Considering Home Security System
Considering a home security system should be tops on any homeowner’s list. Statistics show that a house without a home alarm is 6 times more likely to have a break-in than one that is protected. Many insurance companies also provide a discount anywhere from 5% to 25% on homeowners’ insurance, if any home security systems are installed.
The first step in considering home security systems is to determine your goals. Do you need to protect your home when it is not occupied? Do you want to protect your family at night, or when one spouse is out of town? Most people have a combination of needs when considering home security. Systems should be customizable to your lifestyle.
Step two is to access your priority areas. Most intruders enter through a door, so alarming all doors should be a priority. A Temple University study on burglaries showed that in 79% of the cases studied, the burglar entered through the front floor. The first floor windows, front door, and back door were all common points of entry.
The third step when considering home security systems is budget. While you want to get the best for your money, don’t set your budget too low. It is cheaper to have it done right the first time than to have to do it over.
Finally, contact the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association and ask for a list of member companies in your area. Check with your local police department, state licensing agencies, and the Better Business Bureau about the status of any companies your are considering for home security systems.
