Alarm System Elements 3

Elements of an Alarm System Part 3

Sirens and Strobes

There are two types of sirens: interior and exterior. Install the one that best meets your needs, or better yet, try both for added safety and peace of mind. When the alarm is activated inside the house, the interior siren will sound. Exterior sirens are to alert the neighbors and discourage the intruder before entering the house. Most sirens with a fire=protection feature make two styles of wail: one for intruders and one for fire. You can program the sounds to determine the duration of the alarm. The system will also automatically reset.

Strobe lights are another option for alerting you, the neighbors and the police of a break-in. Mount the strobe light on the front of the house. The strobe light flashes brightly during an alarm. This signal makes it easy for the police to find the right house and see the burglar, should he still be around. Strobe lights are also an option in your fire security alarm system. As an added measure, the strobe light can be set to continue flashing even after the siren shuts off. That way, if you are away from home, you will know that your alarm was activated as you approach the house.

Outdoor Protection

An “early warning” option for safety is to add outdoor protection to your home. Placed strategically around the property, outdoor features such as electronic sensors, send signals to let you know when someone is approaching. Since many things can trigger these sensors (stray pets, squirrels, etc..) a good idea is to connect them to a chime rather than a siren. You may also want the sensors to turn on flood lights or active a recorded voice warning. You could even have the sensor turn on outside surveillance cameras.

Outdoor passive infrared (PIR) motion detectors

Choose on that covers an area of 60 feet by 60 feet for a patio, courtyard, porch or parking area. Some models are designed to ignore small animals and minimize false alarms.

Photoelectric beams

These send an invisible beam from a transmitter to a receiver located up to 500 feet away. It will detect anyone or anything crossing the beam.

Stress sensors

These tiny devices attached to the underside of wooden decks, stairs or balconies will send a signal when the wood bears the weight of anyone stepping on it.

Driveway sensors

These sensors are just what they sound—they will detect any car that pulls into your driveway.

Surveillance cameras

Installed above exterior doors and around the property, these cameras allow you to observe your property from the safety of your home. They can also be hooked up to a television set or a separate monitor.