Installing a home security system may seem like a costly investment. However, not installing one could end up costing you even more. The following are ten reasons why you should invest in a home security system or upgrade your existing home alarm system today.
1.) Install a Home Security System for Protection from Intruders
The primary reason homeowners should install a home security system is that it provides protection to your family from intruders. Homes that do not have a security system are 2.7 times more likely to be targeted by a burglar. This supports the belief that the mere presence of an alarm system is enough to protect a home and its occupants. In some cases, burglars may still target a home, either knowingly or unknowing, when members of the family are home.
A burglar who enters the home expecting it to be empty, finding members of the family inside can cause enough shock and panic to cause aggressive behavior. This should go without saying, but any sort of aggressive behavior is a bad thing. Simply having a security system is a great first step towards avoiding such situations. An active alarm will provide ample time for family members to seek out a safe location either inside or outside the home. Furthermore, an active alarm provides notice to contact local authorities. Burglars who enter a home knowing that family members inside tend to have more malicious intentions than if they were to enter an empty home. Again, a home alarm system serves as an early warning system and also notifies local authorities.
2.) Protect Your Home & Family from Fires
The simple mention of home security systems tends to evoke home intrusion scenarios. However, home security systems also provide additional protection for homeowners. Most homeowners rely on smoke detectors to warn them of a fire. A home security system, on the other hand, serves as an early warning system. Furthermore, these automated systems also notify local first responders of the life-threatening danger.
A monitored home alarm system not only warns occupants of the presence of smoke in the home, but it also provides ample warning of above-average heat sources and also notifies the authorities. The old saying, “where there is smoke, there is fire” is true to a point. The caveat is that smoke is not the only precursor to a fire. The simple presence of heat can also serve as an early warning to a potential threat of a fire. This is why it is important to include heat detectors into any fire prevention system. You can purchase heat detectors without the installation of a home security system. However, these a la carte options do not signal the authorities in the event you are unable to do so.
Fire Safety Facts
The U.S. Fire Administration states that in just thirty seconds, a small flame can evolve into a full-blown fire. In a matter of minutes of a fire breaking out, thick black smoke will fill your home. This danger will make it next to impossible for your family members to breathe. This pair of facts ought to be enough reason to reinforce the importance of installing a home security system that will notify authorities to respond to your house fire. Lastly, time is the biggest factor in any emergency. However, in the case of fire, time is of the essence. A few seconds of fire safety concern could mean death and/or the destruction of your home and all your belongings.
3.) Install a Home Security System to Protect Against Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Carbon Monoxide poisoning is brought upon by a colorless and odorless gas. Combustion fumes typically produce this gas. Within a home, CO can come from stoves, burning wood or charcoal, heating systems and gas ranges among other things.
Since Carbon Monoxide is totally undetectable by humans, homeowners are typically blindsided by CO poisoning that has been building up over time. Carbon Monoxide is absorbed by red blood cells much more rapidly than Oxygen. As these blood cells release CO into the bloodstream, it begins to replace Oxygen and prevents tissues and organs from obtaining the much-needed Oxygen. The most severe cases of CO poisoning can result in death. Other symptoms include dizziness, headaches, chest pains, nausea, vomiting, and utter confusion.
You can monitor for Carbon Monoxide leaks with a CO detector. It is important to note that CO detectors are not the same as smoke detectors. These devices may look like smoke detectors but they are totally different. You can purchase one at your local hardware store or as part of an all-inclusive home security system. Like a professionally monitored home alarm system, smoke detectors provide the added benefit of notifying the proper authorities of the looming danger that is present in your home. All in all, the faster you are able to escape your home and receive adequate medical treatment, the better.
4.) Provide Your Family with Peace of Mind
The simple presence of a home security system provides countless families with peace of mind. This sense of comfort comes from knowing that their home is protected from a variety of dangers scenarios. This peace of mind can be priceless for homeowners who are in their golden years, incapacitated in some way or are frequently left home alone.
