Ans: A security system provides not only a deterrent to crime, but also protects your family and property from theft and fire. A quality, monitored security system can keep track of who enters your property and when they enter your property. The monitored security system can also provide response to a break-in and fire when you are away from home. A business system can provide protection from internal theft as well as outside threats and fire. A monitored security system provides peace of mind to you and your loved ones. Most insurance companies provide discounts on your home or business insurance if you have a monitored system.

Q: I live in a great neighborhood. Everyone here watches out for me, why do I need a security alarm?

Ans: Good question. Neighborhood Watch programs are helpful, but have been shown to have limited effectiveness against crime. In addition, many crimes are committed by residents of your own neighborhood! Police statistics show that a large number of crimes are committed by local teenagers -- some looking for drug money, others just out for some "fun". There is a break-in every 8 seconds and 50% of murders occur during a robbery or burglary. Many of these crimes are committed by people known to the victim. Unfortunately, no community is immune from this type of crime. Poor or wealthy, it makes no difference. Teenage drug abuse is on the rise in this country, and drug users do not care where or how they get the money as long as they get their "fix".

Q: But we do not have any teenage kids in our neighborhood. We are all singles and families with young children. Why should we worry?

Ans: Families with young children use teenage baby sitters and single people may do a lot of entertaining, bringing strangers into the neighborhood. A security system can let you know when your kids leave and enter the house, and emergency medical help can be summoned at the push of a button -- something even a young child can do.

Q: We are a community of senior citizens, there are no teenagers and certainly no wild parties!

Ans: Senior citizens are a known target for many types of crime. Older people are generally more trusting of people, some of whom may wish to do them harm. Senior citizens may have more difficulty getting out of the home during a fire. A monitored security system will immediately summon the fire department, and special instructions can be left with the monitoring station. In addition, a monitored system can call an ambulance at the push of a single button in the event of a medical emergency.

Q: Why can't I just go down to the local hardware store and pick up a do-it-yourself kit. That will do just as well as a fancy alarm system -- all I need is a loud siren, right?

Ans: Loud noises do help, but with just an external siren, you are dependent on passers-by or neighbors to call the police for you. Unfortunately, many people tend to just ignore the noise or don't want to get involved. By the time someone got tired of hearing the siren go off, you could be cleaned out, or worse. Besides just a loud siren, a good, monitored security system can phone for assistance in a medical emergency at the push of a button. It can also phone for help in the event of a fire, whether you are at home or away.

Q: What about other security options such as "burglar bars".

Ans: Burglar bars are a known hazard to occupants of the home (the very people you want to protect). Ask any fire fighter! In the event of a fire, the bars can be difficult for an adult to remove and impossible for a small child. Bars may help keep out the "bad guys," but they can be deadly for your family.

Q: Why should I have a monitored alarm system?

Ans: A properly monitored security system can keep track of who comes and goes in your home (you can give different codes to different people). The security monitoring company can track employee access, opening and closing times of your business, and can provide many other services, such as immediate summoning of fire or medical help.

Q: You have convinced me that a security system is a good idea. What do I do now?

Ans: Do a little homework on the Alarm Security Companies in your local area. Here is a basic checklist: For more information on an alarm system, go here.

• Make phone calls to others who have a security system. Ask how they feel about the service they receive from their company.
• Check with the local police and/or fire departments for false alarm rates. This is very important. A cheap or poorly installed security system can drive you (and everyone else) crazy with frequent false alarms. Most false alarms are caused by operator error because the occupants of the home or business were not trained in the use of the system. It's not difficult to operate a security system, but it does take some instruction to use it properly and to its full capability.
• Call two or more local dealers and ask them to come to your home or business and provide a free consultation on your specific security needs. Do not settle for the "suggested basic advertised" package if that's not what you need.
• Before the sales consultant arrives, prepare a list of questions. A little preparation on your part can save you a lot of grief later on.
• Check the company's reputation for service after the sale? Will they install the system and then disappear, never to be heard from again? What kind of response do you get to your questions when you call them on the phone? There are a lot of salespeople that do just that -- they sell (and some of them do it very well) -- but they don't have a clue about follow-on customer service. Make this a priority in your choice of dealers.
• Finally, after you have decided on a company and the alarm is installed in your home or business, make sure you, and any other people who will be using the system on a regular basis, receive training on the proper operation of the system. This training may come from your service technician or from your sales consultant. Just make sure you get it and are comfortable with the use of your alarm system. Don't let them get away with just telling you to read the manual (most people don't read instructions). An alarm does no good if you don't use it, and people who don't receive good instructions tend not to use their systems on a regular basis.

Q: How do I avoid getting a poor quality system?

Ans: Research the equipment a company uses and the reputation of the dealer. A security system is an investment and deserves the same amount of pre-purchase investigation as a new car or other major purchase. Remember that you usually get what you pay for, and if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is - NO! it definitely is. What may seem like a good deal up front, can have many hidden pitfalls.

Q: How do I know if I will be satisfied with the system I buy?

Ans: Check out the dealer and manufacturer warranties. Make sure you are dealing with someone who stands behind their product and service 100% -- if they don't believe in their product, why should you?

Q: What will a good security system cost?

Ans: The total cost of a system depends on many factors. Security systems can be purchased for as little as "Zero Down" or as much as $20,000 or more. It depends on what your specific needs are, and the only way to be sure is to get a complete evaluation of your security requirements. Again, keep in mind that you get what you pay for. If you do not want to pay much of anything and you do not want much security, you are not going to get much. On the other hand, if you pay thousands of dollars for an alarm system, you have the right to expect your money's worth.

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