Security Is
Ongoing - by Carla Base
Many people have
misconceptions about security. Whether for a home or business, largware house
or other application, several factors always enter into the decision-making,
which may or may not be true. Here are a few to consider.
1: I am not sure how to select a security company. Is a large well-known name the best way to go, or with a local company? The choice is ultimately up to you, however a brief look at the security industry will inform your decision. In the past, only security professionals on a local level connected to others nationally as dealers of professional equipment were able to purchase and install alarm systems. As with other nationalized syndications, big companies began gobbling up smaller ones as they swept the nation, cheapening equipment, offering so called “free” labor and equipment, and eventually some “manufactured their own” equipment. You will find that local security companies always have to keep their customers by having excellent customer service, attention to customer needs and using only quality equipment. Otherwise, they simply are out of business. When huge corporations do so, customers simply feel scammed, but their name goes on…for awhile. Contracts bind them in and high fees swamp customers they were unaware of, whereas the private companies who are reputable often have no contracts or have simple to understand and easy to see financing. No labor is free, because no one works for free. Period. Equipment of quality is also never free. If it states it is, it is simply amortized to reflect that cost somewhere. It may be a surprise down the long road….
2:
When you get an alarm system, then you are set…right?
There
are always technical advances. When you realize no “kit” can offer everything,
you suddenly realize that what is often touted as the system is only a kit. It
may contain a motion sensor and window contact and a couple door contacts. They
already know that most people have two doors, but often three, countless
windows and patio doors that are very prone. People have basement windows and
other concerns. A truly reputable company always customizes each home or
business because quite simply, each situation is unique. Even in a similar
layout of a neighborhood, you will find someone has something that makes his or
her home more prone than another, and so too, a thief notices as well. Yes,
motion sensors must be strategically placed and so should glass break sensors.
Some “kits” don’t even include those. As well, a heavy loud thud can trigger
the sound sensor, such as attempting to smash a solid replacement window. Door
and window contacts and a good siren are important, and the ability to call
police and others on a list of the customers direction. Additional sirens or
lights can be a deterrent and also speed a burglar away. Maybe you do not have
a system yet, so it is hard to imagine, however when you trip an alarm system
siren it should make even the owner of the property shake in his or her boots
it is so nerve wracking. This will alert others nearby but also make the
environment so upsetting, it is impossible to think much. This will cut down
the time a thief will want to be inside the home or property. A few seconds
seems eternal and hurts the ears! It is an addling feeling with additional
sirens and you can also employ something called a voice driver where you can
record different messages of your choice instead of a simple siren. It can
include them or not. Your imagination is the only limitation!
3:
Alarm systems allow you to have a break on your home owner’s or business
insurance, doesn’t it?
Yes,
it usually does. Always check with your particular company, but in most cases,
you will find that when you present a certificate that you have a burglar alarm
system, they will give you a percentage discount. Companies without them would
actually frown upon a business without one for several reasons. Firstly, your
workplace needs protection of the goods you sell, but it does not simply stop
there. During the day as well as after hours, your property needs to be secure.
Otherwise, they will have to pay the loss. Secondly, a sound system can provide
prevention of the loss of life. As things have grown more dangerous, businesses
have sought to provide cameras recording the general day to day interactions
with customers because studies have shown that some customers can be casing the
business for later theft, and security footage can prevent this. Some insurance
companies as that a regular review is made to insure all is done to prevent
problems possible. Loss of life in a business is the worst case scenario, and
by video (CCTV) or offsite monitoring is employed, it can and will show every
person present in day or night, light or darkness, hours of operation or
beyond. As things unfold, it can record, identify and catch thieves and
retrieve stolen property, so insurance companies are very well aware of
“minimalistic” systems which are very basic and do not attempt to actually
protect or identify the merchandise that the company will have no hesitation in
reporting missing, damaged or vandalized.
4:
When I sign a contract, do I have to stay with that company?
You
may always speak with the holder of any contract and read the fine print. Usually
you will find an unbelievably expensive fee to stop the contract. Always read
any contract carefully before signing, especially for a security system. This
is because in an unstable economy or job market, you may find yourself needing
to downsize, move, pay for unexpected medical expenses or other financial
responsibilities and you do not want to feel tied down to an unrealistic
payment. No one can predict everything financially. Before you sign a long into
the future contract, read the fine print carefully. Don’t just ask the salesman
about it. Study it. You will find many of the very long range contracts rope
you into them by squeezing a lower fee out of you over a longer period of time
and when the system is finally paid up, you still pay that same rate on and on
into the future. This is how “free” is paid for: amortization.
5:
I got a system and feel roped into the deal I made and now I cannot afford to
get out of the contract….
You
can pay to have it dropped, however it is best if you pay it until your system
is paid off. Then get a solid local company that doesn’t want a contract but
rather for you to be 100% satisfied. You will see a huge difference. Some
panels are locked, others are electronically unlocked. If not locked, you can
have them taken over when your fee is over with, or opt to change the panel. If
you are locked out of it, then you will have to change it. It is a small price
to pay and actually will pay for itself quickly. National companies charge
absurd prices for monitoring and much of that is the hidden costs you thought
you were NOT paying. They never lessen. Options can raise the monitoring such
as med alert by a little, or Z-Wave Smart Home type systems because monitoring
is more expensive on these, but options if you like. You will be amazed how
superior the equipment will be from locally owned private security companies.
