14

Oct
2016

How to Choose the Best Home Security Package

October 14th, 2016 | by admin admin | in Security Advice |    2   

Home invasions grab headlines: A 17-year-old breaks into a woman’s bedroom in East Vancouver at 2 a.m. Three suspects force their way into a home in Surrey. Another three restrain a couple in their Port Coquitlam apartment. A man tries to push past an 86-year-old woman as she enters her Oakridge home.

Meanwhile, in the past week alone (October 5 to 11, 2016), there were 47 residential break-ins in Vancouver. Two residences were broken into twice. Similar statistics are available for New Westminster, Richmond, Delta and other municipalities.

Such reports prompt homeowners to consider installing or upgrading their home security package. But how do you choose the best security package for your home? Here are some factors to consider:

Your Home

Are you building a new home? If so, your security provider can hardwire a new system before the drywall goes up. In an existing home, it’s probably easier to use a wireless system. If you already have a system and wish to upgrade, some existing components can be adapted, while others may need to be replaced.

Monthly Monitoring

As any police officer or security professional can tell you, the most effective system is a monitored one. With today’s mobile technology, you can control your system from your smartphone. Arm and disarm your system. Monitor who disarms your system. Check in on your pet, kids or parents.

If you use a cell phone instead of a land line at home, ask your security provider about wireless monitoring.

The Parts

So what components do you need? At a minimum, your package should include a control panel, key pad, motion sensor and sensor. Beyond that, you may want to consider:

Contacts: Protect all vulnerable windows and doors, especially on the ground floor or in the basement. If more than one door or window open into the same space, e.g. in the corner of a room, it creates a “choke point.” A single motion detector could do the job of two or three contacts.

Extra Motion Sensors: Do you want to protect multiple areas? More sensors can mean detecting an intruder earlier.

Extra Key Pads: Do you want key pads for your patio entrance, back door and garage? More key pads makes life more convenient.

Glass-break Sensors: These detect the sound of breaking glass, in case an intruder breaks a window without disturbing the window contacts.

Smoke Detector: This allows your home to be monitored for fire as well as burglary.

Flood or Temperature Sensors: These devices can be useful if your washing machine or dishwasher overflow while you’re out. Or, if your furnace fails while you’re on vacation.

Key Fob: A convenient way to arm or disarm your system from outside.

Personal Alarm: Worn on a belt clip, pendant or lanyard, these personal “panic buttons” allow you to alert your monitoring service immediately. Such devices are useful for the elderly and others facing medical challenges or living alone.

As you interview security providers, confirm which components are included in your package. Do you want or need all these devices? Perhaps you don’t mind relying on a central key pad that you can reach from any entrance. Or you would prefer to rely on motion detectors than glass-break sensors or window contacts. Do you feel vulnerable living alone? Do you worry about fire, flood or freezing temperatures when you’re not home? These are good questions to ask yourself.

Alarm Companies

The Vancouver Police Department has the following advice for choosing a security alarm company: 

• Ask for recommendations from friends that have alarm systems or from your insurance agent
• How long has the company been in business?
• How many service facilities do they have?
• Do they possess adequate liability insurance?
• Are their employees bonded?
• Obtain detailed quotes and system information from at least three alarm companies prior to making your decision
• You can also check with the Canadian Alarm and Security Association, or the Better Business Bureau

To make your search easier, here are Radius Security’s answers:

Radius Security, as part of Vancouver Fire and Security, has been protecting homes in the Metro Vancouver since 1948. We operate from a central monitoring station in Richmond and operate a fleet of 60-plus service vehicles. We have liability insurance, our employees are bonded, and we are proud members of the Canadian Alarm and Security Association and the BBB (A+ rated). Our clients rate us highly on sites such as Review Buzz. You can also check out our testimonial page.

If you would like a quote or system information, please contact us.

For more information:

Vancouver Police Department. Home Security (Alarms).

Note: This blog discusses general safety and security topics. It is not intended to provide comprehensive advice or guidance. In all matters of personal safety and security, we encourage readers to research topics in depth and consult a security professional about specific concerns.

Radius Security Vancouver, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond, Surrey, Langley, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Ladner, Delta, Tsawwassen