Installing a fire alarm system in your home or office should be at the top of your priorities as it holds quite a high amount of importance. There is more than one reason for you to install a fire alarm system in your property at the earliest. Furthermore, there is no real reason, apart from an extra expense, for you to not install a fire alarm system. You must also look at some of the top brands as they can ensure safety and accuracy of the product. For now, let us look at some of the benefits of installing a fire alarm system.

Lowered smoke inhalation
Smoke inhalation is one of the major causes of death in a fire when the individual is trying to escape from the property. A fire alarm system will set off immediately on detection of a fire, helping you escape in time and lower smoke inhalation. If you are sleeping and there is a fire, the only way for you to know in time is through a fire alarm system. In case a fire alarm system is not in place, you are most likely to wake up due to smoke inhalation, but then it could be too late.

Insurance discounts
Most of us like to have an insurance for our homes and other properties. Having a security system in place can entitle you to discount on the home insurance by most of the companies. It portrays a responsible and precautious image of the homeowner in front of the insurer. Another reason is that the home might not be destroyed entirely and can be saved due to this system.

24/7 monitoring
This is one of the more common points that can benefit you to a great extent. A fire alarm system is active and functional for 24 hours of the day and 7 days of the week. Furthermore, new fire alarm systems come with app notifications. These app notification alert you of a fire wherever you are as well as notify you if there is a system failure so that you can take the necessary action.

Early detection
The earlier the fire is detected, the earlier it will be dealt with. A fire alarm system only helps in detecting the fire at an early stage, sometimes enabling the firefighters to subside the fire without any major losses.

Safety is one of the key components of setting up a home or office. The safety protection in conversation here is that of a fire alarm system. You can afford to compromise a little on the furniture or fittings at your property, but you must make sure that you have the best safety systems in place. A fire alarm system is especially important for offices as the people will not be aware of a fire in any corner of the office without such a system before it’s too late. Here is a list of some of the best-rated fire alarm systems available today.

Honeywell Life Safety
Honeywell Life Safety is one of the global leaders when it comes to fire systems, smoke and gas detectors, remote healthcare monitoring, and personal protective equipment. The innovated products by the company are known to make life simpler for households and businesses. Their goal is to make every day safer, comfortable, secure, and productive for all their customers. They have a control over 40 different product families in the security and alarm systems.

Nest Protect
This brand is known for transforming the fire alarm systems with its innovation and is rated highly by most of the review websites. The system is the smartest in the market, as the app sends alerts directly to your phone, so you can turn off false alarms and call for help from wherever you are. The brand has created their own system of sensors and photoelectric and hybrid LED to enhance smoke detection.

Edwards Signaling
When installing a safety or security system in your home or office, it is best to go with a brand that has been trusted over the years. Edwards Signaling is a well-known brand all over the world for fire and safety alarms. They also have a great track record of innovation and development in their product line. Their fire alarm systems are packed with the latest features. They have simple horns and bells as well as automation signaling.

Siemens Fire Alarm
This brand thrives on their untouchable accuracy and the simplicity of their products. Their fire alarm systems are designed to reduce the costs and provide an impeccable level of security. Time- and money-saving installation is one of the primary features of this brand. They also have fire alarm systems that are compatible with a wide range of buildings.

We take the necessary measures to ensure that we are safe while traveling. However, we often disregard the fact that we need to feel secure in our own home. A few years ago, the very idea of feeling unsafe in our home seemed ludicrous, but the recent spurt in the crimes reported in the news has been an alarming indicator of the rise in the activities of anti-social elements. This is where home security systems come into the picture.

Home security systems are effective in securing your home and surrounding area from intruders and consists of door, window, and lock alarm systems, motion detectors, heat sensors, and a control panel that will allow you to monitor your home remotely. So, if you are keen on buying a home security system, it is imperative that you go through the home security system reviews since they offer an accurate perspective regarding the efficiency of the home security systems.

