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Homes are our safe spaces. If your home does not make you feel safe, do not worry, various security products can offer you peace of mind. The home security market is constantly upgrading its products to make you feel safe, even when you aren’t at home. 

Different Types of Alarm Systems

There are two types of alarm systems, perimeter, and area alarm systems. These may be single-sector or sectionalised. Single-sector systems cover one area, whereas sectionalised alarm systems allow for coverage of multiple areas, allowing some areas to remain armed when not in use.

Both systems can be used internally or externally. There are multiple factors to consider when deciding what type of system, you should purchase. 

• Type of criminal activities in your neighbourhood – have criminals entered homes or stolen items from the garage or garden sheds?
• Load shedding.
• Electricity usage.
• The time you would set your system.
• The period you would have the system set for.
• Would your pets interfere with the system?
• Do you want to connect your system to your local security company?

Your decision should be made with much thought. Visit your local security retailer, as well as ask friends and family what alarm systems they make use of and what the pros and cons are.

With the cost of living increasing, protecting your home from intruders might seem out of reach. We advise all South Africans to download the iER App. iER is a FREE emergency response app available for download. It can be used on an Android, iOS or Harmony OS smartphone. iER connects you to emergency services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

We have put together a list of security products for you to consider.

Motorised Gate

Motorised gates are far safer than manual ones. According to DM Security Systems, having a family member open and close the gate when you arrive or leave your home is dangerous. It is even riskier to get out of your car and do it yourself, leaving you and your car vulnerable.

Motorised gates allow you to quickly open and close, controlling access to your property at the click of a button without leaving your car or front door. 

Video Intercom

Video intercoms have become a popular security system because it removes the stress of opening your home to someone you do not know.

The intercom alerts you of someone’s presence; by allowing you to see who is at your door or gate and speak to them. Opening the door or gate to a stranger is incredibly uneasy because you may be putting the lives of your family or friends in danger. 

Highly recommended smart video doorbells have motion-detection alerts, a two-way talking option, and a high-definition video with night vision.

Electric Fencing

Electric fences provide three main benefits: visual protective appearance, the shocking capacity they hold, and the fact that they are connected to and work with your alarm system.

When intruders see that you have an electric fence around your property, they are likely to be deterred due to the fear of getting hurt when they cross it. Having an electric fence around your property gives you an advantage, as intruders will always choose a property that is easier to get into.

Should intruders still choose to try to enter your property with an electric fence around it, they will receive a shock, and your alarm will go off. 

Motion Sensors

Motion sensors are essential for home security. Motion sensors use infrared technology. This means that when an infrared beam is broken, you will be notified.

These sensors are mostly for external use and are perfect for natural pathways in your garden. You can set these beams higher than your pets, so they don’t trigger them when walking through your garden.

Internal Alarm System

Internal alarms offer you peace of mind. Should an intruder get past your external security measures and into your home, your internal alarm system will alert you as they walk past the sensors. These sensors, if positioned correctly, can also detect any doors and windows being opened.

If a motion is detected once you have set the alarm, the siren will sound. If you are home sleeping, this will immediately alert you. If you are out, you will receive a notification on your phone.

Security Cameras

Security cameras are a proven deterrent for criminals because they don’t want to be caught doing illegal activities on a recording. 

Installing security cameras around the perimeter of your home can help you monitor activities allowing you to act on any suspicious behaviour.

Window and Door Alarms

Window and door alarms are highly rated. They immediately let you know when one of your doors or windows is opened. The alarms are affordable and easy to install. 

Each unit is broken up into two pieces. One is the alarm, and the other is the magnetic strip. The unit is mounted side-by-side on your window or door and the frame. 

The unit separates and sets off a beeping alarm when you open the door or window. The beeping helps to deter criminals and alert neighbours or security companies if linked to the unit.

Smart Door Handle

A smart lock on your door handle is the next level! It is unlike your average key lock mechanism because it comes with a Bluetooth-enabled key fob. The fob allows you to lock or unlock the door. You can enable a fingerprint-unlocking feature too. Additionally, the app will notify you of someone trying to open the door. It is a subtle alarm, but an alarm system, nonetheless. 

The iER app is for emergencies, but what constitutes as an emergency? Sometimes you might find yourself in a precarious situation, unsure whether or not you may be in danger. In these instances, is it acceptable to use the iER app preventatively? Yes, you can use the iER app if and whenever you feel unsafe. 

The iER call centre will determine the nature of your emergency and the required response. If you use the panic button, the trained personnel on the other end of the line will decide whether or not you need assistance.

The iER call centre will be able to respond to your emergency 24 hours a day, every day.

iER will track your emergency to ensure that you receive the most appropriate intervention and follow up by notifying your family emergency contacts and group contacts to ensure your safety. So even if there isn’t an imminent threat, the app can still contact your approved family contacts so that they can assist you if need be.