TaraK
probably at the coffee shop
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We've been considering this since we moved and I'd like to hear from some others. They seem pretty common in Columbus.
Do you have a security system? If so, how much did it cost to install? The monthly fee? What does it include (as in, # of windows/doors)? What company?
Do you think it's worth the cost?
And if you don't?
CDS sherman
East Franklinton
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ADT has been super so far. the building had the equipment already here and all of my system additions i have done myself since im a bit handy. in fact radio shack sells all the door and motion sensors. i think i must pay 30 a month but i have a phone line. that cost 22 a month. speaking of which i need to pay that bill.
Porky
C-Bus' East Side
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I like SDG, http://www.sdgsecurity.com/, local company, headquartered right here on Livingston Avenue. The owners have 50 yrs combined in he security buisness. You know if you alarm rings that it's going to someone who's local not some call center in San Antonio, not that there's anything wrong with that...
CDS sherman
East Franklinton
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Porky wrote >>
I like SDG, http://www.sdgsecurity.com/, local company, headquartered right here on Livingston Avenue. The owners have 50 yrs combined in he security buisness. You know if you alarm rings that it's going to someone who's local not some call center in San Antonio, not that there's anything wrong with that...
from the time my alarm sounds ADT has called my cell and the house in about 45 seconds. i prefer ADT because they use tyco products. tyco are some of the best in the industry in my opinion. very easy to use,test and install. SDG might also use tyco and im sure they are a fine company.
TaraK
probably at the coffee shop
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Porky wrote >>
I like SDG, http://www.sdgsecurity.com/, local company, headquartered right here on Livingston Avenue. The owners have 50 yrs combined in he security buisness. You know if you alarm rings that it's going to someone who's local not some call center in San Antonio, not that there's anything wrong with that...
What were the installation costs? Monthly costs? Does it include window sensors, door sensors?
Also -- do pets set off the motion sensors?
sixyfivepercentwater
Within earshot of Columbus
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I'm against home security systems, because I think they're a racket and also because I think they cause the homeowner to be too complacent. Studies have shown that motion detector lights are very effective at night and also that basic security procedures - cutting bushes back from the house, always locking doors and windows, and simply being vigilant - are all common sense approaches which work well. People also report that having a dog is a great deterrent, but my cats won't let me do that. I assume you know about guns.
Anyone I've ever known who's had a security alarm has seemed like a hostage to the alarm, rushing to disable it when they come home, responding to false alarms on a pretty regular basis, and so on. The one friend who had a break in didn't find the alarm very helpful since the company (the big one) never called the police or called her at work. The guy got away with some pretty valuable stuff, even though the alarm was going off. Apparently a neighbor called out to him while he was in the process of burgling the place and he just said he was working there and had gotten the code wrong.
In regard to these alarms I have the same policy I do with just about everything else, which is to not expect strangers to care more about my safety, health or other priorities than I do.
Cookie
Flyntonville
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rus wrote >>
sixyfivepercentwater wrote >>
In regard to these alarms I have the same policy I do with just about everything else, which is to not expect strangers to care more about my safety, health or other priorities than I do.Well said.
I assume that's why we pay people to work for alarm companies, police departments, fire departments, and hospitals.
rus
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Cookie wrote >>
rus wrote >>
sixyfivepercentwater wrote >>
In regard to these alarms I have the same policy I do with just about everything else, which is to not expect strangers to care more about my safety, health or other priorities than I do.Well said.
I assume that's why we pay people to work for alarm companies, police departments, fire departments, and hospitals.
That's the best part of being a cynic. When the unexpected happens it's a pleasant surprise.
CDS sherman
East Franklinton
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i think its one of the most valuable tools i have to keep me safe at night while im sleeping. cant be very vigilant with my eyes closed.....
honavery
Arizona
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The place I'm renting had one when I moved in (it's included in my rent). I'd never had one before then (moved in March). I thought it was kind of overkill, but I have come to appreciate the peace of mind. I'm vigilant about locking and everything else also, and I haven't had a false yet (knock on wood). It's a cellular system (doesn't use a land line), but I don't know much about it otherwise. I'll have to get back to you about the brand.
