Alarm System Monitoring Helps Deter CrimeMonitoring

Can you afford to lose nearly $1,800? That’s the average loss reported in home burglaries around the country. There are ways that you can protect yourself from burglary losses, and one of the most effective is a burglar alarm with alarm system monitoring. These systems can be especially effective in cities like Houston, where the burglary rate is high and home security is an important part of protecting your family. How effective is alarm system monitoring? Safeguard Home Security, a Houston home security company, offers statistics that make it obvious how a burglar alarm with alarm system monitoring can reduce the risk of being targeted by burglars.

An unprotected home is 2 to 3 times more likely to be burglarized than one with a home security system. According to statistics compiled by insurance companies, homes with burglar alarms are much less likely to be the targets of burglary than those with no home security system. Burglars actively avoid homes that are outfitted with burglar alarms and home security systems – it only makes sense, after all. Why break into a home where you risk being caught by an alarm monitoring company?

About 85% of home burglaries take place in residences and other buildings not protected by burglar alarms. Wouldn’t you rather put your home in the 15% of homes that are statistically less likely to be targeted by burglars? It’s as easy as making sure that your home is protected by a home security system.

Contrary to popular belief, most burglaries do not take place at night. The overwhelming majority of home burglaries happen between 6 A.M. and 6 P.M. when people are most likely to be away from home. This also means that a basic burglar alarm system, which is intended to alert homeowners and nearby neighbors that an intruder has broken in, are less likely to be effective for one simple reason – your neighbors are likely to not be home to call the police if your alarm goes off. A monitored alarm system doesn’t rely on neighbors’ availability to notify the authorities if your home is broken into. Instead, your home’s alarm system is monitored 24/7 by professional alarm system monitors. Whether your neighbors are home or not, there will be someone to notice that your alarm is going off.

Alarm system monitoring is a valuable addition to any home security system. When you choose an alarm system with monitoring, you’re making an investment that pays off in security for your family and your property.

Don’t Leave Home Security to Chance

Even home security systems and burglar alarms need some help to be effective deterrents to crime and burglary. Many people believe that they’ve done everything they have to do once they install a home security system with alarm system monitoring. While alarm systems have a definite place in protecting your home and your family from harm, they’re only one part of a comprehensive home security plan. Instead of relying completely on a burglar alarm and alarm system monitoring, make sure that you’ve covered all of these important bases in addition to installing the best home security system you can afford.

Doors Need Locks in Addition to Alarms

Every door into your house should be included in the alarm system, of course. Even ore importantly, every door that provides entry into your home should be fitted with a heavy-duty deadbolt lock. The Houston Police recommend that the bolt extend at least one inch into the door jamb with a metal strike plate installed with three inch screws.

Block Patio Sliders

Nearly every house in Houston has a major security flaw – glass sliding patio doors out to the deck or back yard. The latches on most patio doors are woefully inadequate. You should always use a track blocker to prevent the patio doors from being forced open. A wooden dowel in the track is a simple, inexpensive security tool for patio doors.

Make It Hard to Open Accessible Windows

Ground floor windows and windows that are accessible via trees, balconies and stairways are attractive targets for burglars. Make sure that any accessible windows are wired into your home security system. Use screws or other devices to prevent the windows from being opened more than six inches, and make sure that burglars can’t reach window latches through the open window. Finally, use a little creative deterrence – place burglar alarm decals prominently on ground floor windows.

Light Up Your House

Lighting is an essential part of your home security plan – both interior and exterior. Place lights where they’ll illuminate dark corners and any windows or doors that give access to the house, and put interior lights on a timer so that there’s always a visible “someone’s home” signal. Don’t just use the timers when you’re on vacation – that’s a dead giveaway to burglars who may have been watching your home.

The Place for Burglar Alarms

Any home security system must be installed and maintained properly. The most effective home security systems include a loud horn or bell that goes off when the security is breached – and that resets after a few minutes. Choose a security system with alarm system monitoring, and make sure that you keep your contact list up to date.

Your home security system is a valuable part of protecting your home and family, but it can’t do the job on its own. Making sure that you always keep your doors locked and take steps to discourage burglars from targeting your home are important factors in keeping your family safe.

The Importance of Alarm System Monitoring

Home security systems are an important tool to help keep your family safe, but many people put far more time and energy into choosing the latest equipment than they do in choosing the most important part of their home security system – alarm system monitoring. A home security system is only as good as the company that provides the monitoring for it. The best state of the art home security equipment may alert you when there’s a problem at home, but your alarm system monitoring company is an essential part of keeping your family safe.

