How to Protect a Single Family Home With a Home Security System

You can protect a single family home with a home security system either available as an integrated system, or as a component system that you assemble yourself. Both home security systems will cover the same security concerns and countermeasures.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Home security system

1. Install motion detector-controlled lights near the front and back door, as well as by the door to a free standing garage. Also, consider putting a set of motion-triggered floodlights over the garage door.

2. Use door sensors to alert your family when an entry door has been opened. These sensors can be set to have a short delay, or to trigger the moment the door is opened.

3. Add window sensors to your home security system. These sensors sound the alarm when a window is opened. Typically you need a sensor for each window.

4. Complement the window sensors with glass break alarms. Although the window sensors work fine if someone opens the window, they do not work if a burglar smashes out the glass. A glass break alarm foils this attempt to bypass your home security system.

5. Install motion detectors in the home for use when the family is out of the house. Link the motion detectors to an alarm that signals a security company for additional peace of mind.

6. Drill your family in the proper use of the home security system. Make sure that every one knows the pass codes to arm and disarm the security system.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider backing up the outdoor lights with a security camera for the front and back door. You can also you a dummy security camera for a cheap deterrent measure.
• If you have pets and rely on motion detector technology for your home security system, make sure that the detectors will tolerate the presence of your pets. If they trigger every time the family dog heads in the kitchen, you will be tempted to disarm your home security system and thereby render it a big waste of money.
• Do not share the pass codes to your security system unless you are convinced that you can trust the recipient.