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Top Rated Alarm Company & Its Advantages

With so much of crime in the world today more people are looking to protect their homes, families and their businesses from the possibilities of any threats. In order to do so, you need to find an alarm company that installs a security alarm correctly.

When looking for a top rated Alarm Company there are certain points to keep in mind:

  • The security company should have a good standing in the market and must have a decent reputation with excellent customer service records, feedback, etc.
  • Ensure that the alarm company is one that constantly updates its equipment,  keeping in pace with latest technologies.
  • Ascertain that the security company has flexible and exclusive safety protection as per the requirement of their customers.
  • The monitoring of the alarm company should offer 24/7 protection with required credentials and a clean record with the Better Business Bureau. Preferably they should also be members of local alarm associations.

Typically, a top rated alarm company ensures that their representatives, and other service officials like installers, operators and advisors are well qualified and trained to handle any inquiry in any situation. They should be well versed in installations, trouble shooting, etc. Also the security company must act fast when a security alarm goes off.
Alarm companies offer a variety of hard wired and wireless alarm systems with competitive prices. Quality and cost differ with each alarm company. There are companies that utilize special sensors and monitoring surveillance. You must keep in mind that when comparing prices, you should also compare each company’s detection coverage and the features that they provide. Remember, no two plans are exactly alike, so go through plans carefully before making a decision.

You will get a rather fair idea of some of the most reliable and reputable alarm companies if you do some research on the internet. Online research will also give you details of what people say about a specific alarm company without being biased or influenced.

ADT home security system is one of the leading home security monitoring systems. This company has a very distinctive approach when handling wireless security systems. They comprise of singularly planned camera set-up for different areas in the home. They have centers for monitoring that function 24 hours a day seven days a week, ensuring security to your family, assets, and all other belongings.

The ADT alarm company provide domestic and commercial alarm systems for a variety of uses. They use state-of-the-art technologies for their classy wireless security systems. They also have customized wired systems, and a team of excellent installers. Their alarm systems are manufactured with components that are of very high quality, thus assisting to reduce fake alarms due to defective machinery. They boast of a two-way voice communication system.

The ADT sensors include Passive Infrared Intruder detectors and Dual-Tech detectors that are said to set off an alarm by just detecting the movements of the burglar. The contact mechanism used by ADT for the doors and windows make a magnetic connection which will be set off when broken.

Taking all this into account, you can see why ADT home security system is a top alarm company that has reputable security systems and the greatest number of satisfied clientele.

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How To Select A Wireless Home Security System

The need to get your home secured against thefts and burglaries is now becoming an important requirement today. You have no other choice but to opt for some kind of security against these burglaries.   There are numerous kinds of security systems available today and for the centrally monitored security system, there is an option of choosing between a wired and wireless home security system.

A wireless home security system offers house and business owners the convenience of surveying what is happening in their area. There are many factors to be considered before you choose an alarm system for yourself. They include the purpose of the system, the site and the affordability. A majority of people opt for a wireless home security system as installation is hassle free and moving it to a different location is not an issue, There are also cheap wireless systems which provide usable images.

One of the main criteria that is to be looked into while selecting a wireless home security system is the location.   You have to see whether the camera is going to be set in a well lit area and whether it is going to be placed outside or inside. If the system is to be used in a dim lit site, you will have to purchase a system with infrared abilities.

The next factor that has to be considered is the coverage area of the camera. You have to decide whether it is meant to cover small or big areas. If your aim is a small area, then you may require only one camera and can use a web camera for that purpose. But if the area to be surveyed is big, you will need more cameras. You may need as many as sixteen cameras which is the maximum limit for a wireless home security system.

There are numerous wireless home security system kits which are available and tailored to suit your exact needs. A standard kit of around 100 dollars has the ability to cover multiple areas, strobe lights and loud alarms.

The other features that these kits come with are an external warning bell with blinking lights, glass break sensors and remote controls. Some also have a panic remote which come with a neck cord. This is an ideal option for people who are old and dependent.

So when planning to purchase a wireless home security system, you have to first decide on all the above mentioned factors and then opt for the one which will be the best one for you. You can discuss your options with a home security system specialist who offer services in your neighborhood in order to obtain system advice. There are also numerous online stores and auction services which help you to choose a wireless home security system.

Just remember to ascertain whether the wireless home security system that you buy will get  in the way of the already existing wireless objects that are already present in your area.