What happens when an alarm system detects an intruder? That depends on the type of home security system you’ve installed and the services for which you’ve contracted. The most basic alarm system simply makes a lot of noise and counts on the homeowner or a neighbor to alert the police that there’s a problem. While it’s better than nothing, you can’t count on a basic burglar alarm to protect your home and family because it relies on someone else taking an action.

More advanced home security systems are programmed to dial a number when the security is breached. You choose the numbers -- often, the system is set to alert you at work during the day, but some will alert the authorities directly. The biggest problem with these systems is the possibility of false alarms, which is so high in some areas that police departments have started charging homeowners for the cost of rolling a police car to check out the alarm.

Home security systems with home alarm monitoring are the preferred type of Houston home alarm system. When you add home alarm monitoring to a security system, you’re adding in a human element. Alarm monitoring companies have people manning their monitoring stations 24/7, 365 days a year. When your home security system detects an intrusion, it sends a signal to the alarm monitoring company. The operators on duty will attempt to contact you and determine if you need assistance or if the alarm was sent accidentally. If you don’t respond, the alarm system monitoring company will alert emergency services and send them to your home.

When you’re faced with a burglary, minutes are important. When you or someone you love is in the home with intruders – or any other emergency – an immediate response can literally save lives. When you choose a home security system with alarm system monitoring, help can be on the way within seconds, minimizing damage to your property and injury to the people you love.

Top Reasons to Have a Home Security System

Top Reasons to Have a Home Security System

Securing your home is a must when wanting to protect not only your family, but also your personal property that you worked so hard for. Unfortunately many people are not sure of all the benefits having one of these security system installed in their home. Here are some of the top reasons why you should have a security alarm system installed in your home.

The most common reason why a person has an alarm system installed in their home is for protection of their family. Having a Security System installed in your home can give piece of mind knowing that your family and home is protected. These state of the art alarm systems can now monitor windows, doors and telephones lines to alert the 24 hour monitoring station if any of these things are tampered with when the alarm is engaged.

Home owners that travel for work find having an alarm system gives them added protection when they are away for extended periods of time. Since the home is monitored 24 hours a day when the alarm is turned on, one does not have to worry about their home being left unprotected when they are away. These digital monitoring systems will notify the monitoring station if the home is burglarized. The proper authorities will then be notified that there is a problem in your home. The monitoring station will also notify you as well.

A fire can be devastating to not only a home, but also to a family. When the Houston Home Security is engaged and a fire breaks out in your home, the state of the art security system will notify the monitoring station. Once the monitoring station is alerted, they will then notify the proper authorities of the situation. This cannot only help to reduce the damage to the home if a fire breaks out, it can also alert those that are in the home as well.

Many alarm systems are now equipped with a panic button on the control panels. This type of Security System is a huge plus in a home. If there is any type of emergency in the home such as a home invasion, fire or other type of serious emergency, all one has to do is push the panic button for help. The panic button will still work even if the alarm is turned off. This gives added protection if an emergency arises and a phone cannot be reached to call the proper authorities.

These are only a few of the reasons to have a Houston Home Security alarm system installed. These systems can be customized to fit your individual needs and many budget sizes. So instead of leaving your home and family unprotected, have an alarm installed to protect your most precious possessions.

Houston Police Offer Home Security Inspections

Keeping up on the latest tips and trends in home security can help you keep your family safer. Your home should be your retreat, the place where you go to get away from the world’s dangers and discomforts. Investing some time and money into protecting your home pays off big dividends in peace of mind and family safety. When it comes to family safety, Houston home security resources are available.

By Texas law, your home insurance company will discount your home insurance premiums by 5 to 20% if you make certain home security provisions on your property. In order to qualify for this mandatory home security discount, your home must be inspected by a state-certified inspector for home security. Houston police departments often have one or more officers who have attended the training sessions and become certified. You can call your local police department to find out how to schedule a Houston home security inspection through them.

Houston Home Security Inspection

The home security inspection generally consists of two visits by a police officer who is certified by the Texas Department of Insurance. These officers receive special training on home security systems and measures that Houston homeowners can take to help safeguard their property and their families. The officer will inspect the physical locks on your windows, doors and garage areas and look for specific things around your home.

