The Importance of Flood Detection in Albany Home Security Systems

Most homeowners associate home security with intrusion detection and perhaps fire prevention, but flood detection also plays a crucial role in any comprehensive residential security solution. The purpose of a flood sensor is to provide an early warning of water accumulation, which lets the homeowner stop the water at the source or call for professional help before any real damage can occur.

How Flood Detection Works

The basic flood detector has three sensors. When any two of those sensors become exposed to water, it completes the electrical circuit, which sends a signal to the system and activates an audible alarm. Some flood sensors are local only and simply activate an audible alarm in the immediate area.

24/7 Monitoring

Most Georgia security companies, however, recommend devices that are integrated into the home security system. These flood sensors still activate a local alarm, but they also notify a central station that is monitoring that residential alarm system 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If a flood occurs during the night, for instance, a homeowner can easily sleep through the sound of the alarm, but the central station would detect it, notify the homeowner and, if necessary, contact emergency services.

Limiting Water Damage

Insurance industry statistics indicate that localized residential flooding usually causes significant financial damage, but most floods and leaks are detected well after the fact. Flood sensors are not yet the rule but rather the exception in Albany home security systems. In the vast majority of cases where flood detection was present, financial damage was nonexistent or sharply below industry averages.

Interior Placement

The most common type of flood sensor is placed within the home, such as in a basement, bathroom or laundry room. Most interior flood detectors have an external probe and can operate as a temperature sensor as well. This allows them to function in refrigerator and freezer environments too.

Exterior Placement

The most sophisticated flood sensors offered by Georgia security companies require external placement. These devices are covered with external contacts, have a built-in reed switch and have a tamper-resistant case that also protects against insects. Ideally, these devices are installed at ground height but can be raised when ground-height installation could lead to false positives.

Insurance Benefits

Most homeowners who would consider installing flood sensors will likely also opt for flood insurance. Most insurance companies who provide flood coverage in the Albany, Georgia area provide a discount to the policy rate just as they do a discount to the homeowners policy due to the security system.

Central Monitoring

If you live in Albany or a surrounding area and require flood detection or a comprehensive security solution, then contact Central Monitoring. Central Monitoring is a leading provider of Albany home security systems, and the company has been serving southwest Georgia for more than 29 years. Central Monitoring’s technicians are all bonded, highly skilled and undergo ongoing training, and they specialize in developing unique flood and security solutions for the individual client and his or her home.