How to pick the best security system for your home

Video surveillance systems like this one can protect a home or business from crime.

When it comes to keeping your home or business safe, nothing works better than a reliable security system. However, particularly if you live in a larger property, have a number of valuables on the premises, or run a business that can benefit from constant monitoring to reduce crime and eliminate loss, theft, or vandalism, a simple alarm system may not be enough. When that’s the case, it’s time to rely on the benefits of video surveillance systems, complex technology that ensures Big Brother is always watching, even when you’re away from your home or business. Of course, finding the right technology is of the utmost importance; otherwise, you’re left paying hefty fees for services you don’t need, or stuck with fancy electronic equipment you never quite figured out how to install, much less operate.

Tips On Shopping for Video Surveillance Systems

• Never underestimate the power of professional help. Unless you’re extremely technically-minded or have experience in the field, it’s usually preferable to leave the installation of video surveillance systems to the alarm monitoring companies to prevent something from going wrong. The last thing you want is to spend a fortune on equipment that isn’t functioning as it should, or end up breaking valuable items in the process of setting things up.
• Commercial or residential? You’re going to have slightly different needs from your video surveillance systems if you’re a homeowner looking for added protection, a shopkeeper looking to reduce theft, or the owner of an apartment complex that not only needs tenants to feel safe, but to reduce the potential for personal liability. When choosing between video surveillance systems, make it clear exactly what your concerns are. That way, you’re most likely to end up with a package uniquely suited to your needs.

Home & Business Protection

Security surveillance systems have certainly become a popular way for both business owners and homeowners to not only view what is going on in their place of business or their homes, but they also have access to it all on video. In the past, security cameras were in place to deter criminal activities in places like airports, banks, casinos, and other high security establishments. Security cameras and surveillance systems were rarely found in smaller stores or offices. They definitely were not popular among homeowners, unless they were wealthy or famous. However, the way we all look at the security in our homes and our businesses has changed dramatically and so have our needs to keep them secure.

Surveillance Systems are Affordable

No longer are security surveillance systems offered exclusively to high-security businesses or to the wealthy. Nowadays, anyone can have a surveillance system installed in their home or their business. Not only have security cameras, DVR’s and other security surveillance devices come down tremendously in price, they have also evolved over the years. There are now many choices when it comes to home surveillance systems from the types of cameras, to the way we view and record our data.

Videos Can Help Prosecute Criminals

Some people think of security surveillance systems as a waste of money. They feel that since they have a home security system—they are 100% protected from crime. This is not entirely true. Home security systems are the best way to deter criminals and keep a home safe. If a burglar knows a home is protected by a home security system, there is a chance he will move on. However, if a burglar should see surveillance cameras mounted on the outside of your home, there is larger possibility that he will move on to the next home—preferably an unprotected home. Burglars do not like home security systems, nor do they want to be caught on video doing criminal acts by a home surveillance system. If you happen to have a brazen burglar that decides to enter your home regardless of the fact you have a home surveillance system and a security system in place—surveillance video of the occurrence can be used to help prosecute the person or persons who burglarized your home.

The video surveillance systems you choose for your home or business should be the ultimate support system, never any sort of hassle or detriment. It doesn’t take a lot of technological experience or knowledge in the field to get the hang of operating and monitoring your system fairly quickly, especially if you’re choosing to have an expert working in your corner. Doing a bit of research to make certain you’re working with a reputable company, are able to get in touch with customer service when you need it, and that the equipment you’re being sold is really as well-made and reliable as it claims to be are all keys to ensuring you get the system you want. After all, security is about staying protected from the bad guys—whether intruders and thieves looking to do you harm, or shady alarm system providers looking to make money at your expense, leaving you unprotected in the long run. Stick with US alarm companies to get the job done right.

Learn More About Home Surveillance Systems

• Surveillance Cameras
• Types of Home Security Cameras

This window would benefit from a more modern wireless window security system.

Good basement window security is vital to preventing burglars from breaking into your home via the basement. Unsecured basement windows often give intruders an easy access point into the home, but homeowners tend to overlook these windows when implementing security plans for the rest of the house. This is especially true in situations where a basement is unfinished or is being used only for storage purposes, and thus basement window security is an essential part of any home security systems guide.

