Defense & Security Systems

How a System Defends Your Home

• While there are numerous makes and models of security systems and they can come with many peripherals, basic systems still work in essentially the same way. Each system comes with sensors that attach to your doors and windows. The magnet on the door or window pulls away from the transmitter on the frame when the door or window opens, which sends a signal to the main control panel for alarm activation. Some sensors are also noise-sensitive and can activate to the sound of breaking glass. Motion sensors added around the house detect movement when the system is active. Systems with a monitoring system will automatically contact either the alarm company or emergency services in the event of an alarm activation to get assistance to the location as quickly as possible.

Advantages

• Burglars prefer locations that are as quick and easy to break into as possible because they want to minimize the risk of being caught and arrested. Alarm systems are an additional obstacle that a burglar has to get around before he can gain access to your home and since other homes don't have that obstacle, the burglar is more likely to go to another target. This is why signs and stickers are important in marking your property to alert the burglar that an alarm system is in place. Likewise, homeowners can be more relaxed when away from home since the odds of a break-in are reduced and they can be notified by an alarm company if an alarm does activate while they're gone.

Disadvantages

• One of the biggest disadvantages of security systems in defending your home is cost. More advanced systems have to have wires installed into the walls and monitoring companies require monthly subscription fees to keep them active. Additionally, false alarms can get costly because you can be charged by the alarm company itself or by the police if they get summoned by accident because of a false alarm. Children and pets will sometimes set off motion detectors and if you set the alarm at night, you need to deactivate it before you can move around your own house, which is inconvenient.

Alternatives

• Home-defense alternatives can be a replacement or an addition to a home security system. Guard dogs are useful in hearing someone approaching the house and warning him away with barks or growls. Dogs will also sometimes attack home invaders to defend their home territory and the house residents, but it depends on both the breed and the dog's training. Firearms are another option but, unless you post signs in your yard, a burglar won't know you have a gun until he is already in the house. Firearms also need to be stored very carefully if children live in the home to prevent accidental discharge. Keeping your house well lit at night also encourages intruders to stay away.