If you’re just beginning the planning process for your home security system, you may be overwhelmed. However, the process can be simplified. It starts with asking the right questions, such as how many security cameras do I need for my home, what’s my budget, and will one security camera cover more than one area?

You may be happy to learn that burglaries have been declining in Canada from a high of 293,357 in the year 2000. In 2021, that number dropped more than half, but there were still 125,536 burglaries. That means every 90 seconds in Canada, a home break-in occurs. This crime isn’t just inconvenient. It can cost you money and pain and suffering. 

It’s so important to protect your home and your loved ones. One of the best ways to protect your home is by keeping an eye on your property with security cameras.

How Many Cameras Do You Need for Home Security?

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to security cameras. It can depend on the size of your home, the number of entry points, if you live in a home or apartment, and your security needs. For instance, do you want to just keep an eye on the exterior of your home, the interior, or both?

Smaller homes need fewer cameras (around 2 to 3), whereas a large home may need up to 10 security cameras to ensure all areas inside and out are covered. While many people only consider a simple doorbell camera, indoor cameras may also help not only provide evidence for law enforcement but help prevent crime from occurring in the first place. 

To help you figure out how many cameras your home may need, here are some considerations to keep in mind:

• Your home size 
• How many rooms you want to monitor
• How large your yard is
• The number of entry points—both doors and windows—that are accessible, including back and side doors as well as windows that someone could fit through
• Any side buildings, such as garages, sheds, or storage rooms

What to Look for in Your Security Cameras

In the past, many people considered security cameras only for large estates or businesses. Now, more and more people are doing their best to protect their homes, big and small, with security cameras. And fortunately, there are now more affordable, high-quality options. This includes security cameras with accessible video feeds, so you can check in on your home and family, even when you’re far from home. 

Nationally, 12% of Canadians now have home security cameras. Alberta leads the way with 18% concentration, while only 5% in Atlantic Canada have security cameras. Reported benefits of security cameras include:

• Monitoring your home with live camera footage when away for business or vacation.
• Improved connection with family and pets, so you can make sure everyone is safe and sound and staying out of trouble. Some cameras even offer two-way communication, so you can chat with your family or pets.
• Obtain evidence in the event an intruder, thief, or vandal does attempt to get into your home.
• Check-in on what’s happening in your home, especially if you have new people in your home and you’re not able to be there, such as caregivers, repair people, or house cleaners you don’t know well.
• See what’s happening if your alarm goes off, which may indicate your smoke alarm was triggered, someone got into your home, or if high winds activated the alarms and no further action is needed.

When deciding on what types of security cameras to look for, some of the most important features include:

• Night vision, so you can clearly see what’s being recorded by the camera day or night.
• Two-way audio, especially if you want to use the device to communicate with family, pets, or people who are caring for your home and loved ones.
• Motion detection that captures activity, so you don’t have to go through hours of footage when no one is in the room.
• Expanded field of vision, so you avoid blind spots where activity can occur.
• High resolution, so you have a clear, well-lit image.

Finally, depending on whether or not your system is wired or wireless, you may need to ensure you have WiFi connectivity. 

Why Install Security Cameras?

One of the main reasons to install security cameras is to deter crime. In fact, one survey of people who had been convicted of burglary found that many avoid homes with cameras due to the risk of being identified. 

Another common and growing crime is porch theft. There’s been a more than 30% increase in online shoppers losing their packages to this type of theft. Exterior cameras can help protect packages or find out if the package was just not delivered to your home.

Exterior cameras can also help you protect your car from being broken into or stolen, which is another growing concern. It can also provide evidence if someone does attempt this type of property crime.

And if you live in an area with a lot of wildlife activity, you can also see what’s causing commotion outside. For instance, is there a bear or raccoon investigating your trashcan or an intruder looking for a way in? 

Common Locations for Security Cameras

Again, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. But there are several important places to consider setting up a security camera, such as:

• By the front door
• At the front of the house to capture your driveway and yard
• Your backyard, including your back doors or other potential entry points
• In your nursery or child’s room or your pet room
• In the front room by the main entrance
• Where you store your valuables, whether sporting equipment, jewelry, cash, or other valuables
• In your garage, shed, or where you store other expensive equipment 

An ADT (now Telus) monitored alarm system from Alarm Guard will keep you feeling secure and protect your assets and could even help you save on homeowner’s insurance! 

Check out our packages and call now for a free quote at <b><a href=”tel:18555184458″ title=”Call Now” class=”btn” style=”margin-left:15px;”>1-855-518-4458</a></b> and talk with an expert about how to decide how many security cameras you need for your home.