Hey there! If you've been looking into home security, you've probably come across the debate about professional monitoring versus doing it yourself with smart home monitoring. Let's break down why smart home monitoring and involving friends and family might actually be a better way to keep your home safe.
The Problem with False Alarms
False alarms are a big problem with traditional security systems. They’re so common that emergency services often deprioritize home alarm calls. Here's what the experts are saying:
- National Institute of Justice: A detailed report by the U.S. Department of Justice points out that false alarms make up a huge chunk of alarm calls. This leads to police departments giving these alerts a lower priority.
- The Impact of False Alarms on Community Policing Services: An article in SAGE Journals discusses how false alarms put a strain on police resources. The high number of false alarms makes it tough for police to focus on real emergencies.
- International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP): The IACP supports programs to reduce false alarms and prioritize responses to verified alarms, meaning that traditional, unverified alarms might not get the attention they need.
The Case for Smart Home Monitoring
So, why consider smart home monitoring and friends & family monitoring over professional services? Here’s why:
- Immediate Response: With smart home monitoring, you or someone you trust can respond to alerts right away. No more waiting for a third-party service to verify the alarm and call for help.
- Reduced False Alarms: When you monitor your own system, you can quickly see if an alarm is false and handle it without bothering emergency services. This way, real emergencies get the priority they deserve.
- Smart Home Integration: Integrating security with your smart home means you can verify alarms with presence detection, cameras, and other sensors. This wouldn’t be possible with a traditional security system.
- Cost Savings: Professional monitoring services charge monthly fees. With Konnected’s smart home solutions, you can upgrade your security without those recurring costs, using platforms like SmartThings, Home Assistant, or Hubitat.
How Konnected Fits In
At Konnected, we offer products that let you turn your existing wired sensors and sirens into a smart home security system. This means you get all the benefits of modern tech without having to replace everything. Here’s what we’ve got:
- Konnected Alarm Panel Devices: These devices help you connect wired alarm systems to your smart home setup, so you can control everything from your phone.
- Conversion and Interface Kits: Whether you want to replace your old system or integrate it with new tech, we’ve got options to suit your needs.
- More than just Monitoring and Control: Boost your security by linking smart lights to your sensors. Lights can turn on when motion is detected or doors are opened, which can scare off potential intruders.
Conclusion
Emergency services often deprioritize home alarm calls due to the high number of false alarms. This makes smart home monitoring and friends & family monitoring a smarter choice for many homeowners. Using Konnected’s solutions, you can manage your home security effectively and take advantage of the entire smart home ecosystem. Plus, you save money and get better control over your security setup.
For more information, check out these resources:
- National Institute of Justice - False Alarms and Response
- The Impact of False Alarms on Community Policing Services - The Monitoring Association
- False Alarm Programs - International Association of Chiefs of Police
- Strategies to Reduce False Alarms - IACP Police Chief Magazine
Choosing smart home monitoring with Konnected not only enhances your home security but also helps create a more efficient emergency response system. Plus, it’s a great way to integrate all your smart home gadgets for a safer, smarter home.