Homeowners considering home security alarms will find a good selection of guidebooks on the subject. Here are a few of the popular ones.
Home Security, Second Edition: Alarms, sensors and systems
Author Vivan Capel provides a practical guide to help homeowners looking to protect home and property. Simple steps spell out ways to protect the home. Readers are shown how burglars work and how to stop them. Selection and installation of home security alarm systems are discussed.
In addition to detailing the huge range of home security devices available, readers may come up with their own solutions using descriptions and circuits for 2 designs given in the book. Capel discusses both pros and cons of security alarm systems.
Savvy Guide to Home Security
John Paul Mueller, author of more than 60 books, takes homeowners through the steps required in designing, purchasing or installing home security systems. He covers assessment, planning, purchasing and maintaining the home security alarms system. Coverage of home offices is included, along with security expert interviews. Topics in this book include system building, system needs assessment, provider choice, equipment selection and a glossary of terms.
Home Security: How to Select Reliable Locks and Alarms for Your Home, Office or Car
Author Carl Hammer notes that nearly every American suffers from personal theft at least once according to Department of Justice data. He feels that too many homeowners are lulled into a false sense of security by silver-tongued salesmen into installing expensive home security alarm systems but neglect tackling vulnerable door, window and lock issues.
In this book, Hammer reveals how burglars target and break into buildings. Proven techniques and tactics for deterring burglars is given. Dozens of low-tech, low-cost and low-maintenance measures for protecting home and property are detailed.
The extensive section on alarms shows homeowners the best way to install secure alarm systems along with information about how even the most expensive system can be gotten around by others.
The last section of the book details secure home safes, safe gun storage, auto alarms and other situations, including protecting self and family when away from home.
What About My Security?
Ron Herhuth's practical approach to personal and property security helps homeowners avoid becoming a target of opportunity.
Securing Home and Business: A Guide to the Electronic Security Industry
Erwin Blackstone and Simon Hakim provide practical information on safekeeping the home and other property. Interviews with professional burglars resulted in this book. Detailed are where intrusions most often occur, how entry is gained and what happens when the burglar gets inside.
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Home Security
Authors Tom Davidson and Lorna Gentry wrote this guide detailing all homeowners need to know about keeping home and family safe. Everything from basic home security alarm systems to inexpensive means that can be self implemented. Legal issues regarding nanny-cams and monitoring are covered. The author is a former FBI agent and security expert.
Home security alarms can provide an element of safety for homeowners. There are many variables in choosing and implementing the right system. These guidebooks provide information aimed at helping homeowners choose, install and maintain home security alarms.
In the United States, a fire department responds to a call every 19 seconds. Residential fires occur every 79 seconds. A fire doubles in size every 18 seconds. 82% of fire deaths occur in the home. There are 3900 deaths every year due to fire. A burglary occurs every 15 seconds. Burglary costs homeowners an average of $1700 a year.
These statistics are good reasons for homeowners to utilize home security alarm systems. Two of the top providers in the U.S. are ADT and Brinks.
ADT, in business for over 130 years, is the number one home security alarm system provider in the United States. Responsible for U.S. Federal courthouses, many busy airports and service to over 6 million customers, ADT continues to establish a solid record.
Standard ADT Home Security Alarm systems include basic burglary protection. The basic program is almost identical to other basic programs. Control center, keypad for command entry, hardwired sensors for doors and windows, interior sounding alarm, hardwired sensors to detect motion, standard transformer, standard battery backup, warning decals for windows and warning signs for yards.
Superior systems feature several add-ons. ADT rewards loyal customers. Those who stay with the company for more than two years then change residences can qualify for the premium mover package. This package gives the customer a free ADT system for their new home and a discount coupon toward service upgrades.
Brink's Home Security provides alarm systems for homeowners. Brink's is the only full service national security provider certified by the National Burglary and Fire Alarm Association with Installation Quality Certification.
Purchasing a home security alarm system from Brink's means dealing with well-trained, certified personnel. Rapid Response is the company motto. Like ADT, Brink's both installs and monitors home security alarm systems.
The company website is user friendly. So is the Brink's home security alarm keypad. One of the biggest concerns for home security alarm users, after price, is ability to use the control pad. If the system is too complicated, customers tend to leave the system off.
Entering commands into the Brink's keypad is a matter of touching only one key. No sequence of keys to write down because they're hard to remember. No sequence of commands to worry about.
The Brink's standard system provides the same features as that of most competitors. A standard, one-touch keypad, 2 door or window sensors, one motion detector, one interior siren, one control panel, a yard sign and window stickers.
Optional add-ons include strobe light, outdoor siren, moisture sensor, heat sensor, glassbreak sensor, temperature sensor, and more.
Homeowners looking to install a home security alarm system from ADT or Brink's will be dealing with well-known companies who have worked hard to build good reputations. Not all cities offer both companies at this time but both are expanding more and more.
Both companies possess qualities consumers should look for. Well trained, customer service oriented personnel, quality products, and competitive pricing. ADT and Brink's have both been providing home security alarm systems to homeowners for years. Customers can trust that the companies will probably be around for a long time to come.
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Basic home security alarm systems monitor doors and windows and provide a panic button. From the basic system, homeowners can add as many or as few add-ons as they wish.
