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Each year more than 2 million American homes are burglarized,
according to the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association
(alarm.org). Most of them have no alarm system. Electronic
security devices provide affordable peace of mind, and recognizes
and reacts instantly to unauthorized entry.
Steps:
1. Survey your home and determine how many windows
and doors you want integrated into the system.
2. Contact your insurance agent, a security system
adviser, the NBFAA or your police department's crime prevention
department for names of security system companies. Ask each
company for an inspection, a recommendation and a quote
in writing.
3. Decide whether you want to contract with a 24-hour
central monitoring station for a monthly fee. If your system
detects a break-in, it alerts security professionals to
dispatch local police. Less expensive dialer accessories
can link sensors to your phone lines and call preselected
numbers if security is breached.
4. Consider your family's lifestyle. Do people or
pets sometimes roam the house at night? Select appropriate
sensors and locations.
5. Choose a system with a control panel that can monitor
all the zones in your home. Each window or door integrated
into the system is considered a zone. A basic system (about
$400 without monitoring) can control eight zones, but many
can be expanded to watch up to 32.
6. Determine locations for the control panel and keypads.
The control panel commands the system and the keypads allow
you to program the system and turn it or its components
on and off. A typical setup puts one keypad near the front
door and another keypad--and perhaps a panic button--close
to the bedrooms.
7. Look for systems that connect to lighting controls,
smoke and carbon monoxide sensors, and flood detectors.
Also make sure system switches won't freeze in cold climates.
(See How to Buy a Home Automation System.)
8. Choose a user-friendly code that everyone in the
family can remember in an emergency. Try the keypad to assure
that it's easy to use.
9. Realize that it's difficult to retrofit a hardwired
security system. With a wired system, you'll have to drill
holes in walls so wires can be routed. If you want to avoid
this expense and inconvenience, choose a wireless system.
Overall Tips:
The monitoring service you choose may be limited based on
what system you buy. Choose the service before the system.
With a key-chain remote, you can disarm the security system,
turn on lights and unlock the door--all from your car in
the driveway.
Check that your system has a battery for backup power.
Ask how often you have to perform maintenance tests.
Overall Warnings:
More and more false alarms are forcing police to change
their priorities on answering alarm calls. Contact your
police department to find out what their policy is.
If any alarm or security system representatives come to
your home, ask to see company identification to make sure
they are legitimate.
What to look for:
Sensor, control panel and keypad locations
Some form of system monitoring
Reputable security firm
Hardwired or wireless system
Add-on alarm options
User-friendly system
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