Eric Feigenbaum | SecuritySystems.org

Health Emergencies

Posted on November 19, 2010

One of the most difficult aspects of life is uncertainty. We develop tools like insurance and security systems to help us manage unforeseen events and variables. It’s easy and obvious to consider break-in, theft and even personal endangerment as important uses of a home security system. The low monthly payments it takes to have a quality security system safeguarding you and your family form an invaluable investment.

Unfortunately, external threats are just one kind of danger to our families. Serious health problems, including those of aging family members have come to represent a new and serious part of how we define our security.

Many families today have people with chronic illness, terminal illness and ongoing conditions. If anyone in your family has autism, epilepsy, a heart-condition, cancer, an inner-ear disorder, Parkinson’s, ALS, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy or any one of numerous other physical conditions, you know how nerve wracking it can be to go out or leave your loved one even for a short while.

Advances in home security systems can actually help address the worries families face surrounding medical and physical issues.

The most important way a security system can help your family is with personal emergency features. Give your at-risk loved-one a pendant or wrist band he or she can trigger to wirelessly signal personal emergency.

If someone falls, can’t call for help, is having trouble breathing or is experiencing any other distress, your home security system can call for help at the press of a button. If the security system company is aware of the condition your loved one faces, they will act even faster and with greater accuracy. This can make a life and death difference.

You can also have additional security system command pads with intercoms installed anywhere in your home so that an your loved one essentially has a push-button emergency call station next to his or her bed. This too, can be useful in an emergency, especially because it allows for verbal interaction between patient and security system dispatchers.

By adding surveillance to your home security system, you gain a way to keep an eye on your loved one when you’re away. Companies like ADT offer in-home video surveillance systems whose feeds you can access by Internet or PDA. You can check-in on your loved visually from your iPhone or Blackberry.

Companies like Protect America offer personal emergency products which include wireless pendants. They can also work with you on a remote access surveillance system to add a total protection for your loved one.

Personal health crises are a horrible thing. Take advantage of all the tools available to give the best of safety and care to your loved one.

Photo via ADS Security

Going Wireless

Posted on November 17, 2010

Everyone wants things to go well and easily. That’s often why when examining the possibility of getting a home security system, the fear of having one’s house ripped apart for an installation keeps people from moving forward.

However, what many people don’t know is that while they may be imagining the security systems of a generation ago which had to be hardwired into a home, the reality is that most home security system companies install clean and easy wireless security systems.

Wireless security systems use a central router, like a computer server as a hub that manages the system. All the triggers and monitoring devices installed throughout the home communicate with the router through digital transmission – using a similar technology as a cell phone.

The wonderful part of a wireless security system is that installation is a breeze and there are no messy wires. Similarly, if down the line you or your security system company wants to upgrade components or even the main server, parts can be changed without taking apart the entire security system or creating a giant project in your home.

Often, security system subscribers can ask for new equipment before the renew equipment with their security system company which is incentivized to toss in extras to get you to renew your contract.

Of course, wireless security systems are the easy and obvious choice for a DIY home security system. You simply buy the components from a reputable shop like Home And Personal Security and then follow the instructions. Most of the installation involves attaching sensors and triggers to their appropriate places.

To get the best results, you may want to do more than perimeter security like windows and doors. Consider motion sensors, infrared light beams and sensor mats under carpets and walkways a thief might have to cross upon break-in.

If you’re going with a security system provider which monitors your home – a good idea – some companies like Protect America give wireless security systems free with a multi-year service contract.

Whether you get a security system through a security system company or you go your own way, a wireless system is easy and just as effective as a hardwire. Just make sure you have a solid battery backup system in case of power outages and periodically test your security system to make sure all the components are communicating. Protecting your family has never been easier.

Photo via spygadgetsdotcom

Getting the Best Hardware

Posted on November 15, 2010

When we look at home security systems, we’re often focused on the system options, monitoring costs, contracts terms and how a proposed security system will protect our families. These are all important considerations which deserve your full attention.

