| Back in the good old days when everyone sat on their | | | | companies available, the amount of protection you feel |
| porches at night, theft was something so incredibly | | | | your home warrants, and how much you can afford to |
| uncommon that it seemed like something out of a | | | | spend. Remember, just because a company is cheap |
| good story. When home security alarms were first | | | | does not necessarily mean it is the best deal. |
| introduced, they weren't seen as something needed by | | | | There is no one company that we would recommend |
| the public, and security companies had a hard time | | | | over the others; each has its own personal set of |
| selling them. Gradually, they were accepted as a | | | | strengths and weaknesses and it is up to you to |
| necessary fixture in almost all businesses and new | | | | determine what will fit your needs best. |
| homes. | | | | Some tips to keep in mind: |
| There are many reasons why one would want to | | | | 1. Make sure the companies that you are considering |
| consider the purchase of a home security alarm for | | | | have proper insurance. If something happens with the |
| one's home. It provides a higher level of security for | | | | company, you could become responsible for any loss. |
| prized possessions such as expensive jewelry, | | | | 2. Check to make sure the company has a valid |
| electronics, appliances, and anything else that you | | | | business license in your city. |
| wouldn't want to lose. | | | | 3. Get the names of other customers in your area |
| A home security system is perfect for those who | | | | who can provide references for you. |
| spend extended periods of time away from the home, | | | | 4. When signing a contract, read it carefully! Make sure |
| or who live in high risk areas. The FBI presents a study | | | | you know what you're getting into before signing any |
| that shows that, on average, 25% of homes in the | | | | forms. Know the terms of the contract and the length |
| USA are burglarized at least once in a 10 year period. | | | | of the warranty. |
| Why take the risk with your possessions? | | | | 5. Ask about the length of time the company has been |
| But once you make the decision to go ahead with | | | | in business. Be wary of companies that have not been |
| purchasing a home security alarm, the difficult part is | | | | in business for at least three years. There is often |
| just beginning. There are many different types of | | | | nothing wrong with a new home security company, but |
| alarms on the market and it can be hard to discern | | | | it is better to stick with those that have been around |
| which one is right for your needs. You want to make | | | | for a while. |
| sure that your system provides the best security for | | | | 6. Check to see if the monitoring is done locally, or out |
| your home without being more costly than what is | | | | of state. |
| needed. | | | | 7. See if the installation is done through the company, |
| It is best to check several different alarm companies, | | | | or if it is subcontracted out. It is always better to stick |
| as well as talk to friends and neighbors who have | | | | with companies who do their own work. It's much |
| alarm systems installed to see what differences are | | | | easier to deal with the problem if something goes |
| out there, and what will fit your needs best. A few | | | | wrong later. |
| major things to take into consideration are the different | | | | |