Homeowners see daily news reports about robberies, burglaries and violent home invasions. Many have decided to implement some security measures to protect their families and property. The security choices range from self-installed alarms to professionally installed and monitored systems. Across the state, Tennessee home security services are available to design and install customized security systems. Some of the homeowners’ options are examined in this article. Benefits and shortcomings of some of the options are described. Self-installation versus professional installation is also discussed.
Just about any do-it-yourselfer can install one of the widely available department store alarm kits. With two or three wireless sensors and a controller, installation takes less than an hour. An area motion detector and one or two door or window sensors are included. A few higher-priced self-installed alarms include the ability to make phone calls to owner-programmed numbers. Some even offer monitoring at an extra cost.
Before placing family’s security in a bargain alarm system, homeowners should be aware of some inherent weaknesses in these kits. The two most obvious weaknesses are battery life and the limited number of sensors. The quality and sensitivity of kit-based sensors is at best questionable. Non-professional installers often overlook security vulnerabilities and make mistakes that expose the family and property.
Professional Memphis home security services can design and install systems that no bargain kit can match. Professional security consultants put forth a lot of effort to keep up with advancing technology. The average professional criminal is more tech-savvy than ever before. Security professionals stay informed about the security systems that have been widely defeated and the new and secure systems that have not yet been compromised.
Almost all Tennessee home security services have professional installation technicians who can spot security vulnerabilities that are easily overlooked by amateurs. Professionally installed systems will use the home electrical power and include batteries as emergency backup during power outages. The problem of dead batteries goes away.
Simple alarm systems are enhanced by monitoring services. There are a few nationally recognized names in home security and some Tennessee home security services are part of these large companies. Large companies have the resources to maintain professionally staffed monitoring centers. Trained security monitors can quickly verify a threat and call local authorities.
The days of home alarm systems being monitored by local police have long passed. Police departments were inundated with false alarms, forcing them to stop responding directly to alarms. While monitoring services add a few seconds to response time, the police are no longer wasting time on false alarms. There are a few Tennessee home security services with local monitoring centers. These local companies may have a small advantage with response time compared to the national monitoring centers. Direct contact with local police via radio or dedicated phone lines can shave a few seconds off the response. Some local companies also offer patrol services and radio dispatched security officers.
A homeowner must consider several factors when choosing one of the Tennessee home security services. Among these factors are: the perceived threat level, the value of the property being protected, the money available to pay for security and the family’s self-defense abilities.
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