Basic home security alarm systems from the two top companies typically include: control unit, touchpad, motion detector, interior sounder, door/window sensor, transformer, battery backup, police emergency button, fire emergency button, keychain controls, window decals and yard signs.
Add-ons to the home security alarm system include a variety of components. Some are temperature change sensor, glass breakage sensor, water leak sensor, additional motion detectors, additional door/window sensors, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors.
Temperature change sensors monitor temperature and notify the homeowner whenever the temperature falls below or goes above the set temperature. This is a good way to monitor temperature where freezing is an issue and where sensitive equipment or collectibles are concerned.
Home owners in rural areas have been known to place a temperature sensor in outbuildings housing water supplies. The sensors are turned on during cold weather conditions when water pipes could freeze.
Glass breakage sensors offer the security of knowing that if an intruder tries to break, cut or smash glass, the alarm will sound and the homeowner will be notified.
Home security alarm systems with water leakage detectors can notify homeowners whenever a leak occurs. Automated systems can actually turn off the water supply.
Basic systems come with only a few motion detectors. Large homes or homes with large rooms may require more sensors for adequate coverage. Home security alarm systems can be set so that if a family member leaves a bedroom during the night, the alarm sounds and alerts the homeowner.
This sort of setting is good for situations where family members suffer from Alzheimer's or dementia and could come to harm wandering the home alone. It's also an excellent way to monitor difficult teenagers and prevent them from sneaking out of the home.
Door and window sensors alert the homeowner when doors or windows are open or aren't completely closed. Teenagers can't leave a window or door unlocked without the alarm system notifying the homeowner. Many systems issue a 'beep' when doors are opened and closed. This alerts homeowners to any entrance/exit.
Some basic home security alarm systems require a police and fire button on the touchpad to be added optionally. These buttons are preprogrammed with the local police and fire telephone numbers. When the homeowner pushes the button, the appropriate emergency service is notified.
Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are now being offered as home security alarm system add-ons. Smoke detectors signal the system whenever fire, smoke, or carbon monoxide are detected. The homeowner is alerted. If the homeowner is paying for subscription monitoring, the monitoring company will notify police and fire. If the homeowner is not paying for monitoring services, the homeowner will have to call authorities.
Home security alarm systems offer homeowners a way to monitor safety and security of property and premises. Available systems offer a variety of optional add-ons, allowing customization of the system.
The National Strategy for Homeland Security and the Homeland Security Act of 2002 was created after September 11, to address national security and to organize efforts to maintain and protect the United States from terrorist attacks.
Preventing threats to our homeland and protecting the safety, freedom, property and economy of U.S. citizens is part of Homeland Security's role. Responding to acts of terrorism, natural disaster or other such emergencies and aiding in recovery is an important part of Homeland Security.
Homeland Security has made available information for home and business owners to help protect and secure their loved ones and property.
Homeland Security has posted information online so that home and business owners can prepare for disasters. They suggest preparing a basic emergency kit.
The Homeland Security basic emergency kit recommended contents are:
- Water - 1 gallon per person per day, 3 day supply minimum
- Food - 3 day supply of non-perishable food
- Radio - battery or crank operated, weather radio recommended
- Flashlight - crank or battery. Extra batteries for batter operated
- First aid kit
- Whistle
- Dust mask
- Moist wipes, garbage bags and ties
- Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
- Manual can opener
- Local area map
Suggested additional items include:
- Eyeglasses, contact lens care products
- Prescription and OTC medications
- Infant supplies
- Pet supplies
- Important documents
- Cash, change and/or traveler's checks
- Sleeping bag
- Change of clothes, including long pants and long-sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes
- Chlorine bleach and medicine dropper
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches in waterproof container
- Hygiene products
- Mess kits or paper plates, bowls, plastic forks and paper towels
- Pen and paper
- Books, games and puzzles
One gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation is a must. Those who are ill, nursing mothers or children may require more water. More water may also be required in warm climates. It is recommended to store water in tightly closed clean plastic containers. Keep at least a three day supply per person on hand.
The Homeland Security Department is in charge of emergency preparedness for the nation. Individual family emergency preparedness information and plans are available at Homeland Security's ready.gov site.
Families should address the same questions locally that the Homeland Security Department addresses nationally regarding emergency preparedness. How will family members contact one another? How will family members get together? What will family members do in case of different situations that may arise?
Homeland Security team members have preset plans for communication while dealing with disasters. Families should prepare a list of phone numbers and see that each person has a copy of the list along change or a pre-paid phone card. Delegate an out-of-town contact person in case it isn't possible to call across town or down the road.
Some areas of the United States face threats that can be predicted to some degree. Tornadoes are expected in tornado alley. Hurricanes are expected along coastal areas. Family emergency preparedness should include knowing what threats or disasters are likely in the area.
Find out what notification methods are used. Are radio and television announcements made? Are sirens sounded? Plan what steps will be taken if a threat or disaster occurs. Know workplace and school emergency contingency plans also.
One of the biggest decisions homeowners must make when faced with disaster is whether to stay or to evacuate. This is usually dictated by the extent of damage. Make a separate plan of action for each contingency.
The Homeland Security Department was created to help protect and preserve America. Monitoring terrorism and other threats, natural and man-made, are what the Department was created for. Homeowners can help in securing and protecting their family members and property by utilizing Homeland Security helps posted at ready.gov.
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