In these uncertain times, it makes more sense than ever to protect your home and family with a home security system. Why leave it up to chance-be proactive by safeguarding your belongings and loved ones by having a burglar alarm installed today!

Installing a home security system has never been easier: most burglar alarms today are wireless systems, which provide great security and simple installation. The alarm’s sensors communicate with the control panel via wireless electronic signals so, unlike in the past, burglar alarm installation doesn’t involve miles of wiring, drilling holes in walls, or any other similar complications. Wireless alarms are just as reliable as hard-wired systems, and today’s advanced technology means that radio signals won’t interfere with your alarm’s transmissions.

A burglar alarm is made up of several different components that work together to provide a comprehensive net of protection for your family and your home. The fundamental parts of a home security system are:

Control panel (with battery backup): this is the brain of your alarm.

Door keypad: this touch pad allows you to easily arm and disarm your alarm as you enter and exit your home. This is also where you set features such as the “stay mode.”

Window and door contacts/transmitters: these sensors detect if a door or window has been opened and send a signal to the control panel alerting the system to the breach.

Motion detectors: motion detectors spot movement and set off the alarm if they detect action where there shouldn’t be any. These complement the window and door contacts by providing a fail-safe in case the sensors are somehow circumvented.

Siren: this creates the characteristic wailing sound associated with burglar alarms. It is designed to startle any intruders and scare them away.

Your home burglar alarm can also include glass break detectors, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, low temperature monitors, and wireless keypads/remotes to complement the basic system. If you select a monitored security system, your system will be monitored via the telephone line (cell phone back ups are also available) to connect you to security professionals day and night. They’ll be able to send police and fire assistance in case of emergency and provide additional peace of mind.

Your security system is able to protect your home when you’re away and when you’re home. This enables the system to effectively safeguard both the contents of your home AND you and your family. Most people are familiar with the traditional use of burglar alarms: you set the alarm as you walk out the door and it serves as a deterrent as well as notifying police of intruders. However, with the technology available today, you’re able to utilize a “stay mode” to arm the alarm when you’re home. This setting deactivates interior motion detectors while still enabling the perimeter sensors; the movements of your family inside the house don’t set the alarm off, but anyone trying to break in will. Many homeowners love this feature, saying that it helps them feel completely safe in their houses!

Some monitored home security systems can even alert the authorities of a fire when you’re not home! This type of alarm is equipped with supplementary smoke detectors: unlike traditional smoke detectors that sound a siren to get residents to evacuate, security system smoke detectors are wired into your alarm to alert your monitoring company for fire security even when you’re not home!

When you decide to have a burglar alarm installed, be sure that you use a qualified installer. By employing a security company with experienced, certified technicians, you’ll get a complete, correct installation-you’ll be able to trust your burglar alarm to keep you safe. And don’t forget, a security system is only as good as the monitoring company you’re affiliated with, so opt for a national monitoring company like ADT for complete protection!

Residential and commercial security alarm systems are available to bring you protection and peace of mind. While each specific system works differently (and has distinct advantages and disadvantages), the general benefits are global. A burglar alarm system can provide defense against break ins and fire. Read on to learn how you can keep your family and business safe with an alarm.

Theft Protection

Obviously, the most common use of a burglar alarm is to prevent theft. These residential security systems are connected to sensors in the windows, doors, and sometimes even in the glass; if any of the sensors detects unauthorized entry, the alarm goes off. When this happens, two things occur: first, a loud siren sounds, hopefully scaring the intruder away; and secondly, the burglar alarm notifies the police about the attempted break in. Many homeowners are doubly reassured by their alarm: it alerts the police if they’re not home at the time of the attempted robbery, and, moreover, the siren will probably scare away the criminal, providing additional safety and security for the homeowners when they are home!

Basic burglar alarms also make great commercial security systems. They can provide a layer of protection against inventory loss, vandalism, and theft in the same way they protect residences. The majority of robberies are simply crimes of opportunity: a criminal sees a vulnerable store or office and strikes. By installing a security system, you actually deter break ins because once the would-be thief discovers the alarm (either by noticing the manufacturers sticker in the window or triggering the siren) he will most likely bolt.

