Home Security System Technology

There is a new medical alert system out on the market and it's call the SelectCompanion, by Select Security. It is a truly ground-breaking device.

The SelectCompanion utilizes cellular connectivity, geo-tracking service, and an integrated GPS system to help track and protect at all times. It even has 2-way voice communication so the device owner can easily communicate with the central monitoring station in times of need. 

Technology is becoming more wireless in nature. It encompasses everything in our lives. Over the past few years home security systems have been making the wireless transition. There is an important reason for this. Older alarm systems typically connect to the monitoring station by way of the home phone line. But burglars have figured out that if they cut the phone line, it disables the alarm. 

New home security systems utilize cellular technology to communicate with the monitoring station using the cellular towers. This prevents burglars from easily disarming the system and breaking into homes. If your home security system does not include this wireless technology, check with your local security company to see how you can update it.

According to a Consumer Reports national survey, 67 percent of homeowners count on dead-bolt locks (along with alarm systems) to keep their homes secure. But most people don't know what makes one lock better than another. 

Burglars have mastered a technique called "lock-bumping". Tutorials on how to do this are all over YouTube. Lock-bumping can be successful on many types of locks, and if a burglar takes the time to practice it, they can get into a home fairly quickly. Drills can also open many types of locks with ease. 

One lock that scored very well against several tests and break-in attempts was the Medeco Maxum 11WC60L, $190. Refer to the Consumer Reports link for more information.

For years, if you had a problem you could call 911 and the local police would help you. But sometimes, a phone call isn't possible, or it can take too long. Luckily the FCC just announced that a five step plan is in place to include text, photo, video, and date service in the next generation 911 service program.  These additional features will definitely come in handy in many situations. Imagine you're in a bank robbery and the perpetrators immediately begin to gather all the phones. A quick text message to 911 saying "Help, ____ Bank is being robbed!" would work effectively. Another possibility: say you're at a gas station and a robber is holding up the teller with a gun. If you were able to snap a quick picture or video before the robber escapes then the police could easily track them down. These new 911 emergency call features are not yet available to the public. But it does appear that they will be able to help raise the level of home security across the nation. It will be interesting to see how this unfolds in the years to come.

Many home security systems older than ten years were installed with basic burglary protection and some also came with fire protection. Times have changed. These days you can get a system that comes with burglary protection, fire protection, a medical alert system, security cameras, thermostat features, carbon-monoxide detectors, and more. So if you're looking to upgrade your system anytime soon, check out which companies offer the new state-of-the-art technology and find one with good BBB ratings too.