Home alarm systems are an integral part of any home security plan, and can be quite effective if used properly. Often burglars will simply bypass your home because of the posted alarm decals or signs. Most thieves aren't willing to risk being caught just to get away with a few small items that could be grabbed in the time between the alarm going off and the police arriving.
Security systems need to be properly installed, maintained, and monitored. The alarm system should have an audible alarm that can easily be heard by the neighbors, as well as a silent alarm option in case of a forced home invasion, so that you can silently set off the alarm under the ruse of disarming it if the burglar is present. The audible alarm should be programmed to reset after a few minutes. It is likely that the burglar will run as soon as it goes off, but your neighbors will have to listen to it until it is disarmed.
It is also vital that your emergency contact list be up to date as well, so that in the event that you can not be contacted, a trusted person can be notified and respond for you. Burglars know and check all of the common places that keys are left out doors, so it is highly recommended to leave a key with a trusted neighbor in case of an emergency, such as a break in, or a child that has simply lost their key. It is not unusual to have a neighbor wait for the police, and allow them inside for inspection and then secure the home until the owners can return.
Other tips for maintaining your home's security include:
* Post a “Beware of Dog” sign in clear view of homes entrances.
* All entry points of home should have exterior lighting and should be controlled with motion detector sensors. (check light bulbs on a monthly basis to ensure all lights are in working order)
* Trim all lower tree branches to a height of more than 7 ft. (So that no one can hide under them.)
* Keep all bushes and shrubbery trimmed to a height of less than 3.5 ft. (So that the bushes don’t provide a hiding place for intruders.)
* Keep all exterior buildings locked at all times.
* Do not leave lawn equipment or ladders in your yard.
* Lock all windows, don’t forget those on the second story.
* Lock all gates leading into your yard.
* Always lock your vehicles even if they are inside the garage.