Here are some of the popular home security systems according to online reviews:

• Frontpoint
  The fact that home security system reviews often recommend Frontpoint isn’t surprising since this security company offers an amalgamation of smart security devices and DIY installation, which helps people save a lot of money. Moreover, Frontpoint is quite committed to increasing customer satisfaction, and this is in effect since the very first conversation an individual has with them over the phone. Frontpoint offers a variety of packages: Protection, Interactive, and Ultimate; the customers can choose either of these based on their requirements.
• Vivint
  Vivint is one of the leading home security system providers according to home security system reviews. It is widely popular owing to its cutting-edge technology. Vivint’s mobile app allows the user to arm or disarm the system whenever they want as well as view or record the camera footage. The very fact that it sends mobile alerts in case you forgot to shut the door on your way out is what makes it worth the money you invest in it.
• SimpliSafe
  One of the major reasons for home security system reviews highly recommending SimpliSafe is due to its affordable professional monitoring prices. Moreover, the company has recently released better, sleeker, and more advanced equipment, making it a highly attractive contender for protecting your home. SimpliSafe mostly offers wireless home security systems since it makes it easier to monitor, and has pet-friendly motion sensors.
• ADT
  ADT is an efficient home security systems that have garnered immense popularity among users. One of the major factors that have a pivotal role in helping ADT ascend to popularity is that it offers an impressive range of equipment options. Be it the modern tablet-like touchscreen control panel or the classic keypad command center, ADT ensures that it has everything the customer needs. Moreover, ADT allows the customers to customized their home automation packages, which makes it more appealing.

Buying a home security system for your home doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. With changing times, people are now opting for smarter ways to secure their home with smarter house alarm systems. These systems are built around plug-and-play, are DIY friendly and have the sensors that work with your smart phone. There is no contract being made or additional charges imposed. New generation home security systems are truly cost effective and feasible. Here are a few options.

Canary
Canary is all-in-one security system with built in assortment of smart sensors. It offers high defined night vision cameras with home healthy sensors which is accurate and helpful. Canary alerts your Smartphone if there’s anything amiss at home. It senses things like motion, temperature, and air quality and a stand guard for your living room. You can monitor your home from anywhere and even adjust your thermostat while your away.

Piper NV
Piper, the first all-in-one video monitoring home security and home automation solution with no monthly fees. Piper allows you to protect your home and is easy to use and simple to install. You can control Piper from on the go directly from your mobile device. It’s comes with a wide-angle camera that pans, tilts and zooms. Piper sends you notification if any movements happen. Even noise is detected. With Piper, it’s easy to put the lights on when you come home in the evenings.

Samsung SmartThings
Samsung Smart Things home monitoring system is a complete security solution if you need both smart home and smart security. You can add as many or as few smart devices as you want and choreograph them to work together in one app. It is a hub which is connected to multipurpose sensor, arrival sensor, water leak sensor, outlet and motion sensor. Lights can be controlled from another room or another country. Siren rings and flashes if there’s any unexpected entry. It is easy to set up, no contracts are made and is flexible and portable.

iSmart Alarm
You can control it with your smartphone from anywhere in real time. You can watch what’s going on while you are away, manage systems with remote controls, monitor and manage your doors and windows. Monitor movements all through portable and wireless devices. No wiring, no installation charges or contracts.

Insteon
It is a home control network technology which can be connected with the smallest devices in your home like light, switches, sensors like motion, doors and leaks. It is free from expensive installation and monthly monitoring charges. All you have to do is connect your hub to the internet and then start adding devices.

Setting up a alarm system has become fundamentally important to keep a check over the safety of your possessions. Starting from phones to the printers and fax machines, a company needs a alarm system installed to protect itself against burglars, intruders etc. With crime rates going up on an everyday basis, most people are not comfortable until and unless they are sure of their security. Hence, whether it is the home or office, the importance of electronic alarm systems cannot be denied. It is one of the best ways of providing security to your business.

Read on about the importance of alarm systems for the business:
• Prevents Crime: Companies and business organizations without an alarm system are an easy target for burglars. It really does not matter whether your company is situated in crowded area or a remote area. You have to take a pro-active approach as far as the safety of your office is concerned.
• Protects the company: Installing a video camera inside and around the company lets you track criminals who steal from and vandalize property. Identification of the criminal becomes easier without causing any suspicion over the employees. The recorded image of the criminal will assist the police in investigation.
• Protects employees: Presence of alarm systems in business is very effective in many ways. Having it installed in employees’ vehicle parking lot ensures their vehicles are safe. Any criminal activity found outside the company is recorded helps the police catch the criminal on time. The surveillance camera will record any act of harassment or abuse by the employees. The recorded video can be used as an evidence of antagonism in the organization.
• Improves productivity: Every employee working in the company will be conscious about them being under surveillance. This makes them feel that they are being watched continuously by the higher authorities, hence ending up delivering better work results. Workers having a feeling of being watched don’t tend to while away the time and put all efforts to get in the good books of their bosses.
• Multi-access: Control panels in certain areas of your office allows you to have access to your office’s system from multiple points in the building. Most of these panels being installed with two-way intercoms, helps you communicate with the security personnel or official on the other side and explain the situation to them. This enables you to get help fast.
• Monitor areas susceptible to risk: The surveillance system can help you keep an eye on high-risk areas like warehouses and factories where accidents tend to happen. Huge losses will be prevented on account of these cameras as they alert you as and when any incident may occur.

