NuTone's Surface Mount Drop-Down Video system provides easy-access security anywhere in your home. The system includes a mounted exterior camera and interior LCD drop-down screen for homeowners to monitor the front door and communicate with outside visitors. Photo courtesy of NuTone.
The need for national security has never been higher than it is today, and our personal security needs are reaching record levels. With uncertainty lurking around every corner, it is only natural that we want to protect our families and ourselves. Still, regardless of our best intentions, a burglar breaks into a house, apartment, or condominium every 11 seconds, and the estimated number of burglaries nationwide is over 2 million. Even more frightening, 60% of residential burglaries occur during daylight hours. Although home security products are hardly a new concept, the advances in safety technology are. New state-of-the-art security products have replaced traditional burglar alarms and, as a result, created multifaceted, security-based home control systems.
These products are designed to provide families and individuals with the best in home security by combining home safety with lighting control, communications control, and internet capabilities. The result? A home life that is more protected and secure.
A Click Away
Choosing the right security system for your home is a decision that should be based on your lifestyle. If you generally travel or often are away from the home, a system that can be accessed via computer may be worth considering. Increasing in popularity, Internet-controlled home security systems offer homeowners the ability to access controls, like temperature and lighting timers, from any location at any time. Take for example, Home Automation, Inc.’s (HAI) Home Control for Windows; Media Center. Designed to allow control of all HAI Omni controller features from a single media center remote, the Web-Link II software provides a variety of security operations while allowing access and control of your HAI system over the Internet. Web-Link II also offers video surveillance over the Internet, wireless access, and the ability to receive emails and instant messages based on programmed events.
Generally available with remote camera access, homeowners can view their home and property from any computer. Internet-controlled home security systems also send detections and updates. So whether you are traveling on business or vacationing with the family, security is just a simple mouse click away.
Look Ma, No Wires!
Everyone feels more protected when they know they are not alone. Luckily, advances in technology from companies like Monitronics make wireless “safety in numbers” a valid option. Two-Way Interactive Audio Verification provides hand- and phone-free communication with the Monitronics Monitoring Center. The alarm system has a speaker and microphone that allow audio monitoring or two-way conversations with a Monitronics operator when an alarm signal is detected. Monitronics explains that when the alarm is activated, the company receives an emergency signal and begins audio monitoring—an operator will ask if you need help. In the event of an actual emergency, the proper authorities are dispatched to the home.
Protect America, Inc., the largest authorized installer of GE Home Security Systems nationwide, now offers the Peacekeeper® security system. The Peacekeeper® system includes a talking command station, interior siren, and wireless motion detector. Additionally, the advanced wireless technology enables a clean installation of the home security system in approximately one hour.
Upgrading the Traditional
If the thought of high-tech security is overwhelming, experts agree that upgrading a more traditional security system, one that includes security cameras and glass break detectors, may be a safe bet.
While security cameras have always been a sure way to monitor the home, deciding on which type of security camera may make or break your sense of security. For example, if purchasing an outdoor security camera, you should choose one that comes in a weatherproof casing to protect it from the elements. Infrared LEDs (light emitting diodes) are installed around the lens of an infrared camera providing the camera with the ability to film when no outside light is available. Equally as popular as security cameras are Infrared Motion Detectors and glass break detectors. Infrared Motion Detectors make up a passive system that detects infrared energy. The sensors are typically sensitive to motion in the range of 8 to 12 micrometers, but not to a person who is standing still. With glassbreak detectors, air pressure and sound analysis are used to detect the breaking of glass and therefore trigger an alarm.
Security systems have come a long way due to technological advancements. Whether at the click of a mouse, from the push of a button, or through the view of a lens, home security systems are available to fit just about any lifestyle.
Rebecca E.J. Paulsen is a regular contributor to ChesapeakeHome.
Contacts:
GE Home Security Systems: gesecurity.com or 888-GE-SECURITY
Home Automation, Inc.: homeauto.com
HomeSafe Security Systems: homesafesecurity.com or 888-HOMESAFE
Monitronics: monitronics.com or 800-447-9239
NuTone: nutone.com or 888-336-3948
Protect America, Inc.: protectamerica.com or 800-951-5111
SmartHome: smarthome.com or 800-762-7846
