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Home Security Near Me

Whether you have your dream home, your starter home, or your generational family home, they all have one thing in common — they need protection.

Keeping your home safe from natural disasters, vandalism, burglaries, and other potential threats lets your home remain a home.

No matter where you’re located in the United States, you have a wide range of options for home security systems. Find out more here about:

  • Why home safety systems are important
  • Disasters that can affect your home
  • Potential threats to your home’s security
  • The benefits of home security systems
  • Different types of home safety systems
  • How home security systems work
  • Commonly asked home security questions

Why Is Home Security Important?

Having a solid home security system in place can help protect your home in two important ways: from natural disasters and from security threats.

Natural disasters can threaten your home’s ability to provide you and your family members with adequate shelter. Outside threats to your home can affect your family’s safety or your home’s safety in a number of ways, from physical to financial and more.

In either case, many home threats can be prevented with a solid home security plan involving a range of protective measures from alarm systems, to complete insurance coverage, video cameras, monitoring services, and more.

Natural Disasters That Can Affect Your Home’s Safety

What is the impact of natural disasters on American homes? One report in 2021 shows that more than 15 million homes were affected by natural disasters last year.

Severe Storms

A storm is literally a disturbance in the atmosphere. Storms can include a combination of weather conditions which, when severe, can be damaging to your home. These include:

High winds: With high enough force, high winds can threaten your home’s structure or even uplift the roof.

Hail: Hail can cause damage to your roof (including shingles), it can dent aluminum siding or crack vinyl siding, and can even damage asphalt roofs.

Thunder and lightning: A lightning storm can result in cracks and breaks to different parts of your house, including the concrete and stone.

Sleet: Buildup from sleet can damage or even break a weathered or weakened roof.

Flooding

Depending on the severity of the flood, you may experience severe damage to your home as a result. A flood can threaten your home’s structure, including causing cracks in the foundation or destroying the floor.

Flooding can also lead to damaged electrical systems, which can be dangerous and costly to repair or replace. Flood water can render certain appliances useless as well. If you are unable to dry the flooded area, mold and mildew may form, which can create long-term issues.

Finally, floods may damage either septic systems, by filling them with debris, or well water by contaminating the water supply.

Cold Winter Storms

Severe cold-weather storms can cause several potential threats to your home’s security. Heavy snowfalls can build up and damage your roof, causing breakage or leaks. Ice buildup can affect trees, which may result in breaking and falling branches. This in turn could lead to broken windows, damaged siding, and possible injuries.

Frozen pipes can also lead to extensive damage due to backed up water systems which may in turn cause mildew or mold.

Landslides

If your home is on a mountain edge, a deep slope, a drainage way, or a natural erosion valley, you may be at risk of experiencing a landslide, according to the U.S. Department of the Interior.

A landslide could include anything from rock falls, to failure of slopes, to debris movements. Unfortunately, landslides can have devastating results for both houses and household members who are present when the disaster occurs.

Homeowners are encouraged to not build near places where a potential landslide may occur and to get a ground assessment for your property if you believe you may be at risk for one.

Tornadoes

Tornadoes are one of the greatest natural threats to homeowners. High winds from a tornado can damage homes even if they aren’t directly in the tornado’s path. When a tornado touches down, it can rip a roof off a home’s structure, making it difficult to impossible to repair.

Some tornadoes pick up entire houses and leave them in their wake, creating an even further issue if the house remains intact.

One safety measure you can take to protect your family from a tornado’s harm is to build a safe room within the home, or a concrete or steel bunker meant to withstand the storm.

Tropical Cyclones

Tropical cyclones may damage your home’s siding due to high winds, flood your foundation and flooring, or destroy your home’s structure, depending on the storm’s severity, according to the National Weather Service.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your home. These include strengthening your home’s siding, roofing, and foundation, investing in flood insurance coverage, and having an emergency plan if you live in a high-risk area.

Hurricanes

Hurricanes can cause catastrophic damage to your home. At best, they may lead to structural or foundational damage. At worst, a hurricane may lead to the collapse of your home due to the extreme forces of high winds and moving waters.

In any case, much of the general damage wrought by hurricanes can be reduced with a proper building plan and diligent home maintenance through a top home security plan.

