Types of Burglar Alarms and Why You Should Have One

For homes and businesses alike, burglaries can be costly and inconvenient. In order to protect your family and workplace, consider investing in a reliable security system. Systems include, but are certainly not limited to, the few listed below. While every system has its perks, they come with a few cons as well. Choose a security system that you believe will be the most beneficial to your unique situation.

Monitored/Unmonitored Alarm Systems

Every system is either monitored or unmonitored; a monitored alarm when triggered will send a signal to a cell phone, landline, or a broadband system. Monitored systems can also be used to protect a home against gas leaks and fires, but comes at quite a price. The good thing about these systems is that (depending on city regulations) when the alarm is tripped, your local police will respond to the signal. The flip side to this is that items like curtains and other hanging decorations can ensue a “false alarm” which would transfer to the police as a false dispatch, in order to keep your family safe, and to avoid mistakes, keep the alarm in an area where the signal won’t be obstructed.

Unmonitored alarm systems are cheaper and easier to relocate and install, but only work if they’re connected to wifi or some sort of power source, they are also a bit harder to use and keep up with because they’re not connected to a central monitoring system, instead your smartphone is connected to the system and will receive notifications if the alarm has been tripped in which case you will be responsible for contacting the authorities. Another con of an unmonitored system is that they will not send notifications if your phone is on airplane mode or off, this can be detrimental considering you are responsible for taking action against the intruder.

Motion Detecting Systems

Motion detectors include window breaks (to detect broken windows) and door monitors (that detect an open door) as well as your traditional motion detector. These alarms are probably the most basic of your intruder alarm systems; they send a signal to the control panel that notifies you in the event that someone enters your building. This signal can be sent directly to a cell phone, or can ring through the home/business. These are more effective if paired with some sort of camera.

Camera Security System

Cameras are usually not alone in a system; they are generally paired with other types of alarms. They’re used as an extra precaution, and just like any type of motion-activated noise-making alarm, they can be a deterrent of criminal acts. While actual home camera systems can cost hundreds, it is said that a false camera with a red flashing LED light is usually all it takes to stop a burglar in his tracks (and it’s way cheaper). Maintenance for the cameras is your basic battery powered deal where power levels should be checked regularly and they also require some sort of hard drive to store video data.