Basics of Burglar Alarms

May 20, 2009 – 3:19 am

Many people are misinformed when it comes to burglar alarm systems or even if they need one.  There is an old saying that you don’t need one, until you need one.  By the time many people think of purchasing a security system they have already had a home intrusion.  So why don’t people purchase burglar alarms prior to needing one?

First, people have a belief that they are too expensive.  This use to be the case, but over the years competition and technology advancements have drastically reduced the price to where many and most people can afford them.  Many basic security systems can be had for as little as a few hundred bucks.  In addition, security installation and monthly monitoring can be had for lower fees too.

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Most people don’t feel they will ever need it, so why invest the money?  It’s a form of insurance, so consider how you might use life or auto insurance.  Do you have it?  Why or why not?  Do you only have auto insurance because you are required to by law?  The lower investment in a secure home system can easily be less than the loss of product or precious memories.

Probably the most common reason people don’t purchase burglar alarm systems are they just don’t think about it.  If you live in a nice area it might be possible to go years and years without anyone in your neighborhood needing one.  What is common is that someone will have an intrusion and then others in the neighborhood will feel violated too and look into purchasing a system.

Once people make the decision to purchase an alarm system or to at least consider one they get stopped in their tracks because they don’t know where to turn.  Can you get by with an inexpensive setup or does your home require a more expensive model?  If you have a monitored security system how do you decide which company to go with?

The simple answer is to educate yourself.  Take the time to understand the basics of systems and start to mentally layout what will work best for your home and family.  Do some research with Consumer Reports or the Better Business Bureau to understand specific brands and companies.  Once you have had the chance to study up get several estimates from reputable companies and choose one that matches your unique needs.

Choosing Burglar Alarms

May 20, 2009 – 1:30 am

Physical security concerns can drive home owners to make knee jerk reactions on the purchase of a home burglar alarm.  If your home has been breached there is a good chance you and your family feels violated, fearful and uncertain.  The good news is the chance of a return attempt is minimal, the bad news is that will do very little to ease your discomfort.  The best thing you can do to restore peace at home is to get a burglar alarm system, the bad thing to do is get the wrong one.  It’s important to take the time needed to study and learn what is available and what your best options are.

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There is actually a lot that families should do that have nothing to do with the alarm system; consider getting wood or bars to secure window, exterior flood lights or even a simple sign that says you have an alarm system.  Once you decide you need a system now comes the time to balance cost versus security.  Do you want to secure to exterior, interior or both of the house?  How about each window and door or just the ones on the lower level of the house?

These, and many others, are great to discuss with a professional security alarm system company.  They will be able to help you understand the basics you will need as well as some nice to haves.  Just remember that after a home invasion you may have the thought of locking your house down tighter than Fort Knox, but that’s not necessary.

Once you find the right system you should also make sure you have a remote monitoring service, this will allow your family an additional layer of protection.  Once the alarm goes off most intruders will flee and won’t enter your home, the monitoring service will phone you to see if there has been an intrusion and what the next course of action is.  You should also notify the police department that you have a new or activated home security system.

Between the new burglar alarm, the monitoring system and the police at your fingertips you should start to regain that sense of personal security.  Between the new burglar alarm, the monitoring system and the police at your fingertips you should start to regain that sense of personal security.  You also increase your home security by getting and installing one of the many discount standard safes that are available on the market.