As our lifestyles and needs have changed, the home security industry has been working hard to remain responsive to what we want and need in a security surveillance system. The devices and monitoring services available today far exceed anything available to most homeowners twenty years ago.

In the early days of security systems, the goal was to warn you if someone tried to enter your home. Over the years the number of security surveillance system components has grown to meet changing needs. Components such as these were added:

* smoke and fire detectors, motion detectors, and glass break monitors

* Cameras to monitor or record

* perimeter alarms for yards, and

* then video surveillance was added, allowing homeowners to see who was in their yard or in their home.

Today technology has increased the capabilities of the security surveillance system to offer greater peace of mind when we are away from the property or away from family members. We can monitor our property over the internet and we can choose wireless systems. Perhaps the most important development is the affordability of home security and the availability of systems to meet most needs and budgets.

The best first step to take is a consultation with a trusted security professional. Together you can design the security surveillance system that is right for your needs and fits your budget. As you begin to think about a new system, here are some basic components to consider:

1. Burglar and Fire Alarms. These are the basic building blocks of most systems. Notifying you with an alarm is the first step in building a comprehensive security surveillance system.

2. Choose Your Monitoring Company. Work only with a monitoring company with a solid track record for reliability over time.

3. Outside Monitoring and Alarms. Whether you alarm a fence or the perimeter of the yard, you can be alerted when someone comes on your property or leaves it. This is wonderful when children are playing in the yard and one wanders away. You can also either monitor or film activity around your house, your garage or other accessory buildings as part of your security surveillance system.

4. Interior Monitors and Cameras. These devices are an increasingly important part of most security surveillance systems. They enable you to focus attention on members of your family instead of on your property. Some are particularly designed for families with elderly persons or persons with disabilities in the home.

a. Access monitors sound an alert is someone enters or accesses a restricted area. For example, you can be warned if someone (specifically a young child) is too close to a stairway or is trying to open a medicine cabinet. This can be a critical part of your security surveillance system if you have young children.

b. A two-way voice intercom system will allow you to remind the children that they are not allowed in a particular room of the house. It also allows communication without shouting. And, in the event of an emergency, it provides a mechanism by which you can communicate instantly with all members of the family, wherever they are.

c. Recording and Monitored Cameras. The ability to monitor a camera in a child’s room from the internet, no matter where you are, removes much of the worry when you leave your child or your parent with a sitter or other caregiver.

d. Help call buttons and activity monitors help you build a security surveillance system that is focused on helping you care for an aging parent or a person with a disability who wants to hold on to his or her independence. You can program these monitors to sound an alert if the individual stays in the bathroom too long, if they don’t leave the bedroom in the morning, or if they don’t take their medication on time. Even if the intruder alarm is off, you will know if another person is moving around in the house.

You can choose the components you need to design and install the customized security surveillance system that is right for you. By working with a security professional, you can be assured of the best system for your needs at a price you can afford. There is no greater relief than knowing your family is safe.

About the author: Todd Cavanaugh is a ten-year security system specialist. His company installs pre-wired and wireless monitored security systems, 24-hour camera surveillance systems, access control systems and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Visit his business web site for his recommendations on a security surveillance system.

Tags: Home Security