Home security devices can range from simple door alarms to state-of-the-art packages designed to give you total peace of mind. The home security devices you settle on ultimately depends on the type of house you live in, the level of protection you prefer, and the amount of money you wish to spend. Thanks to the innovations in home security technology, the sky's the limit when it comes to customized solutions to keep you and your family safe.

At the introductory level, a basic door alarm offers a moderately effective deterrent to thieves and attackers. While your door- or window-mounted buzzer won't physically defend you against intruders, that's not its intention. Rather, it's meant to generate as loud and visible a signal as possible in the hope of scaring away burglars and alerting neighbors to a possible break-in.

Higher-Level Home Security Devices

At the top of the spectrum you'll find sophisticated home security devices that not only ward off intruders by creating a ruckus, but signal the police, fire department, or private security company as well. Some of these systems are built with other types of monitors as well to detect fires, floods, and harmful gases. This is done through high-tech sensors scattered throughout your residence, all of which communicate directly with a separate call box that generates the distress signal you need.

Additionally, you can opt for light-sensitive motion detectors that also put out alerts when triggered. You may think your home security system is complete once you've locked down your perimeter, but what about intruders already inside your home? Motion detectors eliminate this X-factor by emitting and receiving an endless stream of information (light or heat) that cannot be interrupted without consequence.