Home alarm systems range from basic-level protection to advanced setups which can protect your home comprehensively against both intrusion and environmental threats like smoke, fire, floods and carbon monoxide.
There are plenty of options available and the choice can be somewhat bewildering. From glass-break and movement sensors to cameras and remote locks, this guide will describe the steps on how to choose a home alarm system that suits you and your home’s unique requirements.
Step 1: Consider Your Property’s Size and Vulnerability
Your home’s size combined with the risks posed to it are the best two gauges for how comprehensive your security and alarm system should be, with larger houses benefitting from bigger arrays of sensors and alarms.
Large homes in rural or isolated areas can be vulnerable to targeted thefts and break-ins, as can homes in urban areas. If you house expensive items, work tools or other items you do not fully own (e.g. stock for a family business), then a greater level of protection is advisable.
Advanced alarm systems can also reduce insurance premiums for both homes and commercial properties which would be especially beneficial if the contents of your property are high value.
Here are some questions to get you thinking about your home alarm format, you can also get in touch for a free consultation if you wish to discuss security options either on the phone or at your home:
- Do you have large ground-floor windows or other large glass doors and potential access points (e.g. conservatory roof)?
- Do you have a fully or partially separated out-house or annex?
- Is your garage detached from the house?
- How often are you away from home?
- Is your home surrounded by woodland areas or situated on or near a flood plain?
- Do you have high house contents insurance?
Step 2: Choose Your Environmental Monitoring Devices
Environmental monitoring devices are necessities. We’re all aware of fire alarms, smaller homes are recommended to have one per floor as a minimum but larger homes will need more.
You may also need fire alarms in out-houses or detached garages which trigger your main house alarm. These can link to our central monitoring facility who will be alerted to any unattended fire alarm in your property, we can then call the fire brigade immediately to your home.
CO2 monitors are also extremely important, especially in houses with older-style boilers and large-scale heating systems. CO2 monitors can be fitted in multiple rooms for comprehensive monitoring.
Step 3: Choose Your Intrusion Sensors
Intrusion sensors detect and deter burglary and other crime or break-ins. House alarms can reduce insurance prices whilst keeping your home safe. Home alarm systems may be simple with basic door sensors and sirens or they may contain several types of sensors for comprehensive coverage. Turner Security monitors all our fitted alarms at our central monitoring centre.
Door Sensors: Sensors must be fitted to doors at minimum. These will trigger from any unauthorised or forced access. It is advisable to cover both front and back doors.
Glass Break Sensor: If you have large ground-floor glass windows then glass break sensors can detect forced glass breakage, removal or other disturbances.
Movement Sensors: Movement sensors will alert to unauthorised movement in your home. They can be either lasers or cameras.
Siren: Home alarm systems will always have loud sirens but will also be linked to our central monitoring centre for when you are not around to hear it.
Step 4: Choose CCTV Cameras
CCTV is a powerful deterrent and also ensures you have video evidence of any intruders in or around your home. At Turner Security we have expert CCTV knowledge and 20 years of experience in advising and installing CCTV camera systems, our CCTV security options allow you to protect your home whilst providing you with a means of monitoring the inside of your home whilst you are away. We are also able to securely store and monitor CCTV evidence if alarms are triggered.
Step 5: Choose Access and Control Options
Finally, you need a way to access your home safely yourself and a means to control your security system. You can choose to access your home via traditional key or via keypad using our state-of-the-art access control systems, we can also install remote-locks which allow you to lock your home remotely in case you forget or in case someone needs temporary access to your home whilst you are away.
Our security systems come with centralised control panels which you can use to change settings for your home security system or automate certain features. Home security systems can be monitored from mobile devices and will always be monitored by our security professionals who can alert authorities and take appropriate action, even when we are not able to contact you.
Get in touch
Home alarm systems are a necessity, the type you choose and the level of protection you need will depend but always, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Turner Security Group has over 20 years of security experience catering to large commercial properties, schools, factories and homes of all shapes and sizes. We can organise a free consultation to take a look at your home and advise you on the best course of action.