How do I Choose the Best Residential Alarm?

A residential alarm is a home safety device that provides monitoring and surveillance over home residents. Choosing the best alarm system typically depends on the homeowner’s budget and the security requirements for the household. Many advanced systems are available, which include video surveillance, flood lights, motion detectors and real-time emergency responder monitoring.

Choosing an alarm system primarily depends on the budget. The best alarm systems can provide remote monitoring of a home by a third party. This monitoring typically includes fire, break-in, and emergency response units. With this type of system, a remote computer application monitors the alarms of a household. In the event of an emergency, law enforcement personnel are dispatched to the residential property.

Most high-end alarm systems provide advanced monitoring that includes activation motion sensors. These sensors are typically placed on all doors and windows throughout the house. This form of residential alarm system provides the most security because all exits are constantly monitored. When an exterior entry is opened or broken, the system notifies the homeowners which door has been accessed with a recorded voice response.

A residential alarm system typically includes a timer delay feature. After the homeowner has activated the alarm, all doors must be securely closed within the specified time limit. Once the alarm is activated a special code must be entered to deactivate the alarm.

Advanced alarm systems also include secret verbal passwords. These passwords are used for added protection in the event of a hostage situation. When the alarm is activated, a special phone call will be placed to the residence by the monitoring agency. Failure to deactivate the alarm with the special verbal code will cause law enforcement to be notified of a potential break-in.

Swimming pools can also be interconnected with a residential alarm system. These alarms will notify homeowners when something has fallen into the swimming pool. This is done by using motion detectors that are attached to the pool area. Pool alarms provide advanced warning of unknown swimmers, which is a good safety measure.

Most residential alarms also include flood lights and motion detectors throughout the property. The devices are used as a deterrent during the evening hours. When the motion sensor detects an intruder the flood lights are automatically activated to illuminate the entire home.

Video surveillance and security gates are used with many residential alarm systems. These security features require an individual to identify himself before he can enter the gated perimeter of the home. This type of security feature provides the most secure environment because it extends the secured area to the external driveway of the home.