How to pick the best security system for your home

Wireless home automation products, such as wireless light switches, dimmers, thermostats and electric meters, are making it easier for homeowners to turn their existing home into a smart home. Such products allow homeowners to gain remote control of their lighting, heating, cooling, entertainment and security systems. Using wireless home automation products, you can enable capabilities that, for instance, let you turn on and turn off all the lights in your home, adjust temperature settings and lock all doors in your home using a single remote control device.

Greater Flexibility Than X10-Based Technologies

Wireless home automation products offer greater flexibility than smart home products based on the X10 protocol, which is the most commonly used technology in current generation smart home products. One reason why X10 products have been popular for so long is because they let homeowners automate their homes using the existing wiring in their homes. Wireless automation products go one step further by eliminating the need for wires entirely. Instead, they use radio frequency (RF) technology to communicate with each other and to receive and respond to user commands.

Z-Wave and Zigbee

Many vendors these days have begun selling wireless home automation kits that you can use to quickly replace all of your existing switches, outlets dimmers, thermostats and other hardware. Most such wireless products are based either on Z-Wave technology or on Zigbee technology. Both are lightweight wireless standards that have been optimized for smart home applications. Products based on these standards communicate with each other using radio frequency technology. They can be remotely controlled using an RF remote control that is not very different from the remote used for most standard TVs.

Internet-Enabled Technologies

Many vendors also allow you to control wireless systems using key fobs or your smart phone from distances of up to 150 feet away. A growing number of wireless home automation products are also IP-enabled. That means you can control and manage them over the Internet. For example, with an IP-enabled lighting or heating system, you would be able to log in via the Web from anywhere in the world and turn on the lights in your home, or adjust your thermostat settings from thousands of miles away.

Easy installation

Wireless home automation products are often easy to install. Typically all you would really need to do is to remove your existing manual switches, outlets and other controls and replace them with their wireless counterparts. You can then connect as many or as few of these devices together as you want, and control them all as one unit or as separate units. For example, some people connect their garage door opener to the lights inside the house, thus, when the garage door is opened, all the lights in the home come on automatically. Others might set up their system so that, when they leave for work, the lighting is automatically turned off, the thermostat is adjusted and the security alarm is turned on.

Have a Plan

Before deploying wireless automation technology it is a good idea to have a clear understanding of your objectives and a strategy for attaining those objectives. Often, people who install home automation technologies either do it on a system-by-system basis or on a room by room basis. By doing it this way, you reduce unnecessary complexity and cost. Wireless home automation systems offer a relatively inexpensive way to make your home more efficient and high-tech, but, as with any new technology, you need to take the time to understand it before you or any home alarm companies install it.

A mobile home security system offers a relatively inexpensive and easy-to-install alternative to conventional wired burglar alarm systems. Mobile alarm systems are designed to protect homes and office buildings against burglars and other unauthorized intruders. Unlike traditional wired monitoring systems, a mobile system uses your cell phone to control your home security system and contact police in case of an emergency.

What is a Mobile Monitoring System?

A mobile home security system consists of compact wireless sensors, a base communication module and a smart phone app that can be used both as a panic button and as a remote control to arm the system. The sensors are meant to be deployed over doors and windows, and are capable of sending either a silent or an audible alarm if a burglar opens a door or window to gain entry into a building.

How the Sensors Work

Typically, the sensors that are used to protect doors and windows use what are known as magnetic contact circuits. The sensors consist of two sealed enclosures, one containing a magnet and the other a switch. When a burglar attempts to open a door or window that is protected by such a sensor, the magnetic contact between the two enclosures is broken thereby resulting in an alarm being triggered.

The sensors can also be deployed to detect motion inside a home or office building. Many sensors are capable of detecting motion at distances of up to 30 feet away. Motion detection sensors are often used to monitor spaces such as basements and open hallways. Most mobile alarm systems come standard with at least two sensors. Homeowners can easily purchase and install as many additional sensors as they need to protect all doors and windows.

The Communication Console

The sensors communicate wirelessly with the base communication console, which, in a sense, is the heart of mobile home security systems. When a sensor detects an intrusion, it sends an alert to the base console. Some sensors are capable of sending signals from up to 400 feet away from the console. When the console receives an alert, it either generates a loud audible alert or sends a silent alarm to the monitoring center of the service provider. Your mobile app will also, most likely, notify you of the alarm. If you have subscribed for security monitoring services, the service provider’s monitoring center will then initiate a response by contacting police and other first responders on your behalf.

A Panic Button on Your Phone

A mobile home security system package will include a smart phone app. This application can be used to arm the alarm system, or it can also be used as a panic button in the event of an emergency. All you need to do to trigger an alert is to select the panic button on your mobile phone. The device then sends an alert to the base console, which sounds an audible alarm or sends a silent signal to the monitoring center.

Benefits of a Mobile Home Monitoring System

A mobile home security system is convenient and easy to install. It offers many benefits that are worth considering.

• Mobile systems do not always require a service contract. When you install a wired burglar monitoring system, you are required to sign up for a multi-year service contract with the provider of that system. With a mobile home security system, the choice is often yours. You can sign up for round-the-clock monitoring if you want to, or you could set up the system so that it serves purely as an audible alarm to scare away burglars and to alert you to their presence.
• Mobile monitoring systems are designed for do-it-yourself installation. Most systems can be used right out-of-the-box with minimal programming on your phone.
• You can take your cell phone with you wherever you go, which is not possible with wired systems.
• State-of-the-art mobile security systems often offer the same level of protection as their wired counterparts.

