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What is Remote Security for a Home?

By Lori Kilchermann
Updated May 17, 2024
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Remote security is a home security system that uses monitoring devices, often manned by a professional security company, to watch the property from afar. Remote security is more popular than ever with more companies offering these services. With remote security systems, the home is monitored by an agency, often many miles away. At the first sign of an emergency, the agency notifies the local authorities as well as the homeowner to verify the emergency and determine if assistance is needed.

Many agencies offer remote security feature cameras installed in the home. This allows the security agency or homeowner to observe the emergency, whether it be a break-in or a fire. Even medical emergencies can be reported by some brands of remote security. The package typically involves installation of security sensors as well as the main keypad controller. A professional monitoring service usually requires a monthly fee.

There are some remote security plans that allow the monitoring company to speak with an intruder. This is intended to scare the intruder out of the home and to let them know that they have been identified. Many of these systems also include a panic button that can be pushed in the event of an emergency. The service can then notify the proper authorities.

Some insurance companies offer discounted rates for homes equipped with remote security systems. There are even some tax credits for the purchase and installation of these types of security systems. When installing a remote security system, always have the installation done by a reputable company.

Often, the security company will place a sign in the monitored home's yard. This sign is a crime deterrent on its own. Studies have shown that a criminal is more likely to pass up a residence with a security sign in its yard than one without it. It would seem that just the possibility of a security system is enough to warrant discretion on the criminal's part.

Some of the top-line security systems not only have sensors on the doors and windows, they also have sensors that listen for broken glass. The sound of a window pane breaking is enough to alert the security company of an intrusion. When the system detects the breaking glass sound, it will notify the homeowner, police and the security company. Some systems are also programed to alert on the detection of any loud noise. For a fee, a remote security system offers security for a homeowner and serves as a deterrent to a would-be intruder.

Having a remote security system installed in a home does not require a professional service. An individual can have many of the same features installed if he or she is willing to monitor the property without the help of a service. Cameras and other devices installed in a home can generally be monitored by computer and sometimes mobile devices.

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