Environmental Sensors and Your Security

When most people think of home security their thoughts rest almost exclusively on intrusion prevention and response.  And while this is certainly the primary function of home security systems, there are secondary, and in some cases, equally important functions, such as fire, carbon monoxide, and flood sensors.  Lets take a minute to examine each of these in detail.

1. Fire Detectors: It should be evident why you need smoke/fire detectors.  In fact, its required by law in many, if not most, places.  But if you have a security system, your smoke detectors should be tied into it.  That way, if you have a fire in your home, your detectors will sound locally, notify your system, and if you have monitoring (which you should), your system will alert the central station, which can immediately notify local emergency personnel.

2. Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Carbon monoxide is an incredibly toxic gas, and whats worse, its completely odorless, sightless, and tasteless.  It can be caused by furnaces, gas fireplaces or water heaters, etc.  Each year it kills many unsuspecting people and affects many others.  Even if it doesn't cause death, C.O. poisoning can lead to nausea, dizziness, unconsciousness, or even brain damage.  A C.O. detector will alert you locally and through your system if C.O. levels exceed a safe level.  You can also program it to contact your monitoring company who can immediately notify emergency personnel.

3. Flood sensors are not necessarily as absolutely vital as fire or c.o. detectors.  As a general rule, flooding will occur in the basement and is unlikely to affect anyone in the way fire or c.o. can.  However, its still an important option on your home security system.  A flood sensor will alert you when water triggers the device.  A flood sensor will allow you to immediately respond to the presence of water in your home, possible preventing thousands of dollars worth of damage.  And as any homeowner who has experienced flooding can tell you, water damage can be incredibly extensive and, for that matter, expensive.

These are not the only options available to you, but they are three of the more important.  For the minimal cost involved in any of these sensors, there is no reason not to have this level of protection.  Your home and family's safety far outweigh any financial investment.