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Do Home Alarm Systems Provide A False Sense of Security?

Author: Mr. Jordan Frankel

Just how important is a home alarm system? Well, according to The Security Sensei™, not as important as you may think. Here's why.

Imagine for just a moment this frightening scenario. Your husband is away traveling on business and you and your children are getting ready to turn in for the night. You casually go about your nightly routine and without a care in the world you set your alarm, lock the doors, and begin turning off the lights. Then, without warning, your whole world stops. Right outside your window is a silhouette of a large ominous figure. Before you have time to process what's going on, the sound of shattering glass and splintering wood jolts you to a terrifying reality. Someone has broken into your home. What do you do?

Here's what the television commercials would have you believe.

Like most Americans - If you believe the TV commercials, you probably think you don't need to do anything except answer your phone. After all, in the commercial a shrilling alarm sends the intruder running for the hills and simultaneously the phone rings. On the other end is the sound of a calm employee from the alarm monitoring station saying everything will be okay. Should you really feel safe and secure? Maybe not!

When an alarm sounds, typically the intruder has already entered your home. And sadly, criminals can do the "unthinkable" between your alarm sounding and the police arriving on scene. Criminals also know in most cases they can enter the dwelling, steal cash or valuables and then flee in less than five minutes.

Consider this. Television commercials are specifically created to ‘sell' you the idea that a home alarm system will actually protect you and your family from a burglary or violent home invasion. However, today's news headlines tell a very story. The reality is an intruder can kick open your door in a matter of seconds and simply walk right in your home while the family is gathered around the kitchen table or watching television. So how do the bad guys enter a dwelling when a sophisticated security system is already in place?

The answer to that question is very simple. Security systems are not intended to physically stop burglars or home invaders from entering a home. Alarm systems are solely designed to produce ear piercing, attention getting noise that in rare instances frightens off a would-be invader. Unfortunately, that's not what actually happens the majority of the time.

Consider alarming statistics:

1. A burglary occurs every 15 seconds in the United States.

2. Approximately 1 out of every 5 homes will be burglarized or possibly experience a violent home intrusion.

3. A majority of home invasions take place forcibly through a "locked' door.

4. The average length of time it takes a burglar to gain entrance to a home is 57 seconds.

5. Up to 73% of burglars stated that they would still burglarize a house if it had an alarm.

So why even bother with an alarm system?

Well, the good news is despite the fact that an alarm system can`t physically stop an intruder - it is still for sure a critical component of any good security plan. However, you must fully understand its intended purpose and limitations. Once you accept the fact that no alarm system can fully protect you and your family you will be much better off. Security is all about layers - the more layers the better. Think about how the layers of an onion peel back, hence the name "The Home Security Onion"

Now imagine your alarm system is very first layer of the onion. This first layer is what I refer to as psychological in nature.

The psychological layer of security.

As I already stated, an alarm system can't physically stop a criminal. But it can provide a psychological deterrent to a would-be thief. Additionally, alarm system warning signage sends a clear message that on some level you are cognizant of basic home security requirements. This fact alone could be the catalyst needed to persuade the intruder to move on to the next house.

Other examples of psychological security are the "Beware of Dog" signs or even outdoor lighting. Neither will stop a determined criminal, but may make them think twice and move on to an easier target.

Now let's address physical security or what I call effectual security.

The effectual layer of security.

Knowing the first layer of security is psychological in nature and won't effectively stop an intruder, there must be some type of physical layer of security incorporated. One example of effectual security is a dead bolt. Why? Because unlike a psychological security deterrent, a deadbolt can actually prevent a forced entry. Another example is a security door brace, a door brace makes it virtually impossible for even a 250 lbs man to kick in your door.

Glass protection films on ground floor windows can also prevent entry or at least slow down an intruder. Smashing through such protected glass windows would take several attempts and these attention getting blows increase the risk of being caught. Most would-be intruders would rather not take a gamble and simply flee instead.

When it comes to protecting your home and loved ones, you deserve more than a false sense of security.

The bottom line is relying solely on a home security system to protect your family from criminals could quite possibly be the last mistake you make. Real security involves layers of protection. While a home alarm system is an essential part of a home security system plan and a great place to start, you need more. Effectual security such as dead bolts, door braces, and glass protection film adds the effectual layering necessary to help keep you family safe and secure.

Jordan Frankel, commonly known as "The Security Sensei" develops revolutionary security products and solutions that protect both lives & property. Countless agencies and corporations such as NASDAQ, the US Military, and law enforcement entrust Mr. Frankel with their security and safety.

The Security Sensei is also frequent media guest addressing the personal and financial consequences associated with home invasions, burglaries and other serious threats. In addition, Mr. Frankel`s security products & inventions have been featured on Oprah, FOX news and in countless publications. Jordan`s ability to outsmart the proverbial bad guys – coupled with his commitment to making security an affordable reality for everyone is the key to Global Security Experts Inc success.

Mr. Frankel is a proud member of the American Society for Industrial Safety & Security and the International Association for Counter Terrorism & Security.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-security-articles/do-home-alarm-systems-provide-a-false-sense-of-security-5030197.html

About the Author

Global Security Experts Inc. founder Jordan Frankel, commonly known as The Security Sensei develops revolutionary security products and solutions that protect both lives & property. Countless agencies and corporations such as NASDAQ, the US Military, and law enforcement entrust Mr. Frankel with their security and safety.

Jordan Frankel is also frequent media guest addressing the personal and financial consequences associated with home invasions, burglaries and other serious threats. In addition, Mr. Frankel`s security products & inventions have been featured on Oprah, FOX news and in countless publications. Jordan`s ability to outsmart the proverbial bad guys – coupled with his commitment to making security an affordable reality for everyone is the key to Global Security Experts Inc success.

Mr. Frankel is a proud member of the American Society for Industrial Security and the International Association for Counter Terrorism & Security.