A burglar alarm system can protect your home or business from a break-in. It is a great investment for your property and the safety of those inside it.
Wireless systems use battery-powered transmitters and are more likely to survive a power outage. They have the additional benefit of being able to be relocated easily.
Security
One of the primary reasons for installing an alarm system is to protect your property. Statistics show that homes without alarms are three times more likely to be burglarized. Many systems offer options to deter crime by sounding a loud siren and contacting law enforcement.
A high-end alarm system has a control panel that communicates with the monitoring station via wired or wireless connections. A hardwired system uses wires that connect the different components to the panel, while a wireless system uses Wi-Fi, cellular data (usually GPRS or GSM), or IP networks as the means of communication. These types of systems are called dual signaling and can provide protection even if the alarm panel gets cut or a home network goes down.
More advanced alarm systems also integrate with smart devices, such as voice assistants, which can arm or disarm the system and provide additional security. This type of integration can make your home safer and easier to use.
Peace of Mind
A burglar alarm can be a deterrent to potential thieves. Not only do the sensors ring loudly to grab the attention of passers-by, but many systems also come with built-in video cameras that alert neighbors to suspicious activity. This can help scare away intruders before they get a chance to break into your property or steal your packages.
If the system is monitored, the control unit will send a signal to the monitoring station when an alarm occurs. The alarm monitoring center will call the home or business owner, then contact the proper authorities depending on the type of event (e.g. fire, medical emergency, police dispatch).
Some systems are equipped with a redundant communication path that bypasses the PSTN phone lines entirely (often using a cellular or radio network) to thwart attempts at tampering. These are commonly known as ‘full wireless’ systems. Enhanced Call Verification, or ECV, is another option that reduces the number of false calls for service and is mandatory in some states.
Safety
A commercial alarm system makes your business more secure, as it alerts you and authorities to any changes that could be a sign of theft or other danger. This makes it far harder for criminals to break into your property, and they’re more likely to move on to an easier target.
Keeps your staff safe: Employees will feel more comfortable working late shifts knowing that they’re protected by a company alarm system, and they can also use the alarm buttons to signal for help when needed.
The system can connect to a central station or first responders via a direct phone line, a cellular network (GPRS or GSM), or an IP path. A dual signaling system sends the alarm using a combination of these options, making it less susceptible to problems such as burglary or a compromised phone line. Depending on the alarm system type, this connection can also be secured by backup batteries and redundant communication transmitters.
Reputation
Many people think alarm systems are an extra expense and hassle. However, on average a home is burglarized every 18 seconds and without an alarm system, you are three times more likely to become a victim. Alarms protect your family and your belongings around the clock. They also provide peace of mind when you are away from your home and children for extended periods of time and at night.
A good alarm system will incorporate sensors and alerting devices (such as bells and sirens) that sound an alarm status to deter intruders. It will also contain a control panel that reads sensor inputs and tracks arm/disarm status. It will send a signal to the nominated key holder or an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC). Churches Fire & Security has its own in-house state of the art ARC for this purpose.
Summary:
Intruder alarms and security cameras work together to provide law enforcement with physical evidence of a break-in. In addition, many insurance companies offer reduced homeowner’s rates for homes with an alarm.