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How to select the right Alarm Company

Home Security Rep — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:11:35 +0000

With public interest in protection against fire and crime at an all-time high, it is no surprise that the alarm field is one of the country’s fastest growing industries.

And while there are a good many experienced, reputable and reliable companies in almost every community, there are inevitably some people who are out to take advantage of the concerned home owner. So you must beware of the “fast buck operator” and be sure that what appears to be a bargain doesn’t run out to be a costly mistake in the long run.

In addition, select a well-established company with a record of successful operation behind it. The failure rate among companies entering the field is high and you don’t want to be left with a system that requires service with no one to do the job.

To help you make the right decision, there are a number of steps you can take. Don’t wait until a salesman is in your home before you start thinking about the standing of his company. Check beforehand. Business and Trade Association are excellent places to check on a company BEFORE you invite anyone into your home. In this way, you can eliminate in advance the likelihood of being “pressured” by an unsavory or disreputable company.

Make sure any employees who have access to your home are bonded.

While it is possible today to obtain alarm component for “do-it-yourself” installation, such systems can provide a false sense of security. They normally do not provide full coverage of the home, may not be of the same quality as a dealer-installed system, and be false alarm prone unless in stalled by a person of sufficient technical skill.

Here are some additional points to consider when choosing an alarm company:

Does the alarm company have errors and omissions insurance?
Are there any hidden costs?
Does the alarm company meet industry accepted standards? Underwriter’s Laboratories of Canada certification is a quality assurance program that will ensure that your alarm and monitoring company are following standards in installation, equipment use and business practices.
Does the alarm company provide a 24 hour customer support/service number?
Does the alarm company have an adequate training program in use and operation of their alarm system?
Does the alarm monitoring company have access to a bonded and insured key holder service?
Is alternative first response service available?
A security system designed for your specific needs using today’s technology and proper installation will give you piece of mind for years to come; and provide trouble free operation.

What do you look for in a Home Security offer?

Home Security Rep — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 19:46:22 +0000

There’s plenty of Home Security dealers out in the net, and even offline. It becomes increasingly difficult to decide which offer is better, or which offer fits your need. This means you have to set yourself some guidelines beforehand in order to distinguish what it is you are looking for. So what is it that most attracts your attention as the ‘winning’ offer?

More Equipment: If you have a rather large house, or many points of entry that could be attractive for burglars, then perhaps what you need to look for is an offer that provides the most base equipment to protect your house. Never mind those shiny gifts, the vacation coupons you’ll never use, or the glittery text, what you need is the most complete setup of alarm system equipment you can get. And if it seems that most dealers offer the same amount of equipment, why not try calling a few and see who is willing to be more flexible?
Cheaper Monitoring: With most dealers offering free basic equipment, in the long run, the most expensive part of getting home security is the monthly monitoring fee. This is a tricky option however, as usually the amount you pay is going to reflect on the monitoring services provided. You will be hard pressed to find an ADT monitoring fee for less than $31.99 as that is their set base price. Alarm Force has monitoring fee of $25 yet their monitoring stations are not necessarily comparable with those offered by the larger company. So here the question is, how much are you willing to pay to protect your family?
Quality Customer Service: This is something not many think of at first, and it’s a quite important thing to keep in mind. Once you have the alarm system installed in your home, and monitoring in place, how will the company you chose perform when there’s a problem? Look into prices of things such as extended warranties, service calls and the like, as these can come at an additional cost, and you should be informed of them beforehand so there are no surprises later. A good way of finding out how a company will treat you after signing up with you is calling them to talk to their representatives. How do they treat you? How quick do they answer your questions and concerns?
Quick and painless installation: Installing an alarm system in your home means time and patience on your part. You will want a company that can install everything fairly quickly and without disrupting your family or your home decor. Make sure they can explain everything they do and teach you how to use the system, so you know how it all works. Alarm System Canada has a page with stories of those who have had systems installed by them. Check your other dealers and see if they have something similar, or ask them how the installation will take place over the phone.

These are just some of the basic things you should keep in mind when looking for offers on the net. Don’t be shy and call the dealers if you have questions, or contact them over mail. You want the best for your home, so you should take the time to investigate a bit more in-depth than what is displayed on the web.

If you have any other things you look for in a Home Security offer, leave a comment!

