By Nadya Huang | Photos courtesy of Certis Cisco | reprinted with permission from "Expert Advise" by Home Concepts magazine
WHAT BASIC FEATURES SHOULD A HOME SECURITY SYSTEM HAVE?For homes, a security system with an intrusion detection feature is a must-have. The system will be triggered if a door or window is tampered with. Some homeowners may install a CCTV to monitor home situations where there are elderly parents, young children and maids.
A sound home security solution should give you round-the-clock protection, monitoring against break-ins, fire and other dangers. Linked to Certis CISCO’s 24-hour alarm monitoring centre, our home security solution has the following features:
• Signage (Deters burglars)
• Siren (Alerts your neighbours and discourages further attempts)
• Alarm monitoring (Notifies you and sends help when alarms are set off)
• Duress alarm (Enter a duress code instead of the access code to disable the alarm; a duress signal is sent to the centre for help)
• Smoke detector (Alerts you to a fire when you are home; ensures the SCDF is notified promptly)
• Panic alarm (Sends a signal to the centre when activated via the control panel/key fob. Help will then be sent your way)
• Pendant panic button (Ideal for the elderly or infirm; can be clipped onto clothing or mounted by the bedside)
WHICH ARE CURRENTLY THE MOST COMMON AND POPULAR SECURITY GADGETS?
For homes, the most common and popular security gadgets would include RFID readers, card readers, PIN readers, and magnetic locks for doors and alarms.
WHAT ARE THE COMMON MYTHS ABOUT HOME SECURITY? DO YOU THINK PEOPLE ARE CONCERNED ENOUGH ABOUT HOME SECURITY?
There is a general complacency and mindset that “it will not happen to me”. As Singapore, by world standards, is still relatively safe, Singaporeans may not be overly concerned about home security. But we do see an upward trend of people seeking professional advice and service to safeguard their home and loved ones.
HOW DO YOU THINK HOME SECURITY TRENDS ARE GOING TO CHANGE? WHICH IS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT?
I believe that homeowners will benefit through education and awareness of the crime situation and that cost-effective solutions are available. With greater education and awareness, homeowners will be more likely to invest in home security systems to protect their loved ones and home.
HOW DO WE KNOW IF THE PERSON INSTALLING OUR SYSTEM IS TRUSTWORTHY?
Engage a reputable security company. Such organizations will have strict selection criteria for technicians and engineers. For example, at Certis CISCO, our engineers are recruited through a rigorous selection process. When [they] conduct site surveys or install systems, customers can verify their identities through uniforms and the company-issued photo ID. Upon installation, our engineers will always advise customers to change the default password to a personalized one.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD WE MAINTAIN OUR SECURITY SYSTEM?
Home security systems should be periodically tested to ensure they are in good working condition. As good practice, security systems need to be maintained every six months.
OTHER MEASURES TO TAKE TO MAXIMISE HOME SECURITY
• Avoid being complacent and be vigilant of and report suspicious characters loitering in the vicinity of your home to the police
• Keep abreast of the latest modus operandi of criminals. Examples include deception and impersonation of government officials/ regulatory authorities; gaining entry through false ceilings, ventilation openings, rubbish chutes; using adjacent properties as a platform to break-in, etc.
• Ensure that all family members especially the young and senior citizens are periodically reminded not to allow strangers into the home
• Ensure all doors and windows are secured when leaving the home even for a short while
• Avoid keeping large amounts of cash and valuables in the home
• Change locks when keys are misplaced and/or when given to renovation contractors
SHOULD YOU BE AWAY FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME, AVOID GIVING SIGNS THAT YOUR HOME IS UNOCCUPIED
• Cancel your newspaper and magazine subscriptions; avoid leaving notes to indicate your absence even for short durations; use timer switches to turn on the lights to give the impression that your home is occupied
• Ask neighbours and/or trusted persons to keep an eye on your home while you are away and to remove unsolicited brochures left outside the entrance of the home
• Inform your Neighbourhood Police Centre that you will be away from home
Source: Securing The Home…And Peace Of Mind
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