How to stay safe with a driveway alarm
If you wish to scare off a possible intruder, never miss a package delivery, or always be aware if someone is on your property, you should invest in a driveway alarm system. There are many styles to choose from, with each one offering you a progressive way of keeping up with what is going on around your property.
Driveway alarm systems use motion detection technology and will send a signal to a receiver in your home when someone walks on your driveway or walkway. Most models will allow you to talk through the receiver, which carries your voice through the transmitter. If an intruder is attempting to survey your home, your voice is normally all that is needed to persuade them to run away. Driveway alarm systems can be used in numerous ways such as alerting you if a vehicle is coming up the driveway, someone enters your garage, or even if someone boards your parked boat or motor home. Driveway alarm systems can be standalone or integrated into your existing home alarm system.
You can purchase wired, wireless or handheld models, which have varying detection ranges from 100 feet to 2 miles or more. Some alarms will warn you of visitors with sounds, while other systems use prerecorded messages. More innovative models will come with multiple transmitters that allow you to put sensor alarms in various places along walkways or your driveway.
When you install your alarm system, you should always place the sensor in an area where it isn’t easy to spot. Although most driveway alarms are weather resistant, they should still be placed in a somewhat protective area. You will also want to ensure that the sensor is in an area where tree branches or bushes will not be blown by the wind into the detection zone.
Depending on your budget, the system that you can choose from will vary. Standard wireless driveway alarms can cost under 100 dollars and are best for suburban areas as they are simple to install and have adequate range for detection. If you have a large driveway, need small business security, or want more elaborate features, you will have to increase your budget to find a driveway alarm that meets your needs. More advanced models have continuous or strobe lights, sirens or even a phone dialer that will automatically dial the police. Always ask yourself the maximum transmission distance required, the amount of maintenance you are willing to accept and what the overall function of the alarm will be.
Knowing when a visitor or possible intruder is approaching is the first step towards protecting your property and family. Coupled with your home alarm system, driveway alarms are an excellent way to add more security to your home and give you and your loved ones daily peace of mind.