Many people think that security systems are meant to deter burglars from breaking into homes and businesses when people aren’t there. That’s true. But perhaps more importantly, a well-designed system will help protect occupants when they are on the premises. One of the best examples of this kind of protection is with kids who are sometimes left home alone—so-called “latchkey kids.”
Imagine for a moment that your son or daughter has just arrived home from school before you get home from work. Suddenly, a stranger leaps from his hiding place in the bushes and orders your child to disarm the security system. This is where the “duress code” feature of a professionally designed and monitored security system would come into play.
Fast Response is Critical
In this situation, rather than using the real code to your security system, your kids would instead input a “duress code.” This would make it appear that the security system has been disarmed, when in fact it sent a silent emergency signal to the central monitoring station. The central station dispatcher, seeing this incoming signal, then immediately dispatches police emergency response.
Armed with the information that this is a silent panic from a residence, the responding authorities will react very quickly and with the knowledge of what they are potentially up against. This kind of rapid and appropriate response will help ensure the safety of your child.
More Benefits
Other applications for child safety are the “check-in” feature, which would tell you (often with a text message to your cell phone), that you child has entered your home safely. A “chime” feature can alert you to any doors, windows or gates being opened, especially handy if you have small children at home.
So if you think a security system is just for catching burglars, talk with us. We’ll be happy to discuss the ways today’s advanced security systems can give your family greater protection and peace-of-mind.
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