The evolution of home security is quite fascinating. Did you know that the first door alarm (the 1700s) was a set of chimes mechanically linked to a door lock? A century later, in 1853, the first electromagnetic alarm system was invented by Augustus Rusell Pope. Home security devices have evolved tremendously after that, with constant innovation making these systems sophisticated and more reliable.

Fast forward to the past 30 years, where the Internet of Things and automation technology has enabled homeowners to link to every access point in their homes. Modern security systems use infrared control and motion detection to make your home safer.

Currently, up to 50% of the millions of yearly break-ins in the United States are home break-ins. For this reason, security systems have become a necessity. As technology improves, home security devices become more affordable. This technology is helpful to corporations and accessible for consumer use.

Must-Have Home Security Devices

That said, if you are in the market for a security system, there are a few basic amenities that you must have. You don’t need hundreds of thousands of dollars to get an operational system-just a few critical components.

Digital Door Lock

Let’s start at the top, shall we? While previous burglars purely relied on a smash and grab technique to break into your house, modern criminals are more intelligent. This fact alone means that they have the patience and expertise to pick any physical lock they come across. A digital door lock can not only alert you when someone tampers with it, but it will also automatically release it when there is a fire threat.

Digital door locks are easier to link to modern security systems.

Outdoor Security Camera

In most home security devices reviews, the outdoor camera is one of the most critical components of in-home safety. The reason for this is that up to 70% of burglars get anxious and make mistakes. Even a camera that isn’t operational will spook a criminal. Outdoor security cameras also operate in real-time, alerting you when unusual activity happens in your home. Furthermore, in the unlikely event that a burglar escapes, the recorded surveillance footage will make it easier for law enforcement to find and apprehend the perpetrator.

Motion Detectors

Modern criminals are as sophisticated as the security systems put in place. With enough time and expertise-a burglar can easily slip past any security system. This troubling fact is why motion detectors are crucial in home security.

New security systems come equipped with motion and heat sensors that detect even the slightest movement. These systems may be pricey if you are on a budget. Fortunately, various after-market motion detectors are purchasable at an affordable price.

Wireless Security Cameras

In 2022, the words home security are synonymous with cameras. Cameras are the only way to distinguish between a family member and a burglar. Wireless cameras come highly recommended because they are easier to install, flexible, and concealable.

These web-enabled cameras also allow you to have real-time access to your home security system from any location with an internet connection. Home security device reviews and experts rank wireless cameras as a critical component in law enforcement.

Video Wireless Doorbell

While this may be pricey, it is still a valuable addition to your security system. Video wireless doorbells also help you identify everyone who comes to your doorstep. With an IoT system, this home security device also enables you to monitor porch activity and alerts you to any movement. Many modern video doorbells have a 120-degree viewing angle, infrared night vision, and motion detection capabilities.

Essentially, it records and relays every activity on your front door, making it difficult for criminals to slip past your security system unnoticed.

Smart Lock Kit

The principle behind a smart-security system is remote access and monitoring. Think of a scenario where you can remotely lock and unlock your home. If you are on vacation and the kids come home from college, you can open the door from the comfort of the beach. A smart-lock kit will allow you to grant or deny access to your home from any location.

Smart-security systems have a simple DIY installation system operable with very little fuss. Some modern varieties integrate into a police hotline that alerts law enforcement in the area when there is a break-in.

Verdict

With up to 2.5 million break-ins a year in the U.S. alone, an effective home security system is the first line of defence. While it may not deter that enthusiastic burglar, it will go a long way in slowing them down.

Home Security Devices

Home Security Devices | What to Look for in Home Security Systems?

How to Find the Best Home Security Devices

The amount of home burglary cases in the United States alone has become a tremendous challenge for law enforcement agents. Since the onset of the global pandemic, the FBI recorded up to 20 home break-ins a day in 2021. This figure translates to over 1 million burglaries in the U.S. alone. More surprising is that a staggering 75% of homeowners still do not have access to proper home security systems. 

Considering that burglary is a repeat offense, it has become paramount for homeowners to invest in security systems as the first line of defense. Unfortunately, many top-tier systems are expensive and inaccessible. However, it is possible to purchase individual home security devices and get a functional security system. 

In principle, finding the right blend of devices to make up a complete security system can be tedious, which is why we have developed a set of criteria you can use to find the best home security devices for your home. 

What to Look for in-home security devices

Home security systems come in different shapes and sizes. More equipment means more expensive running and monitoring costs. For this reason, it is crucial to concentrate on the vital components. 

Critical Features

The first criteria should be to prioritize protection. This fact means looking for devices that can effectively monitor, lock and alert you once there is any malicious activity. The first consideration is an alarm system equipped with a panic button that alerts law enforcement immediately. 

Then you need a camera system with recording capabilities that will provide video evidence of perpetrators. Here are a few components you should consider. 

• Motion detection
• Interior and Exterior coordinated cameras
• User-friendly control panel
• Smart technology integration
• Remote operating system

For modern systems, these features are critical. Smart-Home technology allows you to integrate your system and control your home security devices from remote locations. You can monitor your home from your office and get regular updates when there is a threat to safety. 

A home security system should also be easy to use. This user-friendliness will allow you and your family to know what to do when a break-in occurs. 

Crime Prevention

A home security system should serve the specific purpose of deterring burglars. While many devices are for monitoring, you must prioritize proactive equipment. The idea is to prevent the crime before it happens. 

Such equipment includes an effective alarm system that is difficult to vandalize or a panic button that alerts the nearest law enforcement agent. A study by the University of North Carolina found that 60% of burglars avoid breaking into homes with alarm systems. 

The study also showed that an alarm system is the first thing a burglar looks for before breaking into a residence. 

Spotlight Camera

Although this is not a common feature in many modern home security systems, it is one quality that is quite effective. A motion detecting spotlight camera lights up an area as soon as it senses any activity. In principle, if a burglar comes anywhere near your home, the spotlight camera will light up the premises. 

Note that up to 60% of burglaries happen at night. With an entry-level camera integrated with a spotlight, you can effectively scare a burglar into submission. A spotlight is a cheap alternative, and it is a very efficient tool in crime prevention. 

Professional Monitoring

Even with the best home monitoring equipment, you still require a rapid response emergency system in case of a burglar breaks in. It is impractical to think that you can personally monitor your home effectively without professional help. 

Try to find home security devices that work with rapid response emergency services. A panic button that directly links you to an emergency call center. Emergency service personnel trained to talk you through stressful situations will help you through the process. 

Wireless Sensors

When looking for security equipment, go for wireless devices. Not only are they cheap and easy to install, but they are also harder to vandalize. Wireless equipment also provides remote access that allows you to operate them from any smart device. 

Wireless devices save you from obvious wiring that can clutter your home and make it easy for burglars to find your security system.

Final Thoughts

Getting a home security system is not as difficult as many people think. 

Once you know which equipment works best, you can easily set up an effective home security network. There are plenty of plug-and-play devices on the market that you can purchase and set up without professional help.