Do you have an alarm in your apartment?
New wireless security systems make it possible for the apartment dweller to have the kind of security previously available only to homeowners. Using the wiring already in your house or communicating on radio frequencies, these systems require no special wiring, can be programmed to call the police or a central monitoring station, and move with you when you leave. Here’s a run-down of the kind of components available (not all systems offer all components). Prices for systems can range from a couple hundred dollars up to a thousand or more.
- Door/window monitors use magnets to detect “unauthorized” openings.
- Motion detectors sense changes in ambient temperature caused by a person entering a room. Many systems offer “pet-immune” motion detectors which will not alarm with pets under 30-40 pounds.
- Lamp control will turn lights off an on based on pre-set timers or a signal from a remote.
- Glass-break sensors detect the breaking of window or door glass.
- A/C detectors will detect when electronic or computer components are unplugged from the wall.
- Smoke detector “smells” smoke and sends an alert.
- Siren announces to the burglar, anyone else in the house, and the entire neighborhood that the system has been tripped.
- Panic button, activated by a remote, will set off the alarm or call for emergency help (like if you’ve fallen and can’t get up).
- Remote control will let you arm or disarm the system, turn lights on or off, or activate the “panic” mode from outside your apartment.
- Central control receives signals from all components and is wired into the phone system to call the police, fire department, or monitoring station.
With so many options available, don’t you think it’s time to invest in an apartment alarm for yourself, or someone you love?