Security Systems

Sensors that detect motion, sound, smoke, carbon monoxide, moisture, daylight, wind, power outages, low/high temperatures and even the 'sound signature' of a tornado can be integrated into an alarm and home system to provide a picture of what's going on inside and outside of a home. You can even call your home and the system can tell you the inside/outside temperatures, status of the power, if there is any flooding in the basement, etc.

Security systems can be given the some 'muscle' in the form of motorized windows and door locks. Gates, skylights, awnings and drapes can also be automated, either as stand-alone units, or as part of an alarm or home automations system. Surveillance cameras are also becoming increasingly popular and can give a home's occupants a view of what's going on from any television in the home, even remotely over the Internet.

There are several alert or notification options available as well. The traditional siren is still a part of most security systems, but remote monitoring via telephone auto dialer, cellular uplinks, even TCP/IP over the Internet is suggested. Along with the monitoring service, the systems can call caretakers, family members, they can even call a series of beepers, cell phones and business numbers, until the homeowner is located and enters a security code. More advanced systems allow the homeowner and authorities to hear and see what is happening inside the premises.

When these devices are part of an integrated system, all of the home's systems become more effective. Users can preset a series of events in response to a single action. Arming the system could close all windows, lock the doors, set back the thermostat and draw the shades.