Security Systems of America integrates all key systems in your home, taking the hard work out of managing it.
It used to be that a “home security system” was simply monitoring equipment that, when triggered by an intruder made a lot of noise and called the police.
Today, “home security systems” are a lot more complicated. Americans lead busy lifestyles and their homes have become the hub where they work, learn and entertain. We want a variety of services to keep us safe, comfortable, entertained, informed and connected (but not with too much spaghetti–we want wireless!). we want video surveillance cameras, two-way communication, a home theatre and automation systems. The days of “one size fits all” burglar alarms are over – consumers want systems that are modular, integrated and customized to their lifestyles.
Oh, and we want it all now–not with any 3-second screen delays.
According to Karen Mackey of Security Systems of America (SSA), the shift in the designs, complexities and capabilities within the security industry is attributed to better technology. Once it’s available, we have to have it. “It’s a win-win situation, since security companies have more products to offer and consumers have more choices to fit their lifestyles and budgets,” she said. Another consumer-friendly plus is that prices have gone down as consumer demand has gone up.
For example, it used to be only big companies and celebrities could afford video monitoring systems. Now we rank and file consumers can get them cheaper than ever before. We can watch what’s happening inside and outside our homes or check on a
Gain peace of mind by watching what's going on at home while you're away.
vacation home or rental property. We can now afford to monitor our children and pets or keep an eye on the repairman or babysitter.
Parents can install sensors on anything from liquor cabinets to medicine chests to swimming pools. And advances in two-way voice communication allows our elderly parents to talk directly to the central station in case of an emergency. Increased response time increases the survival rate, which is peace of mind in our role as caregivers. We used to be able to whine, “I can’t be in two places at once!” But now there are so man more and better security solutions to solve our problems, we’ll have to find another excuse!
But with great choice comes great responsibility (or aggravation factor–take your pick!) Now there’s a higher learning curve to figure out all these bells and whistles that are there to keep us safe and connected. “This means it’s important for consumers to do their homework when hiring a security company,” Karen says. “They should look for a certified security company that carries a full line of up-to-date products and one that is capable of providing prompt, reliable service.”
She says in today’s rapid-paced world, this is what we really want from our home security systems:
- Communication: We know we have the world at our fingertips on the Internet. We want to get directions from our GPS; talk to our children in another room or another country through an intercom or email; and with our surveillance cameras we want to check on our homes from another state using a laptop or a Blackberry™.
- Convenience: We work more than ever before but a lot of our work is from home. We want security and other automation linked together to make our lives more convenient. We want fewer switches to worry about, but we want them to be programmed together and controlled from a remote location.
- Comfort: Finally, we know it’s technology, but we want it to be “comfortable.” We want that peace of mind that comes from feeling safe, but we want our security system to also do double-duty as our home theatre with surround-sound audio. We want it all integrated, so go ahead and put the central vacuum on there, too, so we have a total home automation system.
Is this so much to ask for?
Security integration by Security Systems of America, means managing your household is just a phone call away.
Finding a company that can provide these can be more challenging. Security Systems of America recommends that consumers be sure their contractor of choice:
- Has the technical competence. Check references and local licensing. Also, investigate their certifications. Reputable companies will be certified by organizations such as the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA).
- Is registered with the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, beginning July 1, 2009, as required by the Home Improvement Act. Consumers can call (888) 520-6680 to check.
- Can manage the financial responsibility of the project. Make sure there is a signed, professional contract with realistic payment terms, and avoid any contractor who requests an unusually large initial down payment.
- Has a reliable work history and ability to offer service after the installation. Since consumers typically don’t fully experience their systems for days or weeks after the installation, questions and service requests may come months later.
- Can furnish proof of insurance. While most contractors provide general liability coverage, most don’t have extended coverage for “completed operations” and “errors or omissions.” These last two are especially important if the company is providing ongoing security monitoring service.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
I am interested in security alarm systems for residential purposes.