Door Alarm

These days, it seems that virtually every commercial, hotel and even vehicle door is equipped with a type of door alarm. Additionally, many homeowners are benefiting from reductions in their home insurance costs due to door and window alarm installations. In fact, simple door alarms can improve daily security by keeping thieves, home invaders or intruders out - but they can also be used to keep others safe inside.

Simple door and window alarms are often comprised of an alarm unit and a magnetic sensor. The unit is attached to the door or window and the sensor is attached beside it, either on the door frame or on the window sill. When the door or window is opened, the two components separate and an alarm or chime sounds. One might also choose a touch-activated model as a personal door alarm. These units hang over the inside doorknob and, because they are extremely sensitive, an alarm will sound as soon as someone touches the outside doorknob.

When there are children in the home, open door alarms can


mean the difference between deterrence and disaster. A single door alarm or a sliding glass door alarm, for example, can sound an alert that a child is attempting to go outside alone or that they have gained access to a dangerous area such as a gun storage cabinet or household poisons storage. A door stop alarm or hanging alarm can emit a signal when a sleeping child awakes and attempts to leave their room alone. These units generally have adjustable sensitivity levels and so they will sound with movement from even the youngest mobile toddler.

Honeywell, a leader in home security products, offers a wireless door alarm chime that is truly affordable and convenient for the homeowner. The Honeywell RCWL300A P3 Premium Portable Wireless Door Chime and Push Button ensures that wanted visitors are always heard and those inside the home are alerted to undesirable intruders. The wireless chime can be moved around the home, within approximately 225 feet, and can be linked to motion detectors or sensors on specifically targeted doors or windows.

General Electric, a brand that inspires consumer confidence, makes inexpensive door alarms that can be purchased in a two-pack (one for the front door, one for the back door). These alarms are also appropriate and effective for window use. A very loud 120-decibel alarm will sound as soon as the magnetic contact is broken between the unit and the sensor and the alarm will only shut off when the door or window is safely closed. This type of alarm is quickly affixed to surfaces with double-stick tape and can also be used within the home to secure cabinets, freezers and the like from curious children.

Bell and Howell offers their Secure Pro Keypad Alarm at a price that is very attractive for home or even home daycare use. The unit is installed with a combination of included hardware and double-stick tape. The manufacturer recommends this unit for use on regular and sliding doors, pool doors and sheds. Also incorporated is a clearly visible, red panic button which will sound the alarm instantly and may help to meet requirements for safety drills.

A magnetic door alarm, personal door alarm or door stop alarm can accompany a person wherever they go to increase their personal security. These alarms can be used as a temporary hotel door alarm or an office door alarm, particularly in areas where security appears to be less than adequate. With the true affordability of these products, offered by reputable and reliable manufacturers, there is no reason to compromise one's feeling of safety at home or away.