How to pick the best security system for your home

This year, 1 out of every 6 homeowners will fall victim to a home burglary. By having home alarm system monitoring in your home, you are significantly decreasing your chances of becoming another burglary statistic. Listed below are a few common questions that are being asked by people just like you who are interested in alarm system monitoring and how it works.

Who will be providing the alarm monitoring?

Many times the company installing your alarm system is not the company that will actually be providing the alarm system monitoring services. Companies such as ADT and some of the larger security companies have their own monitoring centers. In fact some of these companies have several of their own alarm monitoring centers. Some smaller alarm companies also provide their own alarm monitoring as well. It is important to know who is monitoring your alarm, so don’t forget to ask.

Does the alarm system monitoring center have an emergency plan in place in the event of a disaster or other types of critical emergencies?

You may live in a state that is experiencing beautiful weather, but your monitoring center may be located in another state that is experiencing massive blackouts and snow storms. Alarm monitoring centers require dedicated phone lines, computers, special software, and other important devices that require power to operate. Most monitoring companies will have stand-by generators for short term power losses. However, if yours doesn’t—you can have an interruption in your alarm system monitoring services.

Are the monitoring center employees specially trained to handle alarm signals?

This is a question that you should ask any potential alarm system monitoring company. You want to make sure that anyone who is providing home security to your family and watching over your belongings is trained to do so. If an emergency does arise at your home, you want someone who is fast, efficient, and capable of handling your situation.

Can I have alarm system monitoring even if I don’t have a phone line installed in my home?

If you would have asked this question years ago, the answer would be NO. However, there have been so many advancements in home security technology and one of them is cellular radio monitoring. You no longer need to pay for an analog phone line in your home just to have alarm system monitoring. You can have it monitored via cellular radio. Many companies offer cellular monitoring ,and it is by far one of the fastest and most reliable forms of alarm transmission today.

I am a renter. Can I still have my security system monitored?

Yes, of course! Just because you do not own your apartment or home, doesn’t mean you don’t want to protect it. Renters have family, belongings, and valuables that they want to protect—just like homeowners do. Actually, renters should be even more concerned with protecting their home with 24 hour alarm system monitoring than homeowners. Burglars like to target renters because they think a renter will not take certain security precautions for their rental—like getting a monitored alarm system.

I have an existing alarm system in my home but it is currently not being monitored. How can I get alarm system monitoring again?

Easy. If you do not know who was previously monitoring the alarm system in your home, most control panels will have a number to call for the monitoring center affixed to the outside of the box. If there is not one there, don’t give up. Many home security companies may be able to monitor your alarm system—even if they did not install it. Some home security companies even offer specials to new customers that choose to have their alarm system monitoring done through their company.

Homeowners today are not only protecting their homes with home security systems, but they are also installing home security cameras as well. The popularity of home surveillance systems has skyrocketed in recent years, making home security cameras a popular tool in home security. If you do not have any home security cameras installed in your home, now is great time to look into getting some. With so many options available and affordable pricing currently being offered, a home surveillance system may well be within your reach.

There are many types of home security cameras on the market today. Depending on your needs, and of course your budget, you can customize your home surveillance system to be the way you want it. Some home security cameras are easy to set up and operate, while others can be prove to not only be challenging to install, but can also be less user-friendly. It is important when shopping around for home security cameras to know what you need and what you can afford. It is very easy to get swept away with all the exciting features some of the security camera models offer, but don’t buy them if you will not understand how to operate them. The point of getting home security cameras installed in your home is to help protect your home. You will not be able to do so with a home security camera system that you have no idea how to operate.

With so many home security cameras to choose from, finding the right cameras to fit your needs can be a task of its own. Just like with alarm systems, home security cameras can be hardwired or wireless. Many people opt for wireless home security cameras because they are easier to install and operate. Some wireless home security cameras come with built-in recording devices so there is no DVR to buy, complex parts to deal with, and no wires to be run throughout your home. Placement of wireless home security cameras is also considered a very easy task. However, hardwired home security cameras are still quite popular, and are considered a good option for a home surveillance system—especially in high-traffic places where once they are mounted—they stay permanently.

