Security in Your Home, Part 4: Alarms

[princewally]

Part 4 of my security primer.

Security in your Home, Part 4: Alarms
by princewally

When most people think of home security, they think of monitored alarm systems. Alarm systems don’t have to be monitored and they don’t have to be a “budget buster.” There are too many options both for installation and monitoring to fit within the scope of this primer.

Unmonitored, wireless security systems can be had for as little as $100. These can be programmed to turn on your lights and trigger an audible alarm. These alarms serve primarily as an "early warning system". They prevent an intruder from entering your home unannounced. Some of them can dial outside numbers, to ask a neighbor to check on your house.

Monitored security systems can make sure the police are summoned, even if you are unable to use the phone. If you avoid the big name alarm companies, it is possible to get a monitored alarm system installed for under $500 and pay less than $10 per month for the monitoring service. Some of these systems monitor for fire or water, too.

Consider getting a dog. Dogs won’t provide effective and reliable protection, unless specifically trained for it, but they make a great early warning system, if you are willing to investigate when they bark. Smaller dogs often provide a better “bark alarm” than big dogs. Big dogs, however, prove a better deterrent to a potential burglar. Any dog will provide some deterrent to burglars. Do not get a dog with the intention of assuming it is a guard dog, unless you are willing to get a dog professionally trained to guard. Dogs should be considered an early warning system and potential deterrent. Beyond that, dogs should be treated as family. If you can’t commit to properly caring for a dog, don't get one.

In short, lock your doors, lock your windows, and do whatever you can to keep someone from getting into your home unannounced.

[Jered]

Our dalmation-black lab mix barks at almost anything. If I'm by myself, generally I'll investigate.

[mulligan]

alarm company ad on tv yesterday .. ADT i think .. is saying essentially you need an alarm because the police can't protect you and how you need to pre-plan your defensive strategy rather than react after an incident. Having an alarm doesn't enhance the police protection that I know of, but the pre-plan idea is pretty good.

If I can catch it with the DVR I'll get some exact quotes

[arctictom]

Woof woof,woof woof woof woof , and on and on until I get up and chase the moose,fox bear or what ever off . Annoying but effective , biological genetically engineered alarms called dogs.

[cu74]

Dog, door/window alarms (siren and outdoor floods), metal detector alarm about 250-300 feet up the drive. No motion-sensor lights - PITA with the local deer population wandering across the lawn. Handguns and a shotgun complete the "system".

[rightisright]

I'm shopping for a new central station company.

Like cu74, motion detectors here are constantly set off by large rats with antlers, so they are pretty useless.

[Dub_James]

The Dog starts to bark, I'm instantly awake.

Unfortunately, the dog starts to puke, I'm instantly awake. Hmmpf.

[postmanone]

I was robbed back in 2004 and decided to get the a alarm. And my new place also has an alarm and to date,( knock on the cold steel of my 357 Ruger), not one break in. The systems are getting cheaper and with more options. They have systems that can detect fire, and even camers so you can observe your place anywhere in the world, very cool.