The importance of home security can never be overemphasised and goes beyond the brick-and-mortar of our house. We hear from Corinna Choong, Senior Vice President, Group Marketing & Communications of Certis CISCO, on how to keep me and mine safe and sound.
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 musthave. 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 organisations 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 personalised 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.
Click here for Part 2
Source:Expert Advice on Home Security (Part 1/2)
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