Years ago it was not uncommon for people to leave their doors unlocked at night and even when they weren’t at home. Crime was simply not as rampant and neighbors looked after each other. Today, not only are doors locked, but it is highly likely that the home is protected by some type of home security system. The crime rate explosion has caused even the average middle-income family to search for affordable home security in order to protect their belongings and their very lives. Finding affordable home security is not impossible; it simply takes some time and research.
Different Types of Security Systems
The most popular home security system is the security camera or CCTV (closed-circuit television). These often have many more functions than simply intruder alert. Some come with smoke and fire alerts as well. This type of security system offers the most security and is not as expensive as most people think. There are self-installed systems that the homeowner can install and there are companies that install systems and monitor them around the clock. The difference is the level of monitoring and the ultimate choice is a personal one that the homeowner must make.
Alarms on doors and windows are also a type of security system; however, some intruders will simply move faster and continue robbing the home of valuable goods. They know they have a period of time to get in and out before the police arrive. While this type of security system is a good deterrent, it is not as good as a security camera.
Affordability
Camera security systems are nowhere near as expensive today as they once were and there are many options for purchasing and installing them. The self-installed system is not hard to install and works in conjunction with a computer and recorder. These systems can be purchased on the Internet for a fairly reasonable price. If the homeowner has some DIY skills and some computer skills, the system can be up and running in an afternoon without breaking the bank. However, these systems are not typically tied into law enforcement and fire protection agencies; they simply monitor and record the activities in the rooms where cameras are installed.
Security companies offer excellent package deals that include monitoring of the home for fire and smoke, window and door alarms as well as cameras if desired. The initial cost of these packages varies but it is often possible to find deals where the installation fee is waived if a contract is signed for a set time period. These systems offer the most security and are not very expensive on a monthly basis. The key to these systems is choosing a reputable company with a solid history of installation and monitoring services.
Remember that these people will be coming to the house to install the system and will have the codes and other information about the house and system. This is why it is vital to choose a reputable company.
Advice on Security for the Home
There are many excellent pieces of advice that will help keep a home more secure and not cost more than the home. Some of these are explained here to get the homeowner started on the road to being more safe and secure.
- If a security system is installed, make sure everyone in the family knows how to operate it. This will cut down on the number of false alarms.
- Display the stickers and yard signs that the security company provides in prominent places. Intruders do not like homes that have security cameras. Some homes display these even if they do not have the actual equipment, intruders don’t know that and are still apt to move on to the next house.
- Add extra lighting to areas of the yard that are extremely dark at night. Motion detecting lights are an excellent choice and very inexpensive. They sudden light is also a great deterrent for would-be intruders.
- Join the neighborhood watch or start one if there isn’t one. This is simply neighbors looking out for each other when one isn’t at home. Neighborhood watches don’t cost anything other than time and the local police typically support these groups with extra patrols.
- Leave lights on when not at home. This might not seem like much of a deterrent, but it does give pause to the intruder who isn’t sure if someone is home or not. Consider investing in a timer to turn lights off and on at preset times if the home is going to be vacant for a few days.
There are undoubtedly many more ways to make a home more secure, such as bars on the windows; however, the point here is that there are many affordable ways to secure the home and sleep better at night knowing the family is safe and sound in their own bed.
