As a homeowner, finding the right security measures to keep you safe in your home can be challenging. However, residential security systems have come a long way. With smart technology and remote monitoring, homeowners have the added benefit of keeping an eye on their home, anytime of day, regardless of where they are. When compared with early efforts of home security such as door shakers, it is easy to say that residential security systems have improved immensely. Keep reading to learn about the evolution of home security, and how modern technology can give you peace of mind in your own home.
Traditional Home Security
Door Shakers
The first surge in home security efforts happened after World War I due to an increase in crime. Though it may sound trivial now, homeowners during this time would hire a service called door shakers. As the name implies, door shakers were a group of night watchmen who would shake people’s doors each night to make sure they were locked.
The First Instance of Central Monitoring
This is also when we saw the first rise of central monitoring services. Homeowners would install electromagnetic contacts to their doors and windows which were connected to a battery and bell. If the alarm system was triggered, the central station of the homeowner’s security monitoring provider would send a security guard to their home.
Early Stages of Video Surveillance
Fast forward to the 1970s, video surveillance became a widely accepted form of home security. Though the first model of the security camera was created in the 1940s, it wasn’t until the 1970s that the camera system became popular for crime prevention. It’s worth mentioning that these early models of the security camera were not discreet. They were much bulkier than the often inconspicuous versions we see today.
The security system included a large motorized camera that moved down a track to view the perimeter of the home. These cameras were often paired with an intercom through which the homeowner could communicate with visitors outside their home and an alarm to alert emergency services.
Hardwired Security Systems
In the 1980s, security became less expensive and therefore a large part of home technology. At this time, security measures were hardwired which comes with a few downsides. They were expensive to install and difficult to adjust. They also required a connection to a physical phone line which made them more vulnerable to being damaged by criminals. If the wires would cut on these security systems, a monitoring service would not receive any notification of criminal activity at any given residence. During this time, automated garage doors and fiber optic video surveillance became mainstream and soon became more affordable in the 1990s.
Cellular Monitoring
By the 2000s, hardwired systems became less common, as more systems primarily relied on cellular monitoring that uses internet monitoring as a backup. This decade also saw the rise of services that enabled users to access their homes via a web browser. Security also relied less on professional installation, allowing homeowners to install their own security measures of their choosing. They could buy various home security components and install the wireless sensors themselves.
Modern Home Security
Today’s home security measures far exceed past efforts. With smart technology and remote access, homeowners can ensure their home is safe no matter where they are.
Electronic and Biometric Locks
Modern locks like electronic locks and biometrics can further prevent unwanted visitors from gaining entry to one’s home. With electronic locking systems, homeowners can change the code periodically and even use a time-restricted code to allow entry to their home for a brief window of time. This is more secure than a traditional lock because a physical key can easily be lost or stolen. Plus, as more copies of the keys are made, this risk increases.
Remote Monitoring
In addition to improved monitoring systems that allow for security companies to monitor security wirelessly, things like smart doorbell cameras give homeowners more personal control over their homes. The footage from smart doorbell cameras can be monitored from a homeowner’s phone or laptop – whether they’re running errands, out of town, or at home and want to confirm a visitor before opening their front door. They also typically include audio surveillance in addition to video components.
Smart Technology
Long gone are the days of questioning whether you locked up the house or closed the garage door. Technology like smart lightbulbs and keyless entry smart locks allow homeowners to adjust their home’s security even when they’re away. Though smart lightbulbs merely sound like a way to cut back on energy consumption and save money, they can also deter potential burglars. Most burglaries occur during the day while homeowners are at work. By taking advantage of smart lightbulbs, homeowners can make it appear as though they are home at any time from any location.
Stay Safe with Pop-A-Lock
Installing smart technology in your home is a great way to stay safe and your local Pop-A-Lock can help! We can rekey your locks without replacing the original hardware, or install new electronic locks to keep your home secure. Regardless of your home security needs, your safety is our number one priority.