Security Tips for Doors, Windows and More

4 Common Mistakes When Using a Home Security System

10 August 2016 by Dustin Rose

You are probably aware of the many benefits of having a security system at home, but are you sure you know how to use it properly? Many people make some common mistakes when setting up, placing, and using their home security systems. Avoid these common mistakes to keep your home as safe and secure as possible.

Putting Them in the Wrong Place

While you might have spent a good deal of money and time finding the right home security system and having it installed, you need to make sure the security cameras are in the right place. If you just have one camera looking out at your front door, you are missing opportunities when there might be an intruder on the side or back of your house. Look at all possible places someone might hide or try to gain access to your home, including the garage, side door, back sliding glass door, and even near windows of your home.

Failing to Get Night Vision as a Feature

Home security systems come with a lot of excellent features, from motion detectors to remote access. They also frequently offer night vision as a feature. This is one of the more important ones, since most intruders are going to break in at night. If you don't have night vision, your cameras won't capture people who are trying to break into your home. This makes it harder for the police to catch whoever broke into your home when you weren't there.

Putting the Keypad Too Close to the Window

You need to be careful when choosing where to mount the alarm's keypad. If it is close to a window, where someone outside your home can actually see it, they might be paying attention when you set the alarm or disarm it. This means they can look at the code you are entering it and use that to gain access into your home. You also want to be careful about keeping it too close to a door or window, where they can break in and quickly remove it from the wall before the alarm ever goes off.

Blocking Your Motion Detectors

Motion detectors are a great option with a home security system since they can help deter criminals and let you know ahead of time if someone might be putting your home at risk. However, make sure you know where the sensors are and be sure you don't block them. They might be outside your home in an area where you tend to park your vehicle or are placing large items to move into your home the following day. Don't block these sensors or you won't have advanced warning of a break-in.

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