Common Misconceptions About Home Security

Many people imagine robbery and violent crime to take place in the dark, at night, in stealth. The images we’ve picked up from TV, movies and the fears in the back of our minds are not the reality.

It’s broad daylight that sees the most crime – particularly for burglary. When you aren’t home and your neighbors around because everyone’s at work and school – that’s when they strike. And for the most, burglars get away with it because no one’s there to stop them or call the police.

Unless you have a home security system.

While any home security system is better than no home security system, you ideally want one capable of calling for help. Why? For the same reason you’re exposed during the day – the neighbors aren’t home. If an alarm goes off in a neighborhood and no one is there to hear it, does it really sound?

Also, many people assume that because their neighborhood is “safe” and that it’s a nice middle class to wealthy community, it’s unlikely to face crime. The desperate go to where they money is to break-in. Obviously, the nicer the house, the nicer the goods inside.

Another common misconception has to do with what you’re protecting. Are you spending for the equipment and monthly service costs to protect your television and your jewelry? Your homeowners insurance will help pay for loss and jewelry can always be stored discreetly or placed in a safe deposit box.

The real threats are to your most precious, irreplaceable things – you and your family. Are you ever home during the day? Are you single coming home alone? Do your kids spend any time alone or with a babysitter after school? Do you have an elderly parent home alone all day? These are the real reasons to get a security system.

But what kind of security system is going to protect your family? Certainly not the most basic systems. You’ll need something that monitors all accessible windows and doors. You have an attic or basement, you’ll want to consider those too.

Most importantly, if you’re away when your kids are home alone, consider a security system with video surveillance cameras. If you have them installed both inside and outside the home, you can use your security system’s remote access features to keep an eye on them and the property from an Internet enabled computer or even your PDA. ADT, one of America’s biggest security system companies offers complete surveillance monitoring with remote access options.

If you’re single and worried about a stalker or just keeping an eye on who may come to your door, security cameras can also be an advantage.

Making these choices can be challenging. To figure out what makes the best sense for you, consider hiring a professional security consultant registered with the International Association of Professional Security Consultants. Security consultants sell only their advice and opinions – and not any particular product. They provide an independent voice to help guide you through your choice.