Home security systems offer peace of mind
Residential security systems or alarms can serve as a deterrent for potential intruders while protecting your family and assets.
They can also double as a smoke alarm by detecting a fire as well as a flood.
A monitored system will even lower your homeowner蘑菇视频 insurance premium.
Rosanne Placey, director of the Pennsylvania Insurance Department蘑菇视频 office of press and communications, said most insurance companies provide discounts of between two and 15 percent for homeowners that use safety devices, including dead-bolt locks, window grates, bars and smoke, fire, and burglar alarms.
Placey recommended homeowners check with their insurance carrier to see if such related discounts are already on their policy and if they are receiving them.
Placey further added that insurance companies encourage their policyholders to reduce and manage risks.
鈥淗ome safety and security can and does make a difference in insurance losses,鈥� she said.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation reported more than two million home burglaries occurred in 2010 in the United States while over 70 percent of that took place in residential homes.
Almost 80 percent of homeowners with alarms rated the systems effective at protecting their homes, according to a survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center.
Dave Polvinale of Brownsville, a salesman for Vector Security based in Warrandale, said home security systems provide various levels of protection with basic or interactive features.
Experts suggest that homeowners purchase a system to meet their home蘑菇视频 specifications such as the number of windows and doors and outdoor lighting requirements.
Self or unmonitored systems are the least expensive because they are generally installed by the homeowner.
This type of system generally triggers an alarm when a sensor is set off by a intruder.
A monitored system, however, provides protection 24/7 and is connected to a central monitoring station through a landline, cellular or broadband connection.
It will automatically contact the proper authorities when the alarm is set off.
There is also a monthly cost for a monitored system in addition to some companies charging installation and equipment fees.
Whether monitored or unmonitored, either type of home security system can be set up to be hard wired or wireless.
Given today蘑菇视频 advances in technology, Polvinale said a lot of people are going with wireless home security systems.
鈥淚 think it蘑菇视频 a front burner,鈥� said Polvinale. 鈥淧eople see the benefit and value of having security, and it gives them peace of mind.鈥�
According to Consumer Reports, today蘑菇视频 sophisticated alarms have high-tech sensors to identify broken locks, opening doors and windows, unexpected movement, breaking glass and other intrusion events.
Such systems are monitored around the clock by companies in direct contact with police, fire and emergency medical services.
Security systems also come with enhanced features, including smoke and carbon monoxide detection, environmental monitoring, health alert services, and even home automation for temperature, lighting, locking and other controls.
The list goes on to include cameras, motion detectors, sensors, smoke, fire and carbon monoxide detectors, keypads and video displays.
The Electronic Security Association (ESA) said wireless systems can be used with a smart phone or tablet apps that enable homeowners to view a live video feed from surveillance cameras around their home.
Polvinale said a lot of people are investing in video platform that enables them to view their property from a smart phone.
鈥淚t蘑菇视频 also recorded so they have a way of going back and retrieving video in case of an incident.鈥�
Working parents can also keep tabs on their kids when they come and go with certain alarm systems that send a picture to an e-mail or phone.
鈥淪ocial media is a big thing that has also assisted and helped bring (residential) security to the forefront making people aware of the options and different systems available,鈥� said Polvinale.