have been gaining a lot more importance lately than they ever have before. An increasing number of companies are jumping into the home security arena with some highly innovative technology solutions in access controls, IP-based wireless alarm systems and security systems, home automation, and a whole range of other products and services.
While up to 80% of Americans believe that their are effective in protecting them against burglars and intruders, false alarms happen to be a major menace in most households. It’s fairly easy for a child to accidentally cross the infrared beam or an alarmto be triggered at night by a barking dog, causing a false alert that sends police rushing to your place. Not only is this highly inconvenient, and in most cities now attracting a fine, but also, after a series of false alarms, the police begins to take you less seriously. This could be a cause for worry if the alarms ever actually sound for a burglar.
So what’s the solution to this problem? Lights, lots and lots of lights. Lights are an instant deterrent for most burglars. And if they could be programmed to go off at the right time, they are just what you need to scare the intruder away.
Most these days offer innovative lighting solutions complete with motion sensors and heat detectors. So your backyard lights could go on as soon as they sense any activity in the backyard. In fact, you could have a bright floodlight shine into the intruder’s face the moment he gets 10 feet inside your property. Afraid of having been spotted, he would definitely be forced to back off. No blaring sirens, no false alarms, just plenty of light would have done the trick. And what’s even better is that the lights could be turned on by motion sensors, and you wouldn’t even have to be at home. For anywhere between $129 and $200, these floodlights could be all over your property.
There are much more affordable options, too. For just about $20 each, you could install switches that turn lights on as soon as they hear a noise. You could have them in as many places as you like. These are not only great for chasing burglars away but are also great for you. You can simply clap them on when you arrive, and they will automatically turn off sometime after you’ve left.
In fact you could even have a device added that will turn on all the lights in your home at once as soon as it senses intrusion. You could even fit the device in a plug anywhere next to you. This could strategically turn lights on one at a time as you keep pushing the buttons.
To sum it up, false alarms have been a menace to the home security industry for a while. Increasing instances of city police departments issuing false alarm ordinances is an increasing cause of worry. These innovative lighting solutions, however, effectively curb the menace of false alarms and intruders alike. Do understand, however, that you would still be better off with a full-fledged monitored as backup in case the intruders do not back off after the lights turn on.
Gary Nash
Author – Gary has been with us for 3 years, but already has expert knowledge of the home security industry. He’s in charge of company research and news. Zach works to ensure that the site provides the most accurate and timely news in the industry.