I live in a quiet Miami neighborhood. Do I really need a home security system?

Miami, with its active nightlife, has a reputation of being anything other than quiet. If you’re a resident of Miami, you know that this reputation isn’t representative of the city as a whole. Miami is also filled with quiet residential areas where the city life seems miles away. If you live in one of these areas, you might be wondering if you really need a home security system. The answer is yes. 

Even in quiet neighborhoods, crime is a concern in Miami. In one year there were 18,586 property crimes reported in Miami alone. The rate of both violent and property crimes in Miami is nearly doubled the nation’s as a whole. This makes it important to consider protecting yourself with a home security system. 

Let’s be honest. Do home security systems really reduce the risk of home invasion?

Criminals are always on the lookout for the easiest target. Their goal is to get in and out of your home quickly and unnoticed. Any obstacle that gets in the way of this happening is a deterrent to crime. Home security systems make it exponentially more difficult for a burglar to invade your home unnoticed. In many cases, the presence of a home security system alone is enough to send them along to the next, easier target. 

What home security features maximize the level of protection they provide?

Not all home security systems are created equal, making it important to really look at the features of each system before you decide on the one that’s going to offer the most protection for your home. For instance, if you live in an apartment building, you might not need the same outdoor monitoring capabilities as someone who lives in a larger home with multiple points of entrance. It is important to make sure that each point of entry for your home – whether you have two or twenty – is protected with door and window alarm sensors. Automated monitoring capabilities can also maximize protection because they allow you to monitor and operate your home security system from practically anywhere. 

Do I need both indoor and outdoor home security features?

In most cases, the answer to this question is yes. Outdoor home security feature allows you to assess activity that is occurring on the premises outside your home. This might include suspicious activity, or something as simple as knowing who is at your door. Features like door and window alarms ensure that each point of entry is protected. 

Indoor home security features are equally important – especially if you’re inside your home at the time of an invasion. Indoor home security features let you see where a dangerous situation might exist and enable your monitoring service to get the necessary emergency assistance to you as quickly as possible. 

Is a wired or wireless home security system the better choice?

Each type of system has its own set of pros and cons. Today, wireless systems offer some significant advantages over hardwired systems that have been the status quo in the past. Wireless systems are as reliable as those that are hardwired, and in some cases can be even more reliable. Wireless systems can also be installed on a DIY basis, which can save you the costs of a professional installation. Additionally, wireless systems offer the automated monitoring capabilities that are important to many homeowners and renters in Miami today. 

I’m the DIY type. Can I install my home security system myself?

If you’ve chosen a wireless home security system, then you should be able to manage the installation on your own with little complication. Wireless home security systems require nothing more than taking the time to read the instructions, a few common tools, and the patience to do the job correctly. It’s not recommended to attempt a DIY installation on wired systems because of their complex nature and the level of technical skill and knowledge involved. 

How much can I expect to pay for a professional home security system in Miami?

You’ll find a range of costs in regard to home security systems in Miami. In general, you can expect to pay several hundred dollars for the system itself, although there are less expensive options on the market. If you choose a wired system that requires professional installation, this will add to your start up costs. Alarm monitoring services in Miami can be acquired at rates as low as $15 per month, with other service providers charging upwards of $50 per month.