If buying an alarm system for the first time, or upgrading one that came with your home, it is helpful to know your options. There are a bewildering array of choices, though if you are learning about it from the salesman who came to your door those options will be limited based on what that particular company has available…and what that particular salesman makes the best commission on. I would very much prefer you make your choices based on what is best for you and your family home, and only then involve the alarm company you choose. For those so inclined, there are some install it and even monitor it yourself options to be covered later. For simplicity’s sake, we will break our discussion of alarms into three areas: controls, sensors, and monitoring.
An alarm system is just that, a system of components that work together to protect your belongings, your home, and your family from threats. Because these components have to work together, I prefer to stick with one brand for all the components. Many of the sensors amount to a simple switch that is either open or closed and should be compatible with other brands, but if you choose to mix and match then research the specific components and be certain before you spend your time and money on them. If you are hiring a professional, they should be able to help select specific alarm systems and components that fit your needs.
The brain of any alarm system is the control panel or base station. This is where you will adjust settings and set codes, and since it often contains the keypad used to arm and disarm it will need to be within reasonable proximity to the entrance. It is best if the alarm control panel is not visible from the outside. This prevents criminals from studying what type of alarm you have, or worse watching you enter your code. Alarms are most often disarmed with a secret code entered into a keypad within a specific amount of time of the door being opened. These secret codes are often individualized, which should help discourage your children from sharing it. In addition to codes entered via keypad, there are alarms available that use remote controls or biometrics such as fingerprints as well. I am not a fan of remote controls as they most often end up attached to your keys thereby making unauthorized entry simple for anyone who obtains your keys. Biometric systems are gaining more popularity, and I would have no problem using one, especially if backed up by a keypad. This could be a simple backup method of entry, or a two-factor security system where both are required. Whatever system you choose, make sure the alarm system includes some form of battery backup and ideally a backup communication channel such as a built in cellular phone.
Sensors are another area where you will need to make some choices. The sensors available to detect unauthorized entry do so by watching for the following and more: open doors or windows, glass breaking, motion, heat, interruption of an invisible beam, change in air volume, and so on into ever more obscure ways to catch a burglar. At the very least, all doors and easily accessible windows should be protected, along with an interior sensor such as a motion detector to provide for a layered defense. After suitable security options are determined, consider environmental sensors that can alert you to other threats such as fire, carbon monoxide, flooding, or extreme temperatures.
After any of the above sensors detect a potential threat, it sends a signal to the control panel which in turn sets in motion the response you have previously selected. There may be an audible or visual component, such as sirens and flashing lights, or it may notify someone of the intrusion, fire, flood, etc. Notification can be made via landline, cell phone, or internet connection, depending on the alarm system. That notification may go to you, avoiding a monthly fee, and possibly allowing you to check on your home via remotely accessible security cameras. Or it could go to the security company you pay for alarm monitoring, who would then try to call you and dispatch either private security, police, or other emergency personnel as appropriate. Keep in mind that many police departments have wasted so much time responding to false alarms that they now charge a fee, especially if the situation isn’t corrected after the first false alarm. Another very important thing to be aware of: If the alarm goes off when you are home and an outside security or police response is on the way, do not then go looking around outside!
I hope this article about home alarms has been helpful. Look for articles about pure do it yourself systems, reviews of specific alarms, and more ways to add Crime Repellent coming soon!