Tips on Home Security Systems: Three Options You May Need

If you live in a high crime neighborhood, you may want to consider purchasing a home security system. These days, there are a few major, national security system companies that regularly offer specials and deals. In some cases, you may even get the basic system for free – including installation! – as long as you sign a contract for the remote monitoring.

As you choose your security system, think about some extras that may not necessarily be part of the package. Although they may be an extra expense, you might find these options will make your system safer and more convenient:

Remote monitoring: Although many people prefer not to pay for this expense, remote monitoring offers peace of mind, especially to folks who live in rural areas where neighbors might not hear the sound of the alarm. It works like this: You pay the service a fee – typically about $25-$30 per month. If your alarm is triggered, the monitoring service receives an alert. They call your home to see if you’re safe. If no one answers the phone, the monitoring service alerts the local authorities. If you answer the phone, you must give a secret password to indicate that you are, indeed, the homeowner (and you are safe).

Motion detectors: Almost every security system includes door and window sensors. These magnetic sensors trigger the alarm if a door or window opens while the alarm is set. However, it’s expensive to buy a sensor for all the doors and windows in your home. A motion detector, on the other hand, spans a wide area of your home – such as the hallway, the living room or the basement. It triggers the alarm when movement passes in front of it, so an intruder walking by the motion detector would cause it to activate. By installing a motion detector as part of your security system, you get extra protection just in case an intruder manages to slip through a window undetected.

Multiple keypads: The keypad for your security system is usually located next to the entrance that you use most often, allowing you to easily set it when you leave your home. However, there may be times when you wish to set the alarm from another room in your house. For example, many people set their security systems at night before going to bed. In that case, the bedroom would be the ideal location for the keypad. Make sure your security system company offers multiple keypads (or, at least, the option for you to purchase multiple keypads) so you’ll be able to secure your home from more than one location in your house.

Choosing a security system doesn’t have to be a difficult task. But if you’re looking for quality and convenient security, you probably want remote monitoring, a motion detector and multiple keypads.