With the variety of options and features in today’s alarm systems, it can be difficult to make the right choice for your home. Technology is also changing the way homeowners think about security. Alarm systems have gone from being relatively simple to complex and intimidating. But the basics should not be forgotten.

Alarm systems are largely effective in securing your home because they deter criminals. Deterrence comes from letting possible intruders know that you have an alarm. This means making use of lawn signs or window stickers. Criminals will bypass homes if they know that there is an alarm system installed. Sometimes homeowners do not want to advertise the system or think the signs are unsightly. However, communicating the system to potential intruders is a homeowner’s first defense.

Alarm systems also need to be acted on in order for them to be effective. Consider a car alarm on a neighborhood street. Do you act? Or, do you walk past and think that the noise is annoying? The same is true for home alarms. If nobody responds to the alarm, they are ineffective. If a company monitors your alarm, be sure that your call list is up-to-date. Or, if you have a good relationship with the neighbors, you can ask them to respond to an alarm by calling the police.

Security systems need to be properly maintained. This may seem like commonsense, but it is one of the basics that can be easily forgotten. Many alarms are installed and not given a second thought for years. Parts can suffer wear and tear; wires can become frayed or disconnected; back-up batteries can die. The system needs to be maintained in order to be effective.

Finally, for a system to truly work, the homeowners have to use it. While this may seem obvious, many people forget to activate their system. According to a 2011 US Consumer Report, 43% of people who have these systems, do not turn them on. If people are serious about home security, then they need to take commonsense precautions. Why get the fancy home alarm system if your teenager cannot remember how to turn it on or off?

While alarms systems can be technologically advanced, they will not operate effectively if the basics are not followed. Maintain the system, communicate that you have an alarm system, be sure someone will respond to an alarm, and remember to turn it on.

Article Source:  Brian A. Smith – www.EzineArticles.com

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