Alarming Evoluition: How Home Security Has Changed Over The Ages
Taylor Jensen writes about GE Home Security at http://www.usalarm.com, is considered an expert in the field of wireless home security, and has published hundreds of articles informing consumers about what to look for when considering a home security system.
It used to be that the best home security system was a high wall around one’s property with a moat and a drawbridge. Watchmen sat in siege towers or belfries on each corner and surveilled the horizon for intruders, ringing bells if one was spotted approaching.
The origin of the word belfry comes from the Old German bergan, meaning “to protect,” and frithuz, meaning “peace,” but because the towers had alarm bells in them, Middle English speakers thought berfrei meant “bells” and changed the word to belfry.
Less wealthy alarm owners that could not afford a moat, a high wall, belfries, and guards were forced to rely on alarm systems that consisted of dogs and children kept awake to monitor intruders in the night.
Like today’s wireless alarm systems, in both these cases one could describe the mode of security as wireless. For you see, wires had not been invented yet.
Today’s Alarm Monitoring Employs Advanced Technology
In our modern times, the best home security system is much much different. The technology we take for granted has become largely invisible and today’s wireless alarm systems communicate directly through the air. But unlike bells, which can only be heard for a few miles, our modern signals travel at the speed of light, transmitting news of your triggered alarm straight to security professionals available 24/7.
Take, for example, a GE home security system with ADT alarm monitoring, or something similar. If your home security system is triggered, one of many interconnected alarm monitoring centers located throughout the country instantly receive the signal, alerting both you and the police, the fire department, or other relevant emergency personnel.
These command centers are always operational and powered by sophisticated computers. If for some reason one center is interrupted, another command center immediately takes over. This wasn’t necessarily true of the belfry command centers, because in that case, if one set of guards fell asleep, the other guards could not simply take over. They were located in a different belfry on a different corner of the castle and might not see an intruder approaching from behind.
However, today’s modern alarm monitoring is supported by computer technology and multiple backup systems, so you can always rely on your signal being received and promptly responded to. Whether you’re at home when your wireless alarm is triggered, or out of town, you can trust that help is on it’s way.
I think it’s safe to say that if those who created medieval alarm monitoring saw how today’s systems function, they’d be incredulous! They’d probably think that witchcraft was at work!
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