Most people consider home security the most important priority for protecting their families. Along with sturdy locks and the judicious use of indoor/outdoor lighting, alarm systems play an important role in securing your premises. These systems come in various types for residential use. Below are some of the most common.

3 Types of Alarms to Maximize Home Security

1. Smoke Alarms

Smoke and fire alarms are among the most important types of residential alert systems. Housed in a plastic casing and mounted high on walls or ceilings, they detect smoke in the environment either optically—using a photoelectric eye—or by chemical changes in the air. The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) estimates that fire alarms cut the risk of serious injury or death by more than 50%. For best results, units should be mounted on each floor in the hallways outside of bedrooms and on the main floor just outside of the kitchen. Dead batteries are the primary cause of failure, so it is best to have alarms professionally mounted and hard-wired into your electrical system.

2. Burglar Alarms

Burglar alarms monitor activity at every entrance, including doors and windows. If the front door or another point of entry is used, a countdown begins that gives the occupant only a short time to input the correct passcode to shut off the alarm. Some systems include motion detectors inside the home that sound an alarm if they detect indoor movement when nobody is supposed to be home. Depending on the model and the service, some systems offer 24/7 human monitoring, while others simply notify the authorities when they activate. Some systems include indoor and/or outdoor video surveillance, as well.

3. Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless toxic gas, exposure to which can cause illness and death. It is often a product of combustion—by furnaces, wood stoves, and water heaters—in which not enough oxygen is available to create carbon dioxide. Symptoms of exposure include nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. Because it is invisible and odorless, a CO alarm is necessary to detect its presence. Mount one on each floor about six feet above the ground, particularly near sleeping areas.

To boost your home security with the use of one or more alarm systems, contact the experts at Guardian Security Systems in Anchorage, AK.  They are a full-service security system contractor specializing in burglar alarm systems, security cameras, and access controls. They even offer security guards and patrol services. They have served Anchorage County for more than 40 years and offer 24/7 service to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones. Learn more about them on their website or call (907) 274-5275 to discuss your home security needs with an experienced professional.