Sign says: “Up to 5 devices for free!”. What does that mean?
Common advertising for fire and security systems will give you a price on up to 5 devices. What “devices” do they mean? More importantly, will you be covered with just 5 devices?
Audio Sensor
– When a system is armed this sensor will detect sounds over a certain decibel and activate allowing a central station to hear what is going on inside the building. It also activates when a panic button is pushed. This audio activation, will not only alert your central station to dispatch the police, but also allow them to relay important information that they hear to assist in apprehending the criminals before they leave the building.
Motion Viewer
– This special system, known as Videofied, is endorsed by the National Sheriff’s Association and utilized in many law enforcement facilities. When the system is armed, movement is detected, video is relayed to a central station to verify criminal activity. Because central station operators can see what caused the movement, it decreases false alarms due to animals or other non-threatening movement.
Door Contacts
– Whether you have a people door, overhead doors or sliding glass door, you will probably have these devices installed on all doors. When you activate your system, either in away mode or occupied mode, these door devices will be armed. A break in the contact will alarm your system and notify your central station of unauthorized entry. Unfortunately these little devices are also the main source of false alarms. Make sure when arming your system, that all doors are secure, everyone is out of the building and when the system is on “occupied” mode, everyone refrains from opening a door. Your law enforcement will appreciate your attention to this detail!
Smoke Alarm
– If you have a home, you should have a number of these installed. You should also be testing them twice a year. These devices can also be connected to your security system and monitored. If a fire occurs in your business or home, these monitored devices can alert central station to dispatch the fire department immediately.
Heat detectors
– There are a variety of heat detectors. For a home, you may put a heat detector in the kitchen instead of a smoke detector, just in case someone “burns the biscuits”. Heat detectors for a home, would be sensitive to quick rise in temperature or when the temperature reaches a certain level. Other applications such as auto body shops may have heat detectors to detect a higher temperature before activation.
Motion Detectors
– These are common devices used in homes and businesses. When armed, they will detect various movement. Pet friendly detectors can be installed if your pet is under 80 pounds and is not up near these devices. These need to be placed away from vents, plants or other forms of inanimate movement. Otherwise, your local law enforcement may be dispatched on your fax machine!
Glass Break Detectors
– Another commonly used device, these will detect the sound of breaking glass. However, if you have heavy window treatments or wood blinds, these devices may not activate your system.
Now that we know our devices, which five would you choose? I am going to use my house as an example:
I have three doors, in a two story house with lots of windows. My boys have accessed my second story from the ground (Spiderman re-enactment), so I know the bad guys can too. I need my three doors covered. But with easy access to the second story and several windows on the ground floor, I really can’t choose 2 more devices to keep me covered! I also have sky lights which provide yet another form of entry into my home. Just in the intrusion, I need a minimum of 9 devices (3 door contacts and 6 audio devices). This doesn’t include any fire protection. This also doesn’t include all the automation discussed in the advertising material.
Before you invest in a security system, have your business or home evaluated by a professional security consultant. Choose a company that guarantees that if they miss an alarm, they will reimburse your losses over and above your insurance company’s claim. A true provider of security will be willing to put their money where their security system is!
