What kind of alarm do you need to keep your home safe?

When you have a home filled with the things and people you love, you want to be sure that it is as safe as it can be. Burglars operate year-round, come rain or shine. All they need is an opportunity to slip in and relieve you of some of your valuables and they can find that in the depths of winter under the cover of darkness or in full daylight in the height of summer.
There are plenty of options on the market to help you make your home more secure and there will be one to suit your budget. This month, we review the main types of security alarms that can help you do this and the things to consider when deciding which one to choose.
Key considerations
Keep the following in mind when you are looking at alarm systems:
- Bells-only alarms or dialler alarm that will alert you directly when the system goes off – known as a smart home system – both popular options.
- Monitored systems that will automatically alert the Police or a security company to investigate are another.
- The need or desire to include video cameras, including infrared cameras, around your property.
- Door access systems in addition to or as a stand-alone option.
- External lighting systems.
- The level of customer service you want.
- Professional vs DIY installation.
- Your available budget.
Intruder alarms
There are a number of options available for you to choose from, including:
- Wired systems. A more traditional alarm system, but one that is still very effective and offers you the option of a link to a security company when it does go off as well.
- WiFi – or wireless – alarms. An increasingly popular option as it is easy to install and maintain.
- Panic alarms. For interior use only, panic alarms are more typically used as a secondary form of alert allowing you to contact the Police should burglars gain entry while you are on the premises.
CCTV systems
Closed circuit television systems are increasingly popular as they offer you a remote view of the outside of your property or can enable you to see who is outside before opening the door. CCTV can also work well with an external lighting system which will use sensors to come on when movement is detected. Infrared cameras offer the option of visibility even under darkness. CCTV systems come in live feed and recorded options to suit all budgets and can be monitored and managed remotely, allowing you to keep an eye on your home from the comfort of your sun lounger or office.
Door entry systems
Used more often in apartments found in multi-residential buildings, door entry systems are gaining increasing popularity in bungalows, terraced and semi-terraced homes too. They enable you to speak to whoever is at the door and can include video feed as well to help you see them before determining whether or not to let them in.
For a detailed discussion on the latest available technology to help keep your home secure, talk to our DNA Security experts. They will help you find the right solution for your home at a budget that works for you. Just give us a call on 01424 718 844 and we will be happy to talk you through the options.