When considering home security, there are many things you need to think about before taking the plunge. Below is a list of questions to ask yourself before purchasing a home security system.
- What do I want from my home security system?
- If I buy cameras, do I want a monitoring platform or a recording of events?
- How many cameras, motion sensors, and door/window alarms do I need?
- Do I want active monitoring or a passive safety net?
- Am I getting my system because of a previous break-in, a deterrent for future break ins, or as a platform to monitor my kids?
Why am I getting a system?
Whether you are getting a system for security or monitoring your child while at work, home security should be a concern of every home owner. This consideration is one of the largest because it will ultimately determine what you really need. In most cases, a simple home monitoring system that will alert the home owner of opened doors or windows will be sufficient for child monitoring. If a parent is concerned due to a previous run-away, it might be advisable to add a camera system with remote viewing capabilities. These systems can be linked or separate depending on what your preferences are.
If I get cameras, do I want monitoring or recording?
This question can easily be answered with the purpose of the system. If the system is there primarily as a system to monitor and record possible break-ins, recording is a primary requirement. If the system is only used as a monitoring system for your kids while you're at work, recording my not be necessary. The reason this is important, is due to the system that is required. Wireless cameras are easy and cheap to find but a recording device or computer with sufficient storage and the correct program. Whether you get wireless cameras or wired cameras, most services don't offer free lifetime monitoring. Remote monitoring is possible for free but isn't something most users know how to set-up on their own.
Is a paid monitoring service better?
This depends on your preferences. Many times a monitoring company will offer services that you can not get on your own such as remote smoke detection, carbon monoxide detection, and motion detection alerts. But these conveniences require a monthly fee. Remote video storage is also a service that may be offered from a monitoring company. This may be ideal for some people while others could hide their storage device or
Does video quality matter?
Yes! Many cheaper cameras offer low definition of 480x640. For child monitoring, this is perfect. There's no reason to pay for high end cameras if you want to make sure your kids are at home working on homework rather than watching TV. If you are concerned about night time viewing or outdoor viewing we recommend high definition (1080p) cameras with IR lights. The reason behind this is that if there ever was a break-in, having blurry footage is least helpful thing in catching the perpetrator.
If you are considering home security monitoring or recording, call Poorman Investigations for a personal consultant in your purchase.
Stay Safe out There