Home Security - It's Not Just Locking The Door

When the topic of home security springs to mind, most people seem to think of burglar alarms and little to nothing else. Alarms can be a great way to protect your home, although they are only a small part of what makes up an effective home security system. Burglar alarms are a key to protecting your home – although there are other things you'll need as well.

Believe it or not, the windows are actually the key to home security. Homes that have poor constructed windows tend to get broken into a lot more than homes with secure and sturdy windows. When you are dealing with your windows, you should make sure that you have tough glass and locks that fit to the windows. When you are away from home, you should always make sure that your windows are locked. Even though some windows may be hard to reach, you should always lock them. Burglars make a living out of stealing – and they will normally find a way in if they see the opening.

Along with the windows, doors are also known to be a weakness of security around the home. Doors should always be strong and sturdy, complete with tough locks that aren't easy to force open. If you have a spare key, you should be careful where you leave it. Losing your keys can also make you a target, especially if you have anything on your key ring that reveals your home address.

To better protect their homes, most people choose to invest in a home surveillance system. These systems are great for monitoring the home, as they can record video and keep it stored for you to view later. If you travel a lot, a home surveillance system can be an ideal way to keep a check on your home while you're away.

Guard dogs are also common with home security as well. A guard dog can protect your home from burglars, thieves, and other types of trouble. Guard dogs can be very handy to have around, as most dogs are more than capable of scaring away trouble with their bark. The only downside to guard dogs is the fact that you'll need to train them and ensure that they always have food and water.

Last, but certainly not least are burglar alarms. Burglar alarms can be effective to an extent, although they are primarily good for scaring thieves away. If you put an alarm in a visible location from the outside of the home, most burglars won't even attempt to enter your home. Even though burglar alarms are great for scaring off thieves – you'll still need to have other areas of your home safe and secure as well to get the most of your home security.

Should I Add Motion Sensors To My Home Security System?

So you may have a security system already.
Yes, you may have several of your doors & windows protected...
But what if you did not have ALL of your doors and windows wired for contacts?

You may be suprised that the majority of homes that have security systems are actually under protected. Thats right, due to finances, many people choose a security system that protects only 2-3 doors or windows?

In fact...
In some areas where the older homes were not pre-wired for security beforehand, some people choose to simply protect their front and back door only.

What does that mean for you?

While it is true that some protection is better than no protection, it concerns me that a burglar may enter any window of the house and not trip the burglar alarm.
Now you can see why a motion sensor comes in handy.

How A Motion Detector Works
Imagine a decvice that is approximately 3" X 4" that is strategically placed in a corner of your home so that the stairway that leads to your bedrooms is protected.

Now imagine an invisible beam that casts a web up to 40 ft long. Anything or anyone that crosses that invisible barrier will trigger a security alarm signal immediately notifying the authorities.

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Different Kinds Of Motion Detectors Available
1) The Standard Hardwired Motion Sensor: this motion sensor will be installed if your home has been pre-wired for security or you have basement access to run wires for it. If you have an inside pet this may not be the option for you as it will set off false alarms as it detects their movement.

2) Pet Immune Motion Sensor: this motion sensor ignores pets that weigh under 60 lbs and will eliminate the false alarms caused by small dogs and cats.

3)Wireless Motion Sensor: You will use this when the home is not pre-wired for security & you do not have access for an alarm technician to run wires later on. Wireless motion detectors are available in both the standard & pet immune variety

4)Duel Tech Motion Sensors: This specialized motion detectorr not only works like the Pet immune sensor...It goes one step further.

It not only detects motion ...it also requires detecting body heat before sounding an alarm. As you can imagine this is the best motion detector available. But it also is the most expensive. Sensors are available in both hardwired & wireless variety.

Motion sensors give an extra line of defence to your security system. They really come in handy when protecting a basement that has many windows. any movement downstairs will trigger an alarm scaring a burglar away. Which motion sensor seems right to you?

Why not talk to a security system consultant to find out how you may add one to your existing system?