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5 Things You Need To Know About Home Security Cameras

Wired, wireless and specialty home security cameras are increasingly being looked upon as a vital part of a good security system for homes, family members and properties. By far, many consider home security cameras as the best weapon against burglars. Just the feeling of knowing that your home is being guarded over by the watchful eyes of a surveillance camera is reason enough for many to heave a sigh of relief.

Home security cameras are designed to function as part of your home security system to provide 24 / 7 video recording or monitoring. Depending on your requirements, some cameras provide a record of activities while others set off alarms or trigger notifications. In order to have your surroundings fully secured, experts advise both indoor as well as outdoor security camera surveillance. A few things need to be kept in mind if you are to reap the benefits of having home security cameras installed at every nook and corner of your property.

1. Good home security cameras are a costly affair. For a few extra bucks you could buy a state-of-the-art indoor as well as outdoor camera with excellent quality optics, night vision, remote tilt and zoom features to cover all four corners of your home. Some of the more futuristic varieties even boast of sound recording and reproduction capabilites to scare the intruder in his tracks.

2. When it comes to installing home security cameras, it is advisable to go for the hard-wired ones which are more reliable than wireless systems. The latter is quite popular and efficient but requires regular replacement of batteries. On the other hand, wired systems may appear cumbersome but are longer-lasting and can be easily connected to other device.

3. Take care to install the home security cameras at the best locations you can find inside and outside your property. This way your security camera will be able to capture the widest view possible without any interference that may block the face of the burglar. Install each camera in such a way as to cover the front door, backyard, swimming pool or any other vulnerable areas of your property. Indoor cameras can be placed on every floor so as to survey all the rooms and special areas where you keep your valuables.

4. When choosing home security cameras for the outdoors, go for the ones that offer the highest resolution and picture quality. You don’t want a recording to be so blurred that the intruder can barely be recognized. Another thing that you should consider is the night-time recording capabilities of outdoor home security cameras. Make sure the Lux rating of the device is at its lowest for only then can you get a better performance under poorly-lit conditions.

5. Black and white home security cameras are perfect for monitoring in lower light. On the other hand, high color home security cameras will be in a better position to identify persons and their activities and at the same time capture a high-resolution image of the intruder that has every chance to win in court as evidence.

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Home Security Alarm FAQs

You must have had and probably still do have, a million questions about the home security alarm you plan to install at your residence. Here are some of the most crucial questions that give you an insight into home security alarm systems.

1. How reliable is a home security alarm?
It can be as reliable as you want it to be. Home security alarm systems are highly-efficient mechanisms. As long as you invest in a model that has been bought from a reputable supplier and is fitted by a registered alarm installation company, there is no need to worry about the efficacy of your home security alarm. Considering the rise in crime rate, installing a home security alarm in your home is a wise decision to ensure the safety of your possession and loved ones.

2. What is a false alarm?
A home security alarm is sensitive to motion. Its motion sensors could set off a siren if any unusual movement is detected. Sometimes the motion detectors get activated due to improper installation, requiring the detectors to be relocated or adjusted. In most cases, faulty devices that have not undergone supervised quality checks are the ones that frequently let out false alarms every time your cat leaves a paw print.

3. Can pets at home trigger the alarm of a home security alarm?
Yes, in fact they can. So if you want your pets to roam around freely, it’s wiser to have pet-friendly motion detectors mounted that will allow pets weighing up to a mass size of 80lb go undetected.

4. In a two-story home without any ceiling access, is it possible to get the same security on the floors above as the ones below?
It can be a difficult task to get the wiring to the rooms above if the ground floor of your home has no ceiling access. The best solution is a wireless home security alarm system that is free from all forms of wiring and is as effective as its “wired” counterpart. You could also get a zone alarm setup with room-to-room settings so that you can leave the alarm armed in the bedroom on the top floor while you are watching television in the living room on the ground floor.

5. Will the home security alarm system function if there is a power-cut?
Almost all home security alarm systems bought from a reputable, trusted brand have a built-in back-up battery that will be automatically switched on, in the event of a power failure. Most of the batteries are rechargeable and can be done so either manually or automatically. Nevertheless, you must ensure that your home security alarm is well-equipped to work on back-up battery power by regularly checking if batteries are fully re-charged or are replaced with fresh cells.

6. Once the home security alarm system has been installed, is it necessary to have trial runs at regular intervals?
Yes. Have your home security alarm checked and maintained by an authorized security personnel at regular intervals. That way, any chance of a faulty connection or improper installation can be rectified immediately. In case the alarm needs to be manually reset after a trial activation,  remember to reset it right away.

