Environmental Protection and Home Security
Here at Alarm System Report we talk a lot about securing your home for protection against burglars or possible intrusions. Of course this is the main reason why homeowners purchase a home security system. They want to keep their families and their valuables safe. One thing many forget, however, is burglars aren’t the only things to keep in mind when determining your needs for a home alarm system. Environmental protection and security is just as important to keeping your home and family safe as the actual alarm.
First let’s define what environmental protection is so we can better understand how it ties in to your home security system. Environmental protection, as it pertains to home security, means protecting against environmental hazards such as flooding, a fire, carbon monoxide, freezing pipes or excessive heat.
Many home security systems and home security companies offer an abundance of alarm equipment that can be used for environmental protection. The important thing to remember is these devices are monitored!. Meaning if they are triggered the proper authority can be dispatched to the house – such as the police or fire deparment. For instance if a monitored smoke detector is triggered the monitoring station can send the fire department to the home. Having these environmental protection devices monitored is what sets them apart from your normal smoke detectors or other devices. Some of the equipment offered by the alarm companies are:
- Smoke Detector – A monitored smoke detector is one of the most popular environmental protection devices offered by home security companies. The monitored smoke detector will trigger when it detects smoke or a fire and will set off the alarm prompting the monitoring station to dispatch the fire department. Monitored smoke detectors are recommended and will often add to any insurance discount you receive for having a monitored alarm system – or may even be required. Some monitored smoke detectors are combined with a heat detector. These are called Smoke/Heat Sensors and will detect smoke or a rapid rise in heat.
- Carbon Monoxide Detector – A carbon monoxide detector is another staple of environmental protection. Quite simply, the carbon monoxide detector triggers when carbon monoxide is detected. Some alarm companies will contact either the police or fire department if this sensor is triggered. Carbon monoxide sensors aren’t usually required in any way but are a good thing to think about for environmental protection.
- Flood/Water Sensors – Flood/Water sensors are probably the most overlooked device when it comes to environmental protection for your home. Flood/Water sensors will detect any standing water in the area where the sensor is placed. Flood sensors are most commonly used in basements or garages – or any place in the home where water could be a problem.
- Freeze Sensors – Freeze sensors are probably the least commonly used devices for environmental protection. Because of the development of Z-Wave home automation devices like Thermostats a freeze sensor is becoming obsolete. However, homeowners who don’t wish to get too fancy with their alarm system can use freeze sensors to detect dropping temperatures in certain areas of the home. The freeze sensor will alert the homeowner if the temperature in a certain area drops below a certain degree. This can help stop the progression or the possibility of frozen pipes.
One of the most common questions is whether or not smoke detectors can be combined with carbon monoxide detectors. The answer is a definite no. Smoke rises to the ceiling whereas carbon monoxide falls to the floor – thus making a smoke/carbon combo sensor impossible.
The devices listed above can be a huge help to homeowners and are the most commonly used devices for home environmental protection. When choosing the right home security system for you it is good to keep environmental protection in mind. Many alarm companies offer wireless alarm systems that can be added to over time. If environmental protection devices do not fit in to your initial budget you can add them later – but it is a good idea to add them at some point.
As for the recurring costs associated with environmental protection and monitoring many alarm companies simply include environmental protection in their monitoring plans while some companies require an additional fee. It is a good idea to ask about environmental protection and the associated costs when speaking to a home security consultant or sales rep.
You can visit AlarmSystemReport’s Best Alarm System Reviews for more information on which companies offer environmental protection.
