Your home security system may include many different pieces of hardware. An Alert Alarm Security Representative will come to your home and perform a security evaluation. Our representative will then recommend what types of equipment will best suit your particular needs. Here are some of the most common components:

Control Panel / Keypad
The control panel is the brains of the entire system The keypad arms and disarms the system. Many systems are set up with one control panel near the main entrance, and one in a more secure location, like the master bedroom. This keypad makes it easy to arm the system and secure your home when you go to bed.

Secondary keypads allow you to come and go through other doors or the garage, without reprogramming the entire system. Exterior keypads, when combined with electronic locks, allow keyless entry to anyone who enters the correct code. Secondary keypads are relatively inexpensive and can provide additional protection.

Sensors / Contacts
Various kinds of sensors perform the actual "security" for an alarm system. Window and door sensors use magnetic contacts to detect an open door. Infrared and microwave sensors detect body heat or motion if someone is inside. There are even sensors that detect the sound of breaking glass. An Alert Alarm security representative will be able to describe exactly what type of sensors you need for optimal security.

Sirens and Lights
Alert Alarm's security systems include audible and visible indicators of trouble. Sirens, horns, or bells will be loud enough to be heard throughout the house and at the street. Additional sirens may be required for larger homes. For most amateur crooks, a loud alarm means "time to run."

Flashing lights (strobes or rotating beacons) are more commonly used in businesses, but can also help police confirm where the trouble is in an emergency. If your address is hard to see from the street, you might want to consider adding flashing lights to your system.

Remote Control / Key Fob
Much like a key fob that allows you to lock and alarm your car; a key fob for your alarm system is a remote control for the entire system. Typically these devices only offer a few basic functions — arming or disarming the entire system, and a panic button — but they can provide real time protection from an intruder.

Backup Battery
No matter how sophisticated your alarm system, it can't work without power. If you don't want a burglar to be able to disable your entire system by cutting the power, investing in a backup battery is critical. These batteries automatically provide power to your burglar alarm if the power goes out — some for up to 24 hours.

Yard Signs / Window Decals

• Yard signs and window decals can help to prevent a burglar from entering your home.
  
• Using your Alert Alarm signs and decals may encourage even a professional burglar to move on to the next target.
• Not using these simple signs can create a problem. If a burglar enters the property, the alarm goes off, and anyone at home may be confronted by a criminal.
• Protect yourself and your family by using the signage we supply.
• While using signs alone is a free way to deter some potential criminals, we at Alert Alarm, along with most law enforcement and safety experts, do not recommend posting signs without a monitored system in place. This "signs but no system" can give you a false sense of security.

To learn more about our Home Security Products,
click here or call us directly at 1-888-99ALERT (25378).