Home Security Features to Look For

Home security is a combination of technological developments and people’s proactive security practices. Home security typically includes locks, windows, doors, alarm systems, sprinklers, and security cameras. While these elements of home security are necessary, the best system for protecting your family is one that combines good people skills with good security technology. There are several good home security practices homeowners can practice every day to help improve their security.

It is important to have a solid understanding of all of your home security hardware, including deadbolts, window and door locks, motion sensors, and flood detectors. It is also important to know what to do in the event of a burglary or emergency. A burglar who bypasses the first level of security will not likely go through any doors or windows if there are deadbolt locks or window locks in place. Similarly, if an emergency call is made from your home phone, answering the phone and responding to the emergency should be done first, regardless of whether you are home or not. People who respond quickly to emergency calls have the best chance of protecting their home and their family.

In addition to having an understanding of your home security system, it is also important to have a comprehensive understanding of emergency procedures. Many home security systems have an in-built emergency response system with multiple siren sounds and audible warning sounds. Many home security systems provide audible warning whenever doors or windows are opened after the alarm has been activated. This practice is called “dwelling alerting.” Many homeowners mistakenly think that their alarm will cause all windows and doors to automatically close when they leave the home, but this is not the case.

Basic window and door locking systems may include deadbolt locking, but advanced systems may include fingerprint or keypad access for added personal security. Motion sensors are an important part of any home security hardware. These motion sensors can detect movement around the door or window frame and sound the alarm if anything or someone approaches the door or window. Alarm systems that use motion detectors should also include glass break detector options. Some systems include smoke and heat detectors as well.

The final component of a smart home security system is the ability to detect carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas that can cause poisoning and serious health complications if inhaled. A high quality sensor will have advanced sensors that detect CO along with other gases. These include radon and lead.

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A high quality home security system should alert the central control panel using infrared sensors when doors and/or windows are opened after the alarm has been activated. The central control panel will determine the proper actions depending on what kind of sensors were used. If your system only detects when doors and windows are opened after the alarm has been activated, you need a different type of sensor, such as a door and window sensor or smoke and heat sensor.