Home Security Must Haves

When trying to decide what home security system is best for you, choosing can be hard – there are a lot of options, and sometimes it is hard to know what your own priorities are.  Here are 5 security features that are must-haves for your home security system.

 Photo Credit Adt Home Security Systems

1. Lighting

Lighting is critical for any home security solution, and both interior and exterior lighting can really make a huge difference in your home’s security.  Good interior lighting can make your home appear as if someone is home.  Exterior lighting is also great to keep vulnerable areas well-lit.  You should look for solutions that incorporate motion detection sensors for the exterior lights, and flexible timers for your interior lights. 

2. Window and Door Monitoring

Believe it or not, the majority of home break-ins happen in the mornings, when many people are away from their homes and neighbourhoods are fairly quiet.  This is why it is crucial for all windows and doors to have monitoring.  Advanced systems can monitor things like glass breakage, but a base unit should monitor all doors and windows and alert you if they are opened.

Tip: Don’t forget the interior door in your garage if you have one! 

3. Alerts

These days, there is no excuse for your home security system not to have an alert notification system.  You’ll want to look for alerts that are sent to you as well as automatic notifications to police/fire departments in your area.  A good system should allow you to configure the alerts to suit your needs – for example, maybe you prefer emails over text message, or you’d rather have a phone call, and if the system detects a fire, automatically notifying the authorities.  Make sure to run a test to ensure notifications are working once they are installed – you can coordinate this with local police and fire units, who are very accustomed to dealing with home alarm systems these days.

4. Backup Power.

A home security system is no good if it is able to be killed simply but cutting the power; in many homes, this is as easy as accessing an external breaker box or finding the wires leading into the home.  If your power boxes are outside your house, secure them as best as possible. But good security alarms have backup power, such as a battery backup, that will keep the system intact for several hours, at least.  If you live in an area prone to power outages, you’ll want to ensure you have more robust backup systems.

5. Signage

Last but not least is the simplest feature: signage to indicate your home has a security system installed.  You can even have this without actually having any security there.  You may want to think about using signage that is different than your actual system, to throw off potential intruders; also, ensure you place your signs in windows or doors not visible to the public – this will alert to thieves that you really do have a security plan in place.