House alarm systems are an excellent investment in comprehensive protection for your entire home. Based on the options selected at purchase, the systems can produce alerts and sirens and notify local emergency responders of various situations at the residence. With a variety of new sensors, cameras, and network capabilities available for alarms, the features available to buyers are ever-growing and extend far beyond basic security needs. 

Standard door alarms

Alarms triggered when an exterior door is opened on an activated system are a classic component of a home alarm system. The service generally requires a keypad code entry or coordination with a smart device within a set time period before law enforcement is notified and an audible siren sounds. These devices provide security for when you are out of the home and it is vulnerable to break-ins or when you are on-site but unable to monitor entry points. For people living alone, individuals with mobility issues, and families with children, door alarms can be essential for peace of mind.

Protection for unique access points

Some homes feature unique door configurations, such as double doors, French doors, sliding glass doors, or Dutch doors. These entry options can be tied into standard home alarm systems but may need additional elements to provide comprehensive security. For example, sliding doors may be secured further with a motion trigger to detect opening past a certain point when alarms are activated, or they may use an additional trigger to detect impacts to glass or the sound of breaking glass. If any of these motions or actions are detected, the alarm would sound.

Window coverage

Window coverage for many security systems relies on a motion sensor activated by the raising of a window past a set point or any form of opening after the alarm is activated. As technology has advanced, systems able to detect the sound of breaking glass and sound an alarm are now more widely available. These units deploy sensors that can be placed near vulnerable windows to monitor for forced entry or accidents leading to shattered glass, such as fallen trees or limbs or unexpected impacts from flying objects.

Fire and flood security

Other technological advances in recent years have helped move home alarm systems away from being purely security-focused, and home safety features are often available with alarm solutions. Common options include mountable sensors to detect flooding near bathrooms, hot water heaters, and sinks, and fire detection and carbon monoxide sensors capable of transmitting emergency alerts to first responders in addition to sounding alarms in the home.

For more information, contact a company like Harford Alarm Company.