How to Qualify for Insurance Reductions

According to the Texas code, your home will qualify for a 5 percent discount on your premium if it meets the following requirements:

Any exterior door must be a solid core door at least 1 3/8 inches thick. They must be secured by a deadbolt lock that locks with a minimum throw of one inch and penetrates a metal strike plate that is secured firmly to the door frame. If there is breakable glass within 40 inches of the lock, it must be a double-keyed deadbolt unless it is prohibited by the safety code.

Metal doors must also be locked by deadbolt locks that meet the same specifications. If you have double doors, they must also meet the same specifications. In addition, the inactive door must be secured by header and threshold bolts that seat into metal strike plates. If there is glass within 40 inches of the header and threshold locks, they must be flush-mounted.

Any sliding glass doors must be secured by a secondary locking device. Garage doors must be equipped with key-operated locks. Windows must be secured by auxiliary locking devices – in other words, the slide-catch locks on most windows are not enough. Those devices can include screws, wooden dowels and other methods that prevent windows from being opened far enough for entry.

Your property can qualify for a 15 percent discount if it is equipped with an electronic burglar alarm that meets certain specifications. Those specifications include contacting all exterior windows and doors, an interior and exterior siren, and alarm system monitoring by a U.L. approved central station. In addition, the installation, service and monitoring of your Houston home alarm system must be done in compliance with specific statutes of the Texas code, and the alarm company must be licensed by the Texas Board of Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies.

Installing a qualifying home security system is a win-win situation. Your family will be better protected, and you’ll save money on your home insurance premiums. How can you lose with a deal like that?

Home Security Tips from a Houston Home Security Company

Living in Houston has its advantages. It’s a large, cosmopolitan city with world class restaurants and entertainment. It attracts the best and the brightest – international companies, world class researchers, the best scientists, artists and musicians in the world. Unfortunately, living in a big city like Houston also has its drawbacks. One of those drawbacks is the high rate of burglary. Safeguard Home security, a Houston home security and burglar alarm company, offers tips for homeowners to help prevent burglaries and keep your family safe.

Inspect your premises regularly. Look for the things that burglars look for – windows or doors that can’t be seen from the streets, broken screens and other things that make it easier to get into your house. Trim bushes and foliage that hide windows or doors and repair any broken screens or window latches.

Do the same inspection at night, looking for areas on your property that aren’t well lighted. Install security lights near any entrances to your home. Motion sensitive lights are especially deterrent to intruders because the sudden light calls attention to their movements. While they won’t substitute for a solid home security system and home alarm monitoring, they’re a useful addition to one.

Consult an expert in home security. Houston alarm installers are often happy to come out and do a security evaluation of your home and make recommendations for the best home alarm systems for your property.

Install grilles or bars on any windows that are accessible from the ground. There are many decorative options that will add to the appearance of your home while protecting your valuables and your family.

Invest in the best locks you can afford – and make it a habit to always lock them. An unlocked door is an open invitation to a burglar. Lock the doors even if you’re at home. A good lock will deter many would-be burglars and intruders who will simply move on to another home that doesn’t present as much of a challenge.

Consider a top of the line Honeywell security system that includes electronic locks and home alarm monitoring for the ultimate in safety for your home. Home security systems and alarm monitoring are surprisingly affordable, and the protection they afford is priceless.

A good home security system is the most important investment you can make in protecting your family. For more information on the many different types and styles of home security systems available, contact a Houston home security expert and schedule a consultation today.

Considerations for Home Security

Protecting your home and your family is one of the most important tasks in your life. A good home security system helps make that task easier. Choosing the right home security system for your home, property and family relies on a number of different factors. Whether you’re looking for a new home security system or updating an already existing one, think carefully about your needs and your family circumstances when choosing a new home security system.

Basic Home Security Considerations

Before you even think about burglar alarms and monitored security systems, take a look at basic home security and safety. Installing an alarm system should never be a substitute for taking practical precautions that make your home less attractive and less susceptible to thieves and burglaries.

Install the most secure locks possible on every entrance into the house, including the door between your home and your garage – and get your entire family into the habit of using them at all times.

Clear away bushes and other obstructions that hide first-level windows and doors from the street and yard – burglars look for hidden areas where they can work unseen.

Make sure that your property is well-lighted to discourage home invaders and make it easy for your family and welcome visitors to get around your property.

Use secure locks on all ground floor windows and install stops to keep windows from being opened more than a few inches. Not only will it prevent burglars from getting in, it will protect your children and pets from falling out.