However, in all the shuffle, it can be easy to gloss over the equipment itself. As a consumer, we trust that a reputable security system company will install high-quality equipment, but that’s not necessarily true.

Home security system companies make their money from your monthly monitoring fees. Having you sign up for their services is the critical part of their sales effort. They have little financial incentive to sell you or give you the best piece of equipment out there, unless you make it clear that’s what you want.

A higher grade of security system components may cost you more, but in the scheme of things it’s not a lot of money to get the best security possible. After all, what’s the point in paying monthly fees if they aren’t getting you all that they could?

If you want more capabilities, fewer false alarms, and better detection of entry and motion, them you want high-grade security system components.

So, what which names can you trust?

One of the best names in security system hardware is Honeywell. Honeywell is a longtime leader is all forms of electric and electronic components and security systems. Their acquisition of ADEMCO security systems has brought them into the residential security system market. Honeywell imparts a standard of quality that rises above the rest. If you want components you know will protect your family, then it’s a good choice.

Another trustworthy name in security system hardware is General Electric. The electrics and electronics giant is an industry leader in everything from jet engines to light bulbs. They aren’t bad with home security systems either. GE sells their security comments to security systems companies and directly to consumers. But they’re also full-service and operate their own home security system company which can do everything from installation to monthly monitoring services. If you want quality and end-to-end service from a quality name, GE is an option to consider.

Lastly, there’s ADT. Like GE, ADT operates one of the largest home and commercial security system companies in the world and it also has its own line of components. However, their security systems vary widely from the ultra-cheap to the uber-sophisticated. The ADT name on security system components does not in itself guarantee you the best. However, some of ADT’s offerings are excellent – so ask questions and shop wisely.

Photo via Steve Wilhelm

Protecting Your Elders

Posted on November 12, 2010

America’s aging population has changed our families. Increasing numbers of families have adult children taking care of their parents. It has once again become more common for grandparents to live in the same house with their families. That means new challenges and needs for today’s families.

Many people pay for adult day care services to watch after their ledgers when the younger generation goes to work and school. Others leave their semi-functional elders alone, but worry and check-in throughout the day.

Amazingly, modern home security systems offer new options for caregivers which include security for their elder family members.

Home security systems do the obvious for seniors home alone – they ensure they are safe from outside danger. Security systems which have sensors installed thoroughly throughout the home – on all doors, windows and access points including attics, basements and storm cellars – can help ensure seniors don’t fall prey to intruders.

More importantly, security systems now offer features to help people in case of medical or personal emergency. Security systems have medical call buttons on their command key pads. Someone in need of urgent help can hit the button and whether they can talk or not, the security system monitoring company will send help in the form of police or ambulance.

You can take it to the next level too. Some security systems like Guardian Protection Services offer wireless call button devices in the form of pendants and bracelets. Some even come in waterproofed form so that they never have to be removed.

Should someone elderly or with a known medical emergency, a fall or any other personal issue, he or she can simply press the button on their wireless pendant and expect help to come rapidly. Some security systems also offer emergency call boxes that can be installed next to beds.

For the most part, adding personal emergency services to your home security system monitoring plan costs less than $10 a month. This is a small price for the amazing amount of security and help it gives. That $10 could very likely be the difference between life and death. It may also save hundred to thousands in adult day services for people who are mostly functional, but who just shouldn’t be left alone in case of emergency.

Today’s home security system does a lot more than secure your property and personal effects. It protects that which is more valuable than anything – the people you love.

Photo via jessicajeary

Objections and Myths Dispelled

Posted on November 10, 2010

People come up with a lot of reasons to save $40 a month. While that’s no small sum to add to your monthly bills, $25 – $45 a month – the monthly monitoring cost of a home security system – is a very small sum to provide you and your family real security and peace of mind.

