The Best Security System for Your Ohio Home

Ohioans call their state the “best of the Midwest,” and it’s easy to see why they love it. Not only is it the most affordable state in the country, but it has everything you’d find in bigger states, from culture to sports to a growing economy.

But even with its wholesome Midwest reputation, home security in Ohio is still something any homeowner should seriously consider. This guide will help learn more about security systems, monitoring, and installation so you can evaluate the best home security companies in Ohio.

Home Security Systems for Ohio Residents

The first step in choosing a security system is knowing what to look for. You may not need all the bells and whistles, but it’s a good idea to know what’s out there.

A basic home security system should include the following:

Security sensors

Security sensors are the tiny devices that sound an alarm (literally!) if unauthorized entry takes place when your system is armed. These include:

• Door and window sensors, usually placed on doors and windows throughout the first floor of your home. If a door or window with a sensor is opened while the system is armed, it will sound the alarm.
• Glass break sensors placed on windows or glass doors. These are helpful if someone tries to gain entry by breaking a locked window or pane of glass in the door.
• Motion sensors, which are typically placed in high-traffic areas of your home that an intruder would likely pass through.

Anytime a security sensor is triggered, the professional monitoring center is also contacted, so they can take action.

Safety alarms

Even though they don’t have anything to do with burglars, safety alarms are an essential part of any security system and protect your home and family from a number of threats. Safety alarms include:

• Smoke alarms. There’s no question that smoke alarms save lives. According to the National Fire Protection Association, 3 out of 5 deaths from fires occurred in homes without working smoke alarms. Your home should have smoke alarms inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home.
• CO alarms. It wasn’t until 2019 that Ohio required buildings to have carbon monoxide detectors in them. Even if it wasn’t the law, it’s still a smart move--carbon monoxide is a deadly poison that kills hundreds of people each year and poisons over 50,000 more. Without a working CO alarm, there’s no way of knowing whether a deadly leak is present.
• Water sensors. A water leak in your home may not be deadly, but it certainly can be expensive. A small leak may cost a few hundred dollars to fix, but a burst pipe that happens when you’re out of town and not around to take action? The average claim is $15,000 and can be much higher. Water sensors are small devices that can be placed throughout your home by areas prone to leaks, like hot water heaters or appliances. If moisture is detected, an alarm will sound and alert you on your phone.
• Emergency pendants. For the elderly, disabled, or those with limited mobility, an emergency pendant can be a lifesaver. These small devices are worn on the wrist or around the neck on a pendant. If an emergency occurs, pressing the pendant will alert the alarm monitoring services.

24/7 monitoring

Professional monitoring is another must-have for a home security system. When an alarm goes off, the alarm monitoring center is automatically contacted. If they can’t get ahold of you to check in, they’ll automatically contact emergency services on your behalf. As you search for home security companies in Ohio, make sure you choose one that offers professional monitoring.

Security cameras

Home security cameras let you see any part of your home, inside or out. Security cameras for your home include:

• Doorbell camera that allows you to answer your door remotely or see who comes to your front door.
• Outdoor cameras to see your front and back yards and other areas of your property
• Indoor cameras that let you keep an eye on your kids, pets, or certain areas of your home

As you shop around, look for a home security company that also offers video playback for your cameras, so you can store and access footage at your convenience.

Home Automation Any Ohioan Can Use

Home automation allows you to automate and remotely control many different devices and systems in your home. Not only does it make life more convenient, but a smart home can also enhance your security system. For example, your smart home might automatically lock your doors or turn your lights on when you’re away.

