How Can an Alarm System Protect You from a Burglary?

Alarm systems are monitored by a local station 24/7. This means that whether you are at home or not, the alarm will alert you and the local monitoring station when someone or something ‘is in the zone’ and has activated the motion sensors. The monitoring station will then call you to verify a false alarm or to dispatch the authorities immediately if needed. However, since a burglar alarm system can be triggered by different things, it’s important to know how to correctly use all features. This will ensure that you’ll get the fastest and most accurate response and your family or business remains protected.

What Are the Main Components of an Alarm System?

Control panel

The control panel is the primary component of your burglar alarm system. It has a touchscreen or keypad in which you will be entering confidential codes to arm/disarm your alarm.

Motion sensors

As their name indicates, motion sensors detect motion. When these are activated, you’ll get notified right away. One of the advantages is that you can add as many motion sensors to your alarm as you wish. This is practical because if you have a larger home with more doors and windows to protect, it’s only reasonable that you’ll need more sensors.

Central monitoring station

This is usually a local station that is in charge of monitoring your alarm, receiving signals, and calling you to determine a false alarm or real emergency and dispatch the police right away.

Remote access

You can remotely control your alarm with an app in your smartphone. This app is handy when you forget to arm your alarm. It is also useful when you need to give access to a family member or friend while you’re away on vacation. Some apps also allow you to control your home lights or thermostat.

What Additional Systems Can I Connect to My Alarm?

Panic buttons and smoke detectors.

Do You Have to Be Present When Your Alarm System Is Installed?

The person who will be managing the alarm should be present at the time of installation. Installation shouldn’t take long so this will be the best time to discuss questions and make sure you have all you need to operate your system successfully.

Most security companies provide a user manual for their system. Those who don’t, will usually provide basic training the day of installation. Take this opportunity to ask questions and practice to arm/disarm your alarm. Make sure you know your passwords/codes and what steps to take in case of a false alarm.

Installation Day Checklist:

• Request a user manual for your system or ask about onsite training
• Practice arming/disarming your alarm
• Know what to do if you have a false alarm
  Ask additional questions
  Save your password/codes in a safe place
  Have your security company’s phone number handy.

What are the most common mistakes when using a burglar alarm?

According to VinTech Systems’ president Mun Wong, there are two main mistakes she has witnessed throughout the years:

“First, clients forget to arm their system. Second, they don’t use the stay function to protect themselves against home intrusion.” – Mun Wong

Fortunately, these common errors can be easily fixed.

Using a burglar alarm when you leave home.

It’s easy to forget to arm your alarm system when you are leaving your home in a hurry. However, not doing so would be the same as not having a security system at all. Before leaving your home, take a few seconds to arm your alarm system in AWAY mode.

To arm your burglar alarm in AWAY mode, enter:

Your 4-digit code + the number for (AWAY)

If any of the secured doors/windows are not closed, the system will notify you immediately.

Using a burglar alarm while you are at home?

When you are returning home or going to bed, you should set your alarm to STAY mode. That ensures that any motion sensors inside the house are not active but zones around the home are. Many people don’t use this feature. If an intrusion similar to the ones in Lincoln Park occurs, the alarm will sound immediately and the owners will have the opportunity to contact police right away.

To arm your system in STAY mode, enter:

Your 4-digit code + the number for (STAY)

Depending on the model, there should be additional modes available in your instruction manual.

Get the most from your Burglar Alarm

An alarm system can be an excellent tool to protect your family and home. If you have any doubts or concerns, work with your alarm company to help you use your system effectively. Only this way will you benefit the most from using your system.

More from our blog: When does a False Alarm become a problem?

The post How to Use your Burglar Alarm appeared first on VinTech Systems.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in November 2016 and has been updated for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.

The housing market is booming.

The need to work remotely and spend more time at home has increased the demand for larger living spaces. Additionally, more Americans are buying or refinancing their homes because of the current low interest rates on mortgages.

This could also be the reason why the DIY industry is gaining momentum. The home security systems market alone ‘was valued at USD 53.6 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach USD 78.9 billion by 2025.’

Instead of slowing down during the pandemic, it is reported that homeowners ‘have continued to spend money on home improvements’ while paying special attention to DIY alarm systems.

A DIY alarm system might seem like an attractive option. But, how can you decide if it’s a good alternative for your property?

It really depends on your security needs and how tech-savvy you are.

When you first visit a DIY company website, you might notice that they place most of their attention in the buying process. This is because they aren’t required to obtain a license for installations. In a sense, they are like many other companies that only sell you a product.

This doesn’t necessarily mean bad business. However, it does mean that the company you choose has to be transparent and have a solid foundation. Not all security companies abide by the same values and some advertising of DIY alarm systems can be misleading.

But before you jump into reading reviews and comparing products, the following tips can help you decide if a DIY system is a good fit for you and your home.

Where does a DIY Alarm System perform best?

A DIY alarm system works best for small spaces like apartments or flats. An apartment usually has less doors and windows to secure, therefore, you will likely also need less motion sensors.

A second reason is that most wireless systems have to be within a certain distance of their wireless network. This is not difficult in small spaces but becomes more complicated in a multi-level building.

The Pros of Purchasing a DIY Alarm System

Installation is economical.

A professional installation tends to cost more. This is because of the high quality of the system and the personalized service you’ll receive if you hire a full-service company. This is why one of the main appeals of a DIY alarm system is that if you install it yourself, you’ll save big bucks.

This choice will not only give you the advantage of getting your system sooner but you’ll be saving on initial costs. Nonetheless, it’s recommended to first research the DIY company of your preference to make sure it is well-established. This is important because a DIY system allows you to add other products in the future so you don’t have to buy it all at once.

