Protect your home and family with home security

Investing in a home alarm system is a good option for added home security because it provides proven theft deterrence options as well as more peace of mind. Taking the time to understand the types of security alarm systems available and exactly how they will improve your home security is important so you can purchase a system tailored to your needs and budget.

Types of home security systems

Alarm systems can be wired or wireless. You must decide if you wish to install the system yourself or contract with a licensed installer.

Monitored or unmonitored security systems?

Monitored systems are those where a private company watches your system 24 hours a day, every day, alerting the police if something goes wrong and you can't be contacted. Many alarm systems offer a "self-monitoring" feature where the user receives alerts by phone, text, email or using smart phone technology. Unmonitored systems have on-site sirens and/or flashing lights that may alert your neighbors of a break-in, meaning that you'll be relying on them to contact police if you aren't home. The best security comes from monitored systems, because their vigilance is constant. They typically function in the following way:

1. The system's sensors are triggered in some way, such as a door opening.
2. The system waits 30-45 seconds to give the homeowner a chance to deactivate the system to prevent false alarms.
3. If the alarm is not deactivated, the security system sends a message to the monitoring company over telephone lines or by a wireless device.
4. The monitoring company receives the message and verifies the alarm, generally by placing a call to the home or homeowner's mobile phone. If they do not receive the proper passcode or do not receive an answer, the company calls the police.
5. The police respond.

Hardwired or wireless security systems?

Traditional or hardwired security systems use some or all of the following components:

• Control panel: All the operations of the alarm system are centered in this panel, including the connections to the central monitoring station, either through a phone line or cellular/radio means.
• Central monitoring station: If the system is monitored, and the alarm is set off, the control panel sends a message here.
• Touchpads: This is where the system is armed and disarmed. They should be placed near doors so they can be armed on your way out and disarmed after you return. Most work on a passcode system.
• Key fobs: Similar to your car lock/unlock fob, this will allow you to arm and disarm your alarm system from outside the premises without using a passcode.
• Sirens: A siren will sound an alert when an alarm is set off.
• Door and window sensors: These set off the alarm when a door or window is opened. Glass break sensors are also available and recommended.
• Motion detectors: Motion detectors are activated by movement within the protected room. There are various styles to meet the individual needs of the homeowner.
• Video monitoring: Surveillance video is an option with most systems at an additional cost. The images can be sent to the monitoring station directly, captured and stored locally, and/or viewable online by computer or smart phone. Doorbell cameras are also an option.
• Alert Panic buttons: The central station will be alerted in the event of an emergency situation that requires immediate response by the police. These buttons are also known as duress alarms.
• Carbon monoxide and water detection: Some monitoring systems providing carbon monoxide detection and water detection.

The latest wireless home security systems may come as part of a comprehensive smart home ecosystem that may include cameras, door and window alerts, and other crime-fighting features — and may even include smoke and heat sensors, carbon monoxide alarms and water leak detectors. Learn about additional ways to secure your home.

Choosing an alarm company

If you're looking to get a security alarm system, do your research. Before calling any alarm companies, speak to the local police first. Get an idea of how long it takes them to respond to a home security alarm after being contacted by an alarm company. Valuable time can be lost (as well as valuables themselves), which may influence your purchase decision. Next, ask them about fines for false alarms. To ensure your safety, it's recommended that the company that monitors your property be certified by Underwriters Laboratory, Factory Mutual or some other nationally recognized testing laboratory.

Get quotes from three different alarm companies in your area, if available, and compare detection coverage and features. When speaking to company representatives, make sure to ask them about the criminal screening process for their employees. Ask about extra costs to the monitoring fees billed by the companies, such as for copies of alarm reports. Beware of long-term contracts from these companies, because they may be difficult to break if you decide to cancel service or move from your home. Inquire about warranties and safety guarantees. Verify whether the equipment is to be purchased or leased.

Other considerations

Even with the advent of wireless technology, many alarm systems still need a hard telephone line to dial out. Make sure to ask your alarm company exactly how the system will contact them in the event of a security breach. If you're using Voice Over Internet Protocol for your phones and internet, be sure to tell the alarm monitoring company, as transmission of alarm signals over these lines is often unreliable and other steps should be taken to ensure proper reception. If the hard line is still utilized, realize that many burglars know how to cut a telephone line before infiltrating a home. However, if the phone line is inaccessible and runs underground, the thieves can't tamper with the telephone line until after they have broken in - which is too late for them. An alternative is to purchase a cellular alarm system, which will not allow thieves to tamper with the transmission of the alarm signal.

For more suggestions about practicing good theft deterrence and home security, read the guide to protecting yourself against home burglary.