Home Invasions

The first type, is, of course, the well-known home invasion. The home invasion that leads to a perpetrator stealing something from the home while the inhabitants are gone we call a burglary. A robbery is where someone is in the home during such an instance. Home invasions are one of the scariest things that can happen to a homeowner simply because it involves other human beings, and the intentions of these other people isn’t known. They could be dangerous, they could be armed, or they could simply want to avoid any sort of confrontation. There really is no telling, but of course the idea is that it’s better to be safe than sorry.

This is why coverage on the home’s entry-points is critical. Most home invaders want to go the route with the least resistance, which is almost always a door, but sometimes a window—preferably one that’s in the back of the home, away from onlooking eyes.

Fire Emergency

Another big emergency is of course property-damaging and life-threatening ones like fires,  In fires what usually causes fatalities isn’t the fire itself, but inhalation of the smoke that spreads quickly. Oftentimes fires start when families are home and sleeping, but even typical smoke detectors can alert sleeping residents to the emergency. Where the real problem is is when the home is empty and the fire breaks out. With detectors that simply make noise within the home, there is nothing there to notify the fire department of the ensuing emergency. Basically, you’re depending on other people in the neighborhood to see the flames licking up from the house and hoping that they call for you. At that point, irreparable damage can be done to the home or there can even be a complete loss.

Carbon Monoxide Leaks

Carbon monoxide leaks are another serious type, which can occur at any time. CO leaks are called the ‘silent killer’ because if you’re in the home and it starts becoming filled with the poisonous gas, then you won’t notice the difference in time before your blood levels reach lethal toxicity. This is why if it happens when people are asleep it’s almost always a tragic ending. Also, in some extreme cases homes can actually completely explode.

“Security systems deter burglars. In a survey of over 400 convicted burglars from the University of North Carolina, 80 percent of burglars said they would check for alarm systems before break-ins. If they found a system, 60 percent of burglars would choose another home.”

How Security Systems Help Prevent These Problems

• Intrusion Detection: A security system with door/window sensors, motion detectors, and glass break sensors can detect unauthorized entry into your home. If someone attempts to break in or enters a secured area, the system will trigger an alarm, alerting you and potentially scaring off the intruder.
• Audible Alarms: A loud alarm siren or sounder is an effective deterrent. When triggered, it not only alerts you but also draws attention to the potential intruder, increasing the risk of being caught.
• Professional Monitoring: When an alarm is triggered, the monitoring center is notified, and they can quickly assess the situation and contact emergency services if needed. The knowledge that authorities are being alerted can deter potential home invaders.
• Remote Access and Alerts: You can monitor your home’s security status, receive alerts, and even view live camera feeds remotely. This enables you to take immediate action if any suspicious activity is detected or if an alarm is triggered.
• Surveillance Cameras: Installing security cameras in and around your home acts as both a deterrent and a means of gathering evidence. Visible cameras can discourage potential invaders, while recorded footage can aid in identifying and apprehending suspects if a home invasion occurs.
• Panic Buttons or Duress Codes:  Send a silent distress signal to the monitoring center or directly to the authorities in case of a home invasion. This feature can be helpful if you’re unable to safely communicate or activate an audible alarm.
• Home Automation Integration: Integrating your security system with home automation features can create the illusion of an occupied home even when you’re away. Automated lighting, blinds, and TV/radio activation can give the impression that someone is present, discouraging potential invaders.
• Smoke Detectors: Security systems often include smoke detectors that are interconnected with the alarm system. These detectors can sense the presence of smoke and trigger an alarm, alerting occupants to a potential fire.
• Heat Detectors: Heat detectors are designed to sense rapid increases in temperature, indicating a fire. They can be particularly useful in areas where smoke detectors may not be suitable, such as kitchens or garages.

• Fire Sprinkler Systems: Some advanced security systems integrate with fire sprinkler systems. When a fire alarm is triggered, the system can automatically activate the sprinklers, helping to suppress the fire and prevent its spread.

• Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Security systems can incorporate carbon monoxide detectors to monitor the levels of CO in your home. These detectors can sense even low levels of CO, which is crucial since carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that can be lethal.

• Alarms and Alerts: When a carbon monoxide detector detects an unsafe level of CO, it can trigger an audible alarm within your home. Additionally, if your security system is connected to a monitoring service, they can be notified, and they will promptly contact emergency services to respond to the CO leak.