ADT Security – Feel Safe at home

Home Security Rep — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 18:36:35 +0000

Due to recently enacted municipal budgetary constraints it was announced at a recent town counsel meeting that local police services would have to be cut back in the small town that I have lived in for the past twenty-three years. This meant that although the regular police protection wouldn’t be effected, overtime hours would have to be eliminated starting the first of the year.

It wasn’t long into the new year that my neighbors home was broken into while they were away for the weekend, which left my nerves somewhat rattled. It was three days later in the same week that I was pulled over for a traffic ticket when I was running late for work that I had enough and I couldn’t help but let the cop know just how I felt.

“Why are you bothering people on their way to work when there are criminals loose in the community”? He told me that his pay has been cut 20% by the deal and if he had his way he’d be out chasing the bad guys but that he was assigned to traffic duty now and if I wanted his job I could have it. As a condolence, he let me off with a warning and gave me a great tip. He told me that I should get a security system on my house and he also recommended ADT Specials, because he had been on a few of their calls and said that every time it was immediate action that made the difference.

I took his advice and gave ADT Security a call as soon as I got to work to set up an appointment. It took no convincing and the system was installed that very week and after I saw all that was in it and how it functioned, I realized that I should have had it installed years ago. It not only provides complete round the clock monitored security protection on the home itself, with a high tech ADT invisible security blanket but it also comes with complete fire protection as well.

Sensors in the home can detect a fire as soon as it starts and will automatically call the fire department. Carbon monoxide detectors in the home keep me protected from poisonous gas that is generated by my gas heater if it should malfunction for any reason. It turns out that people die every year from carbon monoxide gas because it is colorless and odorless and kills people while they sleep.

Its wireless, so even if the phone line is cut ADT security people still get the call if a burglar should strike and it even comes with a back up battery, so it is fool proof. I can even call the system on my cell phone when I am out of town any time I want to check on my home. As it turns out I ran into the cop again when I stopped in at the local donut shop (lol) on my way to work not long after the system was installed and I was able to thank him for the tip on ADT Deals.

The importance of Extended Warranty

Home Security Rep — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 20:21:01 +0000

When looking into purchasing an Alarm System for your home, it is a good idea to not just look at rates and how much it will cost you up front, but think of the problems you may have later on. While the system they are installing at this time may be free or at a low cost, and brand new, you want to use it for at least three years, and in that time many things can happen to it.

Thus why we need to know what it will cost us to get service calls and repairs done to the equipment. Some companies have costly service calls and high prices for technical support at your home, so it’s very important to clear this with your sales rep at the time of getting the alarm system.

ADT Dealers for example, can offer you an Extended Warranty on the alarm system, as long as you are monitored by ADT and paying the monthly monitoring fee. This warranty covers all price on repairs and calls to your system for free, and in the long run, this may be very beneficial and help reduce the total cost of protecting your home, while also helping you keep your alarm system in top condition.

Other companies also offer this service, so be sure to ask about it, and how much it will cost, if it is not included in their basic rates.

Apartment building security

Home Security Rep — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:51:49 +0000

We all have the potential to be victims of crime. Each of us can REDUCE THE RISK of our homes/property being victimized by eliminating the opportunity. Today we’ll look over some helpful tips to keep your house safe if you live in an apartment or condo. Believe it or not, even in these housings you CAN be a victim of intrusion and burglary, so it is a good idea into looking for a good alarm system. Remember that it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Lobby Security

Unknown or suspicious persons trying to get in to the building should be referred to the Management, Security or the Superintendent
DO NOT allow strangers to enter the building as you are leaving or entering. Cooperate with all other tenants in keeping the main outer doors locked at all times
DO NOT buzz anyone into the building whom you don’t know
Use only your first initial on the lobby directory, doorbell, mailbox, and phone directory

Door security

Doors should be mounted so hinge-bolts are not facing outwards
Install one-inch deadbolt locks on all exterior doors
Chain locks are poor security – install a wide angle viewer instead and NEVER open your door to a stranger
NEVER leave your door unlocked, even while taking out the trash
DO NOT leave notes on your apartment door or on the lobby directory
If keys are lost or if you move, locks should be changed
If you see a stranger carrying items out of a neighbours apartment, ***CALL 911***

Elevator safety

Look to see who’s in the elevator before entering
DO NOT enter the elevator if you do not feel comfortable – wait for the next one
When in the elevator – stand beside the control panel
If a suspicious person enters the elevator, exit before the doors close.