Fire Protection

Many people are aware of how alarm systems can protect against burglary and theft, but many don’t realize that these same systems can also offer fire protection. Even without being integrated into a sprinkler system, your alarm offers an important fire safety feature. As part of your burglar alarm, a monitored fire alarm system can actually alert the authorities if smoke is detected in your home. So even if you’re not at home when the fire starts, the fire department will be notified about the fire. Conventional smoke detectors are important tools for letting people in the building know to evacuate, but that’s it. These devices can’t warn the fire department about the fire, and by the time the neighbors see the fire, it’s often too late! With a monitored fire alarm system, a call is placed to the fire department when smoke is detected, providing immediate fire protection even when you’re away.

Installing a home or commercial security system isn’t cheap, but for the peace of mind and protection it gives you against fire and theft, the price is certainly worth it. If you’re ready to protect your family and home, contact your local burglar alarm installer. Safety is an investment you won’t regret!

Need to monitor the cash register? Want to supervise the children when they’re in the other room? For security, safety, and serenity, families and businesses are turning to video surveillance systems to watch over baby-sitters, inventory, play areas, employees, and much more.

Commercial Security Surveillance

Commercial security systems aren’t anything new. But with new technological developments, there are more and more options for video surveillance systems at affordable prices. From encoded webcam systems to other Internet Protocol (IP) recording systems, there are a number of great surveillance options available for small businesses. Consider the benefits of video security for:

* Monitoring inventory

* Supervising staff to ensure appropriate employee behavior

* Providing security for parking lots

* Watching over the cash register

* Providing additional protection for staff

Unlike traditional analog security systems, the new IP surveillance systems are cost-effective for even the smallest business. Cameras can be installed discreetly for optimum effect, and surveillance feeds can even be made available online for your convenience (through secure, encrypted channels). Surveillance system professionals can create a custom IP video security system for your business, focusing specifically on your security and monitoring needs to create a personalized configuration.

Home Surveillance

Home video security systems are also becoming increasingly popular. Many parents and home owners are using these systems to provide additional eyes and ears as well as peace of mind. While analog surveillance systems are simply too expensive to be practical for home usage, the development of IP surveillance systems has created a boom in home video security. Residential surveillance can be used to:

* Observe childcare staff

* Supervise child play from another room

* Monitor sleeping children

* Watch the house when you’re away

These systems can wirelessly observe happenings in your house from teenagers home alone after school to kids playing in the living room to attempted robberies when you’re not there. IP video security can include both audio and video and can be encrypted for the safety of your children. If you’re ready to get the peace of mind and affordable convenience of a home video security system, contact your local surveillance installer to learn more.

When it comes to protecting your family or your business, you need the best security systems available. But there is no need to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a massive, state-of-the-art alarm system. What you may not know is that so-called “passive security systems,” including window bars and security gates, are actually more effective at safeguarding your property than alarm systems.

Passive security systems are designed to prevent entry, keeping intruders out of your building by blocking windows and doors with security screens. And unlike burglar alarms that only activate after a prowler has entered your home or business, passive security systems stop them from getting into the building at all! Also known as burglar bars, passive security systems provide residential safety in marginal neighborhoods, protection for business inventory and infrastructure, and defense against theft, vandalism, and other crimes.

Most security experts recommend security bar installation for both windows and doors, especially those on ground level. These security precautions work best when all possible access points have burglar bars installed. Components of a passive security system may include some or all of the following:

· Window bars

· Security gates

· Window well grates

· Burglar bars

Keep in mind that security bars and grates don’t have to be ugly or utilitarian in appearance. There is a wide selection of ornamental window gratings and door gates available to protect your home or business without compromising aesthetics.

Some homeowners have concerns about window burglar bars preventing exit during an emergency (like in the event of a house fire), but by law, all window security bars installed on sleeping spaces must have emergency releases. This enables you and your family to escape in an emergency, while still keeping intruders out of your house. Visit a local home security store or talk to your local burglar bar installer for information on the various window bar models and their emergency escape features.

One passive security measure that building owners frequently overlook is boarding up windows. Ideal for unoccupied properties such as foreclosed homes and vacant commercial spaces, window board ups prevent entry as well as broken windows. Be sure that you contract a professional window board up service, though; some contractors actually screw plywood directly into your window sashes, irreparably damaging them. A reputable window covering service will take measures to prevent injury to your windows for a safe, correct board up.

As our nation struggles through these difficult economic times, don’t let your home or business become a target. Protect your family, belongings, and business by taking security precautions. By having security bars and window grates installed on your home or business, you’re preventing thieves and prowlers from entering your building, unlike with traditional burglar alarms. Passive security systems are affordable and effective; stay safe and sheltered with security bar installation.