Are you the kind of mom or dad who loves saving money? You clip coupons, wait for deals before shopping, mow your own lawn, and fix whatever you can that breaks? Kudos to you, and your thrifty ways. But is your quest to save money actually costing you when it comes to home security?
There are many reasons to get a home security system, though a barrier for some can be the perceived cost. They figure they can get by with a few DIY security measures, or they roll the dice, hoping a break-in, fire, or other disaster doesn’t happen at their home.
But your family and your loved ones aren’t worth gambling over.
There are many ways to safeguard your home from intruders, but the truth is, there are things only a home security system can do. If your knee-jerk reaction is “that’s an expense we can avoid,” think again. A home security system allows you to keep your loved ones and belongings safe and secure.
Here are some statistics to think about:
- In 2013, there were 8.6 million property crimes committed, totaling an estimated $16.6 billion in losses.
- A burglary happens every 13 seconds in the United States, for an estimated 5,400 burglaries every day.
- Forced entry is how 61 percent of burglars get in.
- The estimated loss of personal property in home fires is $12 billion annually.
- In 2010, a household member was present during an estimated 1 million burglaries, with 27 percent becoming the victim of violence.
- Homes without a home security system are 300 percent more likely to get broken into.
Did those stats give you pause? They should. While there are many things a home security system can do (turn up the heat remotely, allow you to see what your kids are doing while home alone), the true benefits lie in the ability to ward off intruders, warn you of fires and gas leaks, and keep your belongings safe.
If you’re looking for reasons to get a home security system, consider the cost-savings you can realize, and the best- and worst-case scenarios of having a home security system.
Calculate all savings
Don’t just look at the cost of a home security system and the monthly monitoring fee. There are cost-savings to be had. You may qualify for a discount on your homeowners insurance for having a home security system.
You also may save money on your energy bill by being able to better control your thermostat (and control it remotely, including if you forget to turn the heat down when you go on vacation). Read 4 unconventional ways to use your home security system to learn more benefits.
Also consider what having a home security system does to your home’s value. Likely, the value would go up, which is a real benefit, especially if you’re planning to sell your home down the road.
Best-case scenarios
The best-case scenario if you get a home security system is that it is never needed to prevent a burglary or sound the alarm for a fire, gas leak, flood, or other emergency. If the chances aren’t great that one of those situations will occur, is it worth getting the system?
It is. The power of deterring a potential burglary is priceless, and having a home security system could play a role in preventing dangers. Houses without a home security system are 300 percent more likely to get broken into.
In addition, having a home security system goes beyond burglary. The system alerts you in the event of a fire or a carbon monoxide leak. Knowing you’ve got such a system in place could help you sleep better at night knowing your family and belongings are safe.
Want to know more about protecting your home? Read these 8 safety must-haves for every home.
Worst-case scenarios
Take stock of what you have in your home. Do you have electronics, jewelry, cash, family photos, memorabilia, or other valuables in your home? How important is it to safeguard those items from a burglar, fire, or other catastrophe?
What may be of no valuable to a burglar (family photos) is a huge value to you. Unfortunately, house fires don’t often spare things like your child’s first handprint or lock of hair.
The worst-case scenario is your home being broken into, flooded, or catching on fire. Also consider what could happen to your loved ones in the case of a home invasion or other emergency.
While these worst-case scenarios don’t happen every day, you don’t want to become a statistic. Having a home security system in place could prevent some real calamities from striking your home and family.
If the case has been made that getting a home security system is worth the price, congrats on making a wise decision. When you’re ready to protect your home and family with a home security system, read this newbie’s guide to choosing a home security system.