IP home security cameras are a perfect choice for homeowners who want to view their cameras from a remote location such as their office or from their Smartphone via a high-speed internet connection. Anyone who has children or pets that are home alone for any amount of time will appreciate the flexibility these types of home security cameras offer.

Motion activated home security cameras with DVR’s are also popular in many homes today. These cameras have a recording device that does not start recording until something passes through its line-of-sight. When something does move, it will be recorded. Many covert cameras, such as “nanny cams” work this way.

Home security cameras are helpful and useful in helping the fight against crime being done inside and outside of our homes. Of course, there is no substitute for a good home security system. However, a home security camera system can be a great addition to a home security alarm system. In fact, many home security companies are now offering home surveillance packages at affordable prices. If you are interested, now is a great time to contact a reputable home security company and discuss how adding home security cameras can increase the security in and around your home.

One of the best ways to keep a home safe from burglars and fires is by utilizing the services of home alarms. Whether they are hardwired, wireless, or both—home alarms are by far the best way to keep homes protected. It is not difficult to get a home alarm installed, and they can be quite affordable if you do your research. If you have thought about securing your home, but don’t know where to start, read further to find out how a home alarm system can be of great benefit to you.

Home alarms are not just for homeowners, renters benefit tremendously from them too. If you are a renter, your chances of a home burglary are increased simply because burglars know that most renters will not invest in home alarms. Whether you rent or own a home, you are sure to have valuables that you want to protect. If nothing more, you may have children or even pets that need protection. Home alarms were created to help you keep the ones you love safe and protected from burglars, carbon monoxide poisoning, and fires. So even if you rent, rethink getting a home alarm system. Invest in a wireless alarm system. Wireless home alarms are affordable and easy to have installed.

You may already know you have many choices when it comes to types of home alarms. Wireless home alarms currently are the most popular type of alarm system to have installed. This is not because a wireless home alarm is any better than a hard-wired alarm system. In fact, some people still prefer hardwired home alarms. Wireless alarms are just an affordable and easier way to get a home secured quickly. Wireless home alarms also make a great choice for those who like going with the DIY home security option.

Hardwired and wireless home alarms are installed differently, yet they both offer security that families need and want these days. The best thing about home alarms is that they can be as basic as a couple of door sensors and motion detectors, to a high-tech advanced home alarm that can not only offer home protection from burglaries and fires, but can also operate your home lighting, open and close your garage door, and more. The possibilities with home alarms are endless and only limited by a budget.

Monitored home alarms offer some of the best home protection available today. If you have a good alarm system installed in your home, but it is not monitored, you are not fully protecting your home. Home alarms are designed to trigger when a zone is violated. If your alarm is triggered while you are away from home, who is going to hear it? If you have a monitoring center watching your home, they will. If you are considering having a home alarm system installed, get it monitored too. Don’t rely on your neighbors to watch over your home when you are not there. Alarm monitoring companies are professionals and will make sure to keep a watchful eye over your home while you are away.

Do yourself a favor and get a few estimates from reliable home alarm companies. Go over your home security options with professionals. Ask about the different types of home alarms available and don’t forget to get your new home alarm system monitored. Monitored home alarms can save lives and property—get yours today.

Choosing a security company can be an exciting time for you. However, that excitement can wear off quickly, especially if you don’t know what to look for in a good security company. Listed below are a few helpful tips that can help give you some pointers when choosing your new security company.