Homeowners have numerous options for bolstering basement window security regardless of how the basement is being used. One of the most convenient options is to include basement windows when signing up for a home alarm monitoring service. Almost all home security companies these days offer basement window monitoring options as part of their broader home service coverage.

The same kind of intrusion alarms, glass-break sensors and motion detectors that are used to secure exterior doors and windows can be easily used to boost basement window security. Most companies that offer wireless home security systems provide decals and yard signs that can be used to let intruders know that the home is protected by a professional security services company.

In addition, homeowners have several other relatively easy options for basement window security.

Install Bars or Grills Across Basement Windows

One way to make it harder for thieves to break-in via a basement window is to install security bars or grills across the windows. However, care needs to be taken to ensure that the security bars or grills do not prevent those living inside the home to exit via a basement window in the event of a fire or other emergency.

Install a Security Film over Basement Windows

If aesthetics is a concern for you, or if local laws prevent you from installing burglar bars and grills across your basement windows, consider using security film to protect your basement windows. Window security films are designed to hold a window together even if a thief succeeds in shattering the glass.

Consider Using Alternate Material for Basement Windows

Polycarbonate sheeting and glass blocks are great material for enhancing basement window security. Polycarbonate sheets, produced by companies like Gallina, look largely like glass but are much tougher and much more resilient to shattering than glass. Similarly, glass blocks are not only incredibly resistant to shattering, they are also more stylish and practical than glass. Traditional solid glass blocks are translucent in nature and can enhance light and privacy inside the basement.

Make It Harder for Thieves to Conceal Themselves Near Basement Windows

Most basement windows are only half visible from the ground level. Often, the windows are obscured by shrubs, trees or other forms of landscaping. This often makes it easy for thieves to conceal themselves while they attempt to break into your house. So, one way to enhance basement window security is to make it harder for a potential burglar to hide near a basement window.

A basement window might not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think about home security. However, remember that these windows give burglars an easy way to gain access to not just the basement – but to your entire home. So, make basement window security a priority when considering security measures for your home.

Homeowners who are seeking to install a home security system can easily get overwhelmed by the sheer number of alarm monitoring companies that are available and the wide range of services that they offer. Choosing the right home security company for your needs can be tricky if you are unsure of what you are looking for, or haven’t researched the market adequately. So before you get started, consider using this list of tips on how to compare alarm monitoring companies.

Compare Service Offerings

All alarm monitoring companies offer burglar alarm monitoring services. Some vendors though bundle a series of other options that customers can choose from in addition to burglar alarm monitoring. For example, many companies these days offer fire and smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and flooding alerts as part of their portfolio of monitoring services. So when comparing alarm monitoring companies decide what exactly you want from the service provider. If all you are looking for is basic burglar alarm monitoring, there is little reason to choose a more expensive service provider who offers a range of other options as well.

Cheapest is Not Always the Best Option

Cost is not the only factor. The prices for home monitoring services can vary considerably. Remember that the cheapest option may not always be the best option. Some of the better established security monitoring companies typically charge more for their service compared to smaller, local companies. However, the bigger companies also usually have better security monitoring infrastructures and are better equipped to respond to emergencies than small firms. So when choosing between multiple vendors, make sure to check what kind of monitoring infrastructures they have.

Inquire About the Vendor’s Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Capabilities

Reliable alarm monitoring companies will have built-in redundancies for handling power failures and disruptions arising from equipment failures. Make sure that any vendor you choose has the ability to continue delivering monitoring services even when their primary operations center is disabled.

Verify the Quality of the Service Provider

When comparing alarm monitoring companies find out whether the equipment and the operations center are certified to Underwriters Laboratory (UL) standards. Inquire about the quality of employee training programs at each vendor, and find out if those monitoring calls at the operation centers are qualified to handle and respond to emergency situations.

Verify the Vendor’s Credentials

Ask vendors for customer references. Reputable alarm monitoring companies will have a ready list of satisfied customers who are willing to offer their opinions on the quality of the company’s services.