National brands pay techs to place three or four systems daily, and they are
the “kits” that do not encompass every possibility of entry into YOUR home,
only a basic protection package. These are not to be confused with truly well
planned customized security solutions that save lives. See the lawsuits against
some major security players online over this issue. It is an eye opener!
6:
When I have someone remove the equipment from my home, is it theirs or mine?
If
you pay for equipment and installation and have finished your payments, it is
yours. If another company is told to come and put up a whole new system, that
equipment belongs to the owner of it. Once removed, if the property is
“discarded” property, the owner must place it in the trash on the curb. I
personally don’t think it a great idea to allow techs to have this equipement
for several reasons. One, the Internet is loaded with this name brand inferior eqiuipment
that is now garbage. Two, there is a reason it was gotten rid of. Three, it
yellows. Four, it is not honest to sell it as new and likely will be. Five, if
that company wants it, do they install such equipment at other locations of
theirs? It is worth thinking about. Six: Sometimes equipment is actually stolen
from employers and if used again, can open up a real can of worms. Every piece
has identifying model and serial numbers and can be traced. Best Advice: Say
you will keep it and dispose of it.
7:
When I get a new system, how should I proceed?
Speak
to the tech in your home at length and learn it while they are there. Keep a
folder with only the alarm information inside it. Place it where you but not
everyone can get to it. Have all warranties, directions and examples inside or
your notes from the discussion with your installation tech. Send in all
warranties yourself. Also save all boxes in your basement in a clear dry place.
Know where they are. Should anything happen call your alarm company first. It
could simply be an adjustment or something they can remedy. If not, if they
will take it, place it all in its original box and have your paperwork ready
from your folder to show to them. They will tell you the best method to
proceed. Local companies normally simply replace it. Don’t wait however, all
electronics must be returned in 30 days or less. If you find there is some
problem, let them know. At any time, they likely will replace it. If a national
brand, before ever purchasing, don’t ask, instead make that call. State
you need to know what to do, you’ve had this equipment over 30 days and it is
broken. SEE what they say and do. It may just help you decide to go local.
8:
Aside from the alarm siren, what deterrents do an alarm “system” have to stop
thieves? Just having a credible looking alarm sign (they know the difference!)
will cut down the likelihood of being burglarized by over 50%. The siren can
render the break-in one that is nerve wracking and hurried. The fact that the
unit may or may NOT automatically call police and others as well, like owners
or neighbors watching during vacation, etc. is unknown, but most people who
have alarms do use monitoring. No one should enter a home that is alarming but
a police officer, because it could be an armed burglary in progress. There are
devices to show what is inside the home in the event of an alarm so that
monitoring companies can see what is happening and inform police there is
nothing visible or that it is clearly a break in situation, which really gives
law enforcement a heads up, unlike sensors that in the past only recorded
motion of a overweight dog, for example.
9:
Do you always have to set it up to call the police?
No,
many have systems where it alarms and calls the wife and husband and perhaps a
neighbor who has agreed to watch the home; perhaps a retired person or someone
who watches the home during vacations. Since the advent of huge charges levied
upon home owners to avoid false alarms, cameras and devices to detect the entrance
of burglars has become of paramount importance.
10:
If I get a “complete” system from a national brand company, that should make my
property safe, right?
No.
Sadly, many people think that when a company comes out and states that they can
give them a system for a set amount, look out right there…. Did they count
doors and windows, look over prone areas and comment on potential dangers of
the home or business? A kit won’t save your family. Know that each possibility
is prepared for or else save your money up till when you can get a real alarm
system. Don’t settle for some kit that leaves you feeling secure but does
little in case of several scenarios. Litigation is pending now against primary
companies at this time over just this issue. Don’t expect a thief to enter only
through the door marked with an X, obviously. They know what is in the stamped
out “Kits” and they know what is not usually included. They’ve done this
before. Strategy is the most important ally to protecting your loved ones, not
kits. Experienced techs can point out three or four ways a thief could enter
any given area in your home, and select the proper and most cost effective and
yet best method of protection for you. Don’t fall for kits that only include
this and that. You will find that these advertised deals often give a low price
and it will include only a set amount of options. The rest are quite expensive
add ons you NEED. Go for customization. Go local. Go for certified techs
who are background checks by police in YOUR town.
In
addition to an alarm system, insure all doors, locks, windows and door jambs
are quality and resistant to thieves. Have a security plan. Note basement
windows. Always have two doors on front and rear doors: a storm door that is a
security type and inner door. This makes it a lot harder to go through two
deadbolts instead of one. Have well trimmed bushes and good security lighting.
Motion sensor lights are excellent. They will augment the camera action and
alert you or others of someone’s presence. Once the home is protected,
constantly re-evaluate to improve how things look or seem to a would- be thief.
Don’t allow fliers on doors or mail to pile up, delivery of phone books or
other things that signal you are not home, or are on some extended vacation.
Have neighbors roll out and place garbage inside your can. Security is ongoing.
Don’t always do the same thing. Move cars around and don’t let them set outside
as if a spare, even if they are. Move them and make the home seem to have
activity. Turn on lights on random timers and TV’s as well as radios and other
sounds. There is even a DVD of these sounds of the home! (Washers, dryers,
talking, etc) that can be played on your computer. Don’t tell anyone anything
you don’t wish to be broadcast. People innocently tell people things and soon
your secret it out about what you have to protect, or when you will return, or
who is watching the home. Often neighborhood residents rob other neighbors,
sadly, and many times thieves are people you know. Cameras will show you things
you hate to know sometimes; relatives, friends, neighbors, but at least you
know who you are now looking for.