Home security is comprised of both the technological hardware put on a house to protect it and people’s individual security practices. Many people do not realize how vulnerable their property is until something happens. This allows an opportunity for an individual to make the appropriate decisions to help minimize risk. Home security hardware includes deadbolts on exterior doors, burglar alarms, cameras, fire detection, fire extinguishers, motion sensors, and surveillance camera systems. There are many other types of devices and equipment that can be added to a home or business but these are some of the most common. Personal safety practices are essential to staying safe and this article will discuss some methods you can use to help decrease your chances of becoming a victim.
Window Stickers – Yard signs or window decals are an easy way to deter burglars. These signs should be placed in well lit areas and near outdoor windows. Most home security systems include sensors that will trigger the alarm if an image is captured on the sensor. Putting these signs up on the outside of windows will alert potential burglars that there is a security system in place. Yard signs may also be used as name tags and given to children to carry in their bags when they go out shopping. This will give them a simple and affordable way to identify themselves to shopkeepers and volunteers when they need to report a crime.
Alarm Systems – Some DIY security systems are monitored by an off-premise company. If an alarm is triggered by the monitoring company will contact the local police or fire department for assistance. They will then dispatch emergency crews to the scene to assist in apprehending the burglars. If no one picks up the call from the monitoring center then the alarm will be triggered and activated again.
Control Panels – Certain home security systems are monitored using remote control panels. These control panels may be placed in any room of the house but most are placed in the master bedroom. If the control panel is triggered by motion or presence such as a doorbell, then the alarm will be triggered and the appropriate actions will be taken.
Floodlights – If your property has hard to gain access to from the outside, then you may want to consider adding floodlights. Motion sensors can be placed around the exterior of the house, but floodlights will work better in areas where motion can be detected. Floodlights can be turned on with the push of a switch but can also be turned on with the flip of a switch. Both of these options should be used to alert burglars that their presence has been detected. These features are especially important if you have an upstairs bathroom that is frequently used by your family.
Controls – The final component to any DIY security system is the control panel. The control panel will allow you to monitor the sensors and buttons. It is commonly used for the main contact for all of the devices. Make sure you place the control panel away from windows and doors so it is not accidentally triggered.