Residential Alarm

It doesn't matter how wealthy you are or how big or small your house might be. Protecting your family and your property is important. When you understand that a burglary occurs in the U.S. every 12 seconds, it is time to ask what kind of residential alarm will keep your family safe.

Home security and choosing the right residential alarm for your home is really relatively simple. Whether you live in a house, a duplex or a large apartment or condo building, keeping your family safe is the first priority. The best way to understand your security needs and what kind of residential alarm will be best in your home is to spend some time talking with a good home security professional.

A home security professional will probably tell you that homes without a security system are three times more likely to be robbed. The first conclusion you should reach is that you need some kind of residential alarm. If you plan to make all of your security decisions and equipment choices on your own, do the research thoroughly. If you plan to do your own installation, be sure that you know the best places to position the equipment.

Residential Alarm Types

A comprehensive security system will almost certainly include each of the following types of residential alarm.

1. Door Alarms. Door alarms are triggered when a door is opened. Most alarm systems sound a chime when the door is opened and the residential alarm system is not activated. This can be very helpful with children or with older adults in letting you know when they open a door to re-enter or leave the house. These are perhaps the most basic element of every home security system. These should be placed on all exterior doors, garage doors and storage shed or other auxiliary buildings.
2. Window Alarms. Window alarms are triggered by opening a window. Like door alarms, many types of window alarms also sound a chime to let you know someone has opened a window. Window alarms should be placed on all ground-level windows, windows in rooms where children sleep or people with special needs. Window alarms are also a good idea on out-buildings.
3. Smoke Detector Alarms. No home should be without good smoke detector alarms. The sensitivity of the detectors is such that they are able to detect a smoldering fire even before it erupts into flames. These are the first line of defense for your family in case of fire. These should be placed outside sleeping areas, on each floor of the house (including the basement) and possibly in your garage and other accessory buildings.
4. Heat Detector Alarms. This type of residential alarm uses hyper-sensitive sensors that trip an alarm if the temperature exceeds a set limit. If fire erupts somewhere in the house, it will quickly increase the temperature in the room above established norms. There are two types of heat detectors: those that sound if room temperature exceeds a set level and those that sound if the temperature in the room should increase so fast it can only be caused by a fire. Heat Detectors are appropriate in several areas of the home. They are also ideal for storage sheds, vacation homes, kitchens and more.
5. Motion Sensor Alarms. Motion sensors are programmed to trigger the alarm if any type of motion is detected within their range of view. These are often placed inside exterior doors to detect intruders who manage to bypass other alarms or to detect activity in your yard. These residential alarms can be programmed in ways that allow them to ignore pets and young children moving around in the house.
6. Glass-breakage Alarms. Glass-breakage alarms might be your first warning of an intruder. The sensors are programmed to know the difference between the glass in a window or door breaking and a drinking glass dropped nearby. These can be placed near any doors or windows through which someone might try to gain entry to your home. They can even be placed in a child’s bedroom for extra security.
7. Fence and Gate Alarms are not used as often as other types of residential alarm, but they could provide the first warning that someone is on your property and does not belong there. These can work in several ways ranging from sounding an alarm to turning on exterior flood lights.

Each of these residential alarm types serves a specific function and works in combination with other alarms and sensors. Together, they alert you that something is wrong. When monitored by a professional monitoring company, they will remove the danger of trying to reach a telephone if there is an intruder or sending emergency services to assist you.