| Considering a home security system? You have a lot | | | | contacts the homeowner and/or the proper |
| of options - so many that it's easy to get | | | | authorities. |
| overwhelmed. | | | | The benefit to this is that you have a reliable 3rd |
| Do you want a wired or wireless system? Security | | | | party looking out for your home so if something |
| cameras or monitoring system - or both? Do you | | | | goes wrong you don't have to worry that you (or |
| want infrared sensors, day/night cameras, two way | | | | your kids) won't have the presence of mind to call |
| voice communication? How about fire alarm | | | | the proper authorities. |
| monitoring as well as burglary? | | | | Another benefit is that you can often customize the |
| When choosing a security system for your home, it's | | | | service to give you exactly what you need including |
| important to step back first and look at your options. | | | | adding nanny-cams, wireless viewing, email alerts, etc. |
| What may work for you may not work for | | | | The downside to this is that there is a monthly |
| someone else's home. Different homes need | | | | monitoring fee. |
| different types of protection. | | | | #3 DIY Home Security System |
| And you also need to consider your budget as well | | | | These are usually wireless out-of-the-box systems |
| as your comfort level. For example do you want | | | | you buy and set up yourself. There are a wide |
| your home to be shut up tighter than Fort Knox? Or | | | | variety of options here from basic to very complex. |
| do you just want a fake security camera with an | | | | You can get security cameras, DVRs, motion |
| ADT sticker out front to deter potential burglars? | | | | sensors, etc. |
| These are a few considerations before choosing the | | | | A benefit to doing it yourself is that you may be able |
| right system for you. But when it comes to the | | | | to save some money and you can also customize |
| actual system part - what options do you have? | | | | your system to be as simple or state-of-the-art as |
| Here's a brief overview of your basic choices: | | | | possible. |
| #1 Home Alarm | | | | The downside is that you have to make sure you've |
| This is usually a siren that goes off when a | | | | got enough coverage for your property. There are |
| monitored door or window is opened. The alarm | | | | some very cheap do-it-yourself systems out there |
| sound can potentially scare off burglars and alert | | | | that are easily disabled in less than 10 seconds so |
| homeowners that someone is in their home. | | | | you don't want to take a chance on protecting your |
| The upside to a home alarm is that it can be more | | | | home and family, just to save a buck. |
| affordable than some other options. The downside is | | | | #4 Home Security Cameras |
| that if the burglar knows you're not home and you | | | | You can buy these on their own or often as an |
| just have a basic alarm, they probably won't be | | | | entire system which may include indoor and outdoor |
| deterred from cleaning out your stuff and moving on. | | | | cameras, video monitors etc. This is more of a |
| Another downside is that if you or your kids are | | | | do-it-yourself option however you can get a |
| home, someone needs to have the presence of mind | | | | monitoring system like ADT to add in security |
| to call the authorities if somebody does break in. And | | | | cameras as well. |
| this can be difficult in an adrenaline-pounding situation. | | | | The benefit to this option is that you can constantly |
| You can sometimes find a home alarm that will | | | | monitor what is going on in your home - even from |
| auto-dial a certain phone number like the police if it is | | | | your iTouch or laptop computer. You can see who is |
| set off. However be aware that if you have a false | | | | at your front door. You can see who's pulling up on |
| alarm, you can get charged a hefty fee if this | | | | your driveway. You can even keep an eye on your |
| happens. | | | | nanny or a caregiver for your elderly parent. |
| #2 Home Monitoring System | | | | So those are some basic options you have when |
| This is what most people think of when they | | | | choosing a home security system. Each one has it's |
| consider a home security system. A home monitoring | | | | advantages and disadvantages. Every home is |
| system means you have a third party service like | | | | different and I recommend you take some time to |
| ADT or Brinks monitoring your home for burglary, | | | | familiarize yourself with the options you have and |
| fire, carbon monoxide etc. | | | | what kind of protection you personally are |
| When something goes wrong, the system sends an | | | | comfortable with. |
| alert to the monitoring center. The center then | | | | |