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Home Alarm Systems: Unmonitored vs. Monitored

Crimes have been increasing at an unbelievable rate today and not a single day goes by without the news of a burglary or theft in the newspaper. People are now becoming more aware of the necessity of a home alarm system in their house.

The best way to prevent your house from being burglarized is to purchase a home alarm system. The next question lies in whether you should purchase a monitored home alarm system or an unmonitored one. This totally depends on your budget, and requirements. The decision is entirely left to you.

Both home alarm systems have some benefits and eventually depend on what you want. Let us examine in detail the advantages of both these systems.

Monitored home alarm systems offers the maximum level of security as this system will monitor your home twenty four hours of the day. But this is a costly affair as you have to pay a particular monthly rate for this service. It also requires a telephone connection for the alarm which is to be utilized during contingencies. A mobile phone may suffice in most cases.

Another advantage of home alarm monitoring system is that if some health emergency arises, you can immediately get in touch with the security center by just pressing the call button which will in turn call the hospital or fire department if necessary.

In summary,  the main features of a monitoring home alarm systems are as follows.

  • Provides access to live security work force day and night, seven days a week.
  • It offers urgent help during contingencies
  • It gives you peace of mind
  • It provides excellent security support when you are away
  • It is the ideal option for people living in isolated areas
  • There is maximum security for young and elderly members of the family

Now unmonitored home alarm systems are the least complicated of the home alarm security devices that are available. When anything unwanted happens, the system just beeps audibly. Remember that the alarm should be really audible so that one can react immediately. But as most thefts or burglaries occur when the owners are away, the possibility of some one hearing the alarm is extremely remote. But these alarms do frighten away the burglars and a majority of the intruders do withdraw quickly when they hear the alarm.

The features of an unmonitored alarm system are as follows.

  • These kinds of home alarm systems are more affordable when compared to the monitored alarm system
  • You do not require a telephone connection
  • There is no monthly fee for monitoring
  • Installation of home alarm systems are hassle free
  • Thwarts the efforts of probable burglars with its shrill alarm

If you are on the look out for the best possible security against thefts and burglaries, you have to remember to take into account your family’s protection when selecting home alarm systems. So it is totally up to you to decide which home alarm security system will suit you the best  and which will meet your budget.

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Wireless Alarm System Comparison Checklist

One of the primary concerns in today’s world is keeping your home, valuables and loved ones perfectly safe from the hundreds of crimes that we hear and witness every day. The ideal way to go about this is to get an alarm system. But it all depends on how much you are willing to spend  and what exactly your requirements are. The best option would be to get a wireless alarm system installed.

A wireless alarm system, as opposed to a wired or fixed alarm system, works with the aid of radio frequencies which sends signals through the airways in place of wires. Most wireless alarm systems have several mechanisms which include the control panel, sensors, and magnetic switches.

Even though wired alarm systems are popular and a first rate solution, if you are unsure about what kind of system you should purchase, it is ideal to compare both these systems before you decide which will suit you the best.

The installation of a wireless alarm system is very simple and hassle free. But a wired system requires accurate wire installation and can only be done by a technical person.

As the wireless alarm system does not require any wires, the sensors and alarm units can be set up wherever you want it. Evaluation of the wired alarm system and the wiring diagrams will not be possible for a layman.

Another advantage of a wireless alarm system is that it has a better appearance as there are no wires attached to it, compared to the wired alarm system which has many wires attached to different parts of your home or office.

A wireless alarm system is also very easy to maintain. You only have to bother about the power supply to the system which is usually is battery operated.

It is also quite complicated for a burglar to meddle with a wireless alarm system. But a wired system can be easily messed up by tampering with the wires which will make it stop working.

A wireless alarm system can be installed in stores, businesses, offices and even in homes. You do not have to pay a monthly sum for installation charges which makes them more economical.

A wireless alarm system has a greater coverage area as it has maximum range. It can go through majority of walls or other objects that are in the way. There is no need to drill further holes to secure more coverage.

This system is extremely compact. It can be transported from one place to another place of your home or office easily. This cannot be done so easily with a wired alarm system.

There are of course some disadvantages as well for the wireless alarm system.

A wireless alarm system has been known to create more false alarms when compared to a wired system. You also have to regularly check the performance of the wireless system as the range may be negatively affected by atmospheric or other hindrances.

Nevertheless the wireless alarm system offers exceptional benefits in human expertise and safety. Just be sure that you install the most dependable and ideally suited system for your home.

