Family safety is an important aspect all homeowners take seriously. According to FBI data, larceny theft accounts for 68.2 percent of all property crimes. The cost of property crime tops a staggering $15.7 billion every year. Insurance cover cannot replace invaluable family heirlooms and personal knick-knacks. A home surveillance system is the best security option. Choosing the right system is not easy due to the wide range of products available. The following five tips should be at the back of your mind while shopping.
Usability
A home security system should be easy to use. An expensive and complex system is not necessarily the best. If you cannot operate the system appropriately, there is no need to waste money. A simple system would work better. Make sure the wiring is well documented in the user manual. Terminals such as keypads and pressure pads should also be easy to use. This makes it easy to identify which feature to use in an emergency. Other family members should have easy access to the security system. Quality systems, like the ones Lifeshield offers, will cover these aspects.
Technical Support
This is a key factor in purchasing home security systems. Your system may or may not work as stated in the user manual. If breakdowns happen, prompt technical support is important. This support should be in the form of email, telephone, and troubleshooting tips. Simple anomalies can be hard to fix if you do not know what to do. In addition, a warranty is vital. Avoid purchasing systems that do not have warranties or technical support.
Security Features
Most security systems have standard features. This includes entry point sensors and alarm features. Some of these features make use of wireless technology. Hardwired security systems are more complex. This is due to the nature of wires and cords that have to be installed. Unless you are technically adept, let a professional carry out the installation. Generally, wireless systems are easier to install since there is no wiring involved. After installation, carry out a security check to ensure all points are working properly. Make sure all signals can be detected and there is no interference.
24-hour Surveillance
It is futile to purchase a system that works during the day alone. Most burglary attempts happen while homeowners are away. Unauthorized entry can occur while you are way at work or on holiday. Make sure you buy a system that works round the clock. This will ensure you are adequately covered. Do not broadcast your holiday plans to all and sundry. Criminals have become adept at vacuuming information from social media sites. Keep you plans to yourself or use discreet methods to inform your friends.
Monitoring Centers
Security systems are as good as the response from the relevant authorities. Choose a system that can be linked to emergency monitoring centers or law enforcement offices. Someone breaking into your home while you are away will be easily nabbed. If your property is in a secluded location, law enforcers can make a big difference.
Start with a security audit before making any purchase decisions. This will enable you to purchase a Lifeshield system that addresses your security needs adequately.
Jennifer Kurtz is a stay-at-home mom who writes about Technology and Lifestyle on her blog. She worked in marketing before her son was born, and keeps up with the tech field through her blog, http://en.netlog.com/kurtzjennifer/blog . She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, her 2-year-old son, and a cat named Einstein.