Having a safe and secure home now is more important now than it was 100 years ago. What criminals look for and how they accomplish their goals differ greatly than criminals from the past. Today, home security systems are used to prevent thieves from even reaching our doorsteps. The most used home security system components are door and window contacts, motion detectors, control stations, and signs and window decals.



Out of these different types of security systems, the door and window contacts are the most crucial. These contacts are sensors that alert the occupants that there has been a break-in or when the window has been broken. These activate when the sensors are turned on and the security system is armed.

The motion detector is another crucial home security component that alerts the owner when someone enters the homestead or movement is detected in the immediate area. The motion detector is usually installed in a garage or the master bedroom.

One of the easiest ways to secure your home is the use of security signs and window decals, even if you do not have a security system installed. These items should be displayed in a highly visible area. Why are they so effective? Criminals commit crime because, in their mind, it is the easiest way to make money. If they see that a house is secure, it would be more work and the chances of getting caught to break in that house are higher than at a house with no signs. "Prevention is always the best cure."

The "brain" or center of a home security system is the control station. This control station is connected to all the other security components and is what initially sets off the alarm. It is accessed by a control panel, usually a keypad. Keypads are tiny devices that are like a remote control of a TV set and it allows you to turn on and off the alarm system. This allows you to interact with the control panel to arm or disarm the security system.

Another home security component that is used, but not as common, is the magnetic device. These are fixed on windows and doors. If someone tried to open them, the magnets would come apart and trigger the alarm.

These are just some of the many types of components that can be used to secure your family home. While it seems that crime will never cease to exist, we can use the latest technology at our disposal to prevent these criminals from breaking the law.

Copywrite 2006 Mark Diehl