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How Security Monitoring Works

No security system can be one hundred percent reliable unless there is a security monitoring system behind it. Simply installing a sophisticated security system can only set off an alarm when triggered. Considering the huge number of false alarms that are set off every day, there is no guarantee that your security alarm will catch the attention of the neighbors and bring the police to your doorstep. This is where the benefits of 24-hour security monitoring come into play.

Security monitoring should be the first step in any security plan. It provides immediate security and ensures that security systems provide the type of security they were intended to provide. The security system installed at a premise is directly linked to a central monitoring station with the aid of a direct phone line or tamper-proof fiber optic cable. The moment a security alarm is triggered, sensors on the control unit will automatically send a distress signal through the phone line or wireless network to the security monitoring company. Many alarm panels have back-up dialer capability for use when the primary circuit has been tampered with.

Security personnel who are on the job 24 x 7 at the monitoring station will receive the distress signal on their alarm monitoring screen, along with a set of instructions on what actions have to be taken on behalf of the premise owner. Encoders are programmed into the security system to indicate which specific sensor was triggered and the screens at the monitoring station will exactly pin-point the physical location of the sensor on a map of security-enabled premise.

As per the instructions received, personnel at the security monitoring company will immediately dispatch response units, initiate various actions and also notify other family members, if specified. The security personnel may also be instructed to first call the home to determine if the alarm is not a false one. Most security monitoring services include smoke as well as heat detection and are designed to notify the monitoring station even if the alarm is disarmed. Some security systems are also connected to a video surveillance system to allow real-time recording and relay of the intrusion area on the monitoring screen.

Over the years, the list of services under security monitoring services have widely expanded to Access Control, CCTV Monitoring, Environmental Monitoring, Intrusion Alarm Monitoring, Fire Alarm & Sprinkler Monitoring, Critical Condition Monitoring, Medical Response Monitoring, Elevator Telephone Monitoring, Hold-Up or Panic Alarm Monitoring, Duress Monitoring, Auto Dialer tests, Open & Close Signal Supervision & Reporting, Exception Reports, PIN or Passcode Management and so forth.

A security system is the best way to deter burglars. However, constant vigilance and rapid emergency response is possible only through security monitoring services. When you have a security system installed, coupled with 24-hour monitoring, you will have greater peace of mind, knowing that you have the best possible protection for you, your home and your loved ones.

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10 Home Alarm System Dos and Don’ts

In spite of having a state-of-the-art home alarm system installed on the property, many expensive homes have still been burglarized.   The reason is equally unbelievable. Not remembering to turn on the alarm has been the number one reason for break-ins at nine out of ten residences with a home alarm system. Follow these 10 commandments that explain what you should and should not do when there is a home alarm system installed in your home.

1. DO turn on the alarm of your home alarm system even if you will be rushing out of the house for a fifteen minute chat with the neighbors. Experienced crooks are always looking for an opportunity to sneak into your house, the moment you step out

2. DON’T totally switch off the alarm when you are walking around in your home. Get a zone alarm setup with room-to-room settings so that you can leave the alarm armed in the bedroom while you are watching television in the living room.

3. DO hang a generic sign outside your property that reads, “This home has been installed with a home alarm system.”

4. DON’T specifically mention the name of the alarm security company in the sign you hang outside because such classified information can help burglars know more about the systems’ wiring and thus easily bypass it.

5. DO ensure that your security system is well-equipped to work on back-up battery power should you face a sudden power cut-off. Also make sure the batteries are fully re-charged or are replaced with fresh cells at frequent intervals.

6. DON’T ever share your security code or password with anyone outside your immediate family circle. Knowing the code makes it easy for a burglar or accomplice to easily disable the security, making your home alarm system worthless.

7. DO remember to have your burglar alarms checked and maintained by an authorized security personnel at regular intervals. That way, any chance of a faulty connection or improper installation can be rectified immediately. In case the alarm of your home alarm system needs to be manually reset after a trial activation, do remember to reset it immediately.

8. DON’T assume the police will reach your premises the moment an alarm goes off. It is wiser to inform the local police department that you have installed a home alarm system. That way, they will be extra vigilant and take the necessary action when the security system activates an alarm.

9. DO make sure your valuables are under lock and key and verify all windows and doors are firmly bolted at all times. Having a home alarm system installed does not mean you should be over-confident and careless about such simple preventive measures.
10. DON’T expect your home alarm system to be your sole savior. Even the most sophisticated system has some flaws and it doesn’t take much time for a truly determined burglar to find a way around your home alarm system.