Consider the newest security locks that use key codes rather than physical keys. Physical keys can be copied or lost. Key codes are much more secure, and can be customized for each family member.

Home Security Systems

Choose the right type of home security system for your family. The newest security systems offer many customizations that make it easier for your family without reducing the security of the system.

If you have an elderly or disabled family member, consider an alarm system that includes a personal alarm component. That way, if your family member falls or has a problem when no one else is home, they can alert the alarm monitoring company to send help.

Teach your children how to arm and disarm the security system, and be sure that they understand they should never share the alarm codes with anyone for any reason.

Opt for a security system that includes alarm system monitoring. A monitored alarm system is the safest type of home security system because it doesn’t rely on neighbors to hear an alarm and report it. Instead, if the alarm system detects a breach in security, the alarm monitoring company is notified and will attempt to reach you. If they can’t, they’ll alert the police and send assistance.

Choosing the right home security system and making sure that your home is protected in all ways are vitally important to keeping your family safe. Do your homework and make sure that you understand the advantages and benefits of all the various types of security systems and burglar alarms.

Considerations When Choosing a Home Security System

A home security system is a wise investment for any homeowner. Choosing the right home security system or burglar alarm system offers you more than a deterrent against theft and burglary. The right alarm system for your home can provide you with the peace of mind about your family’s safety.

Today’s home security systems are far more than just burglar alarms. The best systems include convenient ways to monitor your home when you’re away, allow service people and friends to access your home without handing out keys, have your kids check in after school and automatically turn on lights, televisions and other electronics whether you’re at home or away. If you’re considering installing a alarm system, here are just a few of the things you should consider when making your choice.

Unmonitored Vs. Monitored Alarm Systems

Unmonitored alarm systems are generally the less expensive option, but they have serious drawbacks when compared to monitored security systems. When you choose an unmonitored system, you’re relying on either being at home – and able to fend off an attacker or alert the police – or on neighbors who will contact the police if your burglar alarm goes off.

Home alarm monitoring companies, on the other hand, are on the alert 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If someone breaks into your home or otherwise breaches the security system, the alarm monitoring company will attempt to reach you, then alert the police if you necessary.

Wired vs. Wireless Security Systems

Wireless security systems are becoming more and more popular among homeowners at all income levels because of the convenience and other advantages they offer. Hard-wired security systems are generally more expensive and less flexible than wireless systems. You’re stuck with cameras placed where wires can be run, as well as where they can be plugged into an outlet for power. Wireless home security systems, on the other hand, provide far more flexibility for configuration and may even allow you to reconfigure the layout to meet your current needs.

Choosing the Right Houston Home Security Company

If you’re looking for home alarm monitoring, Houston has many options, some better than others. When choosing among them, keep these things in mind.

Having your home security system installed by the alarm monitoring company ensures that the equipment will be compatible with the monitoring equipment.

Professional installation guarantees that your home alarm monitoring equipment is installed correctly.

Most Houston home security companies will maintain and upgrade your home security system as required.

The best home security system for you offers far more than protection. When you choose the right system, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing your family is safe even when you’re not there to protect them.

The Beauties of Honeywell Security Systems

Whether you’re outfitting a new home or upgrading the home security system on your current home, the name Honeywell is one that you should know well. Honeywell security systems are generally acknowledged to be among the best in the business. The company has over 100 years of experience developing, creating and building security systems for both the home and the commercial markets, and it regularly carries over the best practices and ideas from one market to the other. Honeywell home security systems are available through Houston home security companies such as Safeguard Home security. If you’re considering installing or replacing your home burglar alarm system with a new home security system, Honeywell products deserve a second – and even a third – look.

Honeywell offers a full range of home security products, and each is designed to be easy to use while providing the highest levels of security. Their systems are simple to operate, but include mechanisms to prevent some of the most common problems shared by home security systems.

Scalability

Honeywell offers security systems that run the gamut from basic burglar alarms to fully integrated security systems with home alarm monitoring capabilities. You can expect that all of their security products are capable of working with their other systems, so that even the most basic Honeywell security system offers scalability – when you’re ready to upgrade, you can build on the system you already have rather than needing to replace it in its entirety. That makes Honeywell the ideal choice for security-conscious but budget-constrained homeowners in and around Houston.

