Understanding the difference between home security and home monitoring

But understanding the difference between home security and home monitoring can go a long way in helping you safeguard your home in its entirety – the physical structure, the contents and your family.

Most people who own a home recognize the importance of security. It’s difficult to think about your home possibly being in jeopardy. But it does happen. And you have to be prepared.

Today, preparation usually means a traditional security system that provides the first level of physical security. You are able to arm key entry points including doors and windows to protect from break ins and unwanted intruders. For most homeowners, fire and carbon monoxide detectors also represent a vital part of home security. In fact, most provinces have legal mandates for fire and carbon monoxide alarms. For example, as of March 1, 2006, it became law in Ontario that every home have a working smoke alarm on every storey and outside all sleeping areas.

Each of these systems is vital to protecting the monetary and emotional investments you’ve made in your home. But there’s a catch. For any alarm-style system to be truly effective, most often, you or someone you know needs to be present or in close proximity to react. In addition, typical devices only provide alarms once a situation is underway, making it more challenging for you to avoid negative implications.

Monitoring your home is different because it expands your capability to safeguard your home beyond simply the physical structure and the contents. With monitoring, you can protect both the things and people that make your house a home.

You no longer have to wonder about what’s going on in your home when you aren’t there. Through ongoing monitoring, you can always be in the know so you can take immediate action – sending a neighbour over to check in, calling your child or following up with your service company. And most monitoring solutions such as Home Monitoring from Bell allow you to add a visual element – so you can capture still and video images of activity you want to track in specific areas of your home.

With monitoring, you receive the same advantages of traditional security and environmental hazard protection systems. You’ll know if there is a break in attempt or higher than acceptable levels of smoke (which can indicate a potential fire situation) or carbon monoxide.

But the real value comes from ongoing awareness. By monitoring your home, you can be proactive and know instantly about everything that is going on – both good and bad. Have a service call scheduled for 10am? You’ll know if your service people are prompt. Did your child miss the school bus? You’ll know if he arrives home safely at the designated time.

With access to ongoing information about the status of your home, not just your house, you can have greater confidence that you are doing everything possible to protect your most cherished assets – your valuables, your memories and most importantly, your family.

Home Monitoring from Bell logoDid you know? Home Monitoring from Bell is a new home security and safety service. It is completely wireless and can be self-installed. The system alerts you in real time by phone, email or text message to break-ins, power outages and potential water or fire damage. Video monitoring can be added for additional security. For more information, call 1 866 921-6813 or click here.