Should you install a security system in your home? Many have reservations about investing in a home security system because of several factors, including cost and maintenance. But with the advantages it offers, whether or not you should get one for your residence should be out of the question.
Safety
Burglaries are the most common crime in Australia, with more than 300,000 instances of break-ins recorded between 2009 and 2010 alone. Most often, thieves go after the homeowner’s money, but sometimes, it gets worse. Even something as simple as a security screen installed in your windows, built to resist knives and other common sharp objects, may be enough to deter the average burglar. As a matter of fact, just knowing that your home comes equipped with a security system may be enough to stop robbers in their tracks.
You can boost a system’s capabilities by installing the right add-ons. Smoke and gas detectors are especially popular as they protect unexpected threats like fire and carbon monoxide leaks. The latter is particularly worrisome as it is a colourless and odourless, but highly toxic, gas. Your home security system will alert you to threats like this before they can cause further damage.
Savings
Sure, installing security doors and windows may cost you now, but they can save you some later. For starters, most insurance companies offer discounts on premiums in homes with a built-in security system. While you may thing the discounts to be small, they may actually be significant enough once they get summed up after a certain period.
Second, a security system helps you avoid expenses that may be caused by burglars entering your home. Keeping your house’s integrity isn’t exactly the priority of most robbers, so expect them to leave a broken window pane or two in their path. A security system prevents a robbery before it even happens, steering you away from a potential expense.
Finally, a security system helps ensure that your resources do not go to waste. Whether it’s a bulb left on or a faucet left running, you can keep track of possible sources of wastage and prevent them from unnecessarily raising the numbers of your bills.
Convenience
The house of the future does not need human presence to operate and keep itself functional. Automation is the name of the game. Security systems act as your eyes, helping you track everything that happens in your home even from a distance. You don’t even need to answer the door—virtual doorbells do it for you. These allow you to see who’s knocking through the camera installed in your doorway, and then open or close the door without physically being there. While this provides added safety, it’s more about convenience at the end of the day.
If you are away from home most of the time, your security system will help keep your home safe. You can entrust your residence to a security company which will track your home through the cameras and alarms installed in your house and call the police in the case of anything uneventful.
Emergencies
If you are suffering from a chronic and debilitating disease or if you have a loved one who is, then a security system will help in improving quality of life. You can install emergency pulls and alerts in specific areas in your home, which can then be easily accessed in the instance of an emergency. This ensures that assistance arrives on time during dire circumstances, such as seizures or attacks.
Peace of mind
Not knowing what is going on at home can be a harrowing and stressful experience. You don’t know if the kids are ok or if your pets are safe. Your security system will help ease your worries. Using the cameras installed at home, you can keep track of your kids and pets and see what they are doing at real time. With how advanced technology is today, you may even talk to each other. You can respond immediately and appropriately should anything come up, too.
Of course, nothing beats knowing that your house is well equipped to keep everything and everyone you hold dear safe. You will be able to sleep peacefully at night knowing that should anything happen in your absence or while you sleep, technology will keep harm at bay or give you the means to react accordingly.
Home security systems are far from perfect. Not even the most high-tech cameras or the sturdiest security screens and doors will be able to prevent burglaries 100%. But they will minimize the risks and help you prepare any potential threat. More often than not, that is enough. Should you install a home security system then? Of course. After all, nothing is more important than your safety and of all those you value.
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Author:
Bianca Bicheno is a writer and infopreneur. Bianca also writes articles for different websites during her spare time for extra income. She also worked as an online video editor before she started her writing career.
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