Home Security Innovation

One thing you can expect from Honeywell is innovation. The company’s development department works hard to bring the latest technologies into the home security field. That means that your new security system will contain state of the art components and the latest connectivity features to ensure that your family is protected. Some of the innovations that are included in nearly every Honeywell security system include:

Easy to read status display window so that you know whether the system is armed or disarmed

Capability for multiple passwords so that you can program the security system to recognize – and report – which family members have checked in and out of the house

Programmable time-limited security passwords and locks so that you can allow people to access your home without giving them a key that they can copy or lose

Pet aware sensors can be programmed to only respond to creatures that weigh more than 100 pounds, so you can let your pets roam freely in your home without worrying that they’ll trigger the alarm

These are just a few of the advantages of choosing a Honeywell security system for your home. A Houston home security company like Safeguard can provide more detail and information about the best known home security systems in the world.

Home Security Systems Options

Home security systems have come a long way. As little as twenty years ago, wired home security systems and home alarms were a pricey option mostly available to those who could afford them. These days, advances in technology have brought the prices down so that most typical households can easily afford to protect their property and belongings with a home security system.

Houston homeowners have a wide range of options and choices for protecting their homes. In Houston, home security businesses offer low-cost IP security cameras as well as full-house and property security systems with alarm monitoring and panic rooms complete with provisions for survival if needed. The only limits on security systems for your home are your imagination and the price you can afford to pay.

Of course, the wide variety of choices can make it much more difficult to choose the right security system for your home or business. These factors can help you decide among the various home security systems and alarm systems available.

Wired or Wireless Home Security

Wireless security cameras and motion sensors allow you to put your security in places you couldn’t keep under surveillance before. A wired camera can deliver better picture and is often less expensive, but can cost considerably more if you have to run wire to it. Wireless systems can be moved around as your needs change, and you don’t have to worry about people tripping over wires. They’re also a good chance for hidden cameras, since the wires won’t give away their locations.

DIY or Installed

If you’re on a serious budget, you can find many DIY security systems on the market. They’ll save you money on installation, and allow you to choose your own configurations. They can be a good option if you’re handy with tools and understand the technology.

If, on the other hand, you’re technology-challenged, you can have your home alarm system installed by pros. One of the major advantages of having your home security system installed by a pro is that you can be sure all of the equipment is compatible with a local home alarm monitoring company. In fact, many installers work exclusively with alarm monitoring companies and supply systems that are most compatible with the monitoring company. Ensuring that compatibility could be difficult if you put your own home alarm system together.

Home security systems have come a long way in the past couple of decades, and those advances have brought the prices down considerably. If you thought that a security system with home alarm monitoring was out of your price range, check with a Houston home security company to get a price quote. The affordability might surprise you.

Houston Home Security Advice On What To Do If Someone Breaks Into Your Home

Protecting home and family is priority number one for most homeowners. Protection includes installing locks and home security systems, as well as taking practical, common sense steps to make your home less attractive to burglars. Sometimes, though, bad things happen despite every attempt to prevent them. If you are faced with a break-in, these tips from Houston home security experts Safeguard Home security can help you take the safest actions.

If your alarm system monitoring service has notified you of a break-in at your home, do not enter the house. Wait outside or at a neighbor’s house for the police to arrive. By staying outside, you avoid putting yourself in danger from intruders who may still be inside, and allow the police to investigate first. You also avoid being mistaken for the intruder, which could have even more serious consequences.

If you have a license to carry a weapon or have a weapon available to you, it could be tempting to enter the house and confront the intruder. Remain outside the house and keep your weapon in its place. If the police arrive, you could end up being mistaken for the intruder, or push an intruder into taking an action he didn’t intend.

If you’ve received a call from your alarm monitoring company, call the police before you arrive at your home and ask if the police have responded to the call yet. Identify yourself as the owner of the property and give the operator a description of yourself to be relayed to the responding officers. When you get out of your car, take your ID with you so that you can identify yourself to any officers on the scene.

Keep a flashlight in your vehicle or somewhere you can get it without entering your home so you’ll have it handy if the intruder tampers with your electricity.

Walk around the perimeter of your house to see if there are signs of a break-in. Look for open doors, broken windows or doors, or any signs of entry from the roof.

If you arrive home and note signs of a break-in, even if your security system company has not notified you, do not enter the house. Use your cell phone or a neighbor’s phone to call the police. If you have no access to a telephone, drive yourself to somewhere you can use a phone or to the nearest police station.

