Do you have Security System Gaps?
Surprisingly, studies have shown that only 25-30% of homes in the US have a security system in place. Many homeowners have older alarms, are not monitored or have just added cameras in key areas. Even those who have a more comprehensive system may still have security system gaps they are not even aware of. With crime rates in Houston on the rise, it is important to assess the protection you have in place to be sure your home is an undesirable target for criminals.
The Basics
In determining the security needed for your home, start with the basics:
- Outdoor lighting. Keep your perimeter well lit. Especially if your neighborhood does not have street lights, use pole lighting, landscape lighting and porch lights as a deterrent to criminals. Motion activated lighting is even better to startle anyone walking up your driveway.
- Doorbell camera. A full CCTV system may be cost prohibitive. But doorbell cameras are affordable and can provide a good view of the front of the home. With two-way audio, you can speak to anyone at your door, giving the illusion someone is home even if you are not.
- Door sensors. At minimum you want to have alarm sensors on all first floor doors to your home.
- Intrusion system motion detectors. If the idea of sensors on every window in the house is daunting, supplement with motion detectors. Well-placed motions would be triggered by anyone gaining access via windows and can often cover most of a room.
- Alarm monitoring. An intrusion system that alerts you to a break-in locally is helpful, but having police dispatch available is better. In addition to being able to request a dispatch when your alarm goes off, you can also use the panic button to request immediate dispatch for an emergency.
Filling in the Security System Gaps
Once you have the basics covered, you can start planning for fuller coverage. Consider these upgrades or additions to your current setup.
- Dual path communication. The days of phone lines connected to your alarm are long gone! Most systems today communicate over the Internet or cellular or both. Having a backup communication path means you never have to worry about the system going down if you have an Internet or cellular blip.
- Remote services. An app for your security system means you always know what is going on, even when you are not home. In addition to being able to arm and disarm, you can get notifications about troubles or any activity on the system.
- Home automation. Add home automation devices to your security system to create another level of protection. Smart home devices allow you to turn on lights and open blinds even when you are away or unlock doors remotely for the housesitter or cleaning crew.
- Entry point coverage. All first floor doors and windows and any second floor entry points that can be easily accessed should have an alarm sensor. For fixed windows that do not open, glassbreak detectors can be used to trigger an alarm when glass is broken.
Taking it to the Next Level
- Don’t forget the garage. Most garages and sheds are full of valuable tools, lawn equipment and of course cars. Yet, they are rarely included in the alarm system. Door sensors for the pedestrian and overhead doors are available. Also be sure the automatic garage door opener is not ancient, as the older systems were easily hacked.
- Camera system. There are many DIY CCTV systems available now that make adding surveillance to your home easy and affordable. These systems are a great supplement to a monitored alarm system and allow you to be alerted to any suspicious activity in real-time.
- Locked gates. Vehicle gates on the driveway and locked gates to the backyard add that extra level of protection from the criminal opportunist. Make it difficult (if not impossible) for anyone to access your vehicle, garage or yard with access controlled gates.
We Can Help!
Cultris Security Systems has been helping homeowners design security solutions for over 15 years. Call us at 281-506-8466 or visit us online to learn more about addressing your security system gaps.
