Home Security... How much is too much?

[Rhett N. Cochran]

With burglaries on the rise, we have seen an increase in calls from homeowners. In many cases, either they or their neighbors have suffered a burglary. In others, they just saw a report about the trend on the news. Whatever the case, in this post, I'll deal with people who have been in their homes for a period of time but are just now considering the isssue of Home Security.

And while things like window latches, proper landscaping techniques, and outdoor lighting all contribute to this subject, I'm going to limit my comments to electronic, monitored, burglar alarm systems.

So here's the scenario: I come into a home. The client is at best concerned and at worst downright frightened. They are looking into this subject probably for the first time. They have little or no experience with home security and everything that they know about it comes from things they've seen on TV.

Typically they know about door sensors and they've heard of motion sensors, but HOW they work is more or less a mystery.

Now in my business, we have a dizzying array of sensors that serve various functions: magnetic door sensors, passive infrared motion detectors, dual-tec motion detectors, barrier bars, glass break detectors and so on. With so many sensors, it could be easy to overload the customer with too much information so I typically will start with the basics.

Remember that the burglar alarm's first function is to prevent a break in so a major component is the decals for your windows and yard sign for the front yard that tells a potential intruder "Move on to the next house, this one is too much trouble." But some will decide to chance it anyway and that's where proper design and installation come into play.

Your first step should be to cover ALL exterior doors. This includes any second floor doors (e.g. from the master bedroom to a balcony), basement doors, garage exterior doors, and garage-to-house doors. Statistics routinely show that a majority of burglaries take place during the middle of the day and go right through the front door with a good body shove.

Doors aren't the only way in, however. Windows can be vulnerable and I've even seen a roof entry or two (in businesses). The point here is that if someone is determined and smart enough, they can find their way in and no system is 100% effective. A security system is about drastically reducing your risk and, in the event that someone does break in, whether you're home or not, the authorities are called.

If you're considering a security system, start small. Cover your doors and main traffic areas. Get used to using the system. Chances are, you'll be able to add on later if need be. Consult with a professional who listens to your needs and understands your home situation (pets, kids, etc.). Ultimately, the guys looking to break into your home probably doesn't know what you have or have not done to the inside of your home. So it becomes less about WHAT you have had installed and more about THAT you have installed a system. This combined with proper lighting and landscaping for the exterior and you can make your house a MUCH less inviting target!

If you wish to have a complimentary survey of your home performed, I would be honored to meet with you at a time of your choosing. I can be reached at [e-mail].

Rhett Cochran works in Sales and Design at General Alarm in Indianapolis, IN. General Alarm has been protecting homes since 1964 and features professional installation and local 24-hour maintenance.

[Rhett N. Cochran]

That's very good. Sounds like you've done this before. That explains the black jumpsuit...

[Jeff Bowe]

Great article Rhett. I would add that a good first is to go outside your house an a night with no moon, and look at your house and figure out, gee, if I wanted to break in, how would I do it? Followed by, if I lost my key and had to break in, how would I do it?

[Kirk Booher]

Nice lil article / blogommercial. I agree with pretty much what Rhett has written. The 'right' design is extremely important. The system should be easy to operate, sufficiently protected, with a reputable and responsive company monitoring and installing it. If you can afford it, it is better to buy a little too much than a little too little. Because the better system is more likely to work. If the protection is limited, so will likely the performance. So make sure the system is taylored around YOUR needs. Make sure the company has a local service office (many doorknocking crews from out of the State this time of year). And as always, do your homework - not all companies are created, priced and perform equally.