Security is project that is a work in progress. It’s an activity that everyone should be aware and in control of. Taking charge of your home’s security need not be a daunting task. With a well thought out plan, you can secure your perimeter and your household against criminals.
Factors to Consider
When planning your security system, consider these factors to ensure you choose the right security system.
- Perimeter size. Knowing the size of the area you want to protect helps you plan for the system you need to purchase. Other systems come with multiple cameras and sensors, but in case they’re not enough, you might need to purchase additional gadgets.
- Your neighborhood’s reputation. Crimes don’t choose a neighborhood, it happens everywhere. Consider doing research of the crimes done in your area. By doing this, you have an idea of the system that you want to purchase to dissuade common crimes in your area.
- Think about your valuables. Of course, family comes first if you have a family. If you’re living alone, then it might help to do an inventory of the things you want to protect such as jewelry, cars or cash.
- Doors and windows. How many windows do you have? How many doors? Sensors and cameras are usually installed near windows and doors.
- Monitoring system. Security systems these days are more versatile than traditional ones. SimpliSafe, a home security provider manufactures security systems that you can monitor on your iPhone through an IOS app. This enables subscribers to be more proactive of their security compared to having other people monitor your household.
- Price. As much as you want to the best that money can buy, consider your budget as well. Sometimes, the pricier ones get too complicated and you might end up not needing the extra features at all.
Setting Up
Let’s remember the key pointers when installing your system.
- Make sure all parts are in – Make sure that the package has all parts that should come with it. In case it’s missing a part, you can send it back for replacement. DIY security systems, such as SimpliSafe, should be very simple to install – so if the setup proves troublesome, it might just mean a component is missing or that you haven’t followed the instructions carefully enough.
- Read the manual – Most gadgets come with videos on YouTube that you can refer to. But reading the manual as well helps keep any surprises from popping up.
- Inform your family – Talk to your family or housemates about security in general, especially your kids. Once that’s out of the way, describe the security system that you purchased and what it does. This will caution your family from tripping any alarms unnecessarily.
- Sensors – The entry and exit sensors are a no-brainer. But motion sensors should be strategically placed where it can detect a wide area. It is usually placed in central points.
- Cameras – Some systems come with cameras that monitor your household. These too should be placed strategically, so familiarity with your entrance and exit points are important.
- Alarm/Siren – The alarm or siren should be high up where no one can reach it. In addition, a high position can help spread the sound faster.
- Keypad – The keypad is where you key in your passwords or sometimes where you configure additional camera and sensors. It is usually placed on the door jam but others prefer hiding it.
- Remote control – Other systems do not have a remote control and are activated and deactivated manually—by keying in your password on the keypads. But newer systems, especially wireless ones enable remote management. The remote control, like keys can easily be misplaced, just to caution you.
- Panic button – The panic button when triggered sends off a loud alarm that is meant to deter intruders. Once it is triggered, it should also send a notification to your security provider, prompting them to act. This should not be placed carelessly where it can easily be set off. But place it where you can easily reach it. It is usually placed in the bedroom.
