By Helen Stephens
Security is something we all have taken for granted, but for those of us who live alone or find ourselves alone from time to time, the feeling of security can be hard to find. You know the feeling. It's late at night. The drapes don’t seem thick enough to block out peeping eyes, and the lights don’t look bright enough to illuminate the darkness. You check the door and window locks a hundred times before going to bed, yet still you don’t feel safe. As you lay your head upon the pillow, your ears pick up every sound, from the faucet dripping in the bathroom to the sound of party-goers stumbling around outside. You wonder in your heart if you will ever feel safe again. If this scenario reminds you of the last time you spent an evening alone, then you might be ready to consider a home security system.
Home security systems come in many forms and can be as simple or as complex as you want them to be. Whether your fear is burglary or something a little more sinister, a home security system of some kind can give you the protection and peace of mind you have been looking for. Most criminals seek to avoid attention, and the more items that announce their presence, the more reluctant they will be to pursue your home. Here are a few of the things that burglars hate:
Noise: Noise is a criminal’s worst enemy. Their goal is to be stealthy, like a cat tiptoeing down the hallway. Noise of any kind makes this kind of stealth impossible. It draws attention to them from every location. Whether it is a piercing alarm or the sound of a dog barking upon their approach, a home with noise will very quickly be avoided. There is too much risk involved.
Lights: Criminals like to work in the dark. It hides their activities, and it hides their identities. Lights draw attention to everything they are doing and makes them easy to spot. A home surrounded with lights will turn off even the most experienced burglar.
Posted Warnings: Like electricity, most criminals seek the path of least resistance. If a home shows outward signs of being protected, like stickers on the windows that indicate the house is covered by a home security system, a criminal is less likely to target your home. There are plenty of other homes that would be more accessible, and most criminals will not waste the time taking a risk on an uncertainty like a home security system.
With these things in mind, let’s look at some of the options that are available for use in your home:
Motion Sensing Lights: Using infrared technology and multiple detection lenses, motion sensing lighting is a must for every home. Whether your goal is basic functionality or functional style, there are numerous choices available. Most home improvement stores have a variety of elegant options that are not too expensive. Even the simple styles are attractive, so there is no excuse to exclude this option from your home. Not only will motion sensor lighting protect your home, but it will save money on your energy bill because the lights are set on timers. Once the lights are triggered, they will remain on for a given length of time, and then turn off, resetting themselves to detect any additional motion.
Flood lights set around the outside of the house or apartment are the most effective for deterring criminals. Not only are they brighter than other light options, but they turn on instantly when movement is detected, flooding light in two or more directions. Many of the models on the market are adjustable, allowing for changes in motion detection sensitivity and range of distance. Some models will even turn on if a vehicle pulls into the driveway. Most models can be installed in place of your current conventional outdoor lights. For proper coverage and protection, additional outlets may need to be installed, depending upon what is currently available outside your home. There are models on the market with wireless remote sensors, allowing you to place the sensors where you feel the most vulnerable. Remember with these models that the remote sensors are powered by batteries. They should be checked frequently to ensure proper operation.
Magnetic Alarms: These simple yet effective alarms use the principle of magnetic affinity to protect your windows and doors. They generally come in two parts. One portion of the alarm is attached to the solid frame of your window or door. The other portion is attached to the section of the window or door that moves. Once the alarm is set and in place, any unauthorized entry attempts will separate the magnets inside each portion, tripping the alarm. Some magnetic alarms are so sensitive that even the action of shifting the locked window or door will trigger the alarm.
Pressure Alarms: This high tech alarm sounds like something out of a spy novel. When the alarm is set, it can recognize the smallest change in air pressure, like the opening and closing of a door or window within a room. They are so sensitive that they can cover an area up to 1000 square feet. When these devices are set on their most sensitive levels, the simple touch of a hand on the doorknob will set this alarm ringing. One of the great things about this type of alarm is its portability. Many of the various models can be used as personal alarm systems when you travel, allowing you to carry that sense of security with you wherever you go. The best feature of this unit is the price range. With such sophisticated technology, you would expect to pay hundreds of dollars, but in reality they are available for around the price of a dinner for two.
Infrared Motion Alarms: Motion alarms are the most conventional alarms on the market, using a passive infrared technology to detect intruders. Every living creature emits some level of thermal energy, and this alarm system is designed to detect it. This system creates an invisible wall of protection that, if breached, will cause the alarm to go off. Most systems can be set with a delay that allows the home owner time to arm or disarm the system upon entering or exiting the home. There are keypad versions and remote versions, offering a variety of ways of controlling the system. Because of their popularity, motion alarms are relatively inexpensive, but as with any system, there is always room for an upgrade to a fancier, more expensive model.
Security Cameras: Use of security cameras within residential homes is growing in popularity. They offer a few things in the realm of home security. First of all, they tend to be highly visible. Think about when you are shopping in a store. You see the surveillance cameras everywhere you walk. They can make you feel nervous, even when you aren’t doing anything wrong. How much more unnerving do you think it will be to a would-be intruder to see surveillance cameras set all along the periphery of your house? Security cameras also act as an extra set of eyes for you, helping you monitor the activity in and around your house. It is much more comforting to investigate a strange noise outside from the comfort of the inside of your home, by simply looking at a television monitor and choosing which camera to look through. Finally, security cameras offer concrete evidence to law enforcement, just in case someone does try to break in. An intruder can be recorded and identified from videos taken with surveillance equipment.
Automatic Security Systems: No discussion on security systems would be complete without mentioning the automated security services offered by such companies as ADT, Brinks, and Protect America. These programs are the one stop shopping of home security. The process is pretty straightforward. A representative comes to your home and evaluates your security needs. He or she develops a security plan, including some or all of the above mentioned items. The company installs the hardware for you and wires everything into their satellite or electronic system. If any of the sensors or alarms are tripped, the company calls the police for you. These programs are also connected to the fire department in case of a fire. And every installation comes with a series of panic buttons set throughout the home so that if you see or hear anything that makes you uncomfortable, you can press the panic button and the authorities will be sent to your home immediately. This can be unbelievably comforting when you are all alone. It is an incredible service, but expect that you will pay a great deal for that kind of monitoring power.
Whatever your needs, chances are, there is a system for you. Take back your sense of peace by installing a home security system. I guarantee you will sleep much better the next time you find yourself all alone.
© Doityourself.com 2006
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