If you’re inside your house and hear unusual noises, or if you come upon an intruder, activate your security system panic button and get out of the house if you can. Do not put yourself between an intruder and the exit if you can avoid it. Most of the time, an intruder will bolt rather than stick around to hurt you. Leave his path clear and alert the authorities after he leaves.

Make sure that your entire family understands the above tips. Your home security system is there to protect you and to alert the authorities if someone breaks into your home. Don’t nullify it by putting yourself in danger.

Home Security Systems Don’t Go on Vacation

Home security systems can help prevent you from becoming one of the growing number of homeowners targeted by summertime thieves. July and August are top months for break-ins and burglaries, says the Insurance Information Institute. Burglars keep an eye out for telltale signs that homeowners are away from home for extended periods or even that they’ll be gone all day long. Home security systems can keep you from being a victim, especially those that include home alarm monitoring. Houston police say that most thieves will avoid a home that has an alarm system in favor of more inviting targets.

While Houston crime rates – including burglaries – are down generally, Houston police also warn that the summer months are among the busiest for burglars and thieves. If you’re going on vacation, you need to be especially careful especially careful not to let burglars know you’re going away. Following these tips from the Insurance Information Institute can ensure that you don’t get home from a day at the water park to find your precious belongings gone.

Look at your home the way a burglar does to find easy entrance points. Those are the places that should be wired into home security systems.

Keep your bushes and shrubs trimmed, especially those that are near doors and windows. Give them a good trim before you go on vacation so that they don’t provide cover for burglars breaking into your home.

Choose a home alarm system that includes alarm system monitoring, and notify the alarm monitoring company that you are away from home so that they can immediately notify police if there is a problem.

Consider home security systems that sound a loud alarm if you have neighbors. Let a few neighbors know you’ll be gone. Neighbors are more likely to notify police of a burglar alarm if they know the homeowners are away.

Get the best locks you can afford for your outside doors, including the door between your garage and your home. According to police, 80 percent of all burglars come in through a door. If a thief has to work more than five minutes to get through a lock, there’s a good chance he’ll abandon the effort and move on.

Use photo-sensitive switches to turn on lights, televisions and radios while you’re gone. Automatic timers are cheaper, but savvy thieves will recognize a pattern if your lights go on and off at the exact same time each day.

Stop mail and newspaper deliveries while you’re on vacation. Piled up mail and newspapers are a prime clue to burglars that no one’s home.

Turn off the ringer on your telephone and lower the volume on your answering machine, or use a voice messaging service. A constantly ringing phone lets everyone know that you’re away from home.

Don’t Facebook or tweet your vacation plans. It’s a virtual invitation to burglars.

If you don’t have a home security system, get one installed. Wired or wireless home security systems with alarm monitoring can have police at your home before the thieves have a chance to make off with your belongings.

Home Security System Purchase Tips

Home security is a major concern not only for homeowners but for tenants as well. The technology that powers home security systems is changing so swiftly that the system you buy this month could be outdated in less than a year. But that doesn’t mean you should hold off on purchasing an alarm system to help protect your family. While we’d all love to afford the best when it comes to protecting our homes and families, that’s not always possible. Choosing the right alarm system is a matter of weighing your needs, the costs and the benefits against each other and finding the home security system that works best for you.

Evaluate Your Needs

First, figure out how much of a security system you need. Consider the ways that you can reduce your vulnerability – will motion sensor lights make your home less attractive to burglars at night, for example?

The best way to figure out how much security system you need is to contact a local home security firm and schedule a consultation. Ask the security rep for a bare bones quote and a fully-loaded quote to get an idea of the range of security services available.

Secure Your Entry Points

At a bare minimum, your home security system should cover the doors and first-floor windows, which are the break-in points in nearly 95 percent of all home burglaries and invasions. You can reduce that somewhat if you use locking security bars on the first-floor windows.

Work with a Full Service Home Security Company

A burglar alarm is only one part of a home security system. You’ll need to have it installed, and may need to work with an alarm monitoring company as well. Your best bet is to work with a dealer of security systems who does it all. A good home security company will install many different types of alarm and security systems, including the top of the line Honeywell security system. In addition, they can provide home alarm monitoring and repair or adjustment services. When you work with a single company from start to finish, you don’t have to worry about miscommunication among the different companies responsible for the equipment, the installation and the security service.

