Modernizing your Home Security
With technology evolving so rapidly and becoming more affordable, homeowners should consider replacing their older equipment with a completely new security system, rather than patch together outdated units that provide specific functions in isolation. A modern system will wake you up in the morning to your own personalized display screen, adjust your room temperature, turn on your lights and operate other household functions. When you leave the house, wireless technology will allow you to watch your property, both inside and out, through your personal digital assistant (PDA). This means you can also program household functions from afar. Of course, an online security sentry will ensure no-one else can access your system.
Now and in the Future
These newer residential security systems can coordinate a wide range of functions by remote control, from locking windows and closing the garage door to adjusting the thermostat, drapery and lighting. They can even notify you if a room has been entered or a cabinet has been opened. Commercial-type closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV) with live video feed are also being introduced to residential systems in many average-sized homes. In addition, these modern systems coordinate driveway and doorway cameras (connected to your home computer or TV), monitor for break-ins, provide smoke, fire and CO2 detections, and include water sensors for the diction of a burst pipe, leaking water tank or an overflowing tub.
In the near future, residential video surveillance will distinguish pets from people, and even burglars from letter carriers. The latest CCTV cameras can identify intruder using motion or heat sensors or even activity pattern recognition (eg. Climbing a fence, or jimmying a lock).
System Monitoring
These all-in-one sentry/security systems are becoming more and more reliable, with many built-in fail-safe features designed to ensure 24/7 protection, comfort and convenience. But no system is infallible, so do not assume that the simplicity of operating systems means they are foolproof. Often, the easier a system is to operate, the more complex it actually is – and therefore it is even more important that it be installed and tested by a professional who can ensure that aspects are suitable for your home, and remain problem free. Follow your maintenance guide for regular diagnostics and servicing, and be mindful of some of the more common reasons for security system weakness or failure:
1) Improper Installation
Many systems are designed for easy homeowner installation. However, if you aren’t a handy person, get someone who is well versed in the procedures to ensure it is done properly. There is too much at risk to allow compromise.
2) Incorrect Programming
Make sure you understand that specific threats that your system is designed to monitor. Sometimes homeowners make mistakes, such as assuming that monitoring smoke detection includes CO2 detection, when in fact these are two different sensor types.
3) Incompatible or Malfunctioning Equipment
Integration is essential. If your system doesn’t have a self-monitoring function, or if it’s a hybrid of different components, you must determine how to check each function for failure, and do so regularly.
4) Vulnerability to Tampering
Never underestimate the possibility of someone tamper with your security system. If a stranger disconnects or deprograms one of your system’s functions, you and your home will be vulnerable to a future robbery or invasion.
Now and in the Future
These newer residential security systems can coordinate a wide range of functions by remote control, from locking windows and closing the garage door to adjusting the thermostat, drapery and lighting. They can even notify you if a room has been entered or a cabinet has been opened. Commercial-type closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV) with live video feed are also being introduced to residential systems in many average-sized homes. In addition, these modern systems coordinate driveway and doorway cameras (connected to your home computer or TV), monitor for break-ins, provide smoke, fire and CO2 detections, and include water sensors for the diction of a burst pipe, leaking water tank or an overflowing tub.
In the near future, residential video surveillance will distinguish pets from people, and even burglars from letter carriers. The latest CCTV cameras can identify intruder using motion or heat sensors or even activity pattern recognition (eg. Climbing a fence, or jimmying a lock).
System Monitoring
These all-in-one sentry/security systems are becoming more and more reliable, with many built-in fail-safe features designed to ensure 24/7 protection, comfort and convenience. But no system is infallible, so do not assume that the simplicity of operating systems means they are foolproof. Often, the easier a system is to operate, the more complex it actually is – and therefore it is even more important that it be installed and tested by a professional who can ensure that aspects are suitable for your home, and remain problem free. Follow your maintenance guide for regular diagnostics and servicing, and be mindful of some of the more common reasons for security system weakness or failure:
1) Improper Installation
Many systems are designed for easy homeowner installation. However, if you aren’t a handy person, get someone who is well versed in the procedures to ensure it is done properly. There is too much at risk to allow compromise.
2) Incorrect Programming
Make sure you understand that specific threats that your system is designed to monitor. Sometimes homeowners make mistakes, such as assuming that monitoring smoke detection includes CO2 detection, when in fact these are two different sensor types.
3) Incompatible or Malfunctioning Equipment
Integration is essential. If your system doesn’t have a self-monitoring function, or if it’s a hybrid of different components, you must determine how to check each function for failure, and do so regularly.
4) Vulnerability to Tampering
Never underestimate the possibility of someone tamper with your security system. If a stranger disconnects or deprograms one of your system’s functions, you and your home will be vulnerable to a future robbery or invasion.