The holidays mean travel for many families. Whether it’s across the country for a few weeks to visit extended family or just across town for the night to celebrate a particular occasion, people love to get out of the house during this time of year. For celebrants this means nostalgia, closeness with their families and friends and good times that make the coldest months of the year seem a little warmer for a while. For burglars, this means empty houses and lots of them.

Leaving your home unattended for long stretches of time poses particularly grave risks to security. It bears mentioning that no one should put off a good time out of fear. The best remedy for fear is preparation.

Prepare your home for your extended leave by putting lights on timers or setting your ADT alarm system to turn on the lights at various times if it can accommodate this. Remember that it gets dark early in the late part of the year, so you should schedule them to turn on no later than 5:00 p.m. in most of the US. If it gets dark earlier where you live, adjust accordingly. If possible, set different lights in different rooms to turn on and off for short periods to give the impression that there are people moving around the house. Good burglars are not put off by watching a house for a few days to see if there is actually traffic in and out of the house or just timers.

Think like a detective. If you’re going to be gone for a long while, have a neighbor pick up the mail, but not just to make sure you don’t have a box of overflowing bills and letters. Snow holds footprints for a long time. Having someone walking through the yard daily makes it look a lot more like the house is occupied.

Make certain to tell your alarm company that you’ll be out of town for a few days. If you use your mobile phone to communicate with them, give them an extra number in case service is spotty at your destination. If anything happens, they’ll call you immediately, so it’s imperative that they’re able to reach you if needed.

Remember not to turn down the heat too low or you risk frozen and bursting pipes and the associated damage. Good alarm systems incorporate heat, smoke, flood and freeze sensors that enable the alarm company to keep an eye on the environmental condition of your home and to be on the lookout for any warning signs.

And, of course, after you’re all packed, ready to go and heading out the door, remember to arm your alarm system on the way out. You’ll be amazed at the peace of mind you’ll have knowing that you’ve taken care of all the variables and put a little extra effort into dissuading thieves from thinking your home constitutes an easy target of opportunity!

How does one determine the best route to home security? With the large number of companies out there proclaiming their products “the best,” how does one ensure that they actually achieve the best protection, the best benefits available for their home and their family? ADT is the national leader in home security and it’s no fluke that so many homeowners, businesses and even government offices around the US trust them.

Why is ADT the right choice for your protection? What benefits do they provide to your home? To answer those questions, you’ll need to understand what is available through the company, as well as how that compares to other companies. ADT provides:

· Free home monitoring equipment: While other companies also offer free equipment, ADT is the only company that actually provides equipment that you own. That’s right; you own the equipment and pay nothing for it. While this may make you believe that the equipment is less than adequate, it’s some of the most advanced in the industry.

· Installation cost is another area in which ADT wins. Average installation cost of your protection equipment is less than $100, while the competition charges more than $150. For savings, ADT also wins.

· The number of professional monitoring centers is another area of concern. While the competition offers two national monitoring centers, ADT boasts no fewer than five monitoring centers for your protection. Each monitoring system is capable of operating independently, as well as handling the calls from other areas if one center is inoperable.

· Wireless home protection is the best option for your needs. By using a wireless system, you protect the walls of your home from invasive installation methods. An ADT installer will set up your system to ensure the best operation and performance, as well as simple and easy growth in the future.

· ADT provides a keychain remote that allows you to arm and disarm your system from a distance. ADT does this at no charge, while the competition charges you for the privilege.

· 2-way voice communications with the monitoring center is another option that ADT provides, yet the competition does not. With 2-way voice communications, you are ensured even greater protection and benefits.

· Optional upgrades are also widely available through ADT. For instance, you can enjoy carbon monoxide detectors, freeze detectors, smoke and fire detectors and many others through ADT’s professional installation.

· Finally, ADT offers CellGuard, which enables you to communicate with the monitoring center by using cellular towers in the event that your home phone is inoperable for any reason. This provides incredible peace of mind about your safety and security.

As you can see, ADT provides astounding benefits and is more affordable than the competition. Through their professional products, professional installation and real-time monitoring, you and your family can sleep well at night, without worries about invasion or other threats. However, whether you choose an ADT system or a competitor, having a home security system installed is vital.

If you work with a top home security company, you do not have to worry about dealing with more than one company for all of your home security needs. Today’s top home security companies look at all areas of home security.

