Home Alarm Systems frequently asked questions

Many people do not have home alarm systems installed in their homes because they do not know all there is to know regarding home alarm systems and how important they can be to the safety of you and your family.

1. Do home alarm systems really reduce the risk of burglary?  The answer to that question is yes.  Studies have shown that homes with home alarm systems are three to four times less likely to be burglarized than homes without alarm systems.  When a bugler sees the sticker for the home alarm system, they are more likely to move to another house.

2. Can a home alarm system help me in any way besides preventing burglaries? The answer to that question is yes.  Many home alarm systems on the market will notify the fire department if it senses fire or the police if it senses an intruder.  Many home security systems on the market will also alert the homeowner of a carbon monoxide leak.  The old fashioned home alarm systems which set off a loud alarm only are a thing of the past.

3. What happens if my alarm has a motion detector and I have a pet?  Many of the home alarm systems on the market today have motion detectors.  These detectors will set the alarm off when any movement is detected.  This can make pet owners very nervous.  Luckily for the nervous pet owner, many motion detectors will not recognize a pet weighing less than 35 to 40 pounds.  Even though most systems will not detect a pet less than 40 pounds, it is still a good idea to try to keep the pet away from the areas where the motion detectors are set up.

4.  What happens if there is a power failure? If there is a power failure you will usually not need to worry about your home alarm system not working.  Most home systems come with a battery back up.  When the power goes out, the back up battery will automatically turn on.  Many home alarm systems have a battery life of twenty-four hours.  When the power comes back on, the battery will usually switch off automatically and charge itself.  Homeowners will not have to worry about their home being unprotected during a power outage.

5.  Will having a home alarm system lower my homeowners’ insurance?  Absolutely! Home owner insurance companies know that home alarm systems prevent burglaries.  In preventing a break in, the company will not have to pay out for stolen property.  Home alarm systems can also possibly keep fire damage to a minimum by alerting the fire department quickly.  This will keep the cost of repairs at a minimum, again, saving the insurance company money.  How much you can save on your homeowners insurance depends on where you live, the company you use, and the system which you have installed.

6.  If  I have sensors on my doors, why do I need a security system?  Police surveys state many burglars do not use the door when breaking into homes.  Many will use windows.  Having a sensor on your door will not protect your home from intruders coming through the window.  Door sensors will also not alert the police of an intruder.

7.  Typically how fast will help respond to a home alarm system?  The response time depends both on the company and police, fire or rescue.  Typically however, the response time in within minutes.  With most home alarm companies, if the alarm is triggered, the alarm company will first call the residence.  If there is no answer or the incorrect password is given the company will immediately contact help.

8.  Will the home alarm company need to run wires throughout my home?  The answer to that question is yes or no.  Whether wiring is needed, depends solely on the type of system you choose.  There are systems where wiring is required and there are also wireless systems on the market.

9. How can I prevent false alarms with my home security system?  There are a few steps one can take to prevent false alarms.  First, you should make your security access number to turn the alarm off a number that you will remember.  Numbers such as your ATM pin number, the year you were married, or even a child’s birthday are good ideas.  These are numbers which will come to you easily while you are hurrying to turn off the system.  It is very important that everyone in the home know how to turn off the alarm system.  Homeowners should make sure that their security alarm system company calls the residence before contacting the authorities.  This will prevent police, fire, or rescue from being dispatched during a false alarm.

It is important that homeowners ask all necessary questions before purchasing a home security system.