Home Security Alarms

[PMMM]

What do you mean by the above?

I think they mean a direct pay account. Where the vendor can take the monthly payment from your checking account. Many do that.

My alarm company wanted to do that but I declined. My local good alarm company was bought out by a larger firm. The good news is that I was grandfathered in at $23.95 per month. The new company does an excellent job and I have been very pleased. They have the most current equipment and it's all wireless. I even have my shed alarmed and since it's wireless installation was a breeze. The distance is not too great from the Main box so it works well. The company values repeat business so while I have a 3 year contract it's ok my me the equipment is paid for and it keeps the price at a locked in price. I plan to renew at the same price when the contract gets close to ending.

I also employ a very large safe, 5000 pounds, that is bolted to the concrete floor. The safe keeps our photos and other valuables that cannot be replaced and of course my gun collection.

A small NRA sticker that cannot be missed is prominently placed in strategic locations on the house. If the bad guy breaks in and can move or open the safe he deserves to keep it. I'm hoping they never break in while the wife and I are home. I have good insurance and the stuff that they may steal is replaceable. I have never had a problem though some neighbors have. Overall our area is pretty good as far as crime goes.

[Aleta]

We just had ours upgraded and have a contract with a monitoring company because we were advised by our homeowner's insurance agent that we would pay $250.00 more a year not having it hooked up. It's like getting the service free.

[PMMM]

You know I forgot all about the insurance discount. I'm not sure what the exact numbers are but I'm sure the insurance discount pays for the alarm system. I completely forgot about that. That makes me feel even better.

Thanks

[markjason]

I have two dags at my home. They are my security guards as well as friends also. I go for a morning walk with them and they help me in hunting.

[PMMM]

Yup I'll throw those dogs some nice juicy steak and some food that they will just love and they'll be my friends forever. Mayhem. I only need a few minutes and I can get what I need.

All kidding aside even if I had dogs I don't know that I would trust just the dogs only for my security. They would sure help but a solid backup plan is always worthwhile. Just my opinion of course.

[Frugal]

We had to put up a no soliciting sign, because in our new neigborhood, people were coming to the door nearly every day selling stuff...multiple people per day on the weekend, and it got overwhelming. I didn't realize people put up fake signs saying they have an alarm system, but it sounds like a good idea. I think we should do something similar to that.

[PMMM]

Most break in's are crimes of opportunity. A door or a window left open especially in times of hot summer weather. I think if you take the proper precautions, use fake signs if you want, keep windows and doors securely locked etc., it can only help.

A sophisticated burglar will look at your phone junction box and see if you actually have an alarm system. Most people do not lock the phone junction box on there house so access is very simple. (Even with a lock bolt cutters are no match.) If no alarm system they just help themselves. My junction box is locked but even if the bad guy gained access to it it would still not defeat the alarm even if the wires were cut. Cell backup is a nice feature that works very well.

But the stats say that most break in's are un-sophisticated people that are looking for an easy mark. Open window/door and they look for things that are easily sold. If you live in a neighborhood that is very high end and you have things that are really worth stealing like jewelry, guns, or high end stereo gear and TV's you most likely will have an alarm system anyway. It just makes sense and it not like you cannot afford it right?

My windows and doors are never left open because they basically are never opened anyway except to clean or get in and out of the house. Air conditioning takes care of that.

With insurance discounts though, as was mentioned before, they almost pay for themselves.

[joaqs]

I also have my own alarm system setup for my house. It's more affordable since I dont have to pay for the monthly monitoring charges. Aside from this, I also read some reviews about monitoring services like dispatching help during emergencies and others. I don't know about other companies though but I just rely on what I set up.