Wildfires

People who live in areas susceptible to wildfires are at risk of losing their home to flames or smoke. Even if their home is not consumed by the fire, smoke damage alone can take years to repair, or may be beyond repair, rendering your home uninhabitable.

Other Home Security Threats

When it comes to protecting your home against immediate threats, home alarm systems, video camera monitoring, professional monitoring services, and other measures can help not only prevent threats but ward them off as well.

Burglaries

There were an estimated 1.1 million burglaries in the United States in 2019, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This rate represents a decrease from the last several previous years, though millions of families and their homes were affected.

Overall, burglaries in 2019 accounted for more than 16% of all property crimes.

Fortunately, there are a number of steps you can take to protect your home and family from a burglar. Some of these include installing a burglar alarm system, which could produce an alarm if the house is broken into, as well as security cameras.

Contrary to popular belief, research shows that most home-related crimes happen during the day, since that is the time of day when people are less likely to be at home. A solid home security system, such as professional monitoring, could help prevent and address a burglary when and if it occurs.

Vandalism

Approximately 14% of all homeowners responding to one survey reported having their home or car vandalized in 2016. According to Gallup, the fear of home-related crime increased substantially in 2021.

There are certain protective measures you can take to protect from vandalism before it happens, such as increasing your outdoor lighting, building a solid fence around your property, and keeping expensive items inside your home.

In terms of increasing your home’s security against vandal threats, you may also consider smart home solutions, such as an automated technology device, like an outdoor camera with motion sensors.

Lack of Insurance or Incomplete Insurance Coverage

You may not view having incomplete insurance coverage as a ‘threat’ to your home’s security, but, the reality is that insurance offers you the greatest security if your home’s safety has already been compromised. That is, if you experience a natural disaster or other home threat, you may need to repair the damages.

The best way to do that is by calling on your insurance policy. Yet if you live in an area that is medium to high risk for flooding and elect only minimal coverage, you may be left at a loss when disaster strikes.

In addition, having a solid security system in place for your home could actually help save you money with your insurance program. Insurance companies tend to offer lower premiums to fully protected homeowners.

Poorly Installed or Inadequate Security Equipment

Simply put, a poorly installed security system could put you, your home, and your family at risk. Home security companies have a responsibility to ensure all of their smart home devices and other security services are properly installed and in working order.

When they fail to do this, you may reap the consequences. For example, improperly installed wiring could render your alarm system useless. Poorly installed doorbell cameras or other video cameras could cause you to miss a threat when it occurs.

That’s why it’s crucial to work with competent, experienced security experts. The best home security providers will aid you in finding the right alarm system or other home safety system that’s right for your home and your family — and they will work diligently to guarantee its efficacy.

Top 10 Benefits of a Home Security System

If you’re wondering whether you should install a smart home security system or other safety measure for your home, consider the following benefits.

1. Protection From Home Safety Threats

Unfortunately, some safety threats occur inside the home. When this happens, you need a system in place that will send clear notifications right away. Fire and odorless gas are two of the largest in-home security threats.

But, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, when properly installed, can alert you to these dangers right away. To increase your family’s level of protection, you could also elect a home security system with professional monitoring services.

Some of these systems ensure that your monitoring company is alerted right away. That way, if smoke or carbon monoxide are detected in your home, you can immediately take action to protect your home and loved ones.

2. Decreased Risk of Burglaries

As mentioned, burglaries account for a large amount of home-related crimes in the U.S. Many burglaries occur during the day, while your house is otherwise unsecured. A smart home security system could send you notifications if your house is broken into. How does this work?

One example includes installing a home safety system with motion detectors that sense glass breaking. With this system in place, your alarm system will sound and/or monitoring services will be alerted if a burglar tries to break a window to enter your home.

3. Lower Insurance Premiums

Saving on insurance premiums is one of the greatest advantages to having a solid home security system. Depending on the insurance company, you could save between 15-20% on your homeowners insurance every year.

Considering you’ll need insurance as long as you need a home, this savings could total into the thousands. Why do security systems make such a difference for insurance coverage?

Insurance companies know the property-related crime data and understand that having alarm monitoring systems and other security services or devices in place makes your home safer. This in turn makes your home less of a risk, hence the lower premium.

