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While a dog's bark and presence does provide some
peace of mind, reliance on 'pet alarms' does not provide reliable or
specific information.
Ideally, an alarm system that is reliable and can help us discern
the nature of the threat provides a greater sense of security.
Today's variable systems can warn you ahead of time, communicate
with the police, and give you an evidence trail that might be used
later to indict a would be intruder. Burglars be warned!
All this can be done with inexpensive layers of security that
protect your property, and could even save your life.
If you don't already have a security system the current wireless
technology and costs make it a good time to make that investment. If
you do have a security system, it might be a good time to
re-evaluate and update.
Old-style alarm systems connected devices with wires, which were
difficult to run to important areas, and often gave away the
presence of an alarm system.
New style wireless systems are more easily concealed, connect to
in-home alert devices, and integrate cell phones. Also, homeowner
installation and reconfiguration is a snap.
A typical home alarm system has three settings: Off, home and away.
Keypads located at your entrances allow you to control your
settings, and you can even control your system remotely by cell
phone.
New systems have special sensors that register when doors and
windows are opened, and when movement is detected in zones.
All your alarm devices are powered by long lasting lithium ion
batteries and communicate to the base station wirelessly.
If an intrusion happens, whether you are home or away, an audible
alarm sounds, the system sends notice to your phone, and your base
station contacts your alarm company by Wi-Fi or by cellular signal.
Even if your power is cut, your alarm system continues operating on
battery power.
Receiving an alert, your alarm company calls the police who are
dispatched promptly (usually there is a monthly charge for this
service.) And, if you spring for the optional video cameras from the
alarm company, the police will receive video proof of the intrusion
from special cameras placed at your entrances.
You can also add smoke or carbon dioxide detectors that can send
notification both to your phone and to the alarm company, who will
contact the fire department. Leak detection sensors can also be
added so that if your sump pump has failed or a pipe has broken you
know before you have a major flood.
The closest layer of protection if an intruder has entered your home
would be indoor video cameras.
These inexpensive cameras alert you by cell phone
if they detect movement in your home and show you video. Many of
these inexpensive indoor cameras are able to differentiate between
animals and people. Video cameras have night vision that can detect
movement within 30 feet.
Most indoor cameras need a power source.
The next two layers provide information prior to
any intrusion.
Outdoor motion triggered cameras can let you know if it is an animal
or a person, the location of activity, and lets you get a look from
your various camera angles.
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Outdoor cameras run on batteries or solar power, have
night vision, and communicate wirelessly.
Both the indoor and outdoor cameras record a short video of any
subject in motion. Want to have some fun? Get a camera with a
speaker and when a raccoon tries to eat your camera during the night
see what happens when you growl and shout at it.
The most common outdoor camera is a doorbell camera, which is
triggered by motion or the doorbell.
Well-placed indoor and outdoor cameras form the core of your alarm
system.
An additional device that can provide useful notifications is a
garage door sensor. It will tell you when your garage door opens and
closes, and can give a status check at any time. A system by
Chamberlin called MyQ (the garage door people) can also allow you to
open or close your garage door from your phone.
There is one final layer that can be added to a security system.
Driveway sensors sound inside at your base station when a vehicle or
person (or deer) moves past hidden sensors. In unobstructed settings
these sensors are able to be placed up to a half mile from the home.
The audible tone allows you the opportunity to observe camera video
and greet the delivery person at the door like you have a sixth
sense.
Driveway alarms are not yet able to provide notifications via cell
phones.
This layered system starts giving information when anyone enters
your property. The base station beeps when motion is detected along
the driveway. When your outdoor cameras detect motion you receive
phone notifications and have video access. The doorbell cam notifies
you if someone is at the door. A claxon sounds if an intruder
breaches your home, and the system notifies the police. In addition,
indoor cameras plot intruder movement through the house.
Having a layered security system in place gives you time. Planning
and practicing your response options can help keep you safe.
All of these devices are available, and except for the driveway
sensor most conveniently centralize notifications to your cell
phone.
Layered together the various camera and sensor options form a more
reliable and affordable security system than Fido, Kujo, Sassy or
Whiskers. You can retire your pet alarms from guard duty and simply
enjoy them for companionship now.
[Jim Youngquist]
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