Choosing the Right Home Security Provider

When shopping for a home security system, keep in mind that not all companies are the same, nor are all systems the same. Each family, residence, business and individual has different needs that can be addressed by asking the right questions of the security sales consultant. If you're shopping for an alarm system for your home, several factors will determine what type of alarm is right for you.

How does a monitored home security system work?

Home security systems are capable of live interaction between the company's monitoring station agents and with whoever is in the home. The agents at these stations watch over your home while the system is armed. Some larger home security providers have monitoring stations located throughout the country, ensuring a quicker response time in case of an emergency. When an alarm is triggered, the agents attempt to contact you. If they can't reach you, they call the local authorities for help. An alarm company's monitoring feature is valuable because the operator knows exactly which emergency service to contact and they'll also attempt to contact the homeowner if no one is home.

How can a home security system benefit my family members?

• Children

  We want our entire family to be safe but with small children, we often take an extra measure of security. Have carbon monoxide detectors installed outside your children's bedrooms. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a silent killer because it is an odorless, poisonous gas that prevents the oxygen in the lungs from reaching vital tissues. It can cause damage to the brain immediately, or up to several days after an apparent recovery. Children's small bodies are more susceptible to the gas. Knowing if there is a leak in your home can save their lives and give you time to exit your home before any real damage occurs.

• Elderly parents

  Many home security systems offer great "extras" for elderly family members. One of the best options is remote-control devices they can wear around their neck or carry in their pocket. These devices act as a panic button in case they fall, become short of breath, or have heart palpitations. You may even acquire a remote device with a built in alarm that they can sound if they become lost. Newer devices are even equipped with GPS chips installed so the wearer can be located if they wander away from the home.

• Pets

  There was a time when homes with pets were unable to have motion detector alarm systems because moving pets would constantly set them off. Today, motion detectors are made with infrared beams that when broken, set off an alarm. Many companies are now able to set these infrared beams at a level that will allow for your pet's height and won't set off the alarm. If an intruder walks in, the beams will be broken and if the system has a monitoring station, operators will be notified. If your pet frequently jumps onto furniture and counter tops, talk to the security sales consultant about the best way to set up your system.

My neighbor's alarm goes off all the time, and it's annoying. Is mine going to do that too?

Consulting a home security specialist is the best way to understand which type of home alarm system is best for your family. Some systems have loud, piercing alarms that sound off inside and outside the home. These can scare the intruder and alert your neighbors that something is wrong. If a professional alarm company is monitoring your home, they will call the proper responders in the event of an emergency. Other systems have lower volume settings, but still alert the monitoring station. The most important factor is having a system that is professionally monitored. If your alarm is notorious for "tripping" or only goes off that one time you really need help, you'll know it will be there soon.

I live in a second floor condo, what type of alarm do I need?

If you are high enough that window breakage is not a risk, you may want an alarm that is triggered only if your entry doors are broken into. In this case, your best sense of security is to add double bolted locks to your doors. The locks shouldn't have any screws that can be accessed from outside your home. If any of your windows are accessible to the parking lot of your complex, consider the same type of systems as a single family residence. Get glass break sensors on your windows and added security locks or bars if needed. Remember, not all home alarm systems are the same. Consulting with a home security specialist can help evaluate which type of alarm system is right for you, and what is available in your area.