A security monitoring system can give homeowners and businesses peace of mind. Many, however, do not install such systems because of the associated cost. If you are one of them, consider using a mobile home security system to get the protection you want at a price you can afford. Contact US alarm companies today about this new technology.

Automatic fire sprinkler systems are designed to protect buildings against damage resulting from fire. The systems have been used for decades to protect factories, commercial facilities, hospitals, schools and other public buildings against fire. Over the past few years, a growing number of vendors have started making available small, cost-effective fire sprinkler systems for residential buildings as well.

What Is a Fire Sprinkler System?

A fire sprinkler system consists of a water supply system, pipes for distributing the water, and sprinklers for spraying water into a room when a fire is detected. Most sprinklers are installed along the ceiling and are designed to spray water down in certain pre-defined patterns. Some fire sprinklers are designed to suppress fires, while others are designed to control and contain a blaze.

How They Work

Almost all fire sprinkler systems in use currently function automatically. The sprinkler head usually integrates a frangible bulb or a two-part link made from heat-sensitive material. The glass bulb and the two-part metal link are designed to break when the ambient temperature inside a building or a room reaches a certain temperature. This action causes an aperture in the sprinkler head to open, resulting in water spraying into the room at fairly high pressure. Most fire sprinklers operate independently of one another, and are designed to turn on only when the temperature in the immediate area reaches a certain point.

Home Sprinkler Systems

The effectiveness of fire sprinkler systems in commercial buildings is driving a growing number of people to call for its use in residential buildings as well. The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), which is a part of the Department of Homeland Security, for instance, has proposed that all U.S. homes should be equipped not just with smoke alarms, but automatic fire sprinkler systems as well. According to the USFA, many of the civilian deaths that occur each year in residential fires can be avoided via the use of automatic sprinkler systems.

Low Cost, High Value

Numerous low cost, quick-response fire sprinkler systems are becoming available in the market for use in residential buildings. The systems, many of which are approved for use by Underwriters Laboratories, can be installed by a home alarm company in the US Alarm Companies network while the home is being built, or they can be retrofitted into existing homes.

Home fire sprinkler systems are designed largely to save lives and are somewhat less focused on mitigating property damage. Most such systems are calibrated to respond much more quickly to a fire than commercial sprinkler systems. Home sprinkler systems are significantly smaller and less expensive than their business security systems counterparts.

Convenient to Install

Many home systems use inexpensive plastic piping for distributing water and are capable of operating effectively with very little water. The systems are designed to be installed with minimal effort and can work off a standard residential water supply system. An installed home sprinkler system can help drive home insurance costs down and make a home potentially more attractive to buyers. According to the USFA, home fire sprinkler systems currently cost less than $2 per foot, but the price could go down substantially as more people begin installing them with a home security system.

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.

When a business has a properly installed and monitored security system in it, a business owner can sleep better at night knowing that the premises is protected from intruders. An electronic access control system can also help protect a company during non-business hours, but the main benefits of having such a system installed are experienced during normal hours of operation; when it is business as usual.

Here are just a few reasons why many companies, both large and small, install electronic access control systems, and why you should consider installing one in your business too:

Secure Perimeter Doors

Know who is coming through the doors of your facility at all times. While most businesses anticipate mail and product deliveries to come in all throughout the day, a good percentage of unexpected visits can be cut down or even eliminated with the use of a professionally installed electronic access control system.

You will no longer need to worry about solicitors dropping in unannounced, reps from competing companies stopping in to see what you are up to, disgruntled ex-employees coming by to start trouble, or armed intruders coming in to hold up the business or cause harm to any employees, when you have an electronic access control system installed in your facility.

Manage Employee Access

Certain areas of a business may be off-limits to unauthorized members of the staff. This could be a vault, cash room, server room, or an area where sensitive information, money, jewelry, or other high security merchandise is kept. Instead of keeping these areas under lock and key, installing an electronic access control system would be the more secure way to go.

Depending on the access levels that are assigned to employees, you can allow them access to high-security areas 24/7, only on certain days, or even only at certain times. Those employees that you do not want entering high-security areas will not be able to do so if they are not programmed in as authorized users. With an electronic access control system, you control who can get in secured areas of your business and when.

Integrate With Other Protective Systems

Fire alarms play an important role in keeping both the business and all occupants inside of the facility safe. Many of the latest electronic access control systems can be integrated with a facility’s existing fire alarm for added security. For example, if a fire alarm should trip, the system can be programmed to automatically unlock all doors so that the occupants in the building can get out quickly and safely.

Many electronic access control systems also have the capability to be integrated with a company’s existing burglar alarm and/or CCTV system. By integrating an access control system with a CCTV system, you will have the opportunity to view real-time video when someone is at a protected area of the premise, or you can view pre-recorded video should you need to verify prior activity. The choice is yours.

It’s important to keep in mind that electronic access control systems do just that: limit and monitor access to a facility. They do not prevent break-ins. Therefore, for the utmost security, integrating a burglar alarm system with an electronic access control system is highly recommended.