Home security systems are more sophisticated than ever. Since many can interact with your mobile device, you have the comfort of knowing what is happening when you are away from home. With advances in technology there are more opportunities for you to protect your home and family from various threats.
Flood Detection
Flood sensors are especially important if you live in low-lying areas that are prone to flash floods. This will allow you to notice when water is seeping into your home and potentially notify you while you still have the opportunity to evacuate safely or move to higher levels of your home. Flood detection goes beyond weather events; other flood situations might include broken pipes or malfunctioning washing machines. Each of these instances can cause significant damage to your property.
To protect your home, you should place sensors in the most likely locations of flooding. The first floor of your home and a basement are the most likely places for water to creep in from outside. Add a sensor under the washing machine and in bathrooms. Both of these locations are the most likely culprits of overflowing water.
Fire Monitoring
If you are in the market for more sophisticated home security methods, you may want to consider fire monitoring using zoning features. This means there are fire and smoke sensors in various parts of your home instead of only a smoke detector on each level. Many fire monitoring systems are able to detect smoke, fire, and sudden changes in temperature wherever the sensor is located. This can provide prompt notification of a fire hazard, possibly before a traditional smoke alarm goes off. Flames from burnt food or the onset of a small electrical fire can be promptly contained before it has the opportunity to destroy your home.
Similarly, you should consider the various options for smoke and carbon monoxide detection (CO2). Although a combined smoke and CO2 monitor seems obvious, the typical retail varieties can leave you vulnerable. When possible, you do not want to rely on a system that is completely dependent on batteries or electricity. The latter is useless when fires or CO2 poisoning are more likely to occur, such as during the use of a generators or with alternative lighting or heating sources.
Vacation Settings
Many home security systems have a method of automating lighting throughout your home while you are away. Automated lighting is designed to make your home appear occupied and discourage a potential intruder. Since many systems are equipped with mobile features, you should choose a system that gives you more versatility in your vacation settings. Some burglars stake out residential streets for several days to get an idea of which homes are most vulnerable. If you are away and your lights turn on and off at the exact same time each day, this gives away too much information that you are probably not home.
You want the option of changing when your lights go on and off each day and which ones you can manipulate. Some security systems may allow you to randomize these settings so when you are in vacation mode, the lights go on and off at different times. You may also want to consider other appliances inside your home that you can control remotely which will give your home the appearance of being occupied. Control over things like televisions and water sprinklers can make your home seem less staged.
When you are considering a home security system, look for features that not only make it easier to protect your family against break-ins, but also protect them against more common threats. A system that targets multiple threats can make you feel safer whether you are at home or away. Speak to a representative from a company like Tele-Plus for further options.
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