Home Safe Home

By Lynn Coulter

A home is the most valuable thing most of us own, so recent crime statistics are alarming. According to a 2005 FBI report, a burglar breaks into a house somewhere in the U.S. every 14 seconds.

The good news is that homeowners have more ways to protect themselves than ever. Today’s security systems are no longer simple “burglar alarms.” Their high-tech devices and sophisticated monitoring services can be designed to fit your family’s needs as well as your budget.

“There’s no one size fits all,” says Mike Miller, president-elect of the non-profit National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA). “Everybody’s house is different, everybody’s lifestyle is different, and everybody has a different sense of how they feel secure.”

Basic Choices

Intrusion Systems
Intrusion systems offer different “layers of protection,” depending on your needs, and the price goes up as you add layers. If you start small, ask about adding options later on.

Doors - Protecting your doors is the first layer of security. Sixty to eighty percent of all burglars enter through the front door, Miller says, and even when thieves enter through a window, they’re still likely to exit through a door when their hands are filled with loot.

Motion detectors - Useful in hallways or corridors, these devices are activated by movement. You can also place them wherever you store valuables like jewelry, guns, money, and artwork.

Windows - These detectors are triggered when windows are opened. In warmer parts of the country, where houses don’t have air conditioning and people often leave their windows up for ventilation, detectors can alert you if someone is removing or cutting a screen.

Glass breakage - These sensors go off when glass is broken in windows, doors, or sidelights.
Fire Alarms
Fire systems can include smoke alarms, carbon monoxide sensors, and heat detectors.
Medical or “Panic” Needs
Customized systems allow seniors or people with medical conditions to live independently, yet press a button for help if it’s needed.
Getting Started

The NBFAA recommends getting at least three written quotes before you sign a contract. You’ll also want to consider paying a monthly fee for a monitoring service.
“Neighbors pretty much ignore noise anymore,” Miller points out, “but you want somebody coming for the right signal. You want the fire department for fire issues, and police for police issues.”
If you’re buying new construction, your builder can pre-wire any system to your specifications. If your home is older, ask your home security provider about whether it offers wired or wireless systems.

How do you know if a security company is reputable? First, Miller says, check the NBFAA website, www.alarm.org, to see if it’s a licensed member. Next, make sure the company is licensed in your state. Ask your insurance agent, police department, or friends and neighbors for their recommendations. Finally, check out any company you plan to use with your Better Business Bureau.
With the right company and the right system, you can relax and enjoy your home and family in safety.