Can Your Car Alarm Prevent a Home Invasion?

After a few break-ins in my neighborhood, someone suggested that we all sleep with the keys to our cars next to our bed. That way, if we hear a burglary in process we can use our car alarm to summon help. The myth busters at Snopes investigated this technique and pointed out that unless your car alarm is an agreed-upon signal, it`s unlikely it will motivate your neighbors to call 911. Calling the authorities yourself should be your first priority.

Can you set off your car alarm from your house?
According to Volvo, a car key fob remote`s range is approximately 65 feet. Walls and other obstacles can inhibit this signal and shorten your remote`s range. If you plan on using your car alarm in an emergency situation, make certain to test it first.

Snopes points out that your ideas for home defense are not a plan until you have tested and practiced them. If you are considering using your car alarm as a deterrent or signal during a home invasion, first test whether you can activate it from your house.

Remember, any trees near your house may slow your key fob`s signal more during seasons when they are covered in leaves. Certain aftermarket car alarms have a longer range. In addition, some car owners claim that holding their key fob remote beneath their chin increases its range because their skull acts as a repeater. Again, test this method before relying on it in an emergency situation.