Motorist
The Trots
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I have Brinks at my place. At the time, I wanted something installed immediately so I went with them. If I were to do it again, I would install my own system. You pay more for the equipment upfront but a lot less for monitoring. I figured out that I would save money in less than two years.
I won't get too much into SFPWs comments (there's a whole thread about that somewhere) but I will say that my system provides a lot of peace of mind. The only problems I've had were in the daytime so motion sensor lights didn't do too much to deter the crackheads.
theroberthogan
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I used to sell home security systems. Before you purchase a system, you need to ask yourself what you are looking to get out of it. If you want protection from burglary, just purchase a security system yard sign. Common burglars are lazy, so if here is even a slim chance they will get caught, they will leave your house alone. A yard sign along with common sense (making sure your doors and windows are locked, making sure valuable can not be seen from the street, etc) will save you money in the long run.
If you want piece of mind about break-ins, a home security system is not a magic bullet. First, you can by a device online for $20 that will circumnavigate the monitoring (in other words the monitoring station won't get a code that your alarm has been tripped) and studies show that when home alarm sirens go off, neighbors called the police in only 2 out of every 10 incidents.
So while I would not recommend purchasing a home security system for security, I would recommend it for health and medical reasons. First, most systems come with a monitored smoke detector, and some even have monitored carbon monoxide detectors now. Second, if you have some in our home who is disabled, elderly, or has a medical condition, most systems will also come with a medic alert function, a button or pendent that can be purchased to summon a medic without having to call 911.
Check with some of the bigger companies such as Brinks, ADT, or Guardian Protection, they usually offer a standard install package (keypad, siren, two devices, and yard sign) for free if you sign a long term monitoring contract. Personally, I would recommend Guardian Protection.
TaraK
probably at the coffee shop
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I assume you know about guns.
I'm not sure why I loved that so much.
We take a lot of precautions and I generally don't "worry," but going out of town is another issue. When we're there at night, I'm not too concerned. I mean, I guess I would be even less concerned with a system, but it's not really necessary.
We go out of town for several days at a time, though. We have nice neighbors, but they're not responsible for my home.
On the subject of motion lights, I'd like to put a light of some kind on the side of our place. Getting it hardwired and installed isn't an option, though, since we rent. It's a brick duplex. I'd love some DIY options that don't require running an extension cord out the window. Otherwise, the front and back are pretty well lit, but the side of our house has a very long, very dark alley/side space.
Walker
The KLD / Downtown
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We have an alarm system (Brinks), but agree with everyone else who said there are a lot of other things that need to be done as well (motion sensor lights, signage, closed up window shutters when we're gone for more than a day, etc). It's really just one part of a multi-part security plan, not just a one-off security device.
Off the top of my head, I can't recall what we paid to install or what the monthly bill is. We opted to go the digital radio broadcaster route instead of the landline route, as we have no landline and didn't want to shell the money out for one just for this. The response time is still really speedy.
As for the question about the motion sensor, I'm going to say that pets will probably set it off. We don't have a pet, but I recall an old coworker having her home alarm tripped once while she was at work and it turned out to be due to a balloon that was left in the house that moved a bit for some reason (she thought maybe the a/c kicked on and blew it around a bit).
hugh59
Aboard the ultimate power in Olde Towne East
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I like motion sensor lights...especially high powered ones. You know, 500,000 watts or more. Someone makes the mistake of coming up your driveway at night and POOFFFFF...all that is left of them is their shadow burned into the pavement. It's kind of rough on the squirrels though.
Seriously, I like having an alarm system when I am living in a house. I am more concerned about my personal safety than about my stuff. An alarm going off will alert me that something may be happening.
My mom had one at her old house for many years (as well as motion sensing lights). We also had a dog (which is a great supplement to an alarm system). We did not have too many false alarms over the years (mainly because we turned off the motion sensor when we were not there). I don't know what the police response time was...generally we were present when the thing went off accidentally and were able to tell the security company it was a false alarm. I think it was worth the expense for the peace of mind.
