Burglar Alarm Tips

Burglar alarms protect your home by scaring off intruders.  In the best case scenario, seeing the yard signs is enough to encourage would-be thieves to go elsewhere.  If they do break in, an alarm can convince them to leave as quickly as possible.  Which will likely limit what they can steal.

But there’s another deterrent that can help protect your home, property, and family around the clock – a four-legged home security system.  For millennia, man has used dogs to help guard things of value.  And today, there are dogs suitable for just about every home or apartment.

You don’t need a big, guard dog to protect your home.  Even a small dog can be a very unwanted inconvenience to a trespasser.

There are several things that dogs do naturally that enhance your security.  First of all, they bark.  This lets your neighbors know that something’s wrong.  And it lets potential intruders know that the experience inside your home won’t be quiet and hassle free.

If you don’t have a dog, you may think that all barking is pretty much the same.  Not true.  If a dog – or something it cares about – is threatened, their bark is much more persistent.  In fact, when they’re distressed, it’s nearly impossible to shut them up.

If someone is foolish enough to enter your home, chances are they won’t be warmly received.  Not all dogs bite, but a surprising number do, especially when a stranger is on their turf.  Even if your dog doesn’t bite, you can be sure that he’ll be a serious distraction to uninvited guests.

Dogs have several advantages over conventional burglar alarms.  Although annoying to you and your neighbors, their false alarms probably won’t cost you anything.  You can’t  forget to arm them – dogs are “on” virtually all the time.  Plus, they’ll make you feel better if you’ve had a bad day at work.

That said, there are some things to consider before you invest in a canine protection device.   Start-up costs can run anywhere from $100 to several thousand, depending on the model and features you select.  And monthly costs vary, but include food, vet bills,  bones, biscuits, and tennis balls.

There’s always a chance that your dog won’t be completely reliable.  In fact, he may love everyone he’s ever met – including that fellow walking off with your grandma’s silver.  And if he doesn’t work out, he’s pretty hard to return.

When you add it all up, most dogs cost more than conventional burglar alarms, and they’re a lot more trouble.  So you’re probably better off getting a burglar alarm for protection.  But get a dog just for the fun of it.

Find other kinds of burglar alarms here.

Dog Image Flickr: kirainet

Video surveillance cameras used to be used in banks, secure areas, and occasionally in the compounds of the rich and famous. These old cameras were usually part of a closed circuit television (CCTV) system that was expensive and difficult to install and costly to maintain. The cost of CCTV systems made them prohibitive for most home owners.

Advances in information and digital technology have made CCTV systems a thing of the past, and today’s video surveillance systems are much more affordable, reliable, and easy to use.

The mere presence of video cameras can do a lot to deter intrusions. Most would-be thieves will decide that a place with security cameras is not worth the trouble. So if you want an extra measure of protection for your home and property, a video surveillance system can be a worthwhile investment.

IP video surveillance camera

Most security systems today use Internet Protocol (IP) cameras which are pretty simple to install and maintain. They deliver digital information via an IP network, unlike CCTV cameras which required a complicated system of coaxial cables. And that information can be monitored live.

You can buy IP surveillance cameras individually or bundled with surveillance software. You’ll need the software to record, retrieve, view, and broadcast your feed.

You can place the cameras wherever there’s a connection to an IP network. The most logical places are near entrances to your home, on any outbuildings you have, and on the perimeter if your property is large. If you have valuables displayed inside your home, you should probably put one there too.

Each camera has its own IP address and unlike webcams, they don’t need to be connected to a PC. The quality of the digital images is vastly superior to analog. And sophisticated IP cameras will also pan, tilt, and zoom.

One of the biggest advantages of IP video surveillance systems is that with a network video recorder you can monitor the feed in real time from any computer with Internet access. In most cases, you can even access it with a smart phone. Being able to check up on your house when you’re away can provide a lot of peace of mind.

CCTV systems store their recorded images on VHS tapes, which were then dated and stored. Because the images captured by IP surveillance cameras are digital, the information is archived on servers where it can be accessed instantly via search.

IP systems are more expensive than CCTV systems, but the price is dropping rapidly. Most of the major home security system providers now offer it, so ask for a quote. You may be pleasantly surprised by how affordable video surveillance turns out to be.

Read about other kinds of home security systems here.

IP video surveillance camera Image Flickr: Matti Mattila

In America, a burglary is committed every 15 seconds, with an average loss of $1,800.  And statistics show that homes without a burglar alarm system are broken into three times as often.

Given the risks, you might want to consider getting a burglar alarm or home alarm system.  There are several kinds to choose from.

Which home security system is right for you depends on a number of factors, including the safety of your neighborhood, what type of residence you live in, if you have pets, and how much you want to spend.

The most basic way to deter thieves is with a simple burglar alarm that makes a loud noise when an intrusion is detected.  In most cases, these are enough to scare a burglar away before he or she has time to take much.  If you’re not home, chances are your neighbors will hear the alarm and call police.

But with an alarm like this, the only people who will know about an intrusion are those within earshot of the device.

A monitored burglar alarm system offers greater protection because the home security service will be notified if there is a break in.  There’s usually a brief delay so the homeowner can cancel a false alarm.  If that doesn’t happen, someone from the service will call to make sure everything is okay, and if that can’t be confirmed, the service will contact the police, fire department, or EMT service.

For this type of service, there is usually an installation fee, as well as a monthly monitoring fee.  These kinds of security systems can also detect fires, carbon monoxide emissions, and medical emergencies.  The alarms in these systems can either be audible or silent.  And there’s also usually a panic button that bypasses the false alarm checks and goes directly to 911.

Since most home security systems communicate via phone lines, it’s a good idea to have a system that uses cellular service as a backup if phone service is down or the lines have been cut.

Monitored home security systems usually include a control box, a touchpad where information is entered, sensors for windows and doors, a motion detector, a siren, and a backup battery, in case the power goes out.   And don’t forget the lawn sign, which is often the greatest deterrent to potential thieves.

Both hard-wired and wireless systems are available.  A wireless systems is easier and quicker to install.  Plus, it has the advantage or being portable and easy to expand if your needs change.

If a monitored system seems right for you, you can get quotes online at sites like protectionone.com or adt.com.  But take the extra time to get a free on-site assessment at your home to ensure that you’ll get all the protection you need.

Expect to pay between $30 and $50 a month for monitoring, with a 1 – 3-year contract.  And check with your home owner’s insurance company to see if they give a discount to homes with burglar alarm systems.