3 Easy Ways to Make Your New Security System More Effective

Homes fitted with a home security system can be as much as 300% less likely to be targeted for burglaries and house invasions, which is why millions of families opt for an integrated security unit. Unfortunately, using home security systems improperly can lead to security loopholes, which is why it is crucial to keep your unit up to date. Check out these three easy ways to make your new security system more effective.

1. Train Your Entire Family

You might understand how to arm and disarm your system, but if the rest of your family is clueless, your unit might only be protecting your house when you happen to be home. Depending on how your security system is designed to operate, it might only offer partial protection in certain instances, especially if the unit isn't armed.

However, by teaching each member of your family how to use your security system, you can prevent problems. Think about each member of your family and whether they would be willing and able to learn how to use your unit. While security system operation might not be right for a toddler, even older children could be trained to help keep the unit armed when it should be.

Host a family meeting to train your spouse and children how to use the system. Teach your family how to arm and disarm your system and how to respond to surprise alarms. If your security company calls when the system is triggered, make sure your children have access to the phone, understand what to say, and know how to respond if things aren't okay in your house.

Because it can be easy for people to forget security system details, hold regular refresher courses to keep everyone on the same page.

2. Stay in Touch with Your Security Company

Technology changes all the time, which is why newer security systems are more effective than the dated versions your friends or family members may have used. However, this ever-evolving technology also relies on constant updates to keep your unit safe, secure, and operational.

Instead of having your security system installed and then forgetting all about the company who installed it, stay in close contact with your security company. Contact them regularly to ask about system updates, hardware problems, new products, and recalls. If you have a unit that communicates with a central office, ask your security company to check to see if they can see your home and if everything appears to be operating properly.

Make sure your security hub has a constant stream of power and Internet access. If you make changes to your indoor wiring, internet service provider, or personal router, adjust your security system accordingly to keep it connected. Ask your security company if their unit has a failsafe for power outages. For instance, some units are designed to switch over to VOIP connectivity when the Internet fails.

3. Identify and Resolve Problems Proactively

When you are new to a home security system, you might not think twice about a small issue like a false alarm or a camera angle that is less than ideal. However, being able to identify and resolve issues proactively can help you to keep your home and family safe.

Pay attention to the way your system operates, and be on the lookout for any change that might occur along the way. If you have issues like alarms that trip easily, contact your security company instead of disabling alarms or ignoring them altogether. By addressing issues as they occur, you can keep your system in check, while personalizing the entire system for your home.

Becoming acclimated to using a home security system can take some time, so don't be afraid to reach out to Phoenix Access Control. With a focus on comprehensive home security, the specialists can help with everything from installing a state-of-the-art security camera system to updating your exterior locks. Protect your home today by giving them a call.