Many undermine the relevance of getting a security system for their homes. But the thing about burglaries and home invasions is that there’s no way of knowing who can be a victim next. According to recent data, there was a decrease in unlawful entry with intent by 23% from 2019 to 133,870 victims in 2020. Although it’s less likely for your home to be broken into, it’s still best to be safe. To minimize the risk and safeguard your home, consider getting you and your loved ones a security system for your home.
A security system protects your home and deters crime. Alarms will go off if an intruder breaks in, alerting the security system provider, who will then notify the homeowner and sometimes the police. Caught off guard, this can prompt the intruder to change their mind and decide to flee instead. A security system can also detect fire or carbon monoxide levels, in addition to break-ins. Should any of these things happen, the homeowner is notified as soon as possible. Remote surveillance is a great perk too.
Before taking on the responsibility of owning a security system, you should know about the must-dos to prevent malfunctions. For a security system to be effective, it has to be kept in good shape. Here are some ways to do that.
Little to No Maintenance
Yes, your security system needs some care too. Like any part of your home, it requires routine maintenance for it to run and operate smoothly. Doing so will prevent costly repairs and malfunctions during the most crucial times. In addition, system updates are just as important too. The software components of your security system should be updated regularly to prevent any bugs and cyberattacks. This is why it’s a good idea to keep manuals for security alarms and CCTV cameras. They are handy for the technical parts of the maintenance.
Battery Failure
Another reason why regular maintenance and inspection are essential is the power supply. Backup power or batteries are important in keeping the security systems up and running, especially during power outages. Battery failure can leave your home vulnerable during a power outage. To avoid this, inspect and test out the backup batteries regularly.
Staying With Outdated Equipment
Similar to lack of maintenance, having outdated equipment can be unreliable, especially in the most crucial times. Updating your security system may be costly or a nuisance, but it’s an investment. It deters potential intruders and keeps you and your property safe. It’ll ease your mind, and you can rest assured that it’ll protect your home when it’s empty.
Failing to Monitor Your Cameras
Installing CCTV is doing things halfway. Many make the same mistake of not regularly monitoring after the camera is installed. Although CCTV helps deter crime, that’s not its primary job. Its purpose is to capture and record any evidence of a crime. But it’s not going to be utilized until someone monitors the cameras regularly. These days, it’s easier to access them. Through software, you can monitor your home from your phone or computer.
What to Do When Someone’s Breaking Into Your Home
Remember to always prioritize your safety. Here are some tips on what to do during a burglary.
If you suspect someone’s inside your home, don’t spend any more time inside and head out to your neighbor’s house to call the police. But if you happen to see the intruder leave your home as you arrive, take note of any physical markers and attributes that you can share with the police later as you make your report. Make sure to ask your neighbor too if they’ve noticed any strange activity. If they have a vehicle, also take note of the number plate. If they had a getaway car, it could mean that it was not a one-man job—all the more reason to keep your distance.
Once it’s evident that they’ve left and after you’ve called the police, inspect your home for any stolen valuables—credit cards, checks, and the like. If any are missing, report to the police as soon as possible. This can aid them in tracking down the suspects. Contact your insurance provider about the incident. An assessor may pay you a visit to ask about the valuables stolen.
If your home was really broken into, be sure to inspect all locks for any damage. If there are any damaged locks, have them repaired immediately. You can also opt to replace all the locks in your doors and windows for your peace of mind.
The Bottom Line
Preventative measures will always be less costly than repairs, and they’re definitely a better alternative than making your home vulnerable to burglaries. Do your security system and yourself a favor. Be more prompt and proactive about your safety.
