Every year home owners collect more stuff which adds to the value of their houses. And more people are turning to home security systems to protect their investments. No matter the size or value of a home, the following home security system options could well be worth the investment – if only for peace of mind.
Many insurance companies will offer discounts for approved home security systems that are connected to 24-hour answering services. The cost of these systems will generally be several hundreds of dollars and while the insurance discount won’t pay for the system for many years, the extra security could suddenly come in handy.
Doors and windows – especially basement windows – are perhaps the most vulnerable areas in a home to the prying hands of a thief. For that reason, home owners should install deadbolts on their doors and purchase bars for their windows.
Any home – new or old – should be considered for new locks. Many new houses aren’t equipped with deadbolts and home owners should pay the few extyra dollars to have them installed. Having locks rekeyed every few years for extra safety is also recommended.
Keys can be lost or misplaced and by changing locks, a home owner can prevent someone from using an old key to enter. When people move into a home, they should also change locks on all doors including the garage.
Home owners should be aware of three defenses to break-ins. The first defence against intrusion is a system of secure locks, preferably deadbolts. Even patio doors should have special locks added to prevent entry. These doors are susceptible to illegal entry and can often be lifted right out of their tracks.
The second defense involves putting bars – inside the house or outside – on windows. Swing-type bars are available for interior use. These can be quickly released by tenants for escape from fire. At least one swing-type bar assembly should be used in each basement room.
The fire department has concerns about bars and you want to be able to get out if there is a fire. They say home owners shouldn’t use padlocks on window bars. Even a two-year-old can release the swing-type bars. Deadbolts and basement window bars could be the best deterrent to theft a home owner can invest in.
Home owners should also keep trees and bushes away from windows so the house is easily visible. Thieves can use bushes for concealment. Home owners should also mark property with an engraver. Identifiable property can be a deterrent, especially for juvenile offenders who often boast of their exploits to friends who in turn may break into the same homes.
Door locks should have a good one-inch throw bolt and a strike that is screwed right into the house’s studs to prevent someone from easily kicking the door open. Sliding glass windows can be secured with a screw stuck in the upper track to prevent it from opening all the way.
Home combination locks may be an alternative home security system options for families with lots of people coming and going. The combinations can be changed occasionally to prevent the wrong people from obtaining access. Doors equipped with combinations automatically lock when they’re closed. With these locks, a gardener won’t have to worry about securing doors before wandering out into the yard.
The third defense is a full-scale electronic home security system which uses various detectors and ear-splitting sirens inside and outside the house. Electronic systems can be easily installed in existing homes or be pre-wired into new homes and added later as budgets permit.
Detectors utilized include contact, motion, and glass-breaking types. A contact detector triggers the alarm if a door ir forced opened.
A motion detector responds to movement in a house while the alarm is on while the glass-breaking detector will trigger an alarm if a thief breaks a window or glass door. People who have expansive glass areas in their homes might seriously want to consider several of the latter detectors.
Smoke detectors can also be wired into these systems so if fire breaks out while the home owner is away, fire crews can respond quickly. The 15-watt interior siren is deafening while the 30-watt exterior one can be heard three blocks away.
Infrared security lighting for the home and yard are other home security system options gaining in popularity. Sensor lights should be installed out of normal reach on homes so the bulbs can’t easily be broken and the units put out commission.
People who keep valuables in the home may want to invest in a hidden floor safe for the basement. Home safes aren’t as good as a bank vault, but may be valuable for people with collections or items they prefer to keep at home.
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