1. Ask your friends, neighbors, or coworkers about the experiences they have with their security company.
   Oftentimes, the best recommendations come by word-of-mouth. If someone has a good experience with a company or service—they are likely to tell others. Security companies are no different. If you get positive feedback when inquiring about a security company, contact that company to get an estimate.
2. Ask for references.
   Any established alarm company will have references to provide you. And if they don’t—you may want to reconsider using one that does. A company that will not provide references is not always a good sign. If not having references is not an issue for you, consider checking on the company history with the Better Business Bureau. Even easier—do a quick search online. There are tons of review sites that will give you feedback on all kinds of companies, products, and services. You can always ask coworkers, family members, friends, and neighbors for feedback on a security company too. Chances are that if you are choosing to secure your home with one of the larger companies like ADT, someone you know is going to be a present or previous customer of the company.
3. Choose an alarm company with credentials.
   Try to go with an alarm company certified by the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA) or a similar organization if you can. However, don’t rule out using one that is not. Choosing an alarm company affiliated with the NBFAA or a similar entity will not guarantee you will be 100% satisfied with your new alarm system, or company for that matter; but it shows the company took the time, initiative, and met certain requirements to get such credentials.
4. Make sure the home security company is licensed to do work in your area.
   Some states require alarm installation companies to carry an alarm contractors license, while others require licensing for any low-voltage projects. An installation of an alarm system is considered a low voltage project. If you are not sure what is needed, ask your potential home security company for assistance. Any legit security company will play by the rules and will know what is needed to install your new security system.
5. Choose a security company that is bonded and carries the applicable insurance.
   This is an obvious one. If something bad should happen during the installation of your new security system—you want to be protected. All reputable home security companies should be bonded and insured. If the one you are considering is not—move on to the next security company that is.
6. Don’t settle for final estimates over the phone.
   It is easy to call a security company and tell them how many doors and windows you have and attempt to get a rough estimate that way. We all live busy lives and do not have time for multiple appointments to meet with representatives from each potential security company. However, rough estimates are meant to be just that—rough estimates. Any professional security company will tell you that in order to give you an accurate estimate, and one that will cover all openings, requires a visit to the site to make evaluations. Security systems are not one-size-fits-all. Take time out to go over your options with a representative from a reputable security company. You will be glad you did!
7. Get at least a few estimates from different potential security companies.
   You may have loved the ideas the first security company representative had for your home, but don’t sign up without listening to what others have to offer. Get at least three or four written estimates from potential security companies and take it from there.
8. Listen to what the professionals have to say.
   A security company is in the business to protect others. When you have a professional security company representative in your home—listen to what he has to say. Many times a professional who knows the industry will make recommendations and offer services that can increase your security.
9. Ask questions if you have them.
   There are no wrong questions to ask when you are shopping around for a new alarm company. You are dealing with the safety and security of your family and you want to make sure you get it all right. Whether you have a question about home security equipment, the installation, pricing, monitoring, or even the operation of your new alarm system—just ask your alarm company representative. If you don’t ask, you may be left with unanswered questions about your new home security system and your new alarm company.
10. Ask if the security system the security company is installing is leased or if you will own it.
    Many security companies offer leased security systems, while others offer systems that can be sold installed. It is important to ask what your potential security company offers.

To get your free security system quotes now, simply fill out the form at the top of the page!

Home alarm monitoring, also known as home security monitoring, is one of best and most reliable services out today. To really understand why home security monitoring is so important, it helps to know what it is and how it can help keep your home protected. If you have already gotten a home security system installed in your home, but chose not to have it monitored, you may want to read further. If you have yet to purchase a home security system, but you are in the market for one, it is a good idea to read along to see why getting your new home security system monitored is a great choice to make.

Having a home security system installed in your home is one of the smartest decisions you can make. With home burglaries being at such an alarming rate, it makes sense to secure your home and keep your family and your valuables protected. When you have a home security system installed in your home, you are adding a layer of protection to your home that offers you great peace of mind. When you arm your alarm system at night, you can feel secure knowing that if any of your protected zones are breached, you will be alerted by the sound of a keypad beeping or a siren (if installed) ringing. Hopefully the time will never come where a burglar enters your home while you are asleep, but if it does, would you have enough time to call for help? What if a burglar comes into your home while you are away—at work, or on vacation? Who will hear the keypad beeping or the alarm siren ringing? This is a perfect example of why home security monitoring is such a valuable service.

