Yes, you do! There is always the risk of fire, theft, or home intrusion. Whether at home during the day, asleep at night, or away, you will feel safer knowing that you, your family, and your home are protected.
Home Security System
A security system is your personal electronic sentry, able to see and hear trouble. It’s a sentry that never sleeps, providing constant protection whether you’re home or away. When it detects a potential threat, the system instantly alerts you and summons help.
A security system is not as complicated as you might think. Working with your security professional your system can be completely customized, allowing you to decide how much protection is appropriate. You’ll be able to identify any areas that require special protection, select the appropriate sensors for your home, and program the system to match the needs of your family and daily schedule.
How your security system works.
THE BRAINS
The control panel is the “brains” of your security system, connected to all of the keypads, sensors, and other protection devices in your home. The panel is programmed to respond appropriately to different events.
For example, when a sensor detects a window or door being opened at night while your system is armed, the panel will sound the alarm to warn you as it signals your monitoring serv- ice to respond. If a door is opened during the day while the system is disarmed, the panel knows that it can ignore it. You have the ability to modify the panel program to adjust how it responds to each event.
An important element of your panel is its communication capabilities. Some panels are only able to communicate with your monitoring service using traditional dial-up (phone lines). Some panels give you the ability also to include network (Internet) and cellular links between your panel and monitoring service. Whether you’re concerned about wires being downed by bad weather or being intentionally cut, you have communication options that enable you to stay constantly connected and continuously protected.
EASY-TO-USE, INTUITIVE KEYPAD
The keypad is the primary way that you interact with your system, like the keyboard on your computer. The keypad usually will be located near your main entrance, but you can add others for convenience.
You use the keypad to turn your system on and off and make simple programming changes. The display on your keypad provides useful information about your system’s status. Keypads are attractive and include many features that make your system simple to use for everyone in your family.
SENSORS AND SWITCHES
A number of sensors will be installed around your home. Door and window switches are your first line of defence. They protect the “perimeter” of your home, alerting the panel whether they are open or closed. You can also include glass-break sensors that sense the sound of breaking glass.
Two-button panic keys provide instant alarm notification to the central monitoring station. Our two-button design prevents you from sending alarms accidentally.
The second line of defence are internal sensors that detect intruders inside your home. You can include sensors able to detect body heat and motion to alert you that some- one is inside your home, and where they are located. If you have pets, select a sensor designed to ignore their activities.
You will probably also want to install smoke detectors to provide total protection. You can even add a water sensor that can be used to detect a flooded basement or overflowing washing machine.
FOBS/PROXIMITY PATCHES
They don’t completely replace your keypad, but fobs and proximity patches offer a faster way to control certain system functions. Just like the fob used to lock or unlock a car, a security system fob attaches to your key ring and lets you arm your system as you walk out the door or disarm the system when you arrive home. The keypad gives you feedback to confirm that your system received the command.
The proximity patch is a small adhesive patch that you can stick to a cell phone, wallet, purse or another item. As you pass by your keypad, just wave the proximity patch near it to arm or disarm your system without even stopping. The keyboard will give you a visual confirmation that it sensed the proximity patch and took the desired action.
ALARMS AND SIREN
In most installations, you will want to include a siren, horn or other sounding devices. These devices will probably startle intruders and encourage them to leave your premises while also alerting your neighbors of a potential problem.
Your panel can also be connected to the interior or exterior lighting, illuminating your residence and depriving the intruder of the ability to hide in the dark.
