautions taken in terms of home security are not desirable targets. So what are some of the best ways to protect your home against would be burglars?

First and foremost is the addition of a quality home security system. More than 90 percent of thieves will pass by a home with a security system and move on to one that’s left unprotected. Your first step for absolute home security should be to purchase and install a high-quality home security system, and then display indication (signs and stickers) of your installation on or near your home’s exterior.

You should also look into some standard security practices that include keeping shrubs and trees around windows trimmed so that thieves are less inclined to view them as concealed entry points. Vary your routines when possible so that burglars can’t monitor your daily comings and goings and pinpoint the times you won’t be home. Be sure and lock your doors when you are away, and even when you're home alone if this helps increase the level of security you feel in your home.

You should also be sure and take proper security measures when you’re out and about. Don’t allow strangers to view your address, keep your house keys secure, and make sure you don’t broadcast impending trips and vacations to people you don’t trust. Always assign a house sitter to keep an eye on your home and get your mail while your away. Usually, a friend or loved one makes a great house sitter choice.

Remember, your house should be your family’s castle, and that means it’s your responsibility to protect not just your home, but your family as well. Again, number one on your list should be the installation of a high quality security system…you’ll sleep a little easier. We can guarantee it.