Home Security Systems : A Guide For First-Time Buyers

Each year, several thousand Canadian homes take a very important decision: to invest in a monitored home security system. If you are considering making a similar decision in the future, here are some things you should know:

Home Security is a proven deterrent

There are two advantages to home alarm systems which have been demonstrated from a variety of sources such as insurance industry, police and customer statistics:

  • Premises with security systems are four times less likely to be burglarized than those which are not. In other words, they act as a deterrent: a potential intruder would rather take the trouble to break into an "unprotected" home than one which is armed with an alarm system.
  • When an alarmed premise is burglarized, the property losses experienced as a result are dramatically lower, mainly because the intruder knows he has less time to spend inside your home before he must make a getaway. And besides, all that loud noise is annoying for anyone who is inside!

An alarm system is therefore a deterrent. It does not prevent against someone who is up to no good from getting into your home if they are determined to do so. Pay no attention to anyone who tells you otherwise.

Should you buy a home security system? There is no right or wrong answer because it is a personal decision with many factors to consider. Home security systems provide a level of comfort and peace of mind. Monitored security systems [see below] provide the added assurance that in the event an unwanted person tries to enter your home, the intrusion will be detected in seconds and responded to in minutes.

If you are thinking about making the decision to have an alarm system in your home, the following tips from CANASA - the Canadian Security Association - are designed to help you make the decision that is right for you and your family.

Considerations for Making a Home Alarm and Security Decision

  1. What should you do first?
    First, discuss your needs with a minimum of two or perhaps three alarm companies. Ask them to advise you on what they would suggest for your home, based on your needs and habits. Every home is different and so is every home alarm and security system. As a result, your security system should be tailored to meet both your security needs and your budget.

    Do not make a commitment to any company that has not visited your home and inspected your property. Ask the alarm company for references from other satisfied customers. Find out how long they've been in business. Finally, ask them to provide you with evidence of their expertise or training -- for example, have they taken any of the CANASA alarm technician training programs or courses from a local community college?
  2. What should you look for in a security system?
    An alarm system is installed to deter and detect intruders. A basic security system will consist of both perimeter and space protection to secure your premise. The first stage secures vulnerable perimeter access points such as doors and windows; the second stage consists of space detection such as interior motion detectors that monitor movement inside the premise. Make sure that your alarm company explains what each device can do and how it will enhance the security of your home.
  3. What else can I do to enhance the security of my home?
    A qualified company should perform a site inspection and discuss your individual security needs. The company should provide you with an evaluation of your premise, highlighting the measures you can take to improve the security of your home over and above the addition of an electronic alarm system. The alarm company representative might suggest such simple measures as clearing brush around entrance ways, improving exterior lighting or installing higher grade locks. In some situations on the other hand, adding an alarm system may not be necessary. For example, residents of high rise condominiums with 24-hour concierge service and card access throughout the building and elevators already have a high level of security built in to the structure, and may not feel the same need for a separate monitored security system for their units.
  4. What type of security system is most effective?
    There are two types of alarm systems. Both types appear to be the same and will emit a loud horn or beep when a door is opened with the alarm system turned on. But that is where the similarity stops:
    • Monitored alarm systems are electronically connected to a monitoring station. When the alarm is on, every entry and exit is electronically transmitted to and logged at the monitoring station. When an intruder happens upon a home which is monitored, the station operator is able to take appropriate action to notify police or private responders. Monitored systems carry a nominal monthly "monitoring fee" to allow for 24-hour service. The added cost is well worth it because it ensures prompt response and allows you to get the best return from your alarm system. In many municipalities, alarm systems are not permitted to be directly connected to police dispatch systems, hence the advantage of having a monitoring station provide that service.
    • Local only systems, the second type of alarm system, will emit the same horn or siren when entry is compromised, but there is no transmission of a signal from your home to a monitoring station. These "local only" systems do not result in automatic dispatch of police, contrary to what some might think. People with local only systems must rely on either good luck or good will that someone can notify authorities when the time comes.
  5. How is monitoring arranged?
    Some alarm companies install and monitor their own accounts. In other cases, the alarm installing company has a relationship with a third-party monitoring facility which does the monitoring for the installer. This is a common practice in the industry, and allows for installers to focus on what they do best. Because of advances in telecommunications, it is not uncommon for a home in one city to be monitored by a central station in another city. In any event, they will always know how to reach you, or your neighbours, or authorities, in the event they need to. Finally, your installation company receives regular reports [via fax or email] from the monitoring station to ensure that this close relationship is maintained.
  6. Quick Question Guide
    When choosing a system be an intelligent consumer and continue to ask questions until you understand what you are purchasing and the level of security it will provide. Reputable companies will answer positively to most, if not all, of the following questions:
    • May I see proof that your company has all applicable provincial and any applicable municipal licenses?
    • Will you provide me with a written quotation?
    • Will you provide me with a contract once the system is purchased?
    • Is there a written warranty on the equipment and labour?
    • Will the system be monitored, and if so, what is the cost and who will be doing it?
    • May I see proof that your company carries errors & omissions insurance?
    • How long have you been in the security alarm business?
    • Do you adhere to a false dispatch reduction program?
    • Do you offer any protection for pre-paid monitoring?
    • Will I own my system or be leasing it?
    • Is your company a member of the Canadian Security Association (CANASA)?