Choose Upgradeable Components

Alarm, surveillance and security technology is changing rapidly with new developments every week. Choose alarm and security systems components that can be upgraded as new technology becomes available. More of the new tech is available in interactive smartphone apps that can easily be added to the right security systems.

Neat Things Home Security Systems Can Do These Days

If you have an installed home security system, you probably know that it will make noise if someone breaks in, feed a signal to alert help if you need it and monitor your home for fire, flood and carbon monoxide levels as well as for break-ins. But, say the home security experts at Safeguard Home Security, a Houston home security firm, many of today’s security systems are capable of doing some pretty neat things. Sit down with the full owners’ manual that came with your home security system – you know, the one you tossed in the top drawer with the manual for the washer, dryer and refrigerator – and see if your home alarm offers any of these nifty perks.

Customize Your “Door Chime” Feature

Most systems will beep when someone opens the front door – they’re generally pre-programmed with that setting. But if you’ve got a whole house system, you can ask the installer to program it to chime if any of your windows are opened as well. Have him set it to chime if the second floor bedroom windows are opened and you’ll always know if one of your little ones may be in danger of falling.

Mommy, They’re Home!

If your alarm pages you when the alarm is tripped, you can probably have it programmed to let you know when other things happen. If you’re generally at work when school lets out, for example, you can have your home security system page you when the kids get home from school. That way you won’t be sitting worrying when one of them forgets to check in – and they will. Kids always do.

Get the Pets Fed When You’re Away

Okay, home security systems haven’t advanced enough to actually feed and walk your pets – yet – but they can make it easier for those you engage to make sure Fido and Fluffy are taken care of while you’re away. You can program your alarm system to turn off and reset itself at predetermined times, offering a window of time when the pet sitter can get in and out without you having to hand over your security code.

Lights On!

If you hate arriving home to a dark house, let your alarm system turn on the lights for you. You can use your cell phone to turn the lights on from your driveway before entering the house, or phone home before you leave the office. You’ll get home to a warm, welcoming home.

I Need Help Now!

Officially called a “duress code,” a panic code is a special code you can key in to let your alarm system monitoring company know that there’s a problem at your home and you need help immediately. It’s also often called a panic code, and is designed to alert the security company if an intruder forces you to disable the security system.

That’s only a short list of some of the neat features you’ll find in home security systems today. To find out what your alarm system can do, contact your alarm monitoring company and ask.

Reduce Your Insurance Costs With Home Security Systems

When times are tough and money is tight, little cost savings really add up. If you’re considering a home security system to protect your property and family, don’t forget to consider the savings you might realize on your insurance when you install a burglar alarm, alarm monitoring or home security system. Some home security systems are worth more than others, but nearly any efforts you make in securing your home will probably result in lowered homeowner insurance premiums. If you’re protecting your home already with specialized locks, proper lighting, home security systems or a monitored alarm system, you should definitely mention it to your insurance agent. Here are some of the things you should keep in mind when shopping for home insurance – or Houston home security systems.

Alarm System Monitoring and Home Monitoring Services

Alarm systems reduce the risk that you’ll lose property to burglary or home invasion. Since insurance companies base the amount they charge you for insurance on the risk that they may have to pay out on a claim, anything you do to reduce the risk of loss to your property will result in lower homeowner insurance premiums.

The more you reduce that risk the higher the discounts you may realize on your insurance. That means that a burglar alarm is good as it often scares burglars off before they actually get into your home. A monitored alarm system is better because if someone does break into your home, you’ll have footage for the police to use in finding the intruder and recovering your property. A higher chance of recovery means a lower risk that the insurance company will have to pay out on a claim, which means lower insurance premiums.

In addition to the protection from loss, home monitoring systems, particularly personal alarm systems, can protect the insurance company from paying out on personal injury claims. More importantly, because home monitoring provides visual or voice contact with your home from outside, it can literally save a life if someone is incapacitated as a result of a fall or other accident.

Deadbolt Locks and Door Alarms

If your insurance agent doesn’t ask about the locks on your doors, you should bring them up yourself. but only if your doors are outfitted with heavy duty deadbolt locks and reinforced strike plates. Deadbolts and strike plates make it almost impossible for a burglar to slip your lock or force your door open, which reduces the chance that your home will be burglarized.

The benefits of home security systems don’t stop with increasing the safety of your family. You could also realize significant savings on your homeowners’ insurance when you install a home security system or burglar alarms, or subscribe to a alarm monitoring to protect your home and family.

