Every home security system starts with a control panel. This is the "brain" of your system and is usually located somewhere discreet, such as a closet or the basement. All of the various sensors of your system are connected to this panel. If there is a problem in your home, the sensors sense it and then the control panel calls the central monitoring system.

Near the main entry of your home, the keypad will be installed. This is where you arm and disarm your home alarm. The keys are illuminated for easy visibility at night and the display is easy to read. In addition, newer systems offer one button arming and disarming of the alarm so you don't have to worry about accidentally setting off the alarm. In addition, you can program special codes for family or neighbors that might be taking care of your house or pets while you're away.

Magnetic contacts are used on the windows and doors of your home. When the magnetic field is broken, the contacts alert the control panel to the change and the alarm will go off.

Passive infrared motion detectors are also important aspects of your home alarm system. These detectors sense motion and changes in body temperature. This aspect of your home alarm is used when nobody should be in the house at all. Don't worry, if you have pets, these systems are "immune" to pets that weigh less than 100 pounds.

Acoustic sensors are also installed. These "listen" for noise in the home that is out of the ordinary, such as the shattering of glass. They also provide shatter and shock protection for your windows.

Smoke detectors connected to your home alarm are also important. Your basic smoke alarm from the hardware store isn't set up with a monitoring system. However, the smoke alarm provided with your system is connected to the monitoring system and should a fire occur, the smoke alarm will alert the monitoring center and they will alert the fire department.

Wireless key fobs are a fairly new addition to home monitoring systems and allow you to activate and deactivate your alarm easily. These are great if you have children that come home on their own after school and need to be able to activate and deactivate the alarm with ease. If you're in and out of your home a lot during the day, these devices are priceless.

Home security systems have changed drastically over the past decade. Practically all are now wireless and offer many devices that will assist you in ensuring you always set your home alarm. Remember, just because you have a home alarm, your house isn't safe unless you activate each and every time you leave home. Whether you're running up the street to the gas station or running to the drug store, turn your home alarm on. Many people walk in on intruders and becomes victims in more ways than just theft.

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