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Top 5 Features To Look For When Evaluating Different Security Alarms

One of the best features of security alarms is that they offer you absolute peace of mind when it comes to the security of your home and family. But just like buying any other commodity, make sure that the system you buy for the home is well worth your money with all the required features and facilities.

Most of the security alarms that you see these days can be activated from the home and you can turn on or turn off the alarm at your convenience. Some of the later innovations even come with a remote keychain feature that helps you to operate the system from outside your house also. One other important feature is that systems with a back-up battery that is fitted into the keypad to make certain that the alarm will work even if there is no electricity.

Motion detectors are an added modifiable feature that can accommodate pets that roam around in the night. They also can control the exterior lighting of the home or be installed on a driveway to detect movement.  Having a motion detector attached to your alarm is easy to install and offers greater protection.

Buying just a security alarm will not be of much use unless you also have a home security monitoring service. It is imperative that any security service offers full 24 hours live monitoring services seven days of the week. It’s also preferred that your service is monitored live, because that will ensure that even if a connection is interrupted or distorted, another center will instantly take over the duties. The security alarm should also be fitted with automatic sensors to detect smoke, fire or carbon dioxide.

Other than automatic sensors in security, the other feature of security alarms is the door and window sensors. This is significant because typically the doors and windows are what the burglar attempts to open in order to get inside the house.

Scaring intruders off with yard and window stickers are of great importance as generally a burglar trying to break into a house will hesitate when he see stickers informing him that the house is protected.

Security alarms, can be wired or wireless depending on the requirements of the user. The wireless security features will detect any unsolicited movements from either inside or outside your home. This feature is able to differentiate between movements of the human beings and the movement of pets, which ensures that your pet will not set the alarm off.

When you set out to buy a security alarm just keep in mind that all systems are unique in their own ways. So do take time to weigh the pros and cons of the various systems in conjunction with your requirements. Walk over your entire property to evaluate everything, and compare features of the different systems before making a final decision.

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Home Security Camera Types & Which One Is Right For Me?

A home security camera is becoming extremely important in today’s world. The rate of crimes and thefts has been rising at an unbelievable pace and as a result, people have no other choice but to take precautionary measures against these thefts and burglaries.

There are several kinds of home security cameras to choose from in the market, but it all depends on what exactly your requirements are. The main points to be considered before you get a home security camera is where you need it, (whether outdoors or indoors), the model, {a static or PTZ model), the resolution of the camera (whether high or low, and the kind of home security camera you need, (day/ night or solely night vision}.

There are approximately seven kinds of cameras for you to choose from:  Day /night cameras, dummy security cameras, wireless cameras, wireless cameras, hidden cameras, dome cameras, IP cameras and bullet cameras. Let us examine what each kind of home security camera mentioned here is in detail.

Day/night cameras– are one of the most sought after cameras. These cameras have the ability to take high resolution in pictures, even in bright light. They are equipped to capture images only with the help of an infrared light in dark backgrounds. So if you are planning to purchase this kind of home security camera, you will have to purchase one with infrared light to be completely secure.

Dummy Security cameras– These cameras are the most reasonably priced cameras which are the least obvious. But they are extremely popular and have a soaring success rate of theft prevention as a majority of thieves do not like to take a risk when they see this equipment. Just remember to purchase a home security camera which is similar to current cameras on the market. It will also be a good idea to purchase one with LED light to make it look more realistic.

Wireless Cameras-This kind of home security camera is very simple to install and you can install it without anyone’s help. They transmit radio waves to a receiver and make use of some kind of a video device to send signals to.

Hidden Cameras – Hidden cameras are very helpful to get  information on people performing normally as if there is no camera. They come in very helpful to verify that your baby sitter is really taking care of your children.

Dome Cameras – This sort of home security camera, which is used on commercial properties, is now becoming very common. Their dome covering is extremely useful as the camera is fitted inside the dome. The dome acts as a barrier to severe climate conditions and can be used anywhere.

IP Cameras – With this kind of home security camera, the signals are digitally transmitted through a network. The greatest advantage of this is that you will be able to watch what is happening in your home even if you are far away.

Bullet Cameras – A Bullet home security camera is cheap and compact. They are flexible and can be used in small areas. But they cannot capture a lot of detail like other home security cameras.

Thus you will find that there are numerous kinds of home security cameras available today. You just have to choose one which will suit you the best. As crime is increasing day by day, a home security camera is becoming an inevitable part of every one’s home.

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