Security alarms help protect families in several ways.

When a family is away from the home, security alarms can be activated. In the event of an intrusion, door and window monitors are tripped, an alarm sounds, and a signal is sent to the control center.

Once the control center receives a signal from a security alarm, a staff member places a telephone call to the family's home. If someone answers the telephone call and can give the staff member at the control center the family's password, the staff member knows that a false alarm has occurred.

On the other hand, if someone who answers the phone after a security alarm has been sounded is unable to give the staff member the correct password, authorities are dispatched to the home.

Also, if no one answers the telephone call placed by the staff member from the control center, the staff member alerts authorities and they are dispatched to the home.

So, in the scenario above, when a family is not at home and an intruder attempts to invade the home, no one would answer the call from the control center when the security alarm is activated. The next step in the chain is then placed into motion and the proper authorities are alerted.

Another step undertaken by staff members at the control center upon the activation of an alarm system is notifying those on the family's emergency list.

When a family decides to contract a company to provide security alarms for the home, most companies request an emergency list of those who can be contacted in the event that an alarm is sounded.

Although friends and family members on the list may not and should not interrupt a burglary in process, these people can be witnesses to the crime who can provide such information as the make and model of the car, personal description of the intruder, and objects seen taken from the home.

An emergency list is also helpful if a panic button on a security alarm is activated. If a panic button indicating a fire is activated, those who know the family can provide details such as the occupants of the home. Ideally, someone on the emergency list will be familiar enough with the family to know who is at home at the time of the emergency.

Security alarms also protect families while children are at home alone. If there is an emergency, the child simply needs to know how to press the panic buttons. Help will be on the way shortly, and those on the emergency list will be notified and can help the child.

Security alarms are tools that provide families a sense of control over their homes and their safety. Investing in security alarms certainly makes sense in today's social climate.