Despite that, people have their reasons why they think a home security system won’t benefit them or is just unnecessary. Here are a few common ones.

1. I have a dog. It’s true that man’s best friend can be a deterrent to thieves. A few good solid barks from a large dog will make any burglar think twice. But unless you have a German Shepherd, Rottweiler or a Bulldog, there’s a good chance your dog just as at risk as any other member of your family. Determined burglars have been know to hurt and even shoot small and medium size dogs who get in their way. Most of us consider our dogs to be members of the family. They benefit from a security system as much as anyone else.

2. I live in a gated community. Guess what? People go in and out of gated communities all the time. Burglars work in broad daylight far more than they do by cloak of night. Thieves pose as plumbers, electricians, roofers and even personal visitors. If your gates are automated, a lot of people just follow the car in front of them through – never calling a homeowner to buzz them in. Certainly gated communities are safer than those without, but they certainly don’t make home security systems obsolete.

3. My neighborhood is safe. If your neighborhood is considered safe, it’s probably a nice, suburban or wealthier city neighborhood. However, one of the things that deters crime in these areas is good security – with the majority of a neighborhood having a security system. Why? Those are exactly the homes with nice valuables in them and people who don’t suspect crime.

4. I have high fences and hedges. There’s no doubt that high walls, fences and hedges make it harder for thieves to enter your home from the seclusion of your backyard or side entrances. High walls are smart. At the same time, more than 25 percent of daytime burglaries happen via the front door.

5. No one cares about a security system alarm. Sure, we all know how people treat car alarms as more of a nuisance that a serious emergency. But a home alarm is different – they aren’t so common and if your neighborhood has people who keep an eye out for crime, it should attract some attention. More importantly, security systems with monitoring get help from security systems companies who in turn call local law enforcement. A good security system is your best defense against theft.

If you want to get more information on reliable security system options for your area with a reputable company, try a couple of the industry leaders – GE Security and Broadview Security.

Photo via Mr. Greenjeans

Keeping Your Children Safe With Home Security Systems

Posted on November 8, 2010

Any parent or grandparent knows that of all the things and people in their lives – their kids are the most valuable. That’s why parents spend a lot of time worrying about the best interests and safety of their children.

What parents don’t always know is that home security systems aren’t just about guarding against theft. In reality, a security system’s best and most valuable function is protecting your children.

The most obvious, yet most essential way a security system protects your kids is at night. When everyone goes to bed, turn your security system on and everyone knows they are safe and sound. This of course, works best when your security system has sensors on each and every window and door in the house as well as any attics, basements and storm cellars with hidden vulnerabilities.

Additionally, security systems do their best to protect when they have internal motion sensors and infrared light beams. Pad sensors under carpets, rugs and mats are also great for detecting intruders.

Another important way a security system helps keep your kids safe is when they’re home alone or with a babysitter. Keeping a perimeter alarm active is a great way to know that they have more than locks guarding them – and that if for any reason something were to happen, you would be alerted immediately by your security system provider.

Better yet, security systems can help you keep an eye on your kids when you’re away. if you choose to add video surveillance options to your security system, you’ll be able to monitor your home from inside the house, or from remote. ADT offers video surveillance options which allow you to access your security system’s video feed from an iPhone, Blackberry and other PDAs as well as through an web access portal.

For parents who are away from the home at work or elsewhere, security systems can also give assurance in the most basic and fundamental of ways. Enhanced systems like ADT’s Family package monitor for fire, flood, carbon monoxide and significant temperature fluctuations in your home. If any of these things occur, the security system can call for help – even if your kids can’t.

The good news is the home security systems can do a lot more to create a sense of security than ensure your television and jewels are safe when the house is empty. Security systems protect your real gems – your children.

Photo via CubaGallery

Preparing For Winter

Posted on November 5, 2010

With daylight sayings time ending and hours of light getting fewer, your home – and your family inside – sits in darkness more of the time. Dark side yards, backyards and hedges leave intruders room to work.