Houston Burglar Alarm Companies Home Security Systems

Whether you live in a single family home, an apartment complex or a condo building, proper home security is important. Even in gated communities or buildings with security doors, maintaining your own home security system is a worthwhile investment. If your home or retail building isn’t protected by a burglar alarm or security system, it’s worth your time to visit a Houston burglar alarm supplier or installer to learn about the different types of burglar alarms and home security systems available today.

Houston Burglar Alarms

According to home security professionals in Houston, burglar alarms that sound on your property can serve as a deterrent to burglary and home invasion. A basic burglar alarm system is designed to alert you if someone enters your home or breaks the perimeter you’ve established. There are many different types of burglar alarms on the market, but these are your basic choices.

The most basic home burglar alarm sounds only inside your home and for a short distance around it. It’s useful if there is generally someone at home to hear the alarm when it goes off and make a telephone call to alert police. Just as importantly, a loud alarm will usually scare off would-be burglars, who can’t know if the alarm sounds only on premises or if it also sends an alarm remotely to alert the police. On-premise alarm systems are the least expensive type of home security systems to install, and most cost nothing to maintain.

You can increase the effectiveness of your burglar alarm by choosing a louder alarm or one that can be heard by nearby neighbors. It has the same deterrent effects as an on-premises burglar alarm, and may alert neighbors who are home. If you live in an area where neighbors are likely to inform police about a burglar alarm, it may be a worthwhile investment. Just be sure to leave contact information posted where your neighbors or police can find it, so that you can disarm the alarm before your neighbors are ready to disarm you.

Remote Burglar Alarm Systems

Many alarm systems will notify you when they go off. They used to require a landline telephone line, but these days your remote alarm system can be set up wirelessly to use your Internet connection or your wireless telephone subscription. even better, if you have a smart phone, such as a Blackberry or an iPhone, many burglar alarm systems allow you to check in at home, disarm the alarm or forward the alarm to the police if needed.

In addition to burglar alarms, Houston burglar alarm companies offer the latest in home security systems and surveillance equipment. Keep your home and family safe. Contact a Houston home security specialist to discuss your options today.

Tips for Choosing the Best Houston Home Security System

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, one in every five homes will have a break-in or home invasion this year, and the statistics suggest that the chances of home invasion are on the rise. Houston home security experts consider home invasion to be inherently more dangerous than a typical burglary because a home invasion occurs when someone is at home. The right home security system, such as a monitored alarm system, can greatly decrease your chances of being a victim of a home invasion. A monitored alarm system will also reduce your chances of being injured or killed during a home invasion because alarm monitors will get emergency assistance to your home faster.

Home Invasion: The Most Dangerous Type of Burglary

Many law enforcement experts consider home invasions to be the most dangerous type of property-related crime. About 70 percent of all home invasions involve the use of a weapon, most often a knife or a cutting instrument. Nearly half the time when someone is at home during a break-in, someone in the family is injured by the intruders. Nearly one in five victims of home invasions are over the age of 60, not a surprising statistic when you consider the chances of a retired or elderly person being at home alone. Other victims include children and teens at home alone after school and stay-at-home mothers with young children.

Home Alarm Systems and Security Tips Against Home Invasions

The first step in protecting your family is to secure your property and prepare your family to be alert in case of home invasions and break-ins. These tips from Houston home security specialists can help you protect your family from burglars and intruders intent on harm.

Replace any hollow core entry doors with solid core doors fitted with heavy duty locks. Use 3-inch screws to install heavy duty lock strike plates in door frames to make it harder for burglars to get through your front and back doors.

Install a home security system that includes perimeter security. A wireless or wired alarm system that will sound or send a signal if someone opens a protected door or window is best. Make sure that your home security system covers all entry points into your home—front, back and garage doors, as well as first floor windows at a minimum, as well as any doors or windows that overlook a patio or roof that can be used to gain access to your home.

Install motion-sensor light systems to illuminate the area if someone enters your back or side yards. That’s often enough to scare off a potential burglar, especially if the area can be seen from nearby homes.

Choose a Houston alarm system that includes 24-hour human monitoring for the highest safety levels. Monitored alarm systems are far less expensive than most people think.

Teach your family to always close doors, flip the locks and arm the alarm system when they enter or leave the home. Even the best alarm system is useless if it’s not armed when a burglar breaks in.

Educating yourself and your family and protecting your property with common sense precautions and a good home security system can help keep your family from becoming just another home invasion statistic.