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The Alarm System History Guide

Feeling safe and protected is one of Mankind's most essential needs. No wonder we have been so concerned about it throughout history. The evolution of security alarm systems has played a crucial role in addressing these concerns. Today, we’re lucky to have all these magnificent state-of-the-art technologies, but our grandparents didn’t.

Over time, the history of alarm systems shows us how far we've come, from basic mechanical alarms to sophisticated, smart systems. How has the security industry developed so greatly during the last few decades? What has changed and shaped it?

This Sure Lock & Key short blog will give you a quick understanding of home security alarms, their importance, and why they will become even more important and definitely more advanced!

How it started

To understand how alarm systems changed security, we need to first understand how a human being's protective mechanisms work.
When a person faces a situation similar to some previous negative experience, the knee-jerk decision is usually not to face it and run away. In other words, we all have triggers that we have learned work to protect us from potential danger, many of which are subconscious. That’s why some unusual sound, such as a screeching alarm, is an excellent base for a security system.
We can assume that people used primitive concoctions of a similar type long before the actual alarm invention. It may come as a surprise, but from the point of view of a person of, for example, the 17th century, a dog was much like an alarm system. However, this industry officially started in the 18th century. An English inventor, Tildesly, created the first-known anti-burglar alarm system. It consisted of a lock. Attached to it were chimes that sounded once an unauthorized person tried to enter the house.
unlocking a door lock with smartphone
unlocking a door lock with smartphone

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Powered-Up Alarm Systems

The next step was more or less the alarm system we know today. An American inventor, Augustus Russel Pope, created the first electromagnetic alarm system in 1853. This system was based on the electric circuit opening/closing. When someone would open a door or window, a hammer started to strike the brass bell to produce an alarming sound. The whole system was battery-operated and equipped with an additional mechanism that kept the hammer striking even after the intruder closed the door or window. Only four years later, Edwin Holmes bought Pope’s invention and founded the first known home security company.
By the end of the 19th century, innovations in alarm systems led to even greater advancements. The concept of the alarm system changed and became more advanced. Edward A. Calahan, one of the pioneers of home security, used the American District Telegraph to connect people’s homes so the police station and fire services would be notified in case of an emergency.

The Role of Alarm Systems in Today’s Security Industry

Alarms are now an essential part of modern security for homes and businesses. The days of basic alarms are gone. Today’s systems are more advanced, with cameras, motion detectors, and mobile apps for real-time monitoring and fast response in case of an emergency. These features mean your property is protected 24/7, wherever you are.
Beyond physical security, alarms also give you peace of mind. They reduce the stress of worrying about potential threats like burglaries, fires, or gas leaks. Knowing your property is monitored round-the-clock means you feel safer and more secure wherever you are.
As technology continues to evolve, alarm systems will only become more efficient and intuitive, adapting to meet the growing needs of modern security. This makes them an invaluable tool in safeguarding both your property and your peace of mind.
typing a pin code for a smart security system
typing a pin code for a smart security system

Summing Up

Today, home security systems are widely used. A lot of homeowners enjoy the advantages they give, especially in the sense of security and comfort of knowing that they and their loved ones are protected. Why not consider it for your own home? Finding an affordable system for your needs and budget is quite easy. We at Sure Lock & Key can make it happen for you and your family so you can enjoy the pleasure of feeling safe and protected 24 hours a day throughout the year. Having more than three decades of experience in the security industry, Sure Lock & Key is a trustworthy, highly professional, and affordable solution for all your security needs.

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What is the best home security system

In-home wireless security systems consist of several parts that work like one big mechanism. Earlier, people closed their homes and hoped for the better. Now, you close your home and you can know what is going on. The main advantage of using this system is protecting the house or the apartment from intruders. The additional advantage is your peace of mind. Centralized management allows owners to control everything on their own, switching between cameras, turning on an alarm, lights, etc. All you need is to choose the system then place all cameras in the right spots so that you have vision of every corner at any time of your choosing. However the hardest part may be knowing which system to purchase. Choice is wonderful but it’s also, at times, confusing.There are so many products on the market that, without previous knowledge, choosing could be a complete nightmare. Why not use our experience? Sure Lock & Key has been providing locksmith and security services for over 35 years. We’re more than happy to help you make an educated decision. This is what we do , every day. Anyhow time to introduce some variables regarding the information you will need to make the most educated decision possible. Let’s start!