Burglar Alarm Tips

Although burglar alarm systems are more affordable than ever, they’re still an investment that you want to make wisely.  And it goes without saying that any system you buy needs to work flawlessly.

So how can you make sure that you get the home security system that best suits your needs and provides the best value for money?  Following these simple steps will help ensure that you make the best choice:

1)    Ask around.  If your friends and neighbors have burglar alarm systems, ask them who they use, if they’re satisfied, if they feel the price is fair, if the service is responsive, etc.  Your home-owners insurance agent is another good person to ask, because purchasing a home security system may reduce your insurance rates.

2)    Talk to more than one home security service.  Find out what kind of training their employees receive and what kind of pre-employment screening – like drug testing – they do.  Check their records with Consumer Protection Agencies and the Better Business Bureau.  And ask if they belong to the Installation Quality Certification Program and if they have all the pertinent state and local licenses.  The National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association lists their approved providers on their web site.  It’s a great place to compile your short list.

3)    It’s okay to get an estimate over the phone, but before making a selection, you should have a company representative visit your home.  Otherwise, the price you get will not be accurate – and it will likely be lower than the actual cost.  When a representative does a walk-through of your home, you’ll know exactly what they will install, and where.  It’s best to get estimates from three companies.  That way you’ll know if one is over- or under-priced. As a rule, if all three are providing the exact same services, there shouldn’t be more than about a 10% difference in price.

4)    When the estimator comes to your home, ask to see his identification and then walk him through your home.  Show him where your safe is located and where any valuables are kept.   If you have anything that doesn’t look valuable, but is – a collection of coins or stamps, for instance – let him know.  Ask him what kind of equipment will be installed and if it is Underwriters Laboratory (UL) certified.

5)    Get the estimate in writing, and get a fixed estimate if you can.  If you can’t get a fixed estimate, ask the estimator to spell out what circumstances would involve an additional installation charge and how much it would be.  It’s best to avoid unpleasant surprises on installation day.

6)    Find out what kind of maintenance is covered in the cost and if an annual equipment check is included.  What is the length of the contract?  Is the equipment leased?  If so, whose responsibility are repairs?  How long is the warranty and what does it cover?

7)    Get specific information about the monitoring service.  Does it operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  And is customer service available 24/7 as well?  Find out what kind of backup monitoring system is employed if there’s a power outage or problem with the primary system.

8)    Trust your gut.  Were you comfortable having the estimator in your home?  Was he professional and nicely dressed?  Did he show up on time, and if not did he call?  The professionalism of your estimator reflects the values of the company.  If he or she makes you uncomfortable, if he seems like a fast talker, or doesn’t take the time to answer your questions to your satisfaction, keep looking.

Taking these easy steps will help you make an informed decision and get the best home security service for you and your family.

Read more about choose the right burglar alarm system here.

Burglar alarms and home security systems are a great way to protect home and property.  Over the last decade or so, the technology of these systems has really advanced, and prices have come way down.  So these days, most home owners can afford an alarm system.

Today’s burglar alarms are intuitive, easy to use, and multi-purpose — many also protect against fire, carbon monoxide, and rising water.  But as simple as the systems are, false alarms still happen.  And when they do, they’re costly, wasteful, and potentially dangerous because they can keep police, fire, and EMT crews from real emergencies.

Statistics show that 70% of false alarms are caused by user error.  So there’s plenty you can do to make sure you never have one.  Here are some steps you can take to make sure your burglar alarm only notifies the authorities when there’s a real emergency.

1)  Make sure you, and everyone who enters your home, knows how to cancel an alarm.  Read the manual that came with your alarm system thoroughly.  Rehearse all your family members.  Then think about who else has a key to your house — a maid, a babysitter, a dog walker, or a house sitter.  Everyone with access needs to know how to cancel an alarm within the allotted time.  Keep the alarm monitoring service phone number handy, so anyone can find it when they need it.   Call the monitoring service in advance before you test the system.

2) Check the connections on your doors and windows and make sure they’re tight.  Loose connections can cause a break in the circuit that triggers an alarm.

2) If you change your cell or contact number, notify the alarm security service.  Make sure the contact information they have for you is up to date.

3) If your alarm system does activate when there’s not an emergency, key your cancel code into the keypad and then call the monitoring center to confirm the cancellation.

4) If your system has motion detectors, make sure they’re clear of insects and cobwebs.  And if you have pets, make sure they don’t trigger your alarm system’s motion sensors.  If your pets are setting off alarms, have your system recalibrated.

5) Fans, ceiling fans, heaters, fireplaces, and air conditioners can cause drafts that can moves plants or curtains.  This movement can set off the motion detectors in your home, triggering an alarm.  Holiday decorations and helium balloons can also set off motion detectors.

6) Check wireless burglar alarm system batteries often and change them when needed.  Some sophisticated security systems monitor battery life for you.   And test your system often to make sure it’s working properly.   When you purchase a system, look for one with a maintenance plan that includes an annual checkup.

7) Check with your local police department to find out how much they charge for false alarms.  With fines as high as $300, this can be a great incentive to prevent them.

By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce the chances that your burglar alarm system will call in a false alarm.