That means that not only are they offering protection from burglaries and break-ins, but they also offer smoke and heat sensors, carbon monoxide detectors, water sensors and freeze sensors. These are upgrades that a homeowner should consider.

Sensors play an important role for homes, businesses and for government agencies. They convert a physical parameter, such as temperature, into a signal that is electrically measured. In home security, when a sensor is triggered, the homeowner and the proper authorities are notified.

Smoke sensors pick up the presence of smoke in a home or building. Fire prevention officials know that when there is a fire, it is the smoke and not the fire that kills more humans. That is why smoke sensors are important for early warning and to save lives. They come in very handy when residents are asleep at night. If there is the presence of smoke, a sensor can wake the residents so that they can leave the home and be safe.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless, colorless, poisonous gas. It is as thin as air, so that makes it even harder to detect. The Journal of the American Medical Association says that carbon monoxide or CO2 is the leading cause of accidental poisonous deaths in the United States of America. Carbon monoxide kills hundreds of people in the United States every year.

A house can be invaded with carbon monoxide from faulty furnaces, gas stoves, gas fireplaces, automobiles in attached garages and more. When a person has ingested carbon monoxide into his or her system, the results will seem like the flu at first. There will be headache, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, confusion, rapid heart beat and more. The end result can be damage to the tissues, which blocks the oxygen needed, and then death. Carbon monoxide detectors can provide an early warning before the poison builds to a dangerous level.

Water sensors are another upgrade that homeowners of security systems should think about. If there is water leakage in your home, water sensors can trigger you. They can help in the laundry room, basement and other places that have the potentional for water damage. They can alert you so that you can fix the problem before extensive damage.

These are sensors that are also useful for property such as cottages or other locations where you are not present year round. They can notify you of leaks, broken pipes, cracked foundations, storm flooding and more. They are especially beneficial to people who live in flood zones.

Freeze sensors are also offered as an upgrade. They can give a homeowner an early warning sign about the potential for freezing temperatures that may result in burst pipes. They work well for people who live in areas that are susceptible to freezing.

While most people are aware of the need for home security, in today’s uncertain economic times, many people assume that they simply cannot afford a home security system. This is a risky – and inaccurate – assumption. In reality, there are many ways in which a home security system can be made affordable.

One of the facts about home security systems that many consumers fail to realize is that home security systems are available in a wide variety of styles, and can suit different budgets and needs. Certainly, there are expensive home security systems with a wide array of gadgets. These types of home security systems are quite appropriate for large homes that may have multiple vulnerability points. While these types of home security systems are expensive, they are ideally designed for higher-end homes. If you fall into the category of the average home owner this type of home security system might not fit your budget, but it might not fit your needs either. The average homeowner can achieve peace of mind with a home security system that will secure their home without breaking their budget.

These types of home security systems are much more affordable than many homeowners might assume, allowing them to enjoy the benefits of home security without worrying about spending more money than they feel they cannot afford.

ADT Security Services offers a variety of monitoring packages at a range of affordable prices. Each package bundles together a variety of options to meet a diverse set of home monitoring needs.

It is also possible to defray the cost of a home security system through savings on your homeowners insurance. Most insurance companies offer a discount on homeowners insurance policies when a home security system is installed in the home. This can help to make the installation of a home security system even more affordable for the homeowner.

Still, many homeowners continue to believe that they cannot afford a home security system. The truth is that they can’t afford not to have a home security system. When a home is burglarized, not only is there the risk of expensive electronics being stolen, but also the risk of losing irreplaceable family heirlooms. Even though the homeowner’s insurance policy might very well cover stolen or damaged belongings, no insurance payment could ever truly replace such items.

When considering whether a home security system is affordable, you should also consider that most home insurance deductibles exceed the cost of a reliable home security system. In addition, you could save yourself the hassle and trauma of becoming a burglary or home invasion victim.

A home security system is not only a precautionary measure, but is also one that will provide your family with the peace of mind that is necessary to ensure you can sleep well through the night, or go on vacation without worrying about becoming a victim.

A recent poll found that people are increasingly in favor of using home security systems to protect their property. The same poll found that people are not concerned with the use of camera devices when used to deter crime in public or private areas. With technology increasing the ability to provide better security systems it’s no wonder that people want to take advantage of them.