Some of the best smart home devices for your home include:

• Smart thermostats that automatically adjust your home’s temperature to your preference, helping you save both energy and money. You can also adjust your temperature from your phone.
• Smart locks help make your front door more secure. Because they use a code instead of a key, you don’t have to make multiple spare keys and try to hide them. You can create unique codes for family members or visitors, so you always know who’s coming and going. Or, you can lock or unlock your house from your phone.
• Garage door control. Have you ever left your house and then wondered if you remembered to close the garage door? With garage door control, you won’t have to wonder. You’ll get notified if your garage door is open, and you can close it from your phone wherever you are.
• Smart lighting. Automating your lighting is an important part of home security. You can turn lights on and off with your phone, or set specific rooms or room groups to turn on or off at specific times.

• Smart control. At minimum, your home security system should include a central hub that lets you arm and disarm your system. A smart home security system also allows you to control aspects of your smart home as well as the security features. A smart home system should also have an intuitive app that lets you control your home automation and security system with your phone.

If you already have some smart home devices, like the Nest thermostat or Amazon Echo, look for a security company near you that works with these devices and can integrate with your system.

Security Systems Near Me

Now that you know what you want in a smart home and security system, it’s time to start shopping for security companies near you. Wherever you live—from Toledo in the north all the way to Portsmouth in the south—there’s a security system that fits your needs.

Columbus

If you’ve lived in Columbus, Ohio for the past decade or so, you’ve been lucky enough to see the city’s resurgence firsthand. Downtown and riverfront revitalizations brought new life, jobs, and recreation to the community, making Columbus a bustling and thriving place to live. It’s also home to Ohio State University, with collegiate teams any sports fan would be familiar with.

As the state capital and most populous city in Ohio, it makes sense to have a security system in Columbus—research has shown that crime tends to increase with higher populations.

Dayton

Located between Cincinnati and Springfield, Dayton is one of the larger cities in Ohio and also one of the most affordable in the entire country. In addition to affordability, it offers a great food scene (including one of the best donut shops in the country) and plenty to see outdoors, with over 340 miles of trails.

While you’re out exploring Dayton, a security system can keep your home safe and sound.

Canton

What’s Canton best known for? Football. This Ohio city was the birthplace of the NFL and today, is home to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

But while there’s plenty of things to love about Canton, its crime rate isn’t one of them. It has the highest crime rate in the state, and you have a 1 in 19 change of becoming a property crime victim in Canton.

Like every city, there are safe areas and areas that are best avoided. No matter where you live in Canton, a security system will help protect your home.

Cleveland

Cleveland is one of several major cities, including Toledo, that is located on the banks of Lake Erie. Cleveland’s proximity to water has also fueled its economy and growth.(Cleveland is also close in proximity to two other large Ohio cities, Akron and Steubenville.) In fact, Cleveland was recently named the third-best city in the US to start a career.

That said, there is a downside to Cleveland—you’re twice as likely to be the victim of a property crime in Cleveland than in Ohio overall. A security system in Cleveland will help keep your home and family safe.

Cincinnati

Named the #1 place to live in Ohio, there are many reasons to choose Cincinnati or its suburbs as a place to settle down—great schools, plenty to do, and an affordable cost of living. If you love pro sports, Cincinnati is also home to the Bengals and the Reds.

While you’re out enjoying all that Cincy has to offer, a Cincinnati security system can help you rest easy knowing your home is safe and sound.

Why You Need a Vivint Home Security System for Your Ohio Home

With so many security companies in Ohio, choosing one may seem overwhelming. But with all that Vivint offers, the choice is easy.

In addition to innovative devices (like the Outdoor Camera Pro that identifies lurkers on your property or the top-rated Vivint app for seamless control of all your devices), a few other features that make Vivint the best home security company in Ohio include:

• Professional installation included with every system, so you know your devices work together just as they should
• Smart home technicians that offer expert advice with device placement, show you how to use your system, and make sure your system is up and running quickly
• A customer service team dedicated to ensuring you’re happy with your system and ready to help if you have any questions
• 24/7 monitoring that keeps an eye on your home around the clock

See for yourself how a Vivint system can help make your Ohio home a safer, more comfortable place for you and your family. Start customizing your security system today.