Surrounded by lakes and natural beauty, beloved sports teams, and a low cost of living, what’s not to love about Wisconsin? The Badger State recently ranked in the top 10 best states overall to live, so it’s no wonder it’s a popular place to call home.
If you live in Wisconsin or are considering a move there, it’s a good idea to protect your home with a security system. But with so many on the market, the choices can be daunting.
This guide will show you everything you need to consider to help you choose the best home security system for your Wisconsin home.
Home security systems for Wisconsin residents
A home security system can range from the most basic burglary equipment all the way up to the most advanced smart home systems with the latest technology.
The security devices you select will ultimately depend on your needs and your budget. As you research security services, look for home security systems that include the following:
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Security sensors
Security sensors are small sensors placed on entry points around the home that trigger the burglar alarm and alert the monitoring center if unauthorized access has taken place. They can include:
Door and window sensors on doors and windows that sound an alarm when a door or window is opened when the system is armed.
Motion sensors placed throughout the home that sense motion in areas that an intruder would likely pass through, triggering an alarm.
Glass break detectors that measure the decibel level of breaking glass, sounding the alarm.
A home security system that includes each of these sensors provides the most comprehensive protection.
Safety alarms
Security systems go beyond protection from burglars; they should also include safety alarms to protect your home and family from other threats, such as:
Smoke alarms. In every state, Wisconsin included, fire alarms are required by law. Your home should have smoke detectors on every level and within every sleeping area.
Carbon monoxide alarms. Carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are the only way to detect the presence of this deadly, odorless, and colorless gas.
Water sensors. Water sensors are small devices placed by appliances, water heaters, and other areas prone to leaks. They alert you when moisture is detected, so you can take action before expensive damage occurs.
Emergency pendant. This small device is worn on the wrist or around the neck and includes a button that contacts the system’s monitoring center when pressed. These are helpful for elderly people who are prone to falls, those with limited mobility, or anyone who wants to be able to get help with the push of a button.
Security cameras
Surveillance cameras are an important part of any comprehensive surveillance system, providing valuable video surveillance of your home. Vivint offers camera systems for all areas of your home inside and out, including:
Doorbell cameras that let you answer your door remotely. Video doorbells also send notifications to your door if anyone comes to the door whether they ring the bell or not.
Outdoor cameras with features that proactively identify and discourage lurkers on your property, like the Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro.
Indoor cameras that let you keep an eye on kids, pets, or specific areas of your home.
Video playback and storage so you can store all of the footage from your cameras and save them for later review.
24/7 professional monitoring
As you research home security companies, look for an alarm system provider that also includes monitoring services. If an alarm in your home goes off, the monitoring company will be notified immediately. They will attempt to contact you to confirm it wasn’t a false alarm, then reach out to first responders on your behalf. This provides peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is protected around the clock.
Without professional monitoring, the homeowner must call for emergency response if an alarm goes off. This can be difficult if you’re not home or you’re busy getting your family to safety.
Smart home automation any Wisconsonite can use
Smart home automation and wireless security systems work together to provide a more secure and convenient home.
A smart home allows you to automate or remotely control many of the devices and systems around your house, including temperature, lighting, security, and more.
With a smart home, you can automate certain security features, like your lighting or alarm system, or incorporate them with other devices. For example, with a Vivint smart home, you can set your front door to lock whenever you arm your security system, or program your lights to turn on when your front door is unlocked.
There are hundreds of smart devices on the market. Some of the most useful include:
Smart thermostats help you save money and energy while keeping your house at a comfortable temperature while you’re at home. These devices learn your temperature preferences and then automatically adjust your thermostat based on your preferences and location.
Smart locks eliminate the need for physical keys, making your home safer (and more convenient). You can lock or unlock your front door right from your smartphone, or set unique codes for family members, guests, or sitters to use. They can also provide access control for specific areas of your home, which is helpful for home business owners.
Smart lighting lets you turn lights on, off, or dim them from your smart phone app. You can also set them to turn on and off automatically at specific times or after specific triggers, such as turning lights off when setting your alarm system or turning them back on after unlocking your front door.