Getting a security system for the holidays – when your house is full of gifts and valuables – is a present to yourself and your family that will give back to you for decades.

If you live in a part of the country with snow and cold temperatures, be sure to look into a home security system that can protect your home against the elements as well your personal security. More advanced security systems like ADT’s family package include sensors which can monitor extreme temperature changes in your home. This has numerous advantages. The security system’s heat sensors help it check for fire, problems with your furnace, or a malfunctioning air conditioner during the summer heat.

The system watches for changes to the cold side which may indicate broken windows, faulty insulation, holes in your roof, a heater on the fritz and most importantly, the possibility of freezing pipes – which in turn, lead to flooding.

That’s another great feature. Comprehensive home security systems monitor for flooding. A burst pipe, backed up drain or overflowing washing machine won’t cause you untold costs and time for flood repairs.

Your security system can also interface with your smoke detectors to not only signal in case of fire, but to actually call for help when no one is around. No more relying on the neighbors to hear the beeping and check in on things. When there’s smoke, there’s the fire department.

Besides keeping your home itself safe, a security system can monitor your home’s perimeter when you’re family is inside. At night, turn on motion sensors to monitor vulnerable common areas when your family is sleeping. If you really want to protect the people inside, perimeter monitoring really isn’t enough.

While the feeling of safety and security is a huge gift in and of itself, you’ll find that a home security system is a gift that keeps on giving and giving and giving – including paying for itself. Most insurers give discounts on homeowners policies for having a security systems, and even greater discounts for security systems which monitor for flood, fire and temperature changes. Security systems reduce everyone’s risk.

Photo via shesnuckinfuts

Is the Special a Good Deal?

Posted on November 3, 2010

Everyone loves a good deal. If you go to the mall, you check out the sales. If you go to a restaurant, the lunch special is always a tempting proposition. So, it seems only natural that when security system companies offer special introductory packages, it’s worth taking a look.

However, consider this important question: is the home security system on special the right choice for you? Companies like ADT (www.adt.com) and Guardian Protection Services offer $99 introductory specials to make the world of security systems more accessible to you.

Of course, having any security system is better than none. But also consider if the system really meets the security needs of your home. Will one or two door and a few window entry sensors really protect your home and your family completely? Or are you buying false security?

For a smaller home, townhouse, condo or apartment, these introductory security systems might cover all your key points of entry. In that case, $99 plus monitoring fees is an excellent deal for you.

But if you have a larger home or one with an accessible basement, storm cellar or attic, introductory security systems are woefully under-protecting you. In order to be trull secure, your security system has to protect every potential entry to your home – even the unlikely and hard to reach ones.

Perimeter security is a great deterrent against burglary and offers you more protection that you would have without it. However, if your goal is to protect you and the people inside your home, you’ll need more. Motion senors, under-carpet or mat sensors, and infrared beams add the security you need to keep people safe at night.

While some discount security system packages offer one or two motion sensors – if you want the job done right, you’re going to need more than the bare-bones basics.

Here’s where you think to yourself, “Yeah, but I don’t want to pay that much – $99 makes it possible for me.” In today’s economy, that’s understandable. At the same time, another way to look at is that you’ll be paying the same, or a very close to the same security system monitoring fee each month either way. What do you want to get from your monthly fees?

The one-time price difference between a $99 system and a $600 security system may be significant in the moment, but over the course of a decade or more, how much more could you get for your money for the initial investment? More importantly, when it’s all said and done – what is the value of safety and security? Most would call it priceless.

So, look into those specials, evaluate your home and shop around. Check with national providers and also a few quality, long-standing family-owned regional or local security system companies like Guardian Security in Seattle, Washington. Then make a decision that helps you sleep better at night.

Photo via Tracy O

Getting the Most Out of Your Home Security System

Posted on November 1, 2010

Your home security system is an investment. You want to get the most out of it. That means both using it properly and instituting complimentary measures to increase your home’s total security.

