For many people, home security can be nothing more than having a barking dog on the premises, which might be good for the times when you are at home. Their barking or growling, even if they are not a so-called watchdog, can alert the family to someone's presence in the home that should not be there. However, when the family is away at work, school or vacation a barking dog is not going to work since no one is going to be around to hear it bark. Home security systems and home security camera options are more popular than ever.
Essentially, there are three ways to go with home alarms including those with a local alert, one that contains an automatic dialer system that contact the authorities and another that has a combination of both. Local alarms will set of a loud noise, typically like a police siren once the alarm has been activated, at about 150-decibles is usually audible at about 1,000 feet or so. In neighborhoods in which the houses are close together, this sound will alert the neighbors that something is going on in your home.
One of the downfalls is the neighbors may not be home at the time to hear the alarm and if they are, they may not react to the noise. Some will be reluctant to get involved by calling the local police if they hear it and some, especially those on the opposite side of the house may not hear it at all.
A dialer system is only as good as the central station that receives the signal from the home alarms. With these systems, since connecting an alarm from a private home to the police state is unacceptable, sends a signal to a company's alarm answering service. Once received, the company will call the house and if there is no answer or the person answering the phone cannot give the code name or number, will contact the local police. These home alarms can also be used to send an alarm for a break in, fire or medical emergency, depending on the emergency situation.
On the downside, if a burglar clips the telephone line, the dialer is not going to be able to call for help. If the power is out, the alarm will usually have a battery back up system, but the dialer needs power in order to make the call unless it is connected to a telephone company's self-powered phone system.
Combination home alarms combine a dialer with a local audible alarm. In many instances when a burglar trips an alarm and a siren begins to scream they bolt. The dialer will make the call and if there is no answer, law enforcement will be notified. Chances are good the police will arrive at the home and find an open door or window, but no burglar but if the would-be thief is still around, there is a good chance they will be caught.
The downside is similar to local alarms in that they may not be heard by everyone, but will still contact the police. If the phone line is cut the dialer will not place the call but the local alarm will still be audible, provide the line to the external speaker is well-hidden and has not been cut as well.