Home alarm systems are usually built to last and are easy to use. However, it is still very important for customers to have it undergo thorough check-ups now and then. Here’s how you make sure your alarm system is in top condition unless you want a situation like Phoebe’s where she ended up talking to the fire alarm all night!

• Speak to your installer: When you get a new alarm system installed, talk to the technician about how to keep up the system. Ask specific questions about what should be done at how long an interval, what you must avoid doing etc. Ask them to walk you through the different procedures, even if it something as simple as turning the motion detector off. This will make things easier for you in the long run.
• Keep sensors clean: Every homeowner should know that dust collects in all nooks and crannies and it won’t spare the alarm system either. Be sure to keep your sensors clean. Wipe off finger prints and other debris with a soft cloth. Avoid using any harsh tools or chemical cleansers to clean the system. Don’t forget to disarm your system before you start cleaning it.
• Keep cameras clean: You should consistently check all your outdoor and indoor camera lenses for elements such as water spots, smudges and dirt and dust. Dirty lenses render the alarm system camera useless because the image and video quality will be highly affected, thus making it impossible to see the image and detect any untoward activity.
• Make sure it’s consistently anchored: Alarm systems are usually glued or mounted on walls. Make sure the cables are connected and the mounting is still intact. Inspect the cables for any wear and tear.
• Schedule regular tests and check-ups: Test your entire system at least once a month. Scheduling tests would be wise. Check documentation and the manual to understand how often these systems need to be tested. Also, schedule a yearly or a bi-annual visit by your installer to check your systems and repair kinks if any. Ensure each component is working and ask for replacement of any faulty part if required.
• Keep obstructions away: Check for landscaping around the cameras like bushes, creepers or trees and make sure they have a clear view. Also, ensure that birds and other small animals do not make any nests on the cameras or around it. Protect your system against natural elements like rain and snow also. Check regularly for condensation. Exposure to too much sunlight too can cause damage to your alarm system.

While deciding to install an alarm system into your home is easy, choosing the right one can be a tough choice. There are several big players like ADT, protection and XFinity in the security industry as well as a few small and regional players. There are vendors that allow you to buy the alarm system directly from them or through authorized contractors. Then there are those who let you install it yourself, but it is always wiser to let the company install it for you.

Read tips about how to choose the right alarm system for your home:

• Sound and monitoring: You can also choose between an alarm system that only makes a high piercing sound but doesn’t offer any monitoring service. This might save you up to $50. But then, you should hope that your neighbors alert the police in case the alarm is sounded off. It therefore makes more sense to buy a monitoring service along with the alarm system and sign up for regular checkups.
• Taking advice: As with any purchase, it helps to ask around a bit. You can talk to neighbors and friends on what kind of alarm systems they have installed.
• Features: there are various options and features to choose from when it comes to alarm systems. You can see if you want one with central control units, one with motion detectors, magnetic doors, detectors for fire/smoke, panic buttons, pressure mats, security cameras or even water detectors.
• Special needs: Focus on your family’s special needs. For example, if you have pets, you might want a system installed that doesn’t pick up false alarms due to their movements. Similarly, if you have elderly people living with you, you might want to install a panic button. You might also want to consider using a solar-powered alarm system if you are particular about your family’s carbon footprint and environmental impact.
• Integrated system You can opt to integrate your alarm system with your home automation system. You can customize it according to your needs, such as if you don’t live in a flood-prone area, then pass on a flood detection system. Other important things to ask your security installation company are whether there is a contract, the duration of the contract, the return policy, the amount of time taken for installation and the fees, the presence of special features, the numbers and addresses of monitoring centers, and the response time of the monitoring center in case of an emergency, etc.

Don’t have an alarm system installed by the first company you call. Ask for a home demonstration and check if they have a money back guarantee most companies with satisfied customers will be happy to provide this.