One of the most important uses of your home security system is to use it as a deterrent to intrusion. Thieves prefer easy prey – and that means homes with no security systems, easy locks and low visibility. Your first and very important benefit from your home security system is the signage you get when you install it. Reputable security system companies like GE Security and Protect America Make sure to put up those signs and decals clearly and visibly. Most thieves would rather keep going than tangle with a security system.

Some homeowners hold back on using the signage because they feel it detracts from their home’s appearance. However, the signage is part of making full use of your security system.

It’s also important that your security system sound clearly and loudly. Some people put their security systems on silent. That defeats the purpose. The best use of a security system is for thieves to hear a loud alarm attracting attention to the house. This is the deterrent that has them scrambling to leave, hopefully without taking anything or getting too far into your home.

Every now and then, you need to give your security system some love. Test it, make sure it’s working properly. Check the backup batteries. If you have a security system monitoring company – they can help you run maintenance and will usually come and fix any problems.

Speaking of your security system provider, you need to update them with any changes in your emergency contact numbers. Besides contacting the police in case of emergency, home security system companies will try to reach you and anyone else you designate. Help them to help you.

But also make sure to help your neighbor. Get to know your neighbors and collaborate to keep an eye and an ear on each other’s homes. Security systems work much better when someone comes quickly to check out an alarm. Work out a deal to be there for each other in case an alarm goes off.

Then do the basics for your house. Get good bolts for windows and doors. If you have a glass sliding door, put a dowel or stick in the track. Most importantly, get good lighting for your home’s exterior – including side yards and backyards. Consider the infrared motion sensor lights that activate as someone approaches. They’re a great deterrent.

It’s important to take the time to put all the pieces together to create a great overall security package for your home. Your security system can do a lot for you – but you’ll get more out of it with the right set of supporting measures.

Photo via SKC SASH

When Your Alarm Goes Off

Posted on October 29, 2010

You come home, open your door, walk in, forget your groceries in the trunk of your car or perhaps have a tantruming child who needs immediate attention. You forget about your home security system that’s been beeping and calling to you in the background and you take just a little too long. Your alarm starts sounding.

What happens now? Within a minute your phone should start ringing. It will be your security system monitoring company calling. They will be asking who you are and once you identify yourself correctly, they will want your code. They don’t mean the one you key into your security system when you get home.

You should have established a code to identify yourself in case of false or accidental alarm. Once you speak that magic incantation, your security system provider can make all the noise go away and the alarm will stand down.

But what if you forgot the code? Or worse, what if it’s an alarm going off and it’s not you who accidentally triggered it?

That’s when your security system company should be springing into action. When no one answers the phone or you give the wrong code, your security system provider should call the police or sheriff to report an emergency incident at your home.

If it’s you who triggered the alarm and has had a complete mental block on your emergency code, then have your driver’s license and your best shocked and saddened face ready. Make sure the kid looks scared or tantrum-y too. You’ll get it all sorted and life will move on.

However, if the situation is a real home invasion, then the police will have some work to do. Your security system company should be staying in touch with police and of course contacting you to inform you about what’s going on at your house.

If you have video surveillance installed in your home, then your security system company should be watching the feed to see what your intruder is doing and giving as much information as possible to the police. If your burglar is apprehended, the video recordings can be used to indict and convict later.

While this concept can be very assuring, you have to be sure you’re getting a security system and company which can handle the tasks quickly, efficiently and professionally. After all, if dispatchers are sitting around watching video feed before taking action, it defeats the whole purpose of surveillance.

Look to some quality and trusted national names to know your home will be given priority and handled expertise. GE Security and Broadview Security are two of the most professional names in the business.

Before you sign up with anyone, however, make sure you go through their protocols and have them explain to you how they’ll handle your accidents and emergencies. Make sure your home security system gives you protection and peace of mind.

Photo via JaeYong