Driveway alarms offer effective security for property lines

When we talk about perimeter security, the obvious areas come to mind. Perimeter lighting, securing doors and windows, installing security cameras, and trimming hedges and shrubs. However, we tend to overlook the total picture which extends right to your property line. Wouldn't it be nice to know who's sneaking up on your home before they hit their target area. There is a product on the market called a 'driveway alarm' which offers you advanced warning when somebody is approaching your home. Driveway alarms are extremely popular because they are easy to install and will detect both automobiles and people walking through their beam.

These wireless units consist of two parts, a transmitter and a receiver with an alarm or whistle. The receiver is located in your house and plugged into a standard 120 volt wall outlet. The outside transmitter (which is weatherproof) should be located in your driveway area. The transmitter is operated by a nine volt battery which normally lasts six months to a year. The transmitter sends out an invisible beam that extends approximately 80 feet. The beam may be pointed in any direction since there is no reflector needed at the end of the beam.

If a vehicle or person enters the beam area, the transmitter detects the motion and sends a radio signal (up to 1,000 feet) back to the receiver in the house. This sounds an alarm for about three seconds to warn you that an intruder has entered your property.

There is an on and off switch on the receiver, in the event that you do not want the alarm to sound at a particular time. The transmitter (which is approximately five square inches in size) can be mounted to a tree, light post, or even an out building as long as it is no further than 80 feet from your monitoring area. It should be mounted about three feet high to allow small animals to walk in the area without being detected. The transmitter will pick up large animals but will not be bothered by trees or shrubs.

If you want to cover a greater area of your property, you can add several transmitters in different locations that would work with the same receiver. These transmitters could enhance your overall security by covering select areas such as hidden windows, additional parking areas as well as detached garages and shops. You can also have different receivers in various locations inside your home, each receiver comes with one alarm or whistle.

These simple wireless units can also be a part of a security system within your home by directing the transmitters through central areas. If an intruder enters your home, the receiver has the ability to turn on lights, set off sirens or even activate a telephone dialer to alert a friend or neighbour.