Up until the time it actually goes off, the vast majority of everyday people never recognize the value of their home security system or burglar alarm. That's the account I got from my next door neighbor at four in the morning a week ago this past Friday. Torn from a deep sleep by the siren-like baying of Johnny's burglar alarm - Johnny lives next door to my home - I wandered over to his house about 30 minutes after the police had left. Although the authorities arrived too late to make an arrest, it seems the flashing lights and loud siren of Johnny's home security system had frightened away the burglar and stopped him from getting into my neighbor's residence.
If what happened to Johnny isn't enough to convince you that home alarm systems can be a smart investment in the future of your home and family, you might want to consider the fact that insurance providers will considerably discount the cost of insurance for a home outfitted with a home security system or burglar alarm. My own insurance firm gives me a 20 percent discount on my home owner's policy because I have a security system installed and monitored by a nationally licensed organization. The savings go a long way towards defraying the cost of my security system.
Burglar alarm systems are available a number of variants and are able to detect everything from unwanted entry to smoke, fire and also dangerous levels of deadly carbon monoxide. A plain-vanilla installation includes a keypad, motion sensors and a connection to a security center that sends the police or fire brigade if the alarm is triggered. Costs for a basic system generally amount to roughly $100 for installation and then a monthly monitoring fee that usually costs between thirty and forty dollars.
Selecting the best company to provide 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 do not know someone who already has a system, take time to visit the website of the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (NBFFA). They will be delighted to supply details about home alarm systems and recommend companies in your area that install home security systems and provide monitoring services.
Based on your location, your list of vendors will most likely feature such nationally known names as ADT and Brink's Home Security, as well as many local companies. Try to narrow the list to three to five suppliers located in your community. Use criteria like membership in the NBFAA, along with involvement in the industry's Installation Quality (IQ) Certification Program. The IQ program gives consumers a yardstick for identifying alarm companies that are pro-active with respect to quality and false alarm issues.
Once you have refined your choices, call each company and make an appointment for a company representative to visit your home. Price is not invariably the most crucial concern in deciding on the company to setup and keep track of your home security system. Here's a quick checklist together with things to ask and things to do:
How many years has the company been in business? Longer is preferable!
Will it keep track of your home security system's operation twenty-four hours per day, seven days per week, fifty-two weeks a year? Be certain they're doing the job 24/7/365!
Does it have a back-up generator system so that it can monitor your house even when the power fails? A good company continues to function, even though the lights fail.
Does the company provide an in-house training program and are employees well-trained so they have the ability to thoroughly install, supervise and service your alarm system should repairs be necessary? Ensure that the answer to this question is yes!
Last but not least, have the company representative perform a walk-through of your residence and thoroughly explain your security requirements and alternatives. Make sure you get a written list of suggestions and a written quote for the cost of the security system and monitoring services.
Once you've met with the companies on your list, assess hardware, services and pricing. Next, make the telephone call and have your alarm set up. And don't forget to save money on premiums by advising your insurer that you've installed an alarm system.
Is getting a home alarm system a solid decision? In my opinion: yes, in particular when peace of mind and sweet dreams are at the top of your list of concerns. Chances are you'll never need your home security system, but you'll rest easier for having it, like me and my neighbor Johnny.
Hope you enjoyed and were able to use this information. I'm Martin (a.k.a. martkral) and I've written hundreds of on-line content over the previous four years on subjects as diverse as home security, tonsil stones and natural relief of persistent pain using a tens unit for chronic pain. Go through more of my material by clicking on the above hyperlinks.
