If you are like many Americans, you may have decided that a security system is something that you can live without. Only 14 percent of households have home security alarms, even though the systems are extremely effective in deterring crime. There are several good reasons that you should consider securing your home with an alarm system. FBI crime statistics prove that houses without alarm systems are three times more likely to be robbed and as many as one in three houses without security will be burglarized at some point. Here are some points to take into consideration when deciding when the time is right to secure your home with some extra reinforcement.
Crime Rates Trending Upwards
Property crime is generally higher in large cities and suburbs compared to small towns. If you haven’t really thought before about installing a security system, but you have noticed a recent rash of burglaries in your neighborhood or community, it would be a good idea to consider getting more security. Most home burglaries occur during the day, while most people are at work. If your home is secured by an alarm, you won’t have to worry about guarding your fortress while you’re away. Often simply having a sign in your yard or on your windows indicating that your house is secured by an alarm system can be enough to tell burglars to move on to look for an different target instead.
Secure Your Guests at the Holidays
Playing host to family and friends is one of the best parts of the holiday season. You may be able to rationalize away any doubts about home security when you are the only one you need to worry about, but you may feel a greater sense of responsibility to defend your loved ones during the holidays. In addition to securing the people inside your home, a security system also secures the holiday gifts you’ve worked hard to buy. Unfortunately, the holidays are a time when burglars are more likely to strike because they know gifts wrapped under a tree are an easy target. Don’t risk subjecting yourself and your guests to losses at the holidays. Get a security system now so that you will have peace of mind that you and your loved ones are safe.
Best Practices are Always Needed
Even if you have gotten away without having a security system before and did not face any repercussions, that does not mean that you don’t need the security — you may have just gotten lucky. It’s always a good idea to follow best practices for safety and security because it only takes one unfortunate event to make you regret your decision. There are many good reasons to consider installing a monitored home security system, including the fact that you will save money on your homeowner’s insurance and if you frequently come and go from your house, particularly after dark. Other reasons why you might want the peace of mind that comes with having a security system include having a lot of windows on the first floor, which is a common entrance point for burglars, and having backup security in case of a house fire. In addition to monitoring your home for potential invasion, many security systems also monitor your house for fire and immediately contact the fire department on your behalf.
New Technology Awaits
Many people still have an outdated concept of what a security system can do and how it can benefit them. The same wireless technology that has so many other uses is also revolutionizing what a wireless security system can do. Today’s wireless security systems are especially beneficial for households with young children because the system can alert you when a door is left open and can place cameras and motion detectors, which offers more reassurance if you have to leave your kids either home alone or with a babysitter. These cameras can be viewed remotely with the use of an app on your smartphone, tablet or PC.
Some apps can even close your garage door while you’re away from home. Wireless systems are also more attractive to look at and do less damage to your home when compared to the installation of a traditional hard-wired security system.
Affordable Peace of Mind
The recession may be over, but many people are still holding on to their money a little more tightly than they once would have. However, concern about cost should not be a major factor in the decision whether or not to get a home security system. Many special promotions make it possible to get a monitored alarm system for less than $30 dollars a month. Add to that the fact that most homeowner’s insurance companies also offer discounted rates when you have a home security system. The presence of a security system guards your assets, makes property loss so much less of a risk, and has a negligible cost compared to the wealth of benefits it provides.
So, “When should I buy a security system?”… the answer is NOW!