What you need to know before purchasing a security system for your home or business.
What does security mean to you? What is it that you want security to do for you? The questions below are designed after years of experience with both homeowners and business owners to help you decide what type of peace of mind you’re searching for.
Q: Where do you want to catch a “bad guy” inside your property or while he is trying to get in?
R: If you answered, I don’t want him to try at all. You might want a multi-leveled security system and other security measures that make a criminal decide that you’re not an easy target.
Q: What do you want to protect the property itself or the items inside the property?
R: Often you will answer “both”. Some say I will protect myself if they enter when I am home. So, I wanted a system that protects my property. The design and cost can vary drastically depending on your response to this question.
Q: If you were a burglar where would you break into your property?
R: Ever heard that noise in the middle of the night and immediately your mind goes to that specific basement window or door? It seems that everyone has that one location that has always concerned them. Although it may not be where a burglar would enter it is where you fear of entry and need to address it.
Q: Why do you want a security system to protect your “things” or to protect “you”?
R: If you want your “things” protected just do that basics. If you’re more concerned do more levels and a perimeter system including phone back up. Be sure not to under design the system don’t let a salesperson over sale you.
Q: If you have a close call or become a victim don’t call a security company out that day?
R: Many security companies love those sales calls when a person calls and says I had an attempted break in last night and the first guy out today that can put an alarm in gets my business. Almost always you get more than you want, more than you bargained for, and less quality and protection than you wanted. Including false alarm problems. I use to lose business but I would tell a person that lets wait three days and then I would come out. Often then would thank me if we did meeting knowing that I was really looking out for their needs.
Q: What one thing do you want to protect inside the property. What is your most valuable possession?
R: Everyone answers this differently. My kids, art, customer base, dog, cat, myself, are all answers I have heard over the twenty-plus years. Regardless of your answer, make sure your security does protect your most valuable possessions.
Q: What if you’re broken into what do you think it will cost you in time and money?
R: Quoting statistics would be anywhere from your deductible to several thousands of dollars on average. More importantly, the stats don’t show the time loss from work, stress, and even property not recovered or reported stolen. Often this is because it is not discovered until the insurance claim has already been closed.
Q: Do false alarms concern you?
R: Over 99% of all alarm signals are false. The majority of them are still caused by the end user. This can be due to poor educations, understanding, or design of the system. Also, not maintaining the system is another reason for false alarms. You would not drive a car for years without changing the oil!
Q: What type of phone service do you currently have in your home? Can the phone line be cut or disabled?
R: Bad Guys are opportunist; most seasoned criminals know that if communications are cut to the outside that they have longer to do their dirty work. Make sure you invest in a telephone back up and understand the operations of the backup system. Many security phone backup systems don’t have battery backups as and example.
Q: Do you have smoke detectors, co detector are they older than ten years old? Battery backed up? What happens if you’re not home do they call for help?
R: Smoke kills. Carbon Monoxide is odorless and deadly. Both smoke and co detectors have a life expectancy and should be tested and cleaned regularly. Just pushing the button does not mean it will detect smoke! If your property catches on fire while you’re gone who will call the fire department? Only, a monitored smoke detector can notify authorities.
Q: Do you believe your home deters a burglar from trying? Giving the impression that he/she should go on down the road?
R: FBI states on their website a “barking dog” is still one of the best deterrents. Good neighbors are another. However, if has been proven again and again that a security system not only deters but also reduces the losses.
Reasons for having a security & fire and/or home automation.
a. Protection your property
b. Protect you or employees or family
c. Protect your valuables or personal information
d. Keeping your identity from being stolen
e. Protect your family pet
f. Monitor your child- latch key child
g. Monitor your teenager- sneaking out of home
h. Insurance discounts or Insurance requiring security
i. Provide safety and quicker emergency response
j. Safety and Security while traveling
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