DIY Home Security Systems – Are they Safe?
Today more and more people are thinking about security systems than ever before but where do you start. With so many companies to choose from and thousands of products to consider it can be a very daunting task.
Start by contacting several local and reputable Security Product companies for expert advise, then do a little of your own research and due diligence; the internet is a great tool but so are your neighbors, family and friends, Someone you know must have already beat you to the punch and purchased a security system of their own.
Now that you have compiled all this information sit down with a note pad and decide exactly what it is you need, make a list of needs. Once you have decided on these needs then shop around just like you would for anything else; keeping in mind you get what you pay for. If you purchase a security camera for $10.00 then don’t expect high quality resolution. You see it all the time on TV, A man holds up the local convenience store but all you can make out is that he is a man; unless he is standing within ten feet of the camera that’s all you can see. However in saying that I fully understand that we all have budgets and unfortunately that’s in more cases than not the deciding factor; but at least you have started. You can always upgrade at a later date when you have the money.
With that said enter into the picture the DIY Home Security systems, they come packaged in a nice box that is delivered right to your front door. You open the box read the instructions and you’re set; or are you?
Most DIY packages provide you with the bare necessities required at a very reasonable cost, however as mentioned above it’s a starting point and you can add as you can afford it.
So are these systems SAFE? In my honest opinion the answer is YES so long as you do everything as instructed and test the system on a regular basis. Are they as good as the higher end systems you can purchase from and have installed by a professional. Truthfully I’d have to say NO but when finances are the issue it’s better to have something than nothing.
So let me offer a little advise and tell you what you need:
- An alarm system connected to a monitoring service or that at the very least has a loud external alarm/siren.
- A decent NVR, IVR recording device.
- External cameras placed outside that cover all 4 sides of your home.
- Internal cameras covering all internal access points
- Motion Sensors placed strategically that will pick up movement anywhere on the first floor.
Do you need window sensors and/or window breaks. NO so long as your motion sensors cover the entire first floor. YES if you have large pets that can accidentally trigger these sensors.
Stay Safe.