Home security means making sure your home and family are safe.  But doing this not only means you protect yourself against theft and vandalism, but Mother Nature and accidents as well.  That means home security pertains to many things, including flood and temperature alerts.  You can buy both alerts separately or you can link flood and temperature sensors to some alarm systems, depending on the alarm amenities.

          Flood alerts alarm the homeowner when water is detected.  The alerts are especially useful for a vacation home when you are away.  It can alert you if you have leaks or floods by either some sort of siren or by having an alarm dialer, or control panel, dial out to you.  A simple flood alert can save you thousands of dollars in home repairs, eliminate flooding basements, garages, laundry rooms, ice makers, dishwashers, heaters, pools, and more.  A simple flood alert without a dialer can cost as little as $11. An alert with a dialer can be from $75. to $220.  Although most flood sensors do not stop leaks, there are some sensors that are sold with valve shut off kits.  These systems not only monitor for moisture but close off the water pipe to protect everything downstream from a flood.

          Temperature sensors can be used as a freeze alert or as a heat sensor.  As a freeze alert it can be used to monitor specific water pipes that will likely freeze.  Again, this kind of sensor is common for a vacation home that you cannot monitor during the winter months.  Also, if your furnace or electricity goes off, your home can be affected by freezing temperatures that can cause pipes to burst and leak water.  A temperature alert is a low cost way to keep your house safe and it works similar to a flood alert.  If a sensor is triggered, a siren will go off or you will be alerted via phone.  A temperature alert can also be used as a heat sensor.  A heat sensor can alert you to high temperatures that could be hazardous to kids, pets, or plants.

          When you shop for flood or temperature alerts you should compare the different brands and look out for some features.  Check on the reliability and maintenance of the particular product.  If you have to go on-line and read reviews or ask friends that have used the product before, do so.  You should also know if the sensors can be connected to an existing home alarm system that you have purchased.  If you don't know, then ask the dealer or store that sold you the alarm system if the sensor matches.  You want to be able to place sensors throughout the house, especially in the case of flooding.  You want to connect sensors in the kitchen, basement, laundry room, ect.

          Both flood alerts and temperature alerts are cost effective, because of that one would say its common sense to get both.  This can put you at peace of mind when you are at home and when you are away.