Top Five Home Security Myths
Recently we’ve been hearing a lot of comments and gotten a lot of questions about home security systems and what is true and what isn’t. Today’s post is going to focus on the most common home security myths. There are myths about everything, the Loch Ness Monster, Sasquatch, how long you can drive on an “Empty” gas tank as some examples. Everyone knows about these myths but may not know some of the common home security myths.
Home Security Myth #1: Even If The Phone Line Is Cut The Alarm Signal Will Be Sent
This is one of our favorite home security myths. Whoever came up with the logic that a broken wire can send a signal to anything at all certainly did a great job of selling it. The fact is your alarm system cannot send a signal to the monitoring station if your phone line is cut. The company will not know the phone line has been cut and odds are neither will you. It’s best to simply cut out the possibility (pun intended) of having your phone line cut and use a cellular alarm system.
Home Security Myth #2: Alarm Systems Must Be Installed By A “Professional”
This home security myth is one that is floating around more recently. The truth is that alarm systems do not NEED to be installed by a technician or “professional”. We say “professional” because most alarm technicians aren’t any different from the Average Joe. They certainly have training and know what they’re doing but most anyone can go to training and learn how to install a hard wired or wireless alarm system. Either way, with the emergence of Do It Yourself alarm systems the need for a technician has been eliminated. Homeowners can simply install alarm systems themselves in under an hour. If only we could set up our own cable!
Home Security Myth #3: I Can’t Have An Alarm System Because I Have Large Pets
This is another home security myth that warrants a chuckle or two. Not only are pets prevalent all around the country but there are many folks who have pets and still use a home alarm system. If you have pets over 40 pounds it’s unlikely you will use motion sensors, however, a combination of window sensors and glass break sensors will allow you to have a large pet in the home without triggering a false alarm. Which brings us to our next home security myth…
Home Security Myth #4: I Won’t Get An Alarm Because Of False Alarm Fees
Back in the early days of home security, or even up to the early 2000’s false alarms were a problem with many alarm systems. This is because alarm systems were connected directly to the police station with no verification method in place. These days alarm systems must be directed to the monitoring station prior to having police sent out. Nowadays most homeowners will experience no more than one or two false alarms per year, if any at all. Most areas will allow homeowners one or two false alarms before they begin charging a fee – some don’t charge at all. The odds of having a false alarm are slim anyways, and with verified response it cuts them out almost completely. False alarms are one of the biggest home security myths.
Home Security Myth #5: Alarm Monitoring Doesn’t Work, It’s Only For The Companies To Make Money
This is another one of the biggest home security myths we’ve come across lately. While yes the alarm company does make money off of the monthly monitoring they are also providing an invaluable service. Home alarm monitoring is PROVEN to prevent burglaries and even save lives. Ever heard a 911 call from a burglary victim? It’s not fun stuff. The monitoring station is there so you don’t have to call police or if you can’t get to a phone. If the siren doesn’t scare off intruders, the sound of police sirens certainly will. Not to mention alarm monitoring can keep your house from burning down in a fire or your family succumbing to carbon monoxide poisoning. Not to scare you, but alarm monitoring is one of the most underrated services around today.
