Like any home security system component, a siren and/or strobe are connected to your control panel, either hard wired or wirelessly. Depending on which sensor the siren and strobe are programmed to detect they will pick up the signal from, for example the smoke detector or the motion detector that triggers it, to sound and strobe an alarm. The siren and strobe may be programmed to indicate each of its triggers uniquely by your panel, meaning the fire siren would be different from the burglary siren. While many wireless systems come with a siren internal to the system, we generally recommend to add a second siren (wireless of course :)) to make sure both you and the intruder know they’ve been detected.

Exterior Sounders

Outdoor sirens and strobe sirens are often overlooked in favor of interior only sirens. Yet, the very point of an alarm is to make an emergency situation known. What better way to do so than to stimulate the senses through a loud siren and a bright, flashing strobe? Mounting an outdoor siren and strobe serves several worthwhile purposes. First and foremost it is an in-your-face deterrent to an intruder who knows the home is protected and that he’s been detected – especially while still outside opening a window. Because the sirens are not easily ignored, the situation will alert neighbors as well as anyone inside the home to warn them of the danger. The strobe, specifically, can help locate the site of the danger, whether by a concerned neighbor or emergency services, especially on a dark night.

There are many features to outdoor sirens that can make them a useful and effective addition to your home security system. Before you consider outdoor alarm sirens, however, be sure to check with your local police or city hall about noise ordinances in your community.  Each of the exterior sirens/strobes we carry have a durable, weather resistant housing since it will be exposed to the elements, especially extreme temperatures.  Outdoor sirens can be mounted at the front of the house for optimal sound and visibility so be sure to choose one that is visually pleasing. If using just a siren only consider placing the siren in your attic pointing out of one of the air vents.  This way the siren is out of view, out of reach from tampering and still extremely loud – and of course no longer exposed to the elements.

Who Benefits from Outdoor Sirens?

Outdoor sirens and strobe sirens can be an important protective device in most any home security system. Since the point of this type of alarm is to grab attention to an emergency by being seen and heard in a big way, it would only make sense in a home that is close enough to other residences and neighbors who could be helpful in protecting your home and family members. That said, it would be worthwhile to consider an outdoor siren and strobe siren if you are a:

• Homeowner who wants to stop a criminal in his tracks before a crime takes place
• Homeowner who feels confident your neighbors will help in an emergency situation
• Homeowner who wants your home immediately visible to emergency services when you need it most

Thanks to safety.com for some of this information!