For the elderly who may be unable to flee their home with the speed required in a dangerous situation, home security systems are a blessing. A home security system can dispatch authorities that are capable of assisting in any one of a number of situations. For those who are incapacitated and unable to leave their home, home security systems not only monitor every inch of the home but again, they dispatch authorities when necessary. Many home security systems also offer medical alert pendants for users to wear. These devices are designed to call for help for specific medical situations.
Finally, home alarm systems are of great benefit for families who often leave loved ones alone. Whether we’re talking children of working parents or military spouses. A home security system can provide peace of mind for individuals and families in many different situations.
5.) Install a Home Security System to Protect Your Valuables
The vast majority of people collect and purchase an assortment of items that have meaning to us. Whether it be sentimental family heirlooms to big-ticket purchases, these things represent who we are and the accomplishments we’ve made. When burglars enter our home however, our feelings towards our possessions are the furthermost thing from their minds. Rather, they focus on the retail value of what they are stealing. Each year, it is estimated that there are some 2.5 burglaries across the United States. These burglaries cost homeowners some $3.1 billion with the average loss per burglary stacking up around $1, 700.
For most homeowners, the presence of a home alarm system is enough to deter burglars. However, when it isn’t enough, it serves an additional function. As well as alerting the authorities that your home has been burgled and increasing the chances that intruders will be caught, the cameras installed as part of most modern alarm systems can catch intruders in the act. Having visual documentation of the home invasion can increase the likelihood that the burglar will be identified for the crime they have committed. Furthermore, video footage also helps homeowners generate a record of what has been taken from their home during a burglary.
6.) Having Someone Else Monitor Your Home
One of the biggest benefits to having a professionally monitored home security system is that it provides round the clock monitoring even when you are unable to do so yourself. Leaving town for business or going on vacation can be nerve-wracking. This stands true even with a home security alarm. However, with BSG monitoring services there is always someone to respond to emergency situations.
These services do not act like house sitters, but they do track significant events and dispatch emergency personnel when needed. Home security systems are able to respond to alarms triggered as a result of a house fire, a carbon monoxide leak, a significant temperature drop or increase, an intruder, or a natural disaster such as a flood. The damage caused by these tragic events could be much worse than they otherwise would be without the watchful eye of a monitoring company.
7.) Save on Homeowners Insurance
Homeowners insurance is a mandatory part of becoming a homeowner in most circumstances. The cost of this type of insurance coverage varies on location, coverage, payment plans, the insurance company, type of house and a few other factors. Some people see homeowners insurance as a waste of money, those who have ever had to use it (or wish that had had it to use) will disagree.
Homeowner’s insurance covers private homes and the possessions therein from losses or damage. Said losses and damages can occur as the result of a number of devastating events. Homeowner insurance covers most events such as fires, tornadoes, and hurricanes. Most home insurance plans do not include flood insurance. This level of protection must be purchased separately since floods are a more common occurrence. Most first time homeowners don’t take into account the cost of homeowners insurance.
Homeowners who have installed a home security system generally receive a measurable discount. The total discount given as a result of homes having security systems differs based upon the features of the system (for instance, a system monitored by a central monitoring station should provide a larger discount compared to one that is not monitored) and the amount of coverage purchased initially and the company offering the insurance. In general, homeowners receive a 10-20% discount on their insurance by having a functioning home alarm system installed.
8.) Install a Home Security System to Keep an Eye on Your Home Remotely
The ability to monitor their home even when they are away is one of the biggest perks associated with installing a home security system for some homeowners. As technology evolves, many home alarm companies now provide the means for homeowners to log on to the internet via their computers and smartphones to access their home security system remotely.
This sort of system allows the home security system to be remotely armed/disarmed and users can peek in via their security cameras. Furthermore, users can also operate their lights, air conditioning and heating, and motion detectors. All of these functions not only allow homeowners to watch for intruders, but they also help protect the home remotely.
