If you’ve ever pondered the question of “why is security important,” then you’ve obviously never been a homeowner. Paying hundreds of thousands of dollars on a mortgage and stocking it up with tens of thousands of dollars in belongings makes you realize just how much you’re risking.
In the following article, we’ll be discussing the major benefits of home security. We’ll especially be looking at why it matters when you’re away. But before we get into that, let’s look at all the things that can go wrong when you’re out of town.
What Goes Wrong When You Are Away
Homes without a security system are like defenseless targets when you go on a business trip, vacation, or some other engagement. You’re not there to protect the house. And neither is technology.
This vulnerability can lead to several negative outcomes. These include the following:
- Pet risks: You can’t take them everywhere you go. And pet daycares can be very expensive, especially if you plan on being gone longer than a day or two.
- Loss of property: This can happen in a couple of different ways. You could have the property stolen or you could lose it due to a catastrophic event.
- Vandalism: Not every financial loss is as a result of theft. You may be facing an expensive claim on your insurance or high out-of-pocket deductibles should someone deface your property while you’re away.
In short, you’ve invested too much in homeownership to leave it unprotected. It’s time to think about adding a home security system.
Progress of Home Security Systems
But isn’t home security expensive? We can see why you might think that. Initial systems were clunky, required greater installation expertise, and consumed more resources than the ones of today.
Many of today’s security systems are available with limited installation and low monthly fees. They also get faster response times than ones in the past.
So take your time with what you decide. Choose wisely. And if you still have any doubt, consider these benefits that you’ll enjoy from a home security system on your next trip.
1. Security Protects the Irreplaceable
Home security improves your chances of getting a quick response from police or fire services, as well as the security provider. This can help save the “irreplaceable items” that are no longer available or carry with them a lot of sentimental value (think home movies with deceased relatives or your children’s first steps).
And we say home security, but let’s not be discriminatory. You see a lot more apartment security system installations today because residents have these same fears of losing possessions with significant intrinsic value.
2. It Protects Your Area of Residence
Home and apartment security systems alike can benefit the entire community living around them. If a homeowner’s security system is able to catch a neighbor’s house being broken into on surveillance, for instance, it can lead to an arrest and reclamation of stolen property. It also will make thieves think twice about hitting certain neighborhoods.
3. Security Keeps Your Valuable Items Safe
A home or apartment alarm system also protects the items inside that are replaceable but of significant value. The average homeowner insures their valuables at around 20% of the home value. This is called dwelling coverage.
Renters often overlook this coverage or rely on the apartment landlord to have something in place. Home security can deter criminals from making a play for these possessions.
4. It Saves the Aggravation of Filing Claims
Sure, apartment and home security systems might be able to get your stuff back if it’s stolen, but what if it’s flood- or fire-damaged? Even if you can get a claim for the full value, it’s a hassle to go through the procedure when an ounce of prevention (home security) could be worth a pound of cure (not losing anything to begin with).
5. Security Also Protects Against Unexpected Hazards
Every home can go through unexpected hazards, whether you’re home or not. That includes fires, flooding, and carbon monoxide contamination.
Features like the ones found on this security system can help you identify those threats early. And with early identification, say it again with us, faster response.
6. It’ll Save You Money on Insurance
Homeowners often get a break on their home insurance when they have a qualifying home security system in place. On average, they’ll save about 20% per year in premiums.
7. Check on Your Property When You’re Not There
Nothing will give you more peace of mind as a homeowner or apartment resident than this. You find an Internet connection and bring up a live-video app. And voila, everything is as it should be.
This allows you to go about the rest of your trip with peace of mind. And you can check it as many times per day as you want, provided your Internet connections are reliable.
8. It Can Protect Pets You Have to Leave Behind
Housesitters are great for pet care when you’re away. But do you really want to trust that they’ll be there the whole time? Home security allows you to check in and makes sure your little buddy is doing well whenever the housesitter is at work or out getting a pizza.
9. You Don’t Have to Be Dependent on Neighbors
Some people can trust their neighbors. With a home security system, you don’t have to worry about it. But even if you do have a reliable neighbor, it’s a nice failsafe, and it’ll give you something to communicate to them should you see anything concerning on your live video feed.
10. It Triggers the Flight Mechanism in Home Invaders
The moment thieves break into a home or apartment with a functional home security system, they usually decide to not stay around very long. This flight mechanism betters your chances of keeping all or most of your things in the event of a break-in.
11. It’ll Increase the Overall Value of Your Home
A reliable home security system does indeed increase the value of your home. On average, homeowners see home values increase when they get ready to sell. And if you don’t get enough of a value bump, you may wish to take the portable systems with you.
The Answer to “Why Is Security Important” Is Simple
By now, you’ve probably answered the question of why is security important? It’s important because you are, as well as the home and possessions you’ve worked so hard for.
Many happy travels! Check out more of our tips on travel before you go.