| Have you been contemplating installing an alarm | | | | you and the local police and fire department. It |
| system in your home? Many people look to a home | | | | certainly can be reassuring to know that a private |
| security system as the most effective way of | | | | service is looking over your shoulder at all times. |
| protecting their family. While it isn't the only measure | | | | 3. You'll also need to decide between infrared sensors |
| you can take to secure your home, it certainly does | | | | and magnetic sensors. Infrared sensors are placed on |
| help deter an intruder. If the intruder still decides to | | | | both sides of a window. When something disrupts |
| forcefully enter your home, your system can alert | | | | the path between the two sensors, the central |
| local authorities to come to your aid. Here are some | | | | system is alerted. Magnetic sensors, on the other |
| things to think about when deciding which system | | | | hand, are secured to both the inner and outer edge |
| best suits your needs. | | | | of the window. When the two are pushed out of |
| 1. First off, you need to decide whether you want to | | | | sync (by someone lifting the window), the alarm |
| link up to a network that provides constant | | | | goes off. The disadvantage of magnetic sensors is |
| coverage. This will come at the cost of a monthly | | | | that they usually will not trigger a reaction if the |
| fee. If you don't, your system can simply consist of | | | | window is broken rather than lifted. |
| loud chimes that will go off if an intruder enters, or a | | | | 4. Do you have kids? If so, you may want to choose |
| series of bright strobe lights that shine brightly to | | | | a system that has voice deactivation capabilities. |
| alert both you and your neighbors. Some of the | | | | Children will often forget the numbers to the system, |
| newer units on the market can be programmed with | | | | and police departments charge fees for excessive |
| private telephone numbers that will automatically be | | | | false alarms. |
| called in the event of an intrusion. This way, if | | | | Alarm systems aren't the only method of protection |
| something happens while you're gone, you'll instantly | | | | you should consider. It's also important to make sure |
| be notified on your cell phone. Likewise, you can set | | | | that your locks are up to date. A heavy deadbolt is |
| the alarm to immediately notify your local police | | | | essential for making sure that intruders have an extra |
| department should an incident arise. | | | | step to worry about before they gain entry. You |
| 2. If you do choose to have a system professionally | | | | should also remember to always take in any |
| installed by a home security provider, do your | | | | newspapers or mail, as that is a definite sign that you |
| research. Companies provide different levels of | | | | haven't been in your residence for at least a few |
| service for different prices. Make sure that the | | | | days. With common sense and the addition of a |
| company you choose also offers fire protection. | | | | home security system, your home stands a fair |
| Essentially, the company acts as a conduit between | | | | chance of repelling potential intruders. |