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Pet Friendly Home Alarm Systems

In the past, pets created complications for home alarm systems. A dog or a cat would walk through a room or through the pet door, triggering the alarm. Often, the situation would cause homeowners to choose between confining their pets or getting rid of the home alarm system because it was not pet friendly. However, modern home alarm systems allow pets to move freely in the home, without triggering the system. It is important to understand how older systems and modern systems relate to being pet friendly. Understanding alarm technology can help you know what to do if you have pets and need an alarm system.

Why home alarm systems were not pet friendly

Motion detectors were often the cause of the false alarms due to pet motion. Motion detectors work by sensing the movement of warm objects through a space. The movement of a warm-blooded animal, like a cat or dog, could trip the detectors in the alarm systems.

False alarms triggered by pets end up being a problem for homeowners, the security company, and the police. The monitoring service will call the police any time an unexplained alarm goes off. Police do not like being called out multiple times for false alarms and the situation could cause the police to fine homeowners for false alarms. In many cases, monitoring services will cut off service if the cause of false alarms cannot be eliminated.

Why modern home alarm systems are pet friendly

The technology behind motion detectors has gotten more sophisticated in recent years. Instead of being triggered by the simple motion of a warm object, modern detectors look for both warm objects and the way they move. Motion detectors are now specifically designed to eliminate objects that are animal sized and that move like animals. This alarm system technology advancement has practically eliminated the possibility of false alarms triggered by household pets.

What should you do if you have pets and want a home alarm system?

Don’t be tempted to install a do-it-yourself alarm system, especially if you have pets. Most of the do-it-yourself kits include the lowest cost motion detectors on the market. These detectors are often older technology, which is not pet friendly. If you want an alarm system for your home, and you have pets, contact a professional home security company. Security companies have access to a wide assortment of detectors and alarms that are pet-friendly. The companies can configure your system to give you the protection you need, without the need to confine your pets.

If you would like more information about pet friendly home alarm systems, give the security experts at 1st Alarm a call. You can reach us at 1 (800) 276-5559 or send us an email with your questions and concerns, or to get a price quote. We provide services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

Home Alarm Systems Are Kid Friendly

There is a misconception that home alarm systems are not kid friendly. Many years ago, home security systems were often too complex for children to arm or disarm, making it very easy for them to trigger the alarm. This vulnerability made many parents hesitant to add a security system to their homes, even when their children were home alone. Today’s technological advances in home alarm systems have made them very kid-friendly. These advanced alarm systems offer kid friendly security, as well as other benefits to parents other than protection from intruders.

Home alarm systems offer kid friendly security

Many households in Lubbock, Texas have kids who are home alone on occasion. The kids get out of school before a parent gets off from work. Maybe a child does not require a babysitter, but the parents need reassurance that their child is safe. Another instance in which children are more secure with a security system is when teenagers need to stay home while their parents are away.

Modern home alarm systems offer protection to children who are home alone in Lubbock Texas. Instead of requiring a child to run to the alarm pad to enter a disarming code, they can use a keychain pad. The keychain pad drastically reduces the chances of false alarms and is more kid friendly. Door and window sensors can send an automatic notification if someone tries to get in and smoke detectors can alert the child if a fire breaks out. Cameras offer a way to view entry ways, the backyard, or the pool, without ever leaving the home.

Having a security system in place is beneficial for both parents and their kids. Parents get peace of mind knowing that their kids are safe at home. The monitoring service is just an alarm away if a problem occurs, which reassures children that they are safe until their parents get home.

Home alarm systems offer more to parents than protection from intruders

Besides protecting your kids when they are home alone, alarm systems offer many more benefits to parents. Using interior cameras tied to the alarm system, and viewable online, a parent can monitor when a child enters or exits the property in Lubbock, Texas. Video monitoring is one way to unobtrusively ensure that a kid is where he or she is supposed to be at the right time.

Home alarm systems offer the child a way to call for emergency services in Lubbock. Accidents can happen at any time, including sudden illnesses. Being able to contact the monitoring service via the alarm system means the kids can get emergency help as quickly as possible. Home alarm systems can be set up to monitor for carbon dioxide, which protects the child from dangers that cannot be seen.

Protect your kids with a kid-friendly home alarm system. The security experts at 1st Alarm can help you set-up a security system that will protect your kids, yourself, and emergencies. You can call us at 1-800-276-5559 or send us an email with your questions or concerns, or to get a price quote. We provide alarm services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

Tips For Finding The Home Alarm System That Best Meets Your Needs

Choosing the right home alarm system for your family’s needs requires research. Choosing a reputable company in Lubbock, Texas is the first step in finding an alarm system, but you should also determine the features that you will want. When choosing a home alarm system, it is important to consider installation and service costs, as well as monitoring options and cost.