CDS sherman
East Franklinton
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TaraK wrote >>
[quote][/quote]When we're there at night, I'm not too concerned. I mean, I guess I would be even less concerned with a system, but it's not really necessary.
ok so what if someone were to do the ole towel punch to a glass pane in a door or use a scissor car jack to a door jamb which is fairly quiet, your not going to hear it while your asleep. next thing you know they are waking you up in bed and it might not be pleasant... not trying to scare you im just trying to help you understand wow these things can go down. the scissor factory car jack method is widely used and can take about 25 seconds to pop the door open. i would think if an alarm were to go off they would run and also alert YOU that someone has entered your house.... maybe im just paranoid, maybe ive always lived in transitional areas my entire life, i dont know but i will be damned if im "caught slipping" if you know what i mean. i really dont see the hassle of having an alarm system like some of these other folks on here. i take security very seriously and would hope that others would too.
rus
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CDS sherman wrote >>
i take security very seriously and would hope that others would too.
Well, I'd expect the Warden to like alarm systems ;-)
Seriously, security ( along with fire and medical emergencies ) are something everyone can prepare for. There's different methods, of course, and even if you like alarms a monthly monitoring fee isn't for everyone.
Not to mention it's prudent to have a plan for when the alarm goes off.
TaraK
probably at the coffee shop
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CDS sherman wrote >>
TaraK wrote >>
[quote][/quote]
When we're there at night, I'm not too concerned. I mean, I guess I would be even less concerned with a system, but it's not really necessary.ok so what if someone were to do the ole towel punch to a glass pane in a door or use a scissor car jack to a door jamb which is fairly quiet, your not going to hear it while your asleep. next thing you know they are waking you up in bed and it might not be pleasant... not trying to scare you im just trying to help you understand wow these things can go down. the scissor factory car jack method is widely used and can take about 25 seconds to pop the door open. i would think if an alarm were to go off they would run and also alert YOU that someone has entered your house.... maybe im just paranoid, maybe ive always lived in transitional areas my entire life, i dont know but i will be damned if im "caught slipping" if you know what i mean. i really dont see the hassle of having an alarm system like some of these other folks on here. i take security very seriously and would hope that others would too.
You should help write commercials for Brinks.
Obviously safety does matter to me, otherwise I wouldn't have started the thread. The cost is a concern, though. I mean, I can afford a monthly fee, but I generally hate signing on to any monthly bill, especially since most of these companies require a THREE YEAR contract.
Here's our security, thus far:
1. When we moved in, we bought a door bar for the back door.
2. We bought alarms for both downstairs doors that you install yourself. (Good idea!) But they can't be installed on our doors b/c the doors sit too far back inside the door frame and won't line up. So I returned them.
3. We may or may not have some bootlegged landscape-oriented, brand-displaying propaganda intended to deter people who are deterred by systems.
4. We actually have a bolt lock on our bedroom door. The door knob latch was broken and, rather than replace the knob, my S.O. put a bolt on there. Whatever.
5. Also -- my father is a gunsmith, and I cannot escape my Kentucky roots. (Bonus: Makes dad happy.)
6. We have common sense. Front & back lights on, door & windows locked. And our windows have really good locks and are new.
And we're not paranoid by any means. We know we live in a rapidly gentrifying area; we've never lived in a suburb. I'm not generally afraid of much, but, as I said, I worry about our place when we're gone over holidays.
The thoughts of that monthly bill just irk me. It feels like a trap. (Also, I really hate those commercials that always show a white woman baking flippin' cookies with her cherubic child when some hoodie-clad man busts down a door in broad daylight. Men can be robbed, ugly people can be robbed, people of color can be robbed. Even poor people can be robbed.)
Does anyone have any advice on installing a flood light on the side of a rented house?
And if you know how to find my address from my CU account, please tell me now so I can delete this.
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