Garage door control helps you secure an often-overlooked part of your home—the garage door. Not only are these easy for burglars to break into, but they also provide intruders access into your home through the home’s garage entry door, which many people leave unlocked. You’ll receive a notification if your door is opened, and you can close (or open) the garage door from your phone.
Wisconsin’s capital city, which is surrounded by five lakes, is also the state’s fastest-growing. People love the outdoors, robust economy in the tech sector, and higher education, all of which make it a popular spot for people to settle. If you’re planning to move to the area in the near future, a security system in Madison will give you peace of mind.
Milwaukee and surrounding areas
Also situated on the water, Milwaukee has a reputation for an affordable cost of living, lots of green space, and plenty to see and do. Unfortunately, it also has a high crime rate, with a 1 in 20 chance of becoming a victim of a property crime in Milwaukee—that’s over 3 times higher than the rest of the state. You can protect your home with a smart home security system in Milwaukee.
Milwaukee’s surrounding areas, like Kenosha and Racine, offer the benefits of being close to Milwaukee, but with much lower crime rates. However, a security system in Kenosha or Racine will give you much-needed peace of mind.
Green Bay and surrounding areas
It’s hard to mention Green Bay without bringing up the Green Bay Packers—they have one of the most loyal fan bases in the NFL. If you’re Cheesehead and spend time going to games and tailgates, you can keep your home safe while you’re away with a security system in Green Bay.
Less than an hour from Green Bay is Oshkosh, and many residents commute into Green Bay for work and recreation. A security system in Oshkosh will keep your home safe while you’re out and about.
Why you need a Vivint system for your Wisconsin home
Once you know the type of system you want, or some of the features you’d like it to have, you can start to narrow down security system providers. There are plenty of choices when it comes to security systems, but Vivint makes that choice easy.
In addition to providing some of the most advanced smart home devices on the market, here are just a few of the reasons Vivint is the smart choice:
Professional installation is included with every system. No need to DIY—you can be assured that your system will be up and running just as it should. Our experienced Smart Home Pros not only install your system, but show you how to use the various components of your system so you can get the most out of it.
A customer service team that’s ready and waiting to answer your calls and questions, as well as a library of resources that will help you learn more about your smart home devices.
Professional, 24/7 monitoring with an average response time of less than 10 seconds
No matter where you live in Wisconsin, a smart home security system from Vivint will help make your home a safer, more comfortable place for your entire family.
If you plan to move to Wisconsin, you need to know which cities and neighborhoods are the safest to live in. Discover the places with the lowest crime rates.
Everything You Need to Know About Crime Rates in Wisconsin
Certain cities in Wisconsin have higher crime rates than others. Learn about crime rates in Wisconsin cities and how they compare to the state averages.
Are you getting ready to move to Wisconsin? Find out which Wisconsin cities provide residents with plenty of exciting things to do and fun places to visit.
Qualifying system purchase requires minimum $599.99 expenditure on equipment after all discounts have been applied, professional installation, and execution of Vivint monitoring services agreement. Click here for monthly service plan prices. DIY system purchases and reactivations of previously-installed systems not eligible for offer. Offer not available in all states or provinces. Equipment purchase may be financed separately subject to an agreement with one of Vivint's third-party financing partners. Monthly $1.48 cellular network maintenance fee applies. Taxes and local permit fees may apply.
Third-Party Financing Options Available
Financing eligibility and terms subject to credit approval by one of Vivint's third-party financing partners. Qualified customers may finance equipment purchase at 0% APR for up to 60 months. Month-to-month service agreement available when equipment is purchased upfront.
Vivint Systems & Services
System supports up to six cameras subject to sufficient WiFi speeds. Without a Vivint services plan, product and system functionality is limited (including loss of remote connectivity). Speak to a Vivint representative at the phone number in this offer for complete equipment, services, and package details, including pricing and financing details. Products and services in Louisiana provided by Vivint Louisiana Commercial Certificate #58280. See Vivint license numbers here.
