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Why should I have a security alarm system?
Having a security alarm
system may decreases the chances of a burglary. Even if the alarm
system does not
keep a burglar from breaking in, it may
cause the burglar to stay a shorter amount of time.
What Should a Security Alarm System Include?
Most systems rely on a combination of contacts placed at doors and windows and motion
sensors. It is best that all exterior potential points of entry
have contacts that sense when they are open. ProTech Lock and
Safe also offers Glass break sensors. Motion sensors
should not be used as the primary means of detection because they do
not detect someone until they are already in the
house.
The basic elements of a
standard home security system include:
- Control panel: This is where the system wiring terminates, the backup battery is located and where it is connected to the phone lines if it is a monitored system.
- Keypad: This is where the system is armed and disarmed.
- Siren
- Inside motion detector: These sense changes in a room caused by human presence. Special motion detectors are available for people who have pets.
- Door and window contacts: This sounds the alarm when the door or window is opened (and the system is on).
- A central monitoring station (Company): If the system is monitored, and the alarm is set off, the control panel sends a message to a central monitoring station, which is manned 24 hours a day.
After attempting to contact the homeowner, the central monitoring
station will contact the police, fire department, or
medics.
Additional items that can be added to the basic system are:
- Smoke detectors
- Glass break detectors
- Panic buttons
- Pressure mats for under rugs
- Closed circuit TV to allow monitoring and/or recording inside or outside a home.
- Alarm screens for windows.
Monitored System or Unmonitored System?
Monitored systems typically work as follows:
- The security system senses something.
- The security system waits 30 to 45 seconds to give the homeowner a chance to deactivate the system to prevent false alarms.
- If the alarm is not deactivated the security system sends a message to the monitoring company over telephone lines.
- The monitoring company receives the message and verifies the alarm, generally by placing a phone call to the home. If they do not receive the proper password or do not receive an answer, they call the police.
- The police respond.
Unmonitored systems typically have on-site alarms and/or flashing
lights. It relies on neighbors to call police.
Neighbors or
passersby should never investigate an alarm themselves. With
an unmonitored system, it is best to have a combination of strobe
lights and alarms. They should be located on the street side of
the house and in an inaccessible spot as possible. It is best to
discuss the installation with your neighbors and to place the
siren and flashing light on the house where it can be easily
seen.
Things to Remember About Security Alarm
Systems
Burglars realize most security systems sound
inside the house and then the alarm is transferred to remote
locations through the telephone lines. Most phone lines
are typically exposed on the outside of the house in an easily
accessible location where the phone line can be cut. If
the telephone line is cut, the security alarm system cannot notify
the central monitoring station of the break-in. If the
phone line is run underground until it is inside the home (with the
main telephone junction box inside the home), the thief cannot
tamper with the telephone line until after he or she has broken
in. Having a protected phone line to your house is a good
idea whether you have a security alarm system or
not.
Remember: Security systems do not prevent thieves from
breaking into homes. A good security plan should include
strong window, door and lock products and good security
habits.
Pro Tech Lock and Safe has the experience and
qualified technicians to assist you with all of your security
needs. |