Choose a reputable company for your home alarm system

Not every home alarm system company is the same. Some companies have been in business for years with a solid reputation, while other companies have been around a few months and have few references. Always choose a reputable company when installing a security system into your home in Lubbock, Texas. Look online for professional reviews to see what others think of the company. You can also check with your local Better Business Bureau to see if the company has any complaints lodged against it.

Determine what features you want in a home alarm system

Once you start talking to a company representative, they will give you an entire list of features that you can add to your home alarm system. Think about the way you and your family live and decide if you need all of the options. You may have pets to consider or you may or may not want cameras inside or outside of the home. By taking the time to figure out what features you want, you will save yourself time and money.

Consider the installation and service costs for a home alarm system

Look at the installation and ongoing service costs of the home alarm system. Besides the system features, also consider the installation costs. Do it yourself security kits may fail when you need them or cause false alarms that drive you and Lubbock emergency services crazy. Professional installation of the system should be a priority. You should also consider the monthly fees of running your alarm system and what services you receive for the fees.

Consider the monitoring options and cost with a home alarm system

There are many monitoring options available for your home alarm system in Lubbock, Texas. These options include 24 hour monitoring, which can be expensive. There are less expensive options like audible alarms or a feature that dials a preset number in case the alarm is triggered. The problem with these cheaper options is that they may not work. Neighbors may not be at home to hear your alarm sound and calling the preset number may not result in reaching anyone. With a 24 hour monitoring service, you get someone responding to the home alarm system immediately.

If you are unsure what you want or need in a home alarm system, start small with a basic system. You will get sensors for the door, a central console, 24-hour monitoring, and panic buttons. A basic alarm will give you a basic layer of protection. Later, if you feel like you want more protection, you can always upgrade the package or install further security options yourself.

Let the experts at 1st Alarm guide you to the right home alarm system for your needs. Call us today at 1 (800) 276-5559. You can also connect with us via email with your questions and to get a price quote, or visit us in person. We provide services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

5 Questions You Must Answer Before Choosing A Security Camera

Having a home security system is great for keeping your family safe and adding video surveillance can increase your level of protection. However, you must consider these five questions before you choose your security cameras: Where do you want to install security cameras and what level of video quality do you need? Do you need night vision and do you want hidden or visible security cameras? Do you want to be able to see video footage from anywhere or just from one location? Answering these questions can help you decide what type of security cameras you need for your home video surveillance system.

Where do you want to install security cameras?

Consider where you need the protection of home video surveillance the most. Exterior security cameras are a good option for monitoring people who are on your property and can allow you to identify possible thieves and criminals. If outdoor cameras do not deter a break in, interior security cameras can record the criminal activities. Hidden interior cameras are also an option for your surveillance system. These security cameras can monitor nannies and other household employees as well as unwelcome guests.

What level of video quality do you need?

Video quality for home video surveillance improves each year. Today, you can choose from three levels in home security video quality: General, forensic and high detail.

General detail video is very low resolution and can only give you shapes and colors. Forensic detail video offers higher quality and can help identify faces and license plates. High detail video has very high quality resolution, offering the ability to see fine printing and logos on shirts.

Do you need night vision security cameras?

Night vision security cameras are more expensive than their daylight only counterparts, but they offer the assurance of recording events even during the nighttime. If you have proper lighting around your home, night vision is usually not needed.

Do you want hidden or visible security cameras?

Most people want visible security cameras on the exterior of their home. These cameras act as a deterrent to criminals and make it obvious to everyone that they are being observed.

Inside the home, hidden cameras are often chosen. You probably do not want your guests in your home knowing that you have security cameras. Plus, if you want to monitor the nanny or the housekeeper, you want to do it in secret.

Do you want to be able to see video footage from anywhere?

With modern home video surveillance cameras, you have the option of being able to see footage through your cell phone. You can monitor when the kids get home or if a package is dropped off at the door by having an internet connection to the feed. However, adding an internet video feed may increase costs to your monthly monitoring charges from the security company.

If you are looking for home video surveillance or a home security system, let the experts at 1st Alarm guide you to the right system for your needs. Call us today at 1(800) 276-5559. You can also connect with us via email or visit us in person. We provide alarm services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

How Does A Home Security System Door Sensor Work?

