Home alarm systems used to be fairly straightforward. An
installer would come out, sell homeowners a basic coverage package,
run a few wires from their doors and windows to a control pad and
be done.
Home alarm systems used to be fairly straightforward. An installer would come out, sell homeowners a basic coverage package, run a few wires from their doors and windows to a control pad and be done. For most home owners, such installations are still common, but as prices on newer security technologies have fallen, a small number are taking surveillance to a new level.
Today, homeowners can install video cameras in their abodes, then access the live feeds through the Internet. If they don’t like being eagle-eyed all the time, they can have still shots from the cameras e-mailed to their cell phones or personal accounts when motion detectors inside the home are set off, said John Hopper, a former police officer who now acts as vice president and general manager for Sentry Alarm Systems of America in Monterey.
“I would say, for 90 percent of our customers, we provide a traditional burglar alarm system,” said Hopper. “That would consist of alarming all the exterior doors and windows that are accessible and then backing it up with motion detectors in a couple of strategic spots.”
Hopper also encourages clients to install a smoke detector, which is hard-wired to the alarm system.
“If you’re away from your home and a fire is going or some smoke is smoldering inside, that detects it and sends a signal,” said Hopper. “That’s a big peace-of-mind thing, especially for people who travel or go to work and have animals in their home.”
A basic alarm is still a family’s best protection plan for their home, according to Jeff Vandiver, a spokesman for A-A Lock and Alarm, Inc.
“You can also go to simpler routes, like installing an extra deadbolt to a door,” said Vandiver, noting that a lock will be noticed much sooner than an alarm. “A lot of people only have one lock, and that’s more appealing to a thief than someone who has two good-quality door locks.”
Before they’ll ever notice an alarm, thieves will see things like well-bolted doors, securely closed windows, recently trimmed shrubs and adequate outdoor lighting, said Hopper.
“I always tell people to go back to the basics,” said Hopper. “With low-voltage lights these days, you can get a lot of light for your money, but I think your best defense is a good neighbor. Communicate with them and let them know who should be around. I can’t tell you how many burglaries I’ve investigated where I went and talked to the neighbors, and they’d seen the guy. They just didn’t know he wasn’t supposed to be there.”
One technology that is relatively new in the residential security industry is wireless. Since many homes don’t have easy access through walls, attics and basements to each window and door, wireless alarm sensors are now very popular for after-build installation, said Vandiver.
The transmitters do need batteries, but many last as long as three years with regular use, and the long range of wireless sensors allows homeowners to install them in other areas, like outbuildings or vulnerable recreational vehicles, said Hopper.
“We can configure your security system to do whatever you need it to, even if it’s not specifically to secure your house,” said Hopper. “I’ve had folks with elderly, housebound parents that they were concerned about. We can place a motion detector, for instance, in a hallway near a bathroom, then program the motion detector to notify us if we don’t receive a trip in a four-hour time period during the day.
“If no trip is registered, we’ll call the person, and if they don’t answer we can call people from their emergency contact list to let them know, ‘Hey, we haven’t seen your mom in a while, and she isn’t answering calls. Do you want to go check on her or do you want us to call an ambulance?'”
Hopper’s workers can also install emergency pull stations in areas like bathrooms where seniors are likely to fall.
“We put them low on the floor so that they can reach one while they’re on the floor, and it can trigger us to get help,” said Hopper.
Motion detection beams, which can be hooked to alarm systems and buzzers can also be used to alert rural residents of approaching cars on long private roads or attempted break-ins through unattended fences, said Hopper.
Very basic alarm systems can start at prices as low as $500, said Hopper, and more complete home systems start around $2,500, said Vandiver, with monitoring fees in the industry averaging about $25 per month. Both representatives suggested that home owners contact an alarm company for a more complete review of technology options and installation costs.
Sentry Alarm Systems of America can be reached at (800) 424-7773 and A-A Lock and Alarm, Inc. can be reached at (408) 776-9501. For further listings, check your phone book under Security control equipment, security control systems or burglar alarm systems.
