No matter which option you choose, the end-goal of your home security system should be the same: safety and peace of mind. As you shop, keep your eye out for these important components.

Wireless Connectivity

Home security systems now have the ability to allow home-owners to engage with them in ways that weren’t possible years ago. Choose a system that allows you the option to arm and disarm remotely, and you’ll never have to wonder if you forgot to take care of it before you left.

Chubb Edwards home security solutions offer users the ability to arm/disarm from their wireless devices, and receive email or text messages for system conditions such as alarms and arming & disarming notifications. Find out about the savings and benefits Desjardins Insurance offers home-owners who install a Chubb Edwards centrally monitored alarm system.

24-Hour Monitored Care

With monitored systems, your system communicates with a monitoring centre 24 hours a day, which means that when an alarm signal is received, the police or fire department will be contacted right away.

With unmonitored systems, you may not have to pay an extra fee for the monitoring service, but you won’t get the added assurance that an emergency service will be automatically dispatched to your house in case of emergency.

Monitored protection guarantees your home is taken care of. Desjardins customers can also benefit from saving on their home insurance when they equip their home with a centrally monitored alarm system.

Comprehensive Detection Options

Aside from burglary, many home security options come with the ability to detect other kinds of emergencies such as smoke, fire, presence of moisture, water level, temperature variation and more.

If these services are equally as important to you, consider a home security option that acts as a single source for all your needs, and make your experience more efficient and cost-effective.

Warranty

When shopping for a home security system, don’t forget to inquire about a warranty. A warranty offers you time to find out if the product is right for you, and ensures that if the system requires a repair, you won’t have to go long without a working security system.

Reliable Support

The ideal security system comes with equally reliable assistance whenever you need it. If you have an issue with a device or installation questions, you should be able to contact the manufacturer and count on their responsiveness, no matter when you call.

Before you install, do a safety audit of your property to determine all possible points of entry or hiding places. Or, ask if your company offers in-home consultations.

Low-Tech, Low-Cost Home Security Practices

Adopting a few extra practices will help make your home that much safer. Supplement your home security system with these tips.

1. Upgrade the locks on your doors and windows.
2. Keep large shrubs or bushes on your property well-pruned to eliminate potential hiding spots for intruders.
3. Join a block watch group. These groups can be effective crime deterrents as they encourage residents in a neighbourhood to be vigilant and contact the police if someone sees something suspicious.
4. Don’t forget about garages and sheds – always keep doors closed to keep valuable items out of sight.
5. If possible, put interior lights, TV and radio on timers to avoid long stretches of inactivity at your home.