Door sensors are a basic part of your home’s security system. This wireless home security system feature provides a barrier to the vulnerable entry points into your house. Door sensors use electrical circuits to work. However, this home security system feature will fail eventually unless properly maintained. Understanding how wireless home security system door sensors work will help you understand more about how to secure your house.

Door sensors use electrical circuits to work

Electricity needs a clear path through which to flow. This electrical path is usually referred to as a circuit. An electrical circuit begins at one point and ends at the same point, in a continuous path. If that path is closed, the electricity continues to flow. However, if there is a break in the path, the electricity cannot flow.

Door sensors use electrical circuits to work. The sensor has a source of electricity. In a wired home security system, that source is the home’s electrical feed. In a wireless home security system, that source is a battery installed in the sensor.

Home security system door sensors come in two parts. There is the piece secured to the door and the piece secured to the frame around the door. Each piece has a magnet. When the door is closed, the magnets are in contact. The electricity can flow through the magnets, completing the circuit. However, when the door is open, the magnets are apart, breaking the circuit.

When the electrical circuit is broken, this activates the home security system alarm. The sensor will send a signal back to the central control panel that the entry point has been opened.

Those that are authorized to enter the home have an access code that will disable the alarm. However, if no one enters a valid access code, the alarm is sent to the central monitoring service, who can contact emergency personnel as needed.

Eventually, door sensors will fail unless properly maintained

Door sensors, either wired or wireless, will fail eventually. Some mechanism inside the sensor will sustain damage or just wear out. If a door sensor in your home is malfunctioning, it is very important to replace it immediately. Until this feature is fixed, it is a point of vulnerability in your home security system.

If you have wireless door sensors, you need to make sure to test and change the batteries as recommended by the home security company. Having a dead battery means having a dead door sensor.

For more information on securing your home with door sensors and other security features, contact us here at 1st Alarm. We offer complete customizable home security systems. We have locations in the following Texas cities: Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo. Give us a call today at 1(800) 276-5559. Check out our website for more information about our company as well as our products and services. We look forward to providing you with the best home security system with the best features available.

Which Home Alarm System Features Are Right for Your Home?

Adding a home alarm system to your residence can be a challenge with so many features available. Which home alarm system features do you want? Which do you need? What would be too much? Now, most home alarm systems come in a basic package that includes some standard features. These standard home alarm system features can include glass break detectors, video cameras, smoke and fire detectors, water and flood sensors, and remote access. Glass break detectors will notify authorities anytime the sound of glass breaking occurs. Video cameras allow you to see what is going on at any time in and around your home. Smoke and fire protection gives you peace of mind while water and floor sensors can tell if you have a pipe or water heater burst. Above all, remote access to home gives you the highest level of control possible.

Glass break detectors will notify authorities anytime the sound of glass breaking occurs

If you have secured your windows and doors, burglars may have to break through glass to gain entry. A glass break detector will hear this noise and send out an alarm. You will have the ability to speak with emergency responders. You can also have the system take a picture or record video if the sound is heard.

Video cameras allow you to see what is going on at any time in and around your home

These cameras perform several functions such as capturing the acts and faces of any criminals that enter or exit your house. This home alarm system feature also allows you to see what is going on inside, using remote access. With this feature, you can check up on your kids or your elderly parents as needed. The home alarm system records anything it captures so that you can review it later or give it to police for prosecution purposes.

Smoke and fire protection gives you peace of mind

Thousands of house fires occur all around the country every day of the year. A stray spark from a cigarette, a worn wire, or an unattended stove are all reasons for fires starting. When you add smoke and fire protection to your home alarm system services, you have an extra layer of protection against losing your house and belongings. This home alarm system feature might even save your life.

Water and flood sensors can tell if you have a pipe or water heater burst, even when you are away on vacation

Pipes can freeze in winter and water heaters can start leaking at any time. With water and flood sensors, you don’t have to worry about any issues. As soon as water is detected, the home alarm system will alert you. You can tap into a live feed to see exactly what is going on.

Remote access to home gives you the highest level of control possible

It is very easy to forget to arm your home security system when you are running out the door in the mornings. With remote access, you can arm or disarm the home security system as needed without being present. You can even add home automation features that let you control several aspects of your home environment.

Each of these home alarm system features do add extra cost to the bottom line. However, if you want to make sure your property is secure, adding these features may be worthwhile to you and your peace of mind.

Looking for a home alarm system with customizable features? Contact 1st Alarm today! We have locations in the following Texas cities: Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo. Give us a call today at 1(800) 276-5559. You can also contact us via email. We look forward to providing you with the best home alarm system with the best features available.