According to the FBI, there were over 2 million burglaries in the United States in 2012. The average loss per burglary was over 2,000 dollars. That is relatively small compared to the total of 5 billion dollars in property losses. Both professional and DIY home security techniques can protect your home and family.
Home Insurance Discount
Most homeowners don’t realize it, but installing a security system by yourself can actually lower the premium of your home insurance. Insurance companies are only too happy to help homeowners prevent claims. Having a security system may lower your premium by 10 to 20 percent.
Increased Knowledge and Skills
Creating your own home security system will improve your understanding and technical grasp of security tools and technology. Improving the security of your doors, windows, exterior and garage will give you the confidence to continually expand the security features of your home. For example, you can upgrade locks, install peepholes and even a solid-core exterior door. Taking charge of your home security through DIY tactics will give you a customized solution that package security systems can’t deliver.
Increased Fire Department Response Time
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, there were over 1 million fires in 2011, resulting in 3,000 deaths and almost 20,000 injuries. Fires normally double in size every 30 to 60 seconds. In fact, it only takes a few minutes for a fire to increase over 1000 percent in size. Having your smoke alarms tied into your security system can make the response time much faster.
Increased Law Enforcement Response Time
A home invasion or emergency is the time when someone is frantically looking for the phone. Once the fight or flight response kicks in, many people become flustered and feel overwhelmed. A security system will automatically notify law enforcement. This benefit is especially useful to people with limited mobility, who could struggle to get to a phone during a burglary or fire.
Criminal Deterrent
The Electronic Security Association released a report that reveals that over 80 percent of criminals check first to see if there is an alarm system present before attempting a burglary. Fifty percent of these same criminals admitted they would choose another target if there was an alarm system. An alarm system is the most effective way to deter criminals. Even fake cameras and security systems signs help to deter criminals.
Professional Monitoring Services
A step above a standalone security system is a professional security monitoring service. The security company can continuously monitor your home for different problems. For example, fire, burglary, natural disaster, medical emergency and carbon monoxide poisoning. While this option costs more, it provides the ultimate peace of mind. Monitoring services will benefit those who live in an area with high crime rates or those with family members with high needs.
Remote Control
Many security systems now have helpful technology features that can be accessed from a smart phone. For example, most home security systems can email or text customized alerts to the homeowner. This means that every time someone turns on a light or changes the temperature, you will receive an alert. Parent’s across the country can now cut down on their energy bills through remotely monitoring their children’s wasteful habits. Some systems even have live video feeds that can be viewed through a smart phone. In fact, the camera can email you a picture of whoever entered the home. Parenting teenagers that are left alone for the weekend couldn’t be easier. A Northstar home security system allows you to remotely lock and unlock doors. Remote control can also allow you to turn off lights or open your garage door with your smartphone.
In conclusion, both professional and DIY home security tactics will protect your home and family. Home security provides different benefits, which include home insurance discounts, increase home improvement skills and increased law enforcement and fire department response time. Security systems will deter criminals, provide additional services and can be remotely accessed.
