I have a question for my readers. If you lived on a top floor condo where there was really only one viable entrance (the front door), would you consider adding a home security system? My husband and I go back and forth on this debate all the time.
We do have windows and sliding glass doors to our balcony that we can exit from in case of an emergency. And it is possible to get into our condo from the balcony. The only problem with that is that we face the parking lot and there is no way anyone could shimmy up the side of the building on to our balcony and break in without someone noticing them. We have neighbors below us, across from us and next to us. Not to mention it’s a busy complex and there are always people coming and going throughout the day and night.
We keep talking about adding a home security system for the safety of our children. Now that our kids are teenagers they would rather hang out at home rather than be seen out with dear old mom and dad. That means that my husband and I are able to go out and do “couples” things like go to the movies or out to dinner and leave the kids at home. The only downside is that I worry about them. Especially if either of them is home alone.
We’ve looked into home security systems like Vivint because we like all of the features they offer consumers including an outdoor siren, video surveillance, a smart thermostat, motion detector and lamp & appliance controls. I’m pretty sure our neighbors won’t appreciate an outdoor siren (LOL) but it would be certainly great to have.
We’re not so much worried about people breaking into our condo and stealing anything. We really don’t have anything of great value. If someone wants to climb up the side of the building and carry down our flat screen TV and risk being seen more power to them. I’m pretty sure no one is going to do that. Our #1 concern is our children.
We do live in a building with other residents, but it’s hard to say when they are coming or going because they all keep different schedules. Our kids know to knock on a neighbor’s door in the event of an emergency, but what would they do if they can’t leave our condo? What if someone (a stranger) was at the door trying to break in? It’s stuff like that which frightens me. That is why we keep talking about getting a home security system. That way our kids can feel safe when they are home alone and we can feel safe knowing they are protected.
Some of our neighbors that we talk to think it’s silly to get a home security system because our condo complex is very busy and there is always someone around. To our knowledge there has only been a handful of break ins and they were all on the bottom (ground level) floors.
It’s not only the safety issue, I also like how you can actually see what is going on in your home with the video surveillance option. When you have teenagers it’s nice to know that they are not having any crazy parties when you are not around. Ha Ha. All kidding aside, it would be nice to visually see your kids getting home from school, or even to check in with your pets.
I also love the idea of being able to turn lights on and off from your smartphone. There have been plenty of times we’ve come home late and wish we had thought enough to leave a light one. I also like the idea of staying connected to your home with your smartphone even when you are far away.
What would you do? If you lived in a top floor condo in a relatively safe complex, would you consider installing a security system in your home?
Do you have a security system in your home? If so, what were your reasons why you wanted one? If not, why do you feel that you don’t need one? Feel free to comment and share your thoughts on this subject.
Kimberly