Turning on lights at a specified time via remote access can help create the illusion that the home is occupied even when it isn’t. Accessing the heating or air conditioning can help prepare the home for sudden temperature changes. This can prevent pipe damage and also help save on electric or gas bills. Remote access entails a small fee in most cases, but it offers homeowners the ability to take charge of their home even when they are out of town.
9.) Get Medical Assistance When Needed
Medical conditions are a real concern for many homeowners and many home alarm companies offer medical alert pendants or emergency pulls. These types of devices are designed so that individuals can press a button or pull a cord and immediately have emergency services dispatched to their home. Most commonly these types of services are requested by children of elderly parents, family members of sick individuals and those living with loved ones who have special needs.
One of the biggest concerns for family members of the elderly is the potential of falling; fortunately, with a medical alert feature, if an elderly person falls at home when they are alone, they can signal the authorities for help immediately. For families of sick or special needs individuals, this service can be used in a similar way, signaling authorities or medical professionals that assistance is needed in the event of seizures or other medical emergencies.
10.) Reduce Energy Consumption in Your Home
BSG Home automation allows users to access and control the lighting, thermostat and, in some cases, small appliances of the home through remote access. Some homeowners utilize this feature to shut down heating and cooling when no one is home and log on to start it an hour or so before heading back to the home so they arrive in a comfortable home.
Other homeowners use this feature to turn on lighting in the home before they leave their office so they do not have to enter an unlit home. This feature is also beneficial for deterring intruders since it allows homeowners to make it look as though someone is home when they are not. Jump on over to see our top recommendations for the best home automation systems that will help reduce the energy consumption in your home.
Additional Reasons Why You Should Install a Home Security System
- Security systems not only protect family and possessions, but they also provide protection for pets. If a fire were to break out when no one but the family pet was home, without a home alarm system that pet would be doomed.
- Home security systems allow for homeowners to secure less frequented areas of the home such as the basement and the garage. This makes it more difficult for intruders to take their preferred methods of entry into the home and go unnoticed.
- Home security systems mean that homeowners do not have to depend upon neighbors to watch over their home when they are away. There is less chance of human error with alarm systems.
- Home alarm systems prevent home intruders from staying too long if they do gain access to the house since there is a higher likelihood of them being scared away when an alarm is sounding loud.
- Modern wireless alarm systems are affordable and much easier to set up and maintain than the wired systems of the past.
- Having a home alarm system installed actually increases your home value when it comes to selling your home. As an added bonus, it also keeps your home protected throughout the selling process where a number of strangers will be inside your home.
- Homes with security systems installed have a quicker emergency response time because they cut out the middle man and directly contact authorities for faster dispatch.
- The majority of large home protection companies offer 24/7 monitoring and support of their alarm systems which reduces the likelihood that the alarm system will fail and your home safety would be at risk.
- Some home alarm systems that come equipped with outdoor cameras allow for homeowners and their families to see who is at the front door without going close to it. This feature is particularly useful for families with children of working parents who often have to leave children at home alone.
Facts to Consider
If you still have any doubts about whether or not your home or family could benefit from purchasing a home alarm system take a look at some of the following facts:
- Approximately every twenty seconds a home fire is reported.
- House fires are the third leading cause of fatal home injury in the nation.
- Each year fires kill more people in the United States than all-natural disasters combined.
- 39% of residential fires and 52% of residential fatalities from fires occur in homes with no smoke alarms.
- 70% of all burglaries occur in residential properties.
- Every 14.5 seconds a robbery is reported.
- Most burglaries take place between 10 am and 3 pm when the majority of homeowners are at work.
- 8% of robberies are committed with a gun according to the FBI’s crime statistics.
- The majority of burglars gain entry to the home via the front door, back door, and first-floor windows.
- FBI crime statistics state that during 60% of reported burglaries, someone was at home.
- Only 13% of reported burglaries are solved by the police.
- Only 15% of property that is stolen in burglaries is ever recovered by the police.
- Approximately two-thirds of home fire deaths between 2005 and 2009 were the result of fires in homes without smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