4. Energy Savings

Another savings perk of home security is savings on energy, reducing your monthly energy bill. You can customize your system to include home automation features which use less energy due to high efficiency.

Such features include having your lights, sound, and thermostat systems connected to your smart home security system. That way, they can adjust to save energy when the system is on (armed).

You can also elect a secure and sole method for allowing guests and family members alike to enter your home via smart home features, such as garage door openers and smart door locks. Having a video doorbell can alert you to guests at all times, with footage sent straight to your mobile app.

5. Video Footage for Insurance Claims

If you have been the victim of a property crime or natural disaster, having evidence to back up your insurance claim can be key to getting a payout to repair the damages. This is where security cameras, including indoor cameras, outdoor cameras, and doorbell cameras, come into play.

As long as your security provider was diligent during the security camera installation process, you should be able to get solid footage of a break-in or other incident when and if it occurs. Of course, this depends on your video camera range and capabilities, but that is a detail you can discuss with your provider.

If you want total peace of mind, you can choose to work with some of the best home security monitoring systems in the U.S. who can not only alert you in case of a crime, but can pull video footage from the incident.

6. Allows You to Manage Your Energy System

If you haven’t already, installing a new security system is a great time to add home automation features due to the number of benefits you can enjoy from having your security system and automation features synced.

From a mobile app on your phone, smart watch, or other device, you can control your thermostats, alarm systems, video cameras, see who is waiting at your home from your video doorbell, and much more.

For many systems, security services will be armed but inactive unless motion detectors sense movement, which means you’ll save on energy in the long run.

7. Remote Safety Monitoring Everywhere You Go

When you are traveling for work or leisure, or if you work out of the home every day, it’s important to have easy access to home safety monitoring. With the right security system, you’ll be able to know what’s going on at home in mere moments.

If you have professional monitoring services, such as an ADT security system, the alarm will be triggered in the event of a break-in or other security breach. The alarm will send an alert to the home system security hub, which will alert the alarm companies and send notifications to your mobile app immediately.

This means you can get in touch with the home security company right away to notify authorities and send them to your home, or have a neighbor or family friend check on your home.

8. Syncs to Your Home Automation Services

Pairing home automation and home security services means you can control your home’s environment and safety all in one convenient location.

While there’s no doubt that home automation can be useful, is it really beneficial to your home’s security? This depends on how much you want out of your home safety services.

For example, you can use home automation via a mobile app to turn your lights on while you’re away — making it appear as though someone is home, a perceived crime deterrent.

If you are going to be gone for an extended amount of time, such as for a vacation that is hundreds or thousands of miles from home, you could use smart door locks to unlock your door and let someone in to check on or care for the home.

When they leave, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your house is locked up securely because you’ll be the one locking it from your phone or tablet.

9. Assists With Emergencies

Medical emergencies are not covered by home security protection systems, but there are incidents where the two can intersect. For instance, a theft crime could lead to you or a family member being injured.

In this case, your monthly monitoring service could send emergency medical services to your house to aid the injured person, along with authorities to investigate the incident. Note that medical alert systems are different from home security systems, though there are some companies, like ADT, which offer both.

10. Provides You Constant Peace of Mind

Ultimately, one of the greatest benefits of having a home security alarm system or other form of security is the peace of mind it provides. You can rest assured knowing you have the greatest amount of protection that technology and the modern world can provide.

Because professional monitoring systems are run by security experts, you will also be alerted of any updates and important features which could improve your home’s security as well. As your family grows or changes and your security needs adapt, you can work with your security provider to customize your system to your specific needs.

When you are ready to get started, we can connect you to the best home security companies near you. Connect with us today to learn more.

Types of Home Security Systems and Services

Once you’ve made the decision to have a security system installed in your home, it’s time to choose the right system for your needs. The following are some of the most common home security systems on the market today.

Alarm Systems

A home security alarm system can refer to either a DIY home system or a professionally installed safety monitoring system.

DIY alarm systems can work the same way as professionally installed systems, minus the monitoring services. However, as stated by the US News, there is a wrong way to install security cameras, motion detectors, and other home safety devices.

Should you make a mistake in installation, your system may not work properly when you need it to. Without help from a security company, you won’t necessarily know if your system isn’t correctly installed.

