Security is one of the most significant concerns for every homeowner. In some cases, reinforcing doors and putting up fences is not enough to guarantee safety. This explains why many people invest in home security alarm systems.
Experts at Securco recommend the use of several methods to improve the security of your home. Besides alarms, consider investing in security cameras, reinforcing your entry points, buying a dog, and so forth. This ensures that your home remains protected throughout, even if the alarms fail at some point.
Similar to other security systems, alarms have their advantages and shortcomings. This means that although they are useful in protecting your property, they are not perfect. That said, you can count on your home alarm system to improve the safety of your premises.
Security Advantages of Alarm Systems
Here are some of the reasons for investing in an alarm system to protect your home.
Constant Protection
It is impractical for average homeowners to employ human security guards to provide 24/7 surveillance. Also, it is impossible to be at home throughout. Security alarms provide round-the-clock protection against intruders and burglars.
Reliable Deterrent
In most cases, burglary is a crime of opportunity. If a criminal notice that a home is unguarded and empty, they are more likely to attempt a break-in. On the other hand, a conspicuous home security alarm lowers the risk of being targeted by such housebreakers. Even if it is hidden, the blaring sound is likely to scare off the thieves if they manage to break in.
Uninterrupted Functionality
Modern home security systems incorporate both wireless and hardwired alarms. Wireless alarms run on battery, meaning that they provide security even during power outages. Hardwired systems rely on mains electricity and will run provided the power is available.
Motion-sensing Triggers
Another exciting feature of newer alarm models is the motion-sensing functionality. This feature enables the alarm to go off if the sensors notice any moving body within a specific area. For instance, you can set the alarm to go off every time an intruder tries to go over your fence.
Remote Monitoring
An alarm can be a component of a comprehensive home security system that also includes cameras and smoke detectors. These systems will send notifications of intrusion, fire breakouts, floods, gas leaks, and any other emergency straight to your phone. If you are in a remote location, you can respond promptly and prevent excessive damage to your property.
Installing an alarm system can also save the amount you spent on an insurance policy. The insurer will lower the premium, as your home is at a lower risk of getting attacked. In addition, you can also reduce your domestic expenses by getting a depreciation schedule that guarantees a tax relief for the wear and tears on your property.
Potential Shortcomings of Home Alarm Systems
Despite their many advantages and the added sense of security that alarms give to homeowners, they are not perfect. Here are some common shortcomings of alarm systems that can compromise the security of your property.
Cut Phone Line
If your alarm system connects to your security company using a phone line, burglars can easily disable it by cutting the line. For instance, if the criminal disconnects your system before entering your premises, they will confidently break in knowing that you cannot catch them.
It is advisable to connect to your security provider over cellular radio. This allows you to communicate without worrying over cut phone lines.
Vulnerability to Tapping
The majority of wireless alarm systems rely on radio frequency signals between sensors and entry points. An attacker can quickly suppress the communication between the sensors and the alarm system and then move in and out of your home like they were never there.
Another vulnerability of modern alarm systems is that some models store master passwords. If a criminal manages to hack into your system and retrieves this password, they can easily gain access to the entire security system.
Vandalism
A burglar can opt to destroy your alarm system, rendering it ineffective. This particularly applies to wireless systems that are easier to disconnect than hardwired models.
Conclusion – Are Alarm Security Systems Reliable?
The truth is, alarm security systems are useful to a certain extent. They provide added protection, especially when nobody is at home or when people are asleep. However, they have several shortcomings that considerably lowers their effectiveness.
Experts recommend the use of several methods to improve the security of your home. Besides alarms, consider investing in security cameras, reinforcing your entry points, buying a dog, and so forth. This ensures that your home remains protected throughout, even if the alarms fail at some point.
