Why a Home Security System is Ideal for Risk Management

If you’re reading this article, you’re likely thinking not just about security systems but about what a security system is protecting. A technical term for evaluating how and what to protect in your life is “Risk Management.” While the thought of harm coming to yourself, your loved ones, or your property may be a frightening prospect, using risk management can help you make a wise, clear decision about home security rather than reacting from (reasonable) fear. Please keep reading to learn more about how risk management can help you choose the right home security system. 

What is risk management? 

Risk means the potential for loss, and managing risk involves identifying risk, assessing risk, and taking steps to reduce risk to an acceptable level.

Taking time to identify your personal risk involves surveying what you value against prospective hazards. Have you acquired property that may have worth to others? Do you have family or pets that rely on you to maintain a safe environment?

Once you are sufficiently aware of what you have that needs to be protected, it is time to assess the type of risks those might face. What is your level of exposure to loss in any of these areas, and how might you be able to reduce that potential for loss?

Understanding the probability of risk then begs the question of what preventative measures can be put in place to reasonably defend what you value. Taking steps toward personal risk management can help you take control of an uncertain future and safeguard what you hold dear.

Can a security system provide risk prevention measures?

Certainly, a security system can address your exposure to various environmental and man-made hazards, including:

• Burglary

• Vandalism

• Flood/Freeze

• Harmful Gas

• Smoke/Fire

• High utility cost

How do security systems reduce risk by deterring crime?

A security system is usually first associated with burglary prevention. A robust security system will employ a network of sensors that recognize door and window movement, the sound of breaking glass, and unusual movement detected on a property.

If a burglar or vandal wishes to remain unnoticed, a well promoted security system lets a would-be criminal know that you are not an easy target. In addition to drawing the attention of residents on and around the property, a monitored security system can also notify authorities and first responders.

Deterring against harmful intent is one preventative measure. Avoiding a known source of loss is one strategy for managing risk.

What kind of risk does an environmental sensor mitigate?

Another strategy for managing risk is to lessen the severity of the impact of loss by responding quickly to a situation or reducing the possibility of a repeat occurrence.

Early detection of harmful conditions is critical, and environmental sensors, such as flood, freeze, smoke, and carbon monoxide detectors that pair with a security system, can provide rapid awareness of conditions that threaten life, health, and significant loss of property.

If you are alerted to freezing conditions, for instance, and are in the vicinity, opening the cabinet doors or strategically running water can prevent pipes from bursting before it is too late. An ounce of prevention is said to be worth a pound of cure.

Similar to the response mounted when an intrusion is detected, monitored security systems can alert first responders to unsafe conditions. Protocols associated with security monitoring companies can include dispatching the fire department when the presence of smoke or fire is detected by environmental sensors.

How can monitoring my appliance control the excess expense risk?

Smart Home features that integrate with a good home security system can help reduce your risk of loss by providing insight into your home’s energy consumption and controls to help correct the situation. Don’t wait for a monthly bill to discover the impact of cooling your house in the summer months during the day, especially if nobody is home.

Smart schedules can be created to help manage this, and a good security system can incorporate triggers and rules that make exceptions when people are home. Triggers are events that would normally create a response from a security system. Rules are exceptions to routine behaviors, such as having different times of day where only certain triggers may result in notifications.

For example, you could set up a rule that is only active at night and only while everyone is away from home. The rule can be triggered by a person approaching the house, which can be detected by analytics on a video security camera. The rule can dictate that certain parts of your house will light up with smart lights.

Pairing additional devices, such as a smart in-wall outlet with a connected television or radio, can further give the illusion that someone is home by creating additional ambient noise. This can help give the appearance that the home is occupied. Otherwise, it might simply remove the cover of darkness and silence to potential intruders that rely on stealth.

How can I make a plan for risk management?

While different levels of risk warrant different approaches to risk management, a base security system is a great starting point for creating both a deterrent to help avoid undesirable behavior and a mitigation tactic to minimize the impact or recurrence of unsafe conditions.

Deciding what devices to pair with your home security system should be centered around your needs, your lifestyle, and your convenience. When you are ready to discuss a risk management strategy that uses a home security system customized for your specific needs, contact us to speak with a Brinks Home Security Consultant.