| After much planning and deliberation, you will | | | | codes can be used, but they may require a |
| come to the point where you can decide on the | | | | specific time frame or other limitation. The |
| type of home alarm system you want for your | | | | codes which work for employees should only be |
| house and the other key factors of a security | | | | used if they always keep the same hours. |
| plan. There is never any way to think too long | | | | 3. Are fire alarms and carbon monoxide sensors |
| about this issue, as the safety and peace of mind | | | | connected to the home security system? If you |
| of your family depends on it. However, | | | | have gone through the trouble of getting motion |
| remember that it’s not all about the alarm or | | | | sensors and window smash detectors to go along |
| any other device you think ends the discussion. | | | | with your smoke alarms and CO2 detectors, they |
| To be sure, sometimes it’s the little things | | | | should all be connected through one main portal |
| which make all the difference. Here are five | | | | with your home security system. Having a |
| questions to ask yourself before considering your | | | | monitoring service keeping track of everything in |
| home security plan complete and going | | | | your home is a wise move. |
| ‘live.’ | | | | 4. Is there adequate signage posted to keep |
| 1. Does everyone know the procedures in case | | | | trespassers from even trying? While it may not |
| the alarm sounds? One of the most common | | | | be your first choice in exterior home design, |
| errors made by homeowners is assuming the | | | | posting stickers or signs from a home security |
| police will be sent automatically whenever an | | | | company can be very effective in stopping |
| alarm sounds. In many cases, a security | | | | burglary attempts before they happen. Normally, |
| company will require a confirmation from | | | | you will get them free when signing up for a |
| someone inside your home. For this reason, you | | | | monitoring service or when you purchase your |
| need to have a backup plan (in the form of a | | | | alarm. Don’t say ‘no’ because of |
| neighbor, etc.) in case you are not at home. Too | | | | the look. Law enforcement experts swear by |
| many false alarms have been preoccupying police | | | | their effectiveness. |
| forces in recent years to make an immediate | | | | 5. Can you alarm recognize your pets? A very |
| response feasible. | | | | common slip-up with motion sensors is the fact |
| 2. Who has the code? As you and your | | | | that they can trigger an alarm when your pet |
| immediate family members may not be the only | | | | passes by in the most harmless fashion. Make |
| ones using your alarm, you have to make a | | | | sure your alarm system is pet-friendly and will |
| decision. Should you give out the main code to | | | | recognize the more important security breaches. |
| part-time employees or figure out a different | | | | After all, everyone will tire quickly of false alarms. |
| way to handle it? Remember that separate | | | | |