Home security monitoring is a service that is provided by many home security companies today. When your home security system trips, it is programmed to send an alarm signal to your alarm monitoring center—also known as an alarm central station. Once the signal is received, a trained alarm operator will respond to the signal to verify if the alarm is false or not. Most companies will call your home to verify your name and password, while others have the ability to know that your alarm was disarmed with the correct code once you enter it into the keypad. These companies may or may not call you on this signal, depending on how you set up your home alarm monitoring service with them. If nobody answers the phone at your home, the monitoring center will notify the police and any other emergency phone numbers you instructed them to call when you set up your account.

If you are home at the time a burglar enters your home, it can be a scary situation. If you have a home security monitoring service, you can rest assured knowing that help is on the way. If you are away from your home, a home security monitoring company can be your eyes and ears on your home while you are gone. If anyone tries to enter your home while your alarm system is armed, the home security monitoring company will call to make sure this person is authorized to be there. If nobody answers, or someone answers that is not authorized to be there, the police will be on their way.

There have been many police apprehensions thanks to home security monitoring. It is a remarkable service that millions of families take advantage of each day. While most alarm signals are false and are caused by user error, many are not. Don’t rely on a keypad beep or a ring of a siren to protect your home. Get your home alarm monitored and start enjoying the many benefits that home security monitoring can offer you and your family today. To get started, simply fill out the form at the top of the page!

To most people, their business is their livelihood. Business security systems are by far the best way to keep your company safe and secure when you are not there to protect it. If something were to happen to their business such as a burglary, it can not only hurt financially, but emotionally as well. If you are interested in the peace of mind a business security system can offer your business, you will want to read further.

Listed below are just a few frequently asked questions—but common questions that security companies are asked by business owners just like you, who are not only looking for a way to keep their business secure, but their employees safe as well.

How much do typical business security systems cost?

There are many security systems on the market today that can do an effective job at keeping your business safe from armed robberies, burglars, fires, and even internal theft. Most security companies will offer to come out to your business to go over your security needs and concerns. The best thing to do is to get a written estimate from a few security companies and base your decision by their prices and services offered.

I have a store that operates to the public 24/7. I worry about the safety of my employees during those times. Will a business security system help my situation?

Yes, not only do business security systems offer security to employees who work in establishments that are open 24/7, they help employees feel safer. Consider getting a security system installed and monitored in your business that includes hold-up buttons. When pressed, hold-up buttons will alert an alarm monitoring center that immediate assistance is needed. You may want to ask about installing a business surveillance system as well. Security cameras not only add peace of mind, but they are a huge crime deterrent.

How can I keep track of my employees coming in and out of the office when I am not there?

Many business security systems can be programmed with a feature called openings and closings. Basically, every time the alarm is armed and disarmed, it will log into your account. By offering each employee their own code, you can see who opened or closed, and at what time. Openings and closings are a popular feature among business owners today. Another way to see what is going on at your business when you are not there is by having surveillance cameras installed. Some security companies offer surveillance systems with remote viewing. This allows you to view the cameras in your office from anywhere in the world—as long as you have a high-speed internet connection.

How can I add limited access to certain offices within my business?

You have a few options here. Many business security systems can be programmed to partition out certain areas of your business. You can then have a keypad installed at each office area for access. Only people that you give a code to can access these areas. Another way you can do it is by adding an access control system to your business. Access control systems are not only effective at limiting access to sensitive areas of your business, they can be also be an effective business management tool.

There are many ways to keep your business secure. If access control, surveillance systems, and business security systems sound too complicated for you—they really aren’t. We’ve done our research and can put you in touch with security companies that can help you with your business security plan. By filling out a short and simple form at the top of the page, we can connect you with some of the best security companies in the business. You can then discuss your security concerns and benefits of business security systems even further.