Importance of Home Security Systems

Home Security Systems

Home security systems have grown in popularity in recent years, as home owners look for ways to protect their personal space and enhance their home values. If you’re considering adding a home security system, here is an overview of the features.

Today’s home security systems offer many high tech options that can be programmed into a wired or wireless system. Among the protective measures are motion sensors, door and window contacts and high tech alarms. During a burglary or fire, for example, information about your home and the emergency are sent to a central command center that relays information to the appropriate authorities.

These systems help boost housing values by adding sophisticated technology that translates to peace of mind and security for home owners. In many cases, home security systems also help lower home owner’s insurance bills. Insurance companies realize that a well-protected house can lead to fewer insurance claims.

Security monitoring is another important facet of the home security system business. While a professionally installed security system is important, it has to be backed with solid monitoring and response. When talking to companies about home security systems, look for a firm with a solid track record in your community, 24-hour response service, reasonable prices and courteous personal service.

Whether you want burglary protection, fire protection, emergency medical assistance or a combination of these features, there is a home security system that can meet those needs. This is a great way to add peace of mind and upgrade your home to help increase its value.

Home Smoke Detectors

Why Do I Need A Home Smoke Detector? We all think it’s never going to happen to us, but fires do happen in the home. If you are not around to take notice of warning signals such as smoke, or maybe you are asleep, then it may be too late to save your home.

Even if your possessions are not burnt, they can be badly damaged by smoke, or water used by the fire service to put the fire out. Some things are just irreplaceable; like old photographs, letters, your children’s first paintings, or a wedding dress. If you are asleep, you may not notice the smoke, and you might suffer from smoke inhalation; in a worst-case scenario you could die.

What Types Of Home Smoke Detector Are Available? Home smoke detectors are cheap and simple to install. Many only cost a few dollars. Some run on batteries, so if the power supply to your home is cut off for some reason, the alarm will still work. Unfortunately many people fail to check the batteries and die every year as a result. Make sure you are not one of them, by regularly testing the home smoke detector and changing the battery if necessary.

If you think you might be one of these people who forgets to check, then maybe a rechargeable model would suit you better. They are slightly more expensive than the battery operated variety, but they can be fitted into a light socket. The internal battery charges up whenever the light is switched on. For the sake of a few dollars you could save your own life and that of your family.

Home Fire Alarm Systems

According to a report from the United States Fire administration in 2000: every 10 seconds an American home suffers a fire, one a minute is serious enough to call the Fire Service. Someone is killed in a home fire every two and half hours — that’s over 3,500 people killed in 2000 alone. Another 20,000 people are injured in home fires in a typical year. They all thought it wouldn’t happen to them.

Many people have a smoke detector, but sometimes that isn’t enough. If you regularly fail to check the batteries or live in a building that is difficult to monitor with standard smoke detectors, then maybe you need a home fire alarm system. Many systems are part of a home security system. If you are thinking about an intruder alarm it’s worth checking out the options available for a combined intruder and fire alarm system.

These systems generally consist of smoke and heat detectors. This control system usually operates from house power, but has a back up battery in the event of a power outage. A fire alarm system will give you more flexibility in locating heat and smoke sensors. As well as alarms, you can also get flashing lights – this is a useful addition if you have somebody who has impaired hearing.

A home fire alarm system is the only way your home can be connected to a remote monitoring service; so even if you are not at home, the fire service will be notified. If you have a disabled relative who cannot leave the premises unaided, then this type of system can give you peace of mind.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless gas that claims many lives in this country. Every home owner should understand how carbon monoxide poisoning occurs and how to prevent it. This type of poisoning occurs from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, such as wood, gasoline and natural gas. The danger is very real inside a home, as most people have gas water heaters, fireplaces, ovens, space heaters, dryers and other products that can pose a risk.

The best way to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning is by installing carbon monoxide detectors near bedrooms and appliances – and keeping all appliances in good working order. Carbon monoxide detectors work by setting off an alarm if the carbon monoxide level reaches a certain level.

Carbon monoxide is dangerous – and sometimes fatal – when people are exposed to high levels of it during a short period of time or to low levels over a long period of time. Among the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are shortness of breach, headaches and nausea. Babies, children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with certain ailments are the most sensitive to carbon monoxide.

It is important to note that carbon monoxide detectors need a continuous power supply, so electric ones can become ineffective if the power is shut off. Many models have back-up battery power as well. If a carbon monoxide detector sounds, call for emergency assistance and get family members to fresh air. When buying carbon monoxide detectors look for ones that have been tested by a recognized facility, such as Underwriter’s Laboratory.