Shopping for Home Security Products and Options

Home security systems are designed to protect your home, your possessions, and most importantly your family from intruders. Home security products come in many different flavors - every product has a specific scope and cannot offer total protection. Depending on your needs, you may have to install multiple home security devices to have good coverage.

Many of home security products are simple devices that you can install in your home yourself. There are also sophisticated systems that offer a higher degree of protection and require professional installation and constant monitoring.

Some of the most commonly used home security techniques and devices are listed below.

• Door and window jammer - This device can be used to jam doors and windows, making them difficult to open. The jammer could be a heavy metal or wooden rod that may be placed below the door or window handle on the inside of your home. Jammers also come in decorative styles. Jammers offer only a low level of protection - even with a jammer, burglars can simply break the window without opening it.

• Keypad door lock - This device replaces the simple lock and key system and allows you to restrict access into your home. Only authorized people with access codes can enter your home. You do not have to worry about lost home keys with a keypad door lock installed at your entrance to your home. Again, this does not prevent a break in.

• Window breakage alarm - As the name suggests, this device sounds an alarm when someone forces open or breaks a window. The shattering of glass or vibration triggers the device. It is relatively inexpensive and easy to install.

• Door stop alarm - This device alerts you when someone forces a door open. It is placed behind or beneath a closed door. This alarm can be moved around and is very easy to operate.

• Motion sensor - This home security device is relatively robust and works by sensing motion. You can install motion-sensors all around your home which will alert you when there is suspicious movement. You can place these devices anywhere including your driveway or adjacent to your pool.

• Surveillance camera - This device offers more sophisticated security coverage. You can install surveillance cameras anywhere around your home and have them wirelessly transmit pictures or video. Cameras are relatively expensive and are not easy to install. You may require professional assistance to set up a surveillance security system.

• Monitoring services - You can subscribe to a professional monitoring service provider to install and maintain one or many of these devices. They install the security system so that when an alarm goes off data is transferred to their center through your phone or PC, and they can alert authorities right away.

An added benefit to installing a home security system is that it may lower your home insurance premiums.

Note that no security system can be completely fool-proof. Although it reduces the risk of a break in, it does not eliminate it. Pay attention to common sense and keep the doors and windows of your house locked. When you are away from the house, use lights and radios on a timer to give the impression that someone is home. Use a bank to store your important documents and jewelry. Keep a picture of your valuables in case you need to claim insurance. You will need to have proof of ownership of the stolen or damaged articles.