In most neighborhoods, the use of security alarms is based on the perceived need for protection or on the facts of local crime data. In others, it is based on the need of residents and business owners to protect their property and possessions. Even in what is consider to be a good neighborhood, people have no qualms of installing an alarm system mostly as a preventive measure instead of a reactive measure following a break-in.
Most people prefer not to confront a burglar in their home and most burglars agree as the majority of break-ins occur during the daylight hours, when most people are away from home at work. There are some homeowners who believe a dog will provide adequate protection from a robbery, but in reality if someone breaks into a house and all of the occupants are gone, the barking dog will not be heard by anyone. If the burglar knows a dog is present, it does not necessarily mean they will skip the house, rather they will just have some treats with them and make friend while they ransack the house.
Security surveillance alarms are primarily used as a deterrent to keep honest people from breaking into a home or business. Professionals, on the other hand will not let an alarm system keep them from possessions they really want, but most will only rob a house where they believe the payoff will be worth the risk. Homes with security alarms are typically passed by and crooks move onto the next home they believe is unprotected.
With security alarms for homes, there are essentially two types. Local alarms, that sound a mind shattering noise when security is breached and remote alarms, monitored by a call center. When an alarm is triggered, the system automatically dials out to the alarm station and transmits a signal about the type of alarm, burglary, fire and in some cases medical and the alarm monitoring company will contact the proper emergency response. Before making the call however, they will attempt to verify an emergency exists so they do not send the police or fire department out on a false alarm.
There are a few companies that offer to provide all the equipment and installation for security alarms at no cost in exchange for a contract for monitoring the alarm. Most provide basic protection in exchange for a one or two year monitoring contract and if additional equipment is added by the homeowner, additional charges will apply. These agreements are available to most homeowners from a variety of companies, and when choosing one, their reputation and the type of equipment being installed should be thoroughly researched.
Those installing security alarms for local notification can hire a professional for the installation or they can do the work on their own. Choosing the type of sensors used in the system will depend on the size of the house and perceived need for protection. In terms of door and window protection as well as infrared, thermal or motion detectors more is not necessarily better. Having them located in the right position is more important that having them everywhere.