Helpful hints

Keep a record of your valuables
Identify your property by engraving an identifying mark – proper identification makes it easier for the police to return personal property
When engraving, hold the engraver straight up NOT on a slant
The identification should be readily visible without marring the appearance of the item
Be a good neighbour and report any suspicious activity to the Police

If a crime has occurred

DO NOT enter – the criminal may still be inside
Use a neighbour’s phone and call the police
DO NOT touch anything or clean up until the police have inspected for evidence
Note the licence number of any suspicious vehicle
Note the description of any suspicious person(s)

Crime prevention is everyone’s responsibility!

If you’re looking for a good alarm system for your apartment or condo,check out Aryana Wireless‘ offer, a basic system with ADT Monitoring for a very reasonable price. They offer a wireless alarm system that is easy to install without breaking your walls, and ensures that extra level of security only ADT can offer.

Safety tips courtesy of Toronto Police Service

Home Security Forum

Home Security Rep — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 19:22:10 +0000

We’re proud to present to you a new forum for all things related to Home Security. Join us today to share accounts of security, help find the perfect alarm system, or tell others of your experiences with both alarms and break-ins.

Join us today!

What’s the Deal with Smoke Alarms?

Home Security Rep — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 19:13:57 +0000

Ionization Smoke Alarms:

This type of smoke alarm uses a small amount of radioactive material that ionizes the air between two electrically charged plates, causing a measurable current to flow between the plates. When smoke enters the chamber, it changes the flow of current, which is detected and activates the alarm. Ionization alarms may be more prone to nuisance alarms caused by cooking activities.

Photoelectric Smoke Alarms:

This type of alarm uses a light source that is aimed away from a sensor in a sensing chamber. When smoke enters the chamber it reflects the light onto the sensor, which is detected and activates the alarm. Photoelectric alarms may be less prone to nuisance alarms caused by cooking activities.

Often the best solution to reduce nuisance alarms is as simple as moving the alarm to a different location. Sometimes moving the alarm just a few centimetres can make a difference.

Smoke alarms must be installed on every storey of the home and outside sleeping areas. Because smoke rises, the ideal location for a smoke alarm is on the ceiling, well away from corners. However, if the device is prone to frequent nuisance alarms, try moving it from the ceiling to the wall, no less that 10 cm and no more than 30 cm from the ceiling.

Smoke alarms in kitchens are prone to react to combustion particles from toasters or ovens. Moving the smoke alarm from the kitchen to a hallway outside the cooking area could eliminate troublesome nuisance alarms.

Please note that battery-operated alarms can be easily relocated by the homeowner, however moving electrically-connected alarms will require the services of a certified electrician.

Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for more information about the correct placement and installation of smoke alarms.

Monitored or Not?

You may be asking yourself if it’s worth getting a monitored alarm. If you already have a monitored alarm system, or are looking to get one, our recommendation is to get a monitored smoke detector. Usually you can get this at no extra cost, and many dealers offer it free with their basic systems, and these detectors also include low & high temperature sensors to prevent freezing.

Thanks to Make it Stop

Fact Vs. Fiction

Home Security Rep — Wed, 21 May 2008 21:39:10 +0000

The portrayal of a burglar as a sinister thief operating at night, a handkerchief over his face, coat collar turned up and peaked cap on his head is misleading and inaccurate.

Statistics indicate that the thief will most probably be one of the male youths in the neighbourhood, usually under 30 and most likely a teenager. He may be well dressed, wearing a recognizable uniform or a suit jacket. It will more than likely be broad daylight. The typical burglar does not want to harm you, just get into your home, steal what is available and valuable, and get out as quickly as possible, unobserved.

Home Security

Home Security Rep — Wed, 21 May 2008 20:58:25 +0000

Why is everyone worried about Home Security? Why is it such an important topic? Our homes are meant to be a haven where we can relax and feel secure, a place to share with those we love and where we have what is important to us. That is why we want our homes to be secure. And this leads us to worry about intrusion, and home security.

This is a topic we find very interesting, and thus we’ve started this blog, in the hopes of covering various topics concerning our homes and keeping them safe.