ADT home security systems are the number one way that people can protect themselves against crime. Burglaries are one of the most common crimes in the country. A burglary is committed on average about once every 16 seconds. Most burglaries are done by people who are looking for quick cash. They often prefer to take small items that they can easily fit into their pockets or a small bag. Electronic items and jewelry are two of the most common items that thieves are after.

A home security system can help prevent or deter crime. The basic home security system uses an alarm that sounds when an unauthorized person enters the home. The system can also call out to the security center where they will call police. The alarm uses a keypad that is located inside each door. The homeowner uses a code to set and disarm the alarm. New systems are wireless and can provide additional security of windows and other areas.

Home security systems can also include surveillance cameras that are strategically placed near the home. You can view the cameras through a closed circuit television set. The latest technology combines the Internet. Users have an account that can be accessed from anywhere in the world to view their cameras. You can also set your alarm this way.

Remote alarm controls and one-touch settings help make home security systems easy to use. When choosing an alarm system consult with your alarm company to get input about the type of alarm system that is best for you. If you have a large home you’ll need more protection than if you have a smaller home or apartment. The alarm company will have some advice for making sure your home is kept secure. This may include things such as making sure that you have a dead bolt lock on doors and have good outdoor lighting at night. There are many simple things you can do to help ensure that your home is not targeted for a burglary.

Remember that any area can have crime. Always lock your doors and windows. Install motion sensor lights outdoors and in key areas. If you have a fence be sure to keep the gate closed and locked. Keep your eyes open for strange behavior. Most crimes occur by someone who has cased the property first to learn your habits. If you see a suspicious person or car call the police. Let your neighbors know when you’ll be out of town so they can help watch your home. When you get an ADT home security system be sure to put the signs up that warn others about your alarm.

When you think about protecting your family and your possessions the most important consideration in home security should be the company’s monitoring centers. ADT 24 Hour Monitoring has taken everything into consideration to make sure that you are protected round the clock. ADT is the only home security provider that has not one but five 24-hour Customer Monitoring Centers across the country.

Each ADT Customer Monitoring Center has been carefully planned out from the equipment to the expert trained staff to provide you with the best home security monitoring possible. Their backup systems are prepared for another center to take over if a center suffers from a disaster such as a hurricane or tornado. Whether there is a power outage or a computer crash you can rest assured knowing that ADT is still there monitoring your home security system through one of its advanced monitoring centers.

Whether your home security system detects carbon monoxide, fire, flood, burglary, or you use the one touch emergency buttons ADT is there for you and your family. ADT has disaster preparations for the following circumstances in place to protect you and your loved ones:

· Power Outages

· Power Failure

· Computer Crashes

· Flooding

· Hurricane

· Blackout

· Tornado

When a monitoring center is unable to provide service another center immediately takes over to ensure that you will receive continuous monitoring 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

ADT Monitoring Centers are more than just a home security center. They are often a lifeline for the people who are a victim of a serious emergency or burglary. The ADT associate may be the only contact a person has during a medical emergency until help arrives. Real life personal stories of people helped by the ADT monitoring services of their home security system are stories of the unknown heroes. These heroes work diligently behind the scenes for you when your home security system signals an alarm to the ADT monitoring center. They make the call to paramedics, police or fire emergency teams when you cannot make the call yourself or are unaware an emergency condition exists.

ADT home security packages can be upgraded to include Two-Way Voice. Two-Way Voice gives you the ability to speak with an ADT monitoring center from inside your home using the home security control panel. The control panel has a sensitive microphone that will detect your voice from up to 75 feet away. If you are injured and unable to come to the phone the ADT associate can speak to you to verify that an emergency exists and stay on the line with you until help arrives. This added benefit of the ADT home security system gives customers the confidence that someone will be available when help is needed. Just hearing the ADT associate’s voice from the control panel can be reassuring during an emergency situation.

ADT Monitoring Centers receive over 19 million customer calls each year. The incredible track record of ADT Home Security has made it the trusted source across the country. Their proven ability to monitor your home round the clock combined with the incredible diligence they have placed into ensuring continuous monitoring make it the #1 home security provider in America.

