Not even a day can go by without safety being one of the most popular topics. When we look at stats, the data will show how criminal activity is constantly increasing, and knowing that it’s pretty understandable why so many people are enhancing the security of their homes. Namely, there has never before been such a high demand for products made by the surveillance companies, as every property owner simply asks for alarm or video surveillance systems.
A driveway alarm is one of the most popular, as it is a device that alerts you when someone steps foot on your property. It offers a significant deterrent to thieves and other criminals who might want to steal from you because they react immediately. A variety of types, styles, and prices are available for purchase, and it is up to us to choose the best one for us and our properties.
Homeowners install driveway alarms to protect the properties they have worked so hard to get from thieves and burglars. These systems can be installed quickly and easily by someone with some mechanical experience or by hiring an electrician if necessary. Choosing the best one depends on the individual homeowner’s needs, but there are plenty of options available on the market today that should meet most homeowners’ requirements. Here are a few to consider, and we will explain them better.
1. Deterrent:
It is easy to install and will not set off a panic alarm unless someone steps on your property. It has motion sensors, and is activated by movement at the driveway, and can be turned off using a switch or sensor.
2. Panic:
It makes a loud noise when it has been triggered and is difficult to stop once it starts. Tripwires or pressure sensors typically trigger the alarm, and it scares most unwanted people and even the most courageous thieves.
3. Sensor:
This type of driveway alarm uses a magnetic or radio frequency sensor to detect movement at your driveway entrance. It can be armed before the person leaves their house, then disarm itself once they return home again. In that way, the home will be safe while no one is there, and there is no need to worry that someone can break in.
4. Motion-Sensing:
This type alerts us when it detects motion at the driveway entrance. It is usually more expensive than other options, but it is always a good choice, as it probably provides the best possible security, as it will detect even the smallest motion.
5. Lighted:
This type offers a visual warning to those passing by our driveway entrance and will sound a loud alarm only when someone moves within range. The light will illuminate until we turn it off, which can be done remotely using a keypad or remote control. In that way, burglars will be warned by two signs, with the light signal as the first warning and a loud sound if they choose to overlook the first sign.
6. Remote Controlled:
This type is similar to a lighted one. It also offers a visual warning to those passing by our driveway entrance but will sound an alarm only when someone moves within range. Once again, switching it off is easy, as we can turn the alarm off remotely using a remote control.
7. Video Surveillance System:
A video surveillance system allows you to see what is happening at your driveway entrance via security cameras. That is helpful for those who are away often and want the reassurance of knowing that their property is safe and for those who are home frequently and want security for their family members. Since these cameras are recording video, we can easily see what happened at a certain moment if it is necessary and find the thief easily when it comes to the robbery. This rewind option, along with a combination with other alarm systems, is perhaps the best solution for every home, as it provides video, sound, and alarm options.
Even though the name says driveway, we can install these alarms in a variety of locations on our property, and it is great to install them because it will enhance the security of our property. As for the best places to place them, here are some typical locations for them, where they can be most useful:
1. Front Driveway:
It is an area that homeowners often monitor, and it is the ideal place for setting the alarm to secure it, as in most cases, any potential threat will come this way.
2. Back Driveway:
This one is also a common place where people place these systems to monitor the whole property. Many people use cameras to help them see what is happening on and around their property, but it may be difficult for them to know when someone has entered it if they are not at home at the time. A driveway alarm can alert homeowners instantly when someone has entered their back driveway, meaning that at any point the owner will know whether their property is in danger or not.
3. Side Driveway:
This is another common area for people to monitor at home. Those who are away frequently, or those who are concerned about the safety of their family members, may want to consider installing an alarm along their side driveway.
As for the cost, it all depends on the features and options you want to add to your driveway alarms, as that can influence the price, meaning that the price can vary. At AbsoluteAutomation, for example, you can shop from a wide selection of them, including the following:
1. Wireless
The wireless driveway alarm has an omnidirectional receiver that automatically scans for approaching or passing vehicles without requiring any manual input from the user. The system also tracks movement in all directions and sends alerts when a vehicle enters the secured perimeter. A great thing about them is that, as their name itself says, they can easily be set up without wires that need to be connected.
2. Wired
A wired driveway alarm is a handy tool, particularly for those prone to forgetting to close up their garage or other essential doors. If you have a garage remote and want to have an additional safety precaution, this is a great device to give you peace of mind. Although it has some wires that need to be connected, it is not difficult to do that, and in most cases, you will not need professional help. Overall, for the small price of having to connect some cables, you will get a top-notch security system that will last for quite some time.
3. Infrared Motion
This is a type of alarm that is activated if there is motion in its field of view. Even the smallest motion will activate it, so there is no need to worry that something or somebody will go unnoticed.
4. WiFi
These alarms use a WiFi connection to send out alerts via text messages and emails. They are in the same wireless, but they differ from them because they need an internet connection for their operating.
5. Long Range
Capable of sending wireless signals for long distances of up to 4 miles, long-range driveway alarms allow individuals to monitor multiple distant locations.
6. Magnetic Probe
This type of driveway alarm uses low-power electronics and electromagnetic fields to detect the movement of the metal and everything made of it.
7. Solar Powered
These come with solar panels and inbuilt rechargeable batteries and run on solar energy, which is great because they do not need the electricity for their operating. Because of that, they are great energy savers and the perfect choice for every home.
Conclusion
If you have a driveway, it would be wise to invest the time and money into setting up a few driveway security alarms to make sure that your property is fully protected. There are plenty of options available for do-it-yourselfers as well as professional contractors, and there is a perfect device for every person. With the proper precautions in place, you’ll be able to keep your property safe while avoiding costly damage or injuries.