For example, if you first want to buy an alarm system and a year later a video doorbell, you’ll be able to integrate both systems as long as you buy them from the same company.

It’s also important to ask about the equipment’s warranty and return policy. Since not all DIY alarm systems are good quality, a good return policy can protect you if the system doesn’t work well or it isn’t what you expected. Only because the system fits your budget, it doesn’t mean it will also fit your needs.

Take your DIY Alarm System Wherever you go

If you are tech-savvy, it will not be difficult to uninstall your DIY System. If you rent your apartment or move often, this might be a good option for you. The ability to take the system wherever you go will not only be convenient but installation costs will again not apply as you will re-install the system yourself.

You’ll be Free from Annual Contracts

Most professional security companies require that you sign a 1 or 2 year contract of alarm monitoring services. This means that as soon as your alarm is installed, it will be monitored by a central station. In case of an emergency, the monitoring station will call you to verify if they need to alert the authorities.

In contrast, with a DIY alarm, you’ll have the task of self-monitor your security system.  This means that your alarm system will not be monitored by a central station and when the alarm is activated, it’ll be up to you to alert the authorities. You’ll also be free from a monthly monitoring fee and responsible for any repairs the system will require in the future.

The Cons of Purchasing a DIY Alarm System  

DIY Installations Can Be frustrating

Some DIY companies don’t even include information about the installation process in their websites. They focus on describing the system’s features and having images of people using their systems.

Before you start adding items to your cart, it’s reasonable to want to know if a company has a support team. If questions about the installation arise, you’ll need someone to guide you through the process. You should also ask about the options you’ll have if and when the system malfunctions.

For example, Park’s Associates’ Senior analyst Dina Abdelrazik, told Security Systems News  that “From our data, on average, consumers spend 4 hours or more installing their DIY security system in the home – that is a very long time,”.

Are you willing to spend 4 hours or more installing your system? Have in mind that this time only accounts for installation. Additional hours of your time will be required to self-monitor and repair your system.

This is one of the main reasons why if you are not tech-savvy, its best to stay away from DIY alarm systems.

The post Pros and Cons of a DIY Alarm System appeared first on VinTech Systems.

In part 1 of this blog we discussed helpful steps to avoid a confrontation during a home invasion. But what happens when confronting an intruder is the only option?  Practice these 7 tips to help yo confront an intruder in case of a break-in.

Remain calm.

If you have a panic button, press it to alert the monitoring station you need help. They will dispatch police immediately.While you wait for the police to arrive, make no sudden moves. Additionally, avoid looking at the subject’s eyes. Direct eye contact can cause a violent reaction from the criminal. They don’t want you to identify them if they get caught!

Hold your hands up to shoulder level.

Have you ever heard of the Hands Up Robbery exercise? It looks like an act of submission but you can use it in your favor when it’s time to defend yourself.

Natural Form of Speech.

Try to speak as normal as possible and relay your compliance. A criminal wants to feel in control, do your best to make them believe they are.

Protecting your possessions is a second priority.

As distressed or angry as you might be, its crucial to look after your well-being rather than your possessions. Agree to give the subject the items he requests. Not all things can be replaced, especially those with sentimental value but when your life is in danger, they come second.

Don’t get caught up in a weapon dilemma.

Truth is, if you are not comfortable using a gun, it will only work against you.  This is the case with any self-defense item. How so? Simply put, if you are overpowered, any weapon you have can be used against you.

Pepper Spray.

The use of pepper spray is legal in all 50 states but in the city of Chicago some security devices have restrictions.  Find more information for the state of Illinois. Proper training to use pepper spray is recommended.

Fight Back.

If you feel your life is in danger and you need to fight back, show no fear, and use anything to defend yourself.

We cannot be certain of what happened to the family mentioned at the beginning of this blog. We can only be sure that they did what they could to save their lives and so should we. A monitored security system and panic button are excellent tools to protect yourself in a perilous situation.

The post How to Safely Escape a Home Invasion Part 2 appeared first on VinTech Systems.

You wake up to the sound of an intruder in your home. The alarm wasn’t triggered so you are unsure if you enable it.  Did the intruder enter through the main door where the motion detectors are installed or did they managed to disable it? These following tips can help you take action to control the situation.

Don’t panic.

Remember they decided to enter your personal space. You are familiar with your home and therefore in control.

Remain quiet.

Do not bring attention to yourself. Making noise will give away your location. Don’t yell out “I have a gun or I called the police.” Even if both are true.

Lock your room.

Secure your room by locking and using furniture to block the door .

Press the panic button.

Press the panic button. This button works even when your alarm system is disarmed. However, you should know you a stress code. This is a 3-digit number that is used to secretly convey the presence of an intruder.

Dial 911 and follow their instructions.

If you don’t have a panic button, call 911 and keep them on the line while you execute the next step.

Escape through a window.

Mainly if you find yourself on the first floor. If you are not able to leave the house, your first thought might be to confront the intruder. This is not the smartest move. The intruder didn’t hesitate breaking into you home when they knew there was a possibility you were there. If he injures you, who will protect your family? If possible, find a place to hide and remain on the line with the operator until the police arrives.

Remote viewing.

If you possess a camera system and can view the cameras remotely, log in, and give a description of the subjects to police.

Even though we highly discourage confrontation, our next blog How to Safely Escape a Home Invasion Part 2 will discuss what to do when confronting an intruder is inevitable.

The post How to Safely Escape a Home Invasion Part 1 appeared first on VinTech Systems.