Choosing the Best Home Security Systems

Home security systems are meant to protect your property and your family from harm and intruders. The home security system you choose – and the services you choose to supplement your security system – can make the difference between life and death in a situation where intruders invade your home. On a less dramatic note, many home security systems provide functionality that makes your life easier without compromising your safety and home security. Not sure which home security system is best for you? Consider these features and benefits to help you make your choice.

 The Alarm Company

One of the most important factors in your choice should be the installation company that will configure, install and, possibly, monitor your home security system. Houston has a number of companies that install home burglar alarms and home security systems. Research the various Houston home security system companies. How long has the company been in business? What it its reputation in the community? Ask your neighbors and check with the Better Business Bureau to find out about any complaints.

The Brand

There are a number of nationally known security system and home alarm brands that you can count on. Before you choose a Houston home security system, ask about the home security equipment they carry. If a company offers a Honeywell security system, for example, you can count on the quality, because Honeywell stands behind its products, and has a reputation for cutting edge security technology.

Alarm Monitoring

Houston security companies frequently also provide home alarm monitoring, or recommend a home alarm monitoring company that works with their equipment. One of the biggest problems with choosing a DIY security system option, in fact, is that many alarm monitoring companies can’t accommodate the wrong brand of equipment. If there’s a particular alarm monitoring company you want to use, make sure that you install home security equipment that is compatible with their systems.

Functionality

Choose a home alarm system that provides the functions you want – but talk to a professional installer to find out about the many options you may not know. Today’s home security systems may also offer access control, access notification, remote video monitoring and many other ways to keep your home and family safe when you’re not at home.

With all the functions and differences among home security systems, it’s only logical to do some exploration and find the best home alarm system to protect your family. Shop around among Houston home alarm companies and make sure that you get everything you need.

Home Security Systems for Multi-Family Dwellings

Most home security companies – and homeowners, for that matter – focus on home security systems for single family homes and properties, but people who own condominiums and live in multi-family buildings need home security, too. If you’re living in a condo building that provides security, you may think that you don’t need to think about security systems. Think again. According to statistics compiled by the Houston Police Department, apartment dwellers and people who live in multi-family buildings are more likely to be crime targets than those who live in single family homes. Here are a few things to consider about home security and home security systems if you live in an apartment building or condominium building.

Your Security Is Only As Good As Your Neighbors

Many people believe they’re safer in a condo building than in a single family home because the building provides a security system and alarm monitoring. While a good building security system is vital – and should be part of your consideration when deciding whether or not to buy your condo – your security is only as good as your next door neighbor or the guy up the hall. All it takes is one person who unwittingly opens the door to admit the wrong person to defeat your building’s home security system. When that happens, it’s important to have your own apartment security system to prevent further incursion.

Building Security Systems Usually Only Cover Entryways

Often, “security system” in a building actually means “we monitor entries at the front door.” Some buildings may also use CCTV to monitor hallways, elevators and public areas, but not all do. That leaves some of the most common break-in points uncovered. If you have a patio door, a back door to your townhouse or windows that are accessible from a patio or the ground, you should invest in your own home alarm system and alarm system monitoring.

Modern Home Security Systems Are Far More Than Burglar Alarms

Today’s home security systems provide far more than a lot of noise and notice that someone has entered your home uninvited. When you couple a home security system with home alarm monitoring, you have a comprehensive watchdog that can provide assistance when anyone in your home needs it. In addition, locks that are keyed to your alarm system can let you know when your kids arrive home from school and allow you to monitor your residence from the office or another remote location. Home security means a lot more than protection from burglars these days.

Don’t leave your home security up to your building management if you live in a multiple dwelling building. Be proactive and contact a Houston home security provider to find out what they can do for you.

Evaluating Your Home Security

Are you doing all you can to discourage burglars from targeting your home? Is your home as safe as it could be? Even if you have a complete home security system, chances are that your home could be safer – and it might take no more than a few simple projects to make it safer. A home security inspection can help you pinpoint weaknesses in your security plan and which changes you can make to make your home more secure.

What to Expect from a Home Security Inspection

In the area of home security, some police participate in a program that provides free home security inspections to homeowners. You can schedule a security inspection by calling your local police department to get instructions on how to prepare and schedule an appointment with one of their trained officers. Many home security companies also offer home security consultations with no obligation to buy anything from the company.

Home security inspections are quick, generally taking less than an hour. The inspector will go over a checklist with you and take a look at your property as a whole to identify areas where your home is vulnerable. He or she will check your windows and doors and the locks on them, and may make recommendations about landscaping, lighting and other things that can make your home more or less secure.

Some of the suggestions a home security expert might make include the following.

• Trim back trees and shrubs so that they don’t block the view from your doors or windows, as well as any overgrown landscape that can provide a hiding place for burglars to hide while he tries to break into your house. Shrubs should be no higher than 3 feet and trees should have branches trimmed up to 6 to 7 feet above the ground.
• Consider using cactus, yucca or shrubbery with sharp, pointy leaves in front of ground floor windows to discourage burglars from attempting access that way.
• Keep the exterior of your home looking clean and fresh. Homes that look as if they are well-maintained are less likely to invite vandalism.
• Any nameplates on your door or mailbox should only have your last name. Anything that indicates gender or marital status can give burglars information about who lives in the home.
• Make sure that your house number can be seen and read clearly from the street. This will make it easier for police or fire department to quickly locate your home in an emergency.
• Invest in a home security system that includes a burglar alarm and alarm system monitoring to alert the authorities if someone attempts to break into your home.

For up to date information about the types of home security systems that are most appropriate for your home, contact a local home alarm company and schedule an inspection or consultation.

Before You Install a Home Security System

Protecting your loved ones from harm is one of the most important considerations for any homeowner – with protecting your property from theft and damage running a close second. You can’t always be there to watch over your family and your property, but a good home security system can help keep you, your family and your belongings safe. Everyone would love to have a top-of-the-line alarm system, but the right security system for your home isn’t always the most expensive option. If you’re in the market for a home security system and alarm monitoring, Houston home security company Safeguard Home security offers a number of tips to help you make your decision.

Secure Your Property First

A home alarm system provides an added layer of security and safety, but your first line of defense is taking common sense precautions to make your property as safe as possible. Believe it or not, in close to one-fourth of all burglaries, the thieves entered the home through an unlocked door. You can make your home more difficult for burglars by installing secure deadbolt locks on all doors that lead into your house, including the door between your garage and your home.

Burglars also prefer properties that give them places to hide while they’re breaking in. Keep all bushes trimmed away from doors and windows, and avoid obstructing the view of entryways and windows from the street.

Lighting is an important part of your home security system. Install motion senor lights at all approaches to your home, including your front door and the back of your house. Motion-activated lights can actually be a more effective deterrent than lights that are always on because they startle would-be burglars and alert you and neighbors that someone has approached your home.

Ask for a Home Security Consultation

A consultation with an experienced home security professional can help you determine the right type of system for your home security. Houston police in most neighborhoods also have trained officers who can evaluate your home and make home security recommendations for your property.

Opt for Alarm Monitoring

There’s far more to a home security system than a burglar alarm. One of the most important parts of your security is home alarm monitoring. When you choose an alarm system with home alarm monitoring, you can be certain that someone will react if your burglar alarm is activated.

Have Your Alarm System Installed by a Professional

Professionally installed alarm systems ensure that everything is installed and working properly. In addition, many insurance companies will discount your property insurance if your home is protected by a professionally installed home security system.