Advantages of Having an Alarm System
There are a lot of advantages to having an alarm system. For starters, the National Council for Home Safety and Security says that homes without an alarm system are three times as likely to get burglarized.
3 Benefits of Alarm Systems
Peace of mind
Protecting your home from intruders is one of the most common reasons why people install alarm systems, but alarm systems protect your home and loved ones in many other ways, as well.
Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are a common feature on alarm systems. Since most house fires start at night or when no one is home, and carbon monoxide is undetectable by the human senses, these features can be lifesaving.
Door and window chimes can alert you if your young child wanders out of the house unattended. Or, if your teenage child re-enters the house long after curfew.
Wearable panic buttons put emergency responders just a touch away for the elderly or disabled.
If you’re away from home and have a monitored security system, there is always someone keeping an eye on your home while you are out of town, and the authorities can be dispatched quickly in the event of an emergency.
Home automation
Wireless technology has transformed alarm systems into whole-home automation systems.
You can view security cameras from your cell phone, allowing you to see who is at the front door before you run down the stairs in your bathrobe.
You can lock and unlock the doors to let in delivery drivers when you’re not at home.
You can turn down the thermostat or close the garage door you forgot to shut on the way to work.
You can even keep an eye on your kids to make sure they get home from school safely or aren’t acting up while they are home alone or with the babysitter.
Cost savings
Most homeowners can get a 10 to 20 percent discount on their homeowner’s insurance costs if they have a home alarm system installed.
Home automation systems also allow you to reduce energy consumption by remotely accessing and controlling the lights, thermostat, and some small appliances.
For example, rather than leave the heat running all day while you are at work, turn in back on an hour before you get home. Rather than leave the lights on all day, turn them on before you enter the house.
Alarm systems have transformed over the past few years from merely providing home security to providing whole-home convenience, and they are more affordable than ever.
You probably don’t blink an eye when you spend $5 on a coffee or $15 on lunch, but did you know it only costs around $1 a day for a professionally-installed alarm system.
If getting an alarm system is on your to-do list, call us today and learn how FSS can help build you a custom alarm system to fit your needs and your budget.
Explore Our Other Blogs
What is Video Alarm Verification?
Video alarm verification is a tried-and-true technology that is an underused component in residential and commercial security systems. Video alarm verification adds an extra element to your overall security by partnering your security system with an alarm monitoring center. When an alarm is triggered, video alarm verification allows monitoring center employees to view the situation…
When Is Automatic Fire Detection Required?
A fire detection system is a good idea for your property, and many insurance companies offer discounts based on your level of protection. While not required in your private residence, the law does require automatic fire detection in a wide array of other facilities. Local Building Code Requirements Your state’s building code will spell out…
Has Chicago’s CCTV System Helped Lower Crime Rates?
It’s been 19 years since the Chicago Police Department (CPD) kicked off its pilot of Police Observation Devices (PODs). Today, there’s a network of 50,000+ surveillance cameras in use all over the city. But Are They Working? This simple question has no simple answer. According to the Chicago Police Department, in some areas, narcotic related crimes…
Fire Safety for Kids
Setting up fire alarm systems and fire monitoring are fundamental elements in your home’s fire safety plan. However, that is only the beginning. Educating your children on fire prevention, fire safety, and how to manage an emergency are vital in keeping your family safe. According to the American Red Cross, not only are children under five…
Fire Systems for the Healthcare Industry
Healthcare facilities face uniquely complex life safety challenges and fire hazards. Unlike other commercial properties, hospitals, clinics, and long-term care centers must safeguard patients and protect equipment that’s both expensive and essential to life safety, and maintain 24/7 operations with no downtime. With vulnerable lives at stake, the healthcare industry must adhere to strict fire…
What is an Emergency Action Plan?
The purpose of an Emergency Action Plan is to inform employees of what actions they should take if an emergency occurs at work. It’s required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and it can be critical in preventing the loss of property, or lives, in a crisis. If an emergency alarm went off…
What are the Best Outdoor Security Cameras?
Outdoor security cameras do more than record what happens around a property—they help you see clearly, respond faster, and document events when you need answers. Whether you’re protecting your home’s front porch and driveway or monitoring your company’s parking lot, loading dock, or perimeter gate, the “best” outdoor security camera is the one that fits…
The Risky Business of Ring’s Vulnerable Security
If you are like the rest of Americans, you have noticed that the Ring Security company has been in the news lately— and not for anything useful. Between security hacks and lawsuits, the company has landed itself in hot water. Surveillance Camera Hacks Homeowners have security cameras installed in their homes to give them peace…
What to Do If a Package Is Stolen
According to a recent study, nearly one in four people report being a victim of package theft and nearly half know someone who has had a package stolen. Of course, the uptick in package theft is not that surprising, considering consumers purchased $2.86 trillion in online retail goods in& 2018. Many of these items land squarely in…
What Are Fire Alarm System Zones?
Fire alarm zones are standard in conventional fire panels. Each zone represents a different area in the building to help firefighters and professionals pinpoint the source of an alarm. However, it can be confusing to research fire alarm zones because they are not as common as they once were. Conventional and addressable systems handle communication for fire…