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.