Home Security - Alarm System Tips

Alarm systems can significantly enhance security if installed and used properly. If hiring a vendor to install, repair, or service an alarm system, make sure he/she is properly licensed. While licenses don't guarantee honesty, it does indicate that the vendor has registered with the state, and has met the specified minimum criteria for your locale. In most case, a license is predicated upon proof of adequate insurance, so you have that protection as well.

Local alarm systems (those which sound only on the premises being protected), are much less effective, especially when, in order to avoid nuisance disturbance to neighbors, local ordinances limit the time that the signal can sound. Investing in such an alarm, counts on the neighbors to call the police to respond. Having the signals from the alarm system monitored by a licensed vendor, assures better protection. There are other systems that will dial a work or cell number to inform you of an alarm at home.

Keep in mind that the best alarm systems rely upon the phone lines. Check where the lines attach to the house. If they attach at the ground floor level, they should be routed through metal conduit to prevent them from being cut.

The best alarm systems are those which combine perimieter and interior detection devices. Every door should be protected with some type of switch device. Covering every window (or just every downstairs window in a multi-story house), can get very expensive. Be guided by local experience with criminal entry through windows. If that's a common occurrence in your area, window protection is probably a good idea. If not, interior protection may be adequate. If window protection is needed, glass-break sensors are the preferred device.

Interior devices cover a volume of space, and are typically wall-mounted. The least susceptible to false alarm are passive infra-red sensors. These are specially designed thermostats that detect the presence of an intruder by comparing the 98.6 degree body heat to the usual inside ambient temperature, which is typically between 55 to 75 degrees. Pets, air currents, rodents, and other similar sources of heat, won't set off passive infra-red devices and so generate few false alarms. Attic access should also be provided coverage, especially if located in exposed or semi-exposed locations (i.e., garage). In addition, if family members have health problems or limited mobility, consideration should be given to installing one or more panic buttons at fixed locations, or obtaining one or more of those devices which can be worn on a chain or key chain.

The alarm system will need to have "zones", if you intend on using it when at home. This will arm the perimeter, while leaving occupants free to move about inside.

Every system has a control panel of some sort. In most home security systems, the controls are concealed in a closet or utility room, and only the controls necessary to operate the system are in occupied space. In most systems, these controls resemble the touch-pad of the telephone. The system is "armed" or "disarmed" by punching in codes. Many systems are capable of handling multiple codes, but it might be more convenient for all members of the household to use the same code.

Installing the keypad inside the protected space prevents any access by unauthorized persons. But to allow sufficient time for a family member to disarm the system upon entering, it necessitates programming a delay in signaling an intrusion. You can eliminate this delay by installing the touch-pad outside the protected perimeter. While this subjects the pad to "attack", the risk can be minized by installing it inside an attached garage, rather than the front door. Many people come and go through the garage and an inside installation of the touch-pad minimizes any opportunity for someone to attempt to defeat the system.

If there are high valued assets inside the home, there are supplemental devices available to extend alarm protection to these items. A closet (used as an inside "strong room"), a display case for collectibles, a safe/vault, or wall-hung artwork can be alarmed separately. Any competent alarm vendor can devise a method to protect almost any asset.

Although alarm systems don't eat, sleep or take vacations, they are electro-mechanical devices subject to failure. As such, they must be tested regularly to ensure they work as designed. A test schedule should be set up with the alarm company at least once a month. If an alarm system is wireless, ensure that it's self-monitoring and will signal low battery voltage.

Lastly, phony signs stating: "Warning: These Premises Protected by XYZ Company" may not be very effective. A "professional" burglar need only check the telephone directory to see whether the alarm company exists. Most companies won't permit non-customers to display their emblem, and the burglars know that. There's no harm in using such signs, but it shouldn't be expected that they'll provide any protection.