Ok, the fertilizing is done...on to my next question. Do you have a home alarm system? Mine was prewired by Ranger American. They've called hoping I'll sign with them. Brinks has called too. I told them I wanted a week to settle in before making any decisions. How many of you recommend an alarm system at all? What other types of security measures have you installed at your home? I'd like to do something with my two garage doors...I don't feel like they are safe at all. Windows? Thanks, os
We have ADT with the monitoring. We have glass break detectors, door sensors and some window screens. However, it is NEVER fun when that damn thing goes off at 2am! I read somewhere that just having a security alarm sign in your yard was as effective a deterrant in crime as anything. Criminals see that and just move on to a house that doesn't have it.
Jeff is correct. I worked for a year as a security system consultant and the most effective tool is the sign and lots of window stickers. Anyone wanting to know what a complete wast of money home alarms are can email me. They have their place. If your elderly and could have potential problems with everyday operation, or for fire protection.
We don't have special window locks which is one of the reasons we put in the security screens on our old windows in the back, though those are going to be replaced this summer. The newest windows have sturdier locking mechanisms but our OLD windows (the one's put on in 1930) are painted shut. They won't open unless you break them.
I assume you mean your lawn... Usually Consumer Reports has an annual issue on home security, you might want to look and see if they've published one recently. They give you some tips on securing your doors and windows, and review locks and other security devices. My mom got a security system after she was a victim of a broad-daylight home invasion. After a while she got sick of using it, so she only turned it on when she left the house or at night, and would disable many of the sensors anyway. She likes the dogs she got much better. Great companions, and very protective.
My wife and I have a security system monitored and installed by ADT. Our neighbors also have an ADT system that has given some false alarms, but ours has not. We have the door sensors on the front, back and side, and window sensors on 1st floor windows. We have glass break detectors in the entryway, living room and dining room. The windows in our house are huge, so we needed protection on them. The living room window is 4 feet wide and 5 feet tall. It opens onto the front porch, so it is easily accessible. We live close to the city and the houses are very close together. Our side door is the door that we feel would be the target of a break in. It is between the houses, so it is kind of hidden from view. We keep that area lit overnight, along with the front and back porches. Our neighborhood is very safe, but living close to a city, there are more risks. We really wanted the security system because we both work full-time during the day and it is obvious we are not home through the day. At night, our cars are there, during the day they are gone. Our monitoring fee is like $25/month, so I think it is worth it.
Best sign I ever saw on a house: "This house protected by a shotgun three days per week. It's up to YOU to figure out which three!"
the thing is with alarms, as long as you have the wiring, you are somewhat protected, even if its not remotely monitored .....most systems have an audible warning system that activates in lieu of providing the pin# to the system to disable .....mine is extremely loud, to the point that you can hear it within 1/2 mile of my house ...i can't think of anyone that would be dumb enough to clean me out while that is going off
Clutch, is there some kind of label you can put on really old threads that have been raised from the dead? I was reading it thinking, "Couldn't Jeff's ex-wife at least changed he name to ex-Mrs. JB??"
Go with Brinks. ADT is satan. When I bought my house, it was wired with an ADT system. Called them out to activate it. They installed a new battery, a LEAKY one, and never informed me that I needed a permit from the city of Houston. I cancelled my contract and went with Brinks. They rewired the system, changed the battery to a NEW one, made sure all the glass breaks and motion detectors worked, and monitor it. It's only gone off twice in 5 years. Once by me when I accidentally opened the door with the alarm on. In my neighborhood, the only houses that get broken into are the ones without alarms, so I consider it a necessity.
I've got one but I unhooked the battery on it and unplugged it. The previous owner never gave me the password to disable it should it go off. So, I flipped the breaker on it by mistake and the damn thing went off. Apparently, power disruptions can or will cause it to go off. I guess if you don't enter a password...then it will just go off forever. Does anyone know how to do a password reset when your system is not being monitored by a security company? The best answer I got when speaking to an ADT rep is they will fix that if I get service through them. Screw that.
EXACTLY. here's the deal. i've never heard of the family of 4 being murdered while that alarm was wailing like crazy. even when you know it's about to go off, it's sooooo disorienting. my parents have one. a few months back someone kicked in their back door and the alarm went off. the guy never took a step in the house. it freaks people out.
