June 24, 2011
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Home Alarms Work – But They Only Protect You When You Use Them!
We already know that only about one in five US homes has a monitored alarm system – and we also know that there’s a burglary somewhere in this country about every 14 seconds. While violent crime is on the decline in most areas, residential crime is up – and that has folks talking. Unfortunately, it’s taking too long for talk to turn into action. A recent survey by Consumer Report’s National Research Center provides some sobering statistics on the general practices of US homeowners when it comes to protecting their homes and families. The good news: some of us are getting the message.
Wendy Camerick never used to lock her doors. That changed after there were 7 house break-ins in her neighborhood on the same day. "My routine when I leave the house has completely turned upside-down because I have to remember to turn on the alarm and lock the doors before I leave," says Camerick.
The Hard Facts
Plenty of people aren't taking the same precautions. Nineteen percent of U.S. homeowners don't always lock their doors, according to a Consumer Reports' National Research Survey. Twenty-six percent sometimes don't lock their windows. Forty-three percent don't always turn on their home alarm when they're away. Those are just some of the many security mistakes Consumer Reports uncovered when it took a look at 25 things cops and crook say you’re doing wrong.
What You Can Do
We know a lot about the best measures to take to protect your home, and have two great resources for you. With these sets of advice, you’ll be much better prepared to take the needed stepsfor increasing your own security.
Great Examples
"They told us that letting bushes and shrubs get overgrown and having poor exterior lighting make it easier for a burglar to hide and then break into your home," says Dan DiClerico of Consumer Reports. Leaving your garage door open is another no-no. "Not only can everything in your garage be stolen, but a burglar can break down the door leading into your house, which usually isn't as strong," says DiClerico. And hiding a spare is another dumb move. "That just makes it easier for thieves. It's better to keep a spare in your wallet or purse," says DiClerico.
Get Your Own Home Alarm – and Use it!
Having a home alarm to start with is of course a hot topic for electronic security providers like FrontPoint. If only one in five homes has a home alarm, and almost half of them don’t regularly use it, then only one in ten homes is regularly protected – a scary level of vulnerability. There’s also the fact that people who don’t regularly use their alarm system often have older alarm technology. That’s where today’s interactive monitoring services come into play: home alarms can do much more now, so people with these interactive systems are much more likely to use – and appreciate – their security system for peace of mind and next.
As we’ve stated many times, the best deterrent to residential crime is a monitored alarm system – especially one with safer cellular monitoring and smarter interactive features. FrontPoint specializes in these systems: as the #1 ranked alarm company in the US, that’s our job. We offer the features people love: mobile apps, remote arming/disarming, text and email alerts, video services, and even home automation control of locks, lights, and thermostats. Safer, smarter, simpler, more affordable, and virtually impossible to defeat – that’s FrontPoint.