Your home is your sanctuary. If you own a business, your company location functions as a sanctuary as well. Your property, belongings, memories and investments are located within these structures. Most importantly, it’s a safe place for you, your family, your employees and your pets. While insurance offers one type of protection, it simply isn’t enough.
A home or business security system is crucial for comprehensive protection of your property, possessions and assets, as well as the personal safety of you and those you care about. Here are the top seven reasons you should invest in a business or home security system:
1. Protection from Intruders
In America, a property is burglarized approximately 16 times per minute for a total of nearly four million instances per year. While the theft of property is intrusive enough, a break-in while people are on the premises takes the invasion to a dangerous place. Having a security system as well as displaying relevant signage and stickers on entryways can act as a deterrent to would-be intruders. Even if a break-in occurs, the sound of the alarm will dramatically reduce the amount of time the intruders stay on the property. Most will leave immediately.
2. Smoke, Heat and Fire Detector
Over 25 percent of home insurance claims are related to damage from fires. A small spark is all it takes to ignite a full-blown house fire. Once a fire takes hold, it doesn’t take long for the situation to get out of control. When a fire starts, time is of the essence. Most security systems include smoke, heat and fire detector features that sound an alarm and alert your local fire department immediately. When it comes to fires, minutes or even seconds count. A smoke, heat and fire alert system can make all the difference in preventing a dangerous situation.
3. Protect Your Investment
A home or business property is the most expensive purchase most people make in a lifetime. While insurance can provide reimbursement in the event of a break-in or property damage, a home security system can minimize the chance that you’ll ever need to use it.
4. Carbon Monoxide Detection
Carbon monoxide poisoning causes tens of thousands of emergency room visits and over 400 deaths in the U.S. each year. It is considered an “invisible killer,” as this deadly gas is odorless, colorless and rapidly absorbed by the body. Poisoning and death can occur very quickly because the main symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure are flu-like and often treated as such, causing the sufferer to stay within the home. A carbon monoxide detector is a popular addition to homes of security-conscious owners. These detectors provide an extra layer of protection from this potentially deadly gas.
5. Increased Peace of Mind
The presence of a home or business security system inevitably brings peace of mind to the lives of property owners and their families. It’s hard to put a price on peace of mind, and the reduction of stress and increase in well-being makes the investment in a security system more than worth it.
6. Reduced Insurance Premiums
Most property insurance policies offer discounts for homes equipped with security systems. Check with your provider to find out the specific features that can increase your discount even more.
7. “Smart” Additions
Security systems have come a long way in recent years. Many include features such as security cameras and the ability to monitor your property remotely from a smartphone. Some even allow you to control your lights, heating system and outdoor sprinkler system.
Security systems offer a range of key features and benefits to property owners, the most important of which is increased personal safety for people on the premises at the time of the invasion. However, there are additional benefits such as lower-cost insurance premiums and high-tech “smart” options. Enjoy increased peace of mind and an added layer of protection with a home or business security system.