Whether it’s for your home or business, installing a security system is a sound investment for several reasons. More than just the obvious benefit of protecting your property from burglars or other actual dangers, you can also get better premiums and lower rates from insurance providers if you are able to show some form of security. More importantly, crimes are usually lower in homes and businesses that have some sort of security system installed. Businesses that install security cameras that monitor areas like employee workspace are known to experience increased productivity and lower theft. This is especially true if employees are aware that they are being monitored.
The benefits mentioned above can result even from minimum security system features. Security systems should at the very least include some basic features. For homes and businesses that require higher levels of security, advanced features make the system more effective and efficient to use. Depending on your specific needs, any of the following alarm monitoring services can be right for you.
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Security alarms
An alarm that sounds when a window or door is opened is one of the most basic security features. This type of alarm can be set off manually using a panic button or it can be triggered by motion. It can either sound an alarm that will alert the intruder that their presence has been detected, or it may send a silent alarm to 911 dispatch or security. Most security alarms do both.
Door chimes
Unlike a security alarm, the more rudimentary door chimes are used to simply alert people when someone has entered the establishment or home. Chimes can be a great feature for businesses where staff can get preoccupied and could use the simple alarm to get alerted to a customer entering the premises. Without such notice, it can be easy for criminals to stealthily enter during operating hours, steal merchandise, and leave without anyone noticing.
Security lights
Well-placed lighting can help deter criminal activity, as the ill-intentioned often try to avoid detection and prefer to operate in the dark. Installing security lights can also allow bystanders to see any untoward thing happening, which can later help in identifying criminals. This feature aids cameras installed in darker areas.
Motion-sensitive security lights have the same effect as a security alarm in alerting intruders that their presence has been detected. This can cause possible perpetrators to rethink their plans. When the lights turn on, criminal activities often end.
The increased visibility afforded by security lights can also enhance safety both at home and at job sites. Carefully-placed motion sensors and lights can allow workers to carry items without having to fumble for switches. In case of emergencies, such as a fire, lights at escape routes can switch on automatically.
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Security cameras
Carefully placed security cameras are among the most effective and common security features. They are usually placed in prominent areas within easy view of anyone who may have ill intentions. The mere presence of a security camera is often enough to deter criminal activities and to encourage employee productivity and credibility.
Some security cameras record at all times, while others are motion-activated and only start recording when there is movement within the camera’s sensor range. The camera recordings can be kept on file for future reference. Security cameras with limited storage capacity can only record low amounts of activity. The recording time in the digital age is quickly increasing, which allows homeowners and business owners to store many hours of activity. This improved capacity can help solve crimes that are detected long after they have taken place.
Extra security sensors
Many of the alarm systems mentioned above are enough for small businesses and homes. Some establishments or houses do not keep enough merchandise or property to make extreme levels of security necessary. The same goes for those located in low-crime areas or in secure buildings. For those on the other end of the spectrum, adding extra sensors provide a needed level of security for the merchandise, property, employees, residents or building. They also contribute to the safety by providing protection against fire and vandalism. Sensors can come in the following forms: glass break detectors, motion detectors, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors.
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Central Station Monitoring
Many security systems consist of carefully-placed cameras, alarm system, and motion sensitive lights. Such systems benefit from a monitoring system that keeps track of it all.
A remote services company often provides a means to turn the system on and off and monitor everything that is going on within the premises. Most remote service companies, such as Alarm.com, allow you to receive your own notifications of alarm and system events and remote control of the alarm system. This adds to the functionality of the security system and increases its performance and value to the user. Some business owners choose to hire staff who actively monitor their security system, as this can be a cumbersome chore for those who would rather spend more time running the business.
Regardless of how you choose to monitor the system, your control center should not be hardwired to the establishment’s communication or electrical system. Regardless of how you choose to monitor the system, you’ll want to choose a remote services company that is fully redundant which means that they have communications and power backups in place. Most have their own energy supply to guard against system failure in case of a flood, fire or vandalism.
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Remote access
Home or business owners can set up remote access to their security system. This access may go through an external remote services company as discussed above. Several remote services companies have put extensive efforts into developing comprehensive ways owners can interact with their business even while they are away. Many home security systems are also cutting-edge, providing homeowners convenient ways to remotely watch over their homes and their properties. Many advanced features allow remote monitoring of temperature settings of rooms and buildings, merchandise inventory, employee attendance or arrival of family members, and many more. In some systems, these features are accessible via handy smartphones, adding to their versatility.
Fully-integrated systems can cost more to install and maintain, and can sometimes get technologically in-depth. The major advantage is that you get to leave your home or office and still be able to monitor the security of your loved ones or your business. You get to take control and make necessary safety adjustments even while you are away.
The type of alarm system that is right for you depends on your specific needs. In any case, make sure you have one in place. When it comes to the people you care about and the assets you worked hard for, erring on the side of caution is always the best way to go.
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