There are many concerns about home security today. With the number of home invasions in the US steadily on the rise, a home security system offers protection and peace of mind. However, what happens when an enterprising criminal decides to cut the phone lines to the home? Most alarm systems use the phone line exclusively for communication with the monitoring station. A loss of the phone communications is a detrimental thing for homeowners. In fact, most monitoring companies will not note a loss in phone line communications because homeowners use a shared phone line.

There is, however, a way around this obstacle. ADT Safewatch CellGuard offers homeowners the security that they need, and does not rely on a phone line to do so. How does this system work? It utilizes cellular signal to communicate with the monitoring center, rather than routing those communications through a landline telephone. Why is this better? Simply put, it ensures that you are protected by your security system, whether your phone line is active or not. By using cellular signal, ADT Safewatch CellGuard provides instant communications with monitoring stations even in the face of the most enterprising criminal.

These benefits operate best if they are combined with a backup battery and other quality offers. Together, they make an almost unbeatable security system, offering the utmost in protection for your home and your family. There are a number of ways in which ADT Safewatch CellGuard can be configured. The most common is to use this system as a backup communications method for your security system. In this configuration, all communications are routed through a landline, unless that phone line is not functioning. When that is the case, the communications routing is switched to use the cellular signal. The homeowner does not need to do anything in this regard; the control unit handles all of the switching.

Another configuration option fits those that have no landline telephone. In the day of cell phones and satellite Internet, many consumers have chosen not to pay the additional expense of a standard telephone line, choosing to rely, instead, on their cell phones for communications. In the past, this has meant that these consumers were limited in their choice of home security systems. Today, though, ADT Safewatch CellGuard offers these consumers the protection they want and need, even without a landline phone. Because this system uses cellular signal, it can be configured to eradicate the need for a standard telephone line, while still providing the coverage required.

Home security has never been so easy to attain or so comprehensive. With this service, anyone can have the feeling of peace and security that a monitored home security system provides, whether they have a landline phone or not. As mentioned, combining this feature with others from ADT offers the means to have a fully functional, custom security system that exactly fits your needs. In addition, this system has the capability of growing and changing as your security needs change.

Home security companies typically provide installation services to professionally integrate their security solutions into your home environment. This is a great way to make sure that your home is protected and minimize false alarms. Consumers are often confused about window and door security and intrusion detection.

Home intrusion is detected on windows and door through the use of contacts. These contacts are typically installed by the professionals sent to your home. To help you understand the contacts available for your home security solution or to use as a do-it-yourself guide we will discuss the contact options available.

These contacts often use magnets to detect unauthorized entry and send a signal back to the security system which then triggers an alarm. Press fit contacts are the most common contacts used in home security solutions. These contacts are reliable and good for casement windows, sliding doors, and thin frame windows. Press fit contacts often come in pairs and using magnetic casing to detect entry.

Button ball contacts are another form used in security solutions. This solution contains a plunger style contact. It is typically used on doors. As a door is opened the ball is pushed back into the contact casing triggering an alarm. The signal is sent by wire to the security system.

Mini-disc tight fit contacts are very thin. These contacts are the size of a coin and are used for tight fitting places. The contact uses magnetic casings to detect entry.

Surface mount contacts are easily to install. These contacts have been around for many years and are very reliable. Contacts are mounted to the surface of doors or windows. When the contacts are moved apart an alert is triggered. The contacts are mounted using screws or adhesive. Sometimes contacts are installed using both adhesive and screws for a secure connection. Ease of installation is the biggest benefit to surface mount contacts.

Recessed alarm contacts are used for doors and windows. Their primary use is in window frames that cannot accommodate a hole drilled for contact placement. Magnetic casings are used for recessed contacts to detect entry. These contacts can contain mounting caps that require a key before separating.

Rollerball contacts are recessed contacts that use a ball for detecting entry opposed to magnets. When the ball is pushed into the casing entry is detected. These contacts are more versatile than the wheel and plunger style contacts. There is a 360 degree activation point and tapered housing allows for easy installation.

If you choose to install a do-it-yourself home security system you have a variety of options available to use for contacts to detect entry. To take the burden of selecting the proper contacts and installing the component properly consider using a home security provider that is well respected by consumers.

Home security providers can offer you more than just a professional installation. They can offer you incredible components and monitoring services to give you the peace of mind that someone is watching out for you and your family even when you are unavailable to do so. They are the best form of security you can find for all your home security needs.