How To Configure Home Security Systems for The Best Security

Being a techie does not exempt you from exerting effort to be smart about placing alarm systems at home for better security. While new technology has certainly made modern life easier and safer, you’d be surprised to know that according to FBI figures, 1 out of 4.5 homes in the US still fall prey to burglaries. That rate translates to a total of 8.3 million property crimes, of which 1.7 million are burglary cases reported in 2014.

Your first line of defense is having a wireless home security alarm system that can continuously monitor trouble situations even when tampered with. Features such as “communication trouble” or “failure to communicate” are essential to that end. Your second line of defense is just as crucial: effective placement of your security alarm system. It is insufficient to simply rely on common locations such as the living room, bedroom, windows, and doors because these are the sites that burglars usually attempt to breach.

What are the other less common locations that you should consider? Read on to plan better and reinforce the installation of your security alarm system.

Begin from Below

Majority of burglars enter homes through the front door. As your main alarm panel is the principal unit of your security alarm monitoring, it is not advisable to place it in your living room as it will be easily visible. The basement is one place you can consider to mount your main alarm panel. Depending on your house layout, the basement can be an ideal location because it is not usually exposed to direct sunlight. Remember that the main alarm panel will be damaged with prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and heat. The basement during daytime is generally darker and much cooler than the main level of a house. Make no mistake, however, burglars can and will still attempt to enter your home wherever possible—even through the basement. So secure basement doors or windows that can be large enough for them to creep through.

As for your remote keypads, they can be concealed inside a cupboard or loft space in a convenient location near an electric source. Less conspicuous corners—typically near the main door, back door, and master bedroom—can also be convenient locations to mount your remote LCD or LED keypad, but always use the tamper spring so that the system is triggered when a burglar attempts to dislodge it.

Put Sensors on Big Ticket Items

A lot of people think that burglars spare heavy home appliance and furniture because these are challenging to sneak out of a house. But reported cases confirm that burglars do not shy away from big ticket items such as a flat screen television and an expensive chair. Placing sensors on these items can fright a burglar when they try to move them. Mount the sensor either on the item itself, like the back of the TV, or on the wall behind it. Know that in almost 90 percent of burglary cases, the victim’s stolen items are never recovered. You can never be cautious enough in securing your expensive home items.

Don’t Think Straight

You’re being smart by installing security alarm monitoring on the outside and inside of your home. But don’t place sensors straight in front of entry points such as windows or doors. Sensors can only work best if they are located obliquely from these entry points. Hallways and stairways leading to the master bedroom—the location most burglars target first—are also good places for motion detectors.

Ideally you should mount your motion detectors in a spot that an intruder will have to walk past rather than walk straight to. Mounting sensors above or on your bedroom door is a bad idea. When using Passive Infrared Sensors (PIRs), which detect moving people using infrared heat sensing, make sure that the devices are away from direct or reflected sunlight. PIRs detect changes in ambient temperature in the protected area, so mounting them on areas such as windows is problematic because of the temperature swings outside. For that same reason, place your PIRs away from radiators and air vents because these sites can interfere with the device.

Disguise Your Decor

Security alarm system reviews confirm the importance of fortifying your whole security system by integrating it with new technology. But don’t forget about non-electrical items that can serve as great stations for your sensors. Sticking a sensor in a stuffed teddy bear, as in a nanny cam, is a great option. Or why not a flowerpot in the corner of your living room? These inconspicuous items are great hiding places for sensors. Burglars are alert in what they see, so trick them by blending your security devices with unexpected household items.

Illuminate Dark Spots

Motion-triggered light sensors can serve a dual purpose: to blast light towards a burglar, which may likely cause him to panic and flee; and to provide light to dark perimeters of your home to prevent you from tripping. There are different light sensors you can consider by talking to your security alarm system consultant, from the really bright ones to milder yet still revealing lantern types. Your back patio and front porch are also good, yet often neglected spots to consider for light sensors especially when you are away most of the time.  Simply leaving a fluorescent light on when you’re not home is a clear signal for potential intruders that your house is vacated.

Have Eyes at Your Windows

Have extra eyes by mounting cameras on zones not in direct view from the street. Many burglars are successful in their dirty deeds when they are able to go in and out unseen. Decrease their chances of being invisible. A great tip is to place wireless security cameras on the side parts your house. Many people commonly place cameras on the front and back door. But these are not enough. In addition, check out security alarm system companies to know which live video arrangement is best for you needs. With live viewing capabilities, you can have fast access to areas of your home you need to keep an extra eye on.

Go for Your Ceiling

Statistics show that most burglars abandon their plans in the presence of home security systems. Some, however, are brazen enough to avoid visible sensors and tamper your security devices. The common places they check for sensors are the outside and inside walls of your home. Get a jump on them by placing sensors on your ceiling and the upper corners of your outside wall. Sirens and bells work best when they’re installed in high locations because the alarm is loudly heard. Internal sirens must be placed where they’re out of reach, and the ceiling is usually the perfect place for this.

Being a techie makes you appreciative and knowledgeable of ways new technology can make your life easier and safer. But it should not make you complacent. Like you, burglars and other criminals have a good handle on technological devices and operations. No home or business security alarm system owner can afford to be too dependent on new technology, especially now that burglars are more capable of subverting many security measures you think are impenetrable. Maximize new technology, but be creative and mindful in covering all bases to safeguard your family and property.