Until it actually goes off, most people don't appreciate their home security system or burglar alarm. That's the story I got from my next door neighbor at four in the morning a week ago this past Friday. The wake-the-dead noise of his home burglar alarm had ripped me from sleep about 30 minutes earlier and after the police had left, Randy - that's my neighbor - told me how glad he was to have a security system. While the police hadn't made an arrest, Randy's home security system did the job, scaring away the burglar before he had entered the house.
If what happened to Randy isn't enough to convince you that home security systems can be a smart investment in the future of your home and family, consider the fact that insurance companies will substantially discount insurance premiums for a home equipped with a security system or burglar alarm. My own insurance company gives me a 20 percent discount on my home owner's policy because I have a security system installed and monitored by a nationally certified company. The savings go a long way towards defraying the cost of my alarm system.
Home security systems come in many different flavors and are able to detect events ranging from forced entry to smoke, fire and even high levels of carbon monoxide. A basic installation comprises a keypad, motion detectors and a link to a monitoring center that sends the police or fire department if the alarm is triggered. Costs for a basic system usually run roughly one hundred dollars for installation and then a monthly monitoring fee that usually ranges between thirty and forty dollars.
Finding the right company to install your home security system doesn't have to be a chore. You'll probably discover that friends and relatives who already have their own security system will be happy to make a recommendation. If you don't know someone who already has a system, pay a visit to the website of the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (NBFFA). They'll be happy to supply information about home security systems and provide a list of recommended companies in your neighborhood that install home security systems and provide monitoring services.
Depending on your location, your list of companies will most likely include such nationally known names as ADT and Brink's Home Security, along with many local companies. Try to narrow the list to three to five companies located in your area. Use criteria like membership in the NBFAA, as well as participation in the industry's Installation Quality (IQ) Certification Program. The IQ program gives consumers a yardstick for identifying alarm companies that are active in quality and false alarm issues.
Once you've narrowed your choices, give each company a call and arrange a meeting with a company representative in your home. Price isn't necessarily the most important issue in selecting the company to install and monitor your security system. Here's a quick checklist with questions to ask and things to do:
How many years has the company been in business? Longer is better!
Will it monitor your home security system's operation twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, fifty-two weeks a year? Make sure they're working 24/7/365!
Does it have a backup power supply so it can monitor your home even when the power goes down? A good company will continue to operate, even when the lights go out.
Does the company have an in-house training program and are employees well-trained so they are able to correctly install, monitor and troubleshoot your system should repairs be necessary? Make sure the answer to this question is yes!
Finally, have the representative survey your home and thoroughly explain your security needs and options. Make sure you get a written list of recommendations and a written quote for the cost of the security system and monitoring services.
After meeting with several companies, compare equipment, services and pricing. Then, make the call and have your system installed. And don't forget to save money on premiums by telling your insurance company that you've installed an alarm system.
Chances are you'll never need your home security system, but you'll sleep better if you have it, just like me and my neighbor Randy.
Would you like to be alerted if a car comes up in your driveway, your kids to inside your tool shed, intruders approach your front or backyard, someone enters your garage, visitors approaching your front door, your parked boat or motor home as been invaded or your pets trample your flower garden? A Voice Alert Security system would solve all those issues in no time.
Protecting your home should be your primary focus especially with rampant crime rising every day. You have to work so hard to buy your home and the things that you conveniently purchase because you like them and want to enjoy them. There comes a thief who wants to invade your privacy and commit the crime that is unthinkable. How do you stop them?
A home security system of any kind can help you to do just that. Gone are the days when you have to sign up with a home security system company and pay a monthly monitoring fee for the rest of your life. If your budget is tight, there are other different options available. You can get the Mini Alert Alarm that uses passive infrared technology to protect a room from intruders. Producing an infrared triangle, the Mini Alert creates an unseen barrier that is impossible to penetrate without setting off the alarm. It is battery operated and no wiring and can be easily moved to a new location.
The Mace Window Alert is a 95 decibel glass breakage alarm that attaches to windows and set off by vibrations if someone tries to break through. It installs easily on any window.
The Magnetic Door/ Window Alarm uses a magnetic affinity to initiate its 110 decibel siren. The base of the alarm is bolted to door or window frame, and the actuator is connected to the window or door. The alarm is activated by opening the door or window. It will scare your intruder away.
The Mace Motion Alert is a passive infrared system that detects motion in any selected area. Compact and attractive, it mounts easily (vertically or horizontally) near any entry area and is battery operated, eliminating any need for wiring. Unit can be coded with a personal security code and can be set to utilize a two-tone entry chime, instead of the alarm sound.
Do you know that you can make your intruder think there is a live dog in your living room? The Electronic barking dog home security alarm system does the trick. With his electronic radar eyes, the Electronic Watch Dog can see through thick doors, walls and glass. And once his cord is plugged in, he will stay on duty around the clock, indefinitely. The Electronic Watch Dog can protect homes, apartments, mobile homes, recreational vehicles, jewelry stores, hotels, factories, warehouses, public and private buildings of virtually every kind.
If you have a pool in your backyard, you can add a pool alarm system. It acts as an alarm system to notify you if your child or pet has fallen into the pool.
Both Matthew Paolini & Steve Lane are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Matthew Paolini has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home, web development and Travel and Leisure. Matt Paolini is the Managing Editor of Citybook.com, the Internet's leading family-safe . Locate a home security specialist or state chapter of the NB. Matthew Paolini's top article generates over 33100 views. to your Favourites.
Steve Lane has sinced written about articles on various topics from Gadgets, Business Loans and Wireless Security Camera System. Steve Lane is an expert in the field of self defense, home security and crime prevention and operates an online business called Self Defense Shop and Surveillance Shop. Visit his store to learn some ways you can protect yourself and your loved on. Steve Lane's top article generates over 4400 views. to your Favourites.