SECURITY ARTICLES

HOME SECURITY SYSTEMS:
MORE THAN JUST CATCHING THIEVES

By Don Tate

Like mobile phones and broadband Internet connections, a home security system is something that, after you get it, you can't see going back to not having it again. There is such a level of comfort in knowing that your house, your loved ones, and everything you have worked so hard for is that much safer.

Experts report that as many as 1 in 5 homes will be broken into with more expensive houses and houses closer to highway entrances being more likely to be broken into. They also report that houses without alarms and lawn signs are 3 times as likely to be targets as those with an alarm system and clearly posted signage. Simply having a security system increases the likelihood that you'll never have an emergency where you will have to rely on it.

But if something bad does happen, you'll be happy you have the support a home security system provides. If you have a burglar or attacker so bold that they are not deterred by the lawn signs and then the wail of the alarm itself, you'll be ever thankful that your alarm system has not only alerted yourself to the danger, but it has also contacted the authorities. Even if you do not have the time or opportunity to dial 911 yourself, help will still be dispatched and sent your way. It will be one less thing you have to concern yourself with so you can focus on protecting yourself or getting your family out of danger.

Of course, alarm systems today can do more than protect you from a home invasion. Many can be equipped with fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors that will also alert the proper authorities as well as sound an alarm. And while this may seem unnecessary since your home already has detectors, consider what would happen if your house catches fire while you're out. Instead of having to wait for someone to notice there is a problem which may not happen in time to save your home, the detector in your security system can call the fire department as soon as it detects smoke which gives them a far better chance of getting to your home in time to save your possessions, your pets, and the structure itself.

So when you consider that a security system helps prevent home invasions as well as helping you deal with a variety of emergencies that could arise, it is little wonder that so many people consider a home security system a welcome and easily justifiable expense.