In general, when set up properly, alarm systems are the first line of defense in home security. They can detect a breach in security and alert your or your monitoring services right away.

Detectors

All homes need smoke and CO detectors, but motion detectors help arm your alarm system with the information it needs to inform you in case of a break-in or other crime. Motion detectors aren’t perfect, that is, they work by detecting breaks in sound waves and are sensitive to temperature changes.

They also tend to have a limited range, so you’ll need to strategically place a number of sensors throughout your property to ensure full coverage. Yet, when you have a set of motion sensors set up at your residence, you can rest assured that you’ll be notified if something is amiss.

Security Cameras

Video cameras, doorbell cameras, and other types of home security camera systems help you monitor both who’s at the door and what’s happening at home at all times.

If you’re expecting a package, a home service person, or just want to watch for threats to your home or neighborhood, security cameras can help. Professional installation is key to ensure that your camera is aimed where you want, properly set up, and installed for optimal range of coverage.

Depending on the security company you choose, you may be able to get either wired or wireless security cameras. A wireless video camera connects to your Wi-Fi and transmits your surveillance footage via the internet.

You can elect coverage that is based on motion detectors — only records footage when motion is detected — or to have 24/7 coverage known as continuous video recording (CVR). Speak to a home security specialist today to learn about your options.

Home Safety Monitoring Services

More and more people are choosing to add professional monitoring services to their home security system. Why? These services add a deep layer of protection for your family and your home.

Home safety monitoring services are managed in call centers. Here’s how it works:

  1. Something trips your alarm.
  2. The alarm sends an alert to you and the monitoring service.
  3. The professional at the call center contacts you within about a minute of the initial alarm siren via any of your listed phone numbers.
  4. If you cannot be reached, the service sends authorities to your home to check for safety.

How Home Security Systems Work

The majority of alarm systems are now wireless and rely on your Wi-Fi connection rather than a landline.

Your home security system works by sending an alert to the alarm base or hub, which then triggers an audible alarm as well as sends notifications to your phone or other device and the monitoring service company (if applicable).

A quality home security system is made up of a number of different parts, which could include the following:

System base: The ‘heart’ of the security system. It communicates between you, your monitoring service, and security sensors, typically via radio waves. It may include a keypad that allows you to arm/disarm it.

Sensors: Depending on your home security package, you may have various types of sensors including contact, motion, glass-break, and garage-door-tilt sensors. Each of these serves a different security purpose.

Control panels: The main keypad is typically built into the hub, but you can add additional ones in different locations, or add a wireless option to a tablet.

Key fobs: These offer additional ways to disarm the system which you can carry with you outside the home.

Security cameras: As mentioned, cameras work in tandem with motion detectors to notify your alarm system in the event of a potential security breach.

Sirens: While high-volume sirens may not be able to prevent a break-in, they may notify nearby neighbors or passersby or serve as a deterrent to potential burglars.

Home Security FAQs

Still have questions about the best home security system for you? Browse answers to commonly asked questions below.

 

 

How to Find Home Security Solutions Near You

When you’re ready to take the next step in securing your home, and your family, help is just a phone call away.

Reach out to Home Security today to find top home security solutions near you. We can offer you a free quote and aid you in exploring home safety options that are right for you and your household.

Sources

• Consumer Reports — Home Security Systems

• Federal Bureau of Investigation — 2019 Crime in the United States: Burglary

• Gallup — Local Crime Deemed Worse This Year by Americans

• The Hill — One in 10 homes in the US affected by climate change disasters in 2021, report says

• National Weather Service — Tropical Cyclone Safety

• The New York Times — Why a Professionally Monitored Security System Is Usually the Best Option

• University of Rhode Island - Hurricanes: Science and Society — Homeowner Perspective. What can a hurricane do to a home?

• US News — Home Security and Home Automation

• US News — How Do Home Security Cameras Work?

• US News — How Does a Home Security System Work?

• US News — Should I Get Professional Monitoring?

• US News — Why Get a Home Security System

• U.S. Department of thee Interior — Landslide Preparedness

• Washington Center for Equitable Growth — Mitigating the impact of wildfires on homes is critical to improving U.S. economic outcomes


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