 SAFETY FIRST
What's new in home security
by Mary Anne Moore
photography by Joe Montagna,
Syscom Security Company
Searching for security? What does it take to make you feel safe in your own home? A walled fortress? Bars on your windows? Does it depend on where and how you live? Are you alone, do you travel a lot, do you come home after dark, is your house visible from the street? Are there streetlights? Do you have “latch-key” children? Whatever it takes, you can find something to fit your home security needs in San Antonio. Here’s a comprehensive list of methods/devices to consider in order to make your home seem more secure:
• Yard sign or window sticker. This warns others that your home is protected with an electronic home security system.
• Electronic monitoring systems. These are installed in your home, through your telephone wiring, by the technician from the security system company you’ve chosen. These can be installed during construction or added to an existing structure. The system is usually monitored day and night by a third-party, centralized monitoring company. There are many, many options available to you as to what, where and how much protection you want or need, starting with the basic door and window contacts which trigger the alarm when a door or window is opened. You may want to consider these for your first or ground floor areas plus any other areas which are dark or hidden from view by trees, shrubs or outer buildings.
Joe Montagna of San Antonio’s own Syscom Security Company (Napco systems) reminds us that Texas state licenses are required of security system companies from both the Department of Public Safety and from the State Fire Marshall or Department of Insurance. For extra peace of mind, you may want to call the Better Business Bureau and check references from clients of the installer.
Trey Hellums of Dominion Home Networks (DSC and HAI systems) reminds that there are now many systems with remote access capabilities that allow homeowners to check on the status of the alarm system, to turn it on or off, to open and close the garage doors and more. Syscom Security Company also can help you with these “smart house”-type systems which allow for home monitoring from your computer or telephone.
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