Home Security Systems

Status
Not open for further replies.
M

MI2600

Member
Joined
Jan 7, 2012
Messages
891
Location
Western Michigan
I just read a discussion on the merits and demerits of gun safes which brought to my mind the subject of home security in general.
I have a home security system with all doors alarmed, sound alarm (window breakage, etc), motion sensor alarm, and smoke detection. I know, from experience, that if the disarm code is not answered within one minute, or incorrectly, the homeowner is telephonically contacted to provide a "secret" disarm code. Failing that, the police are notified. In my case the police station is 2-3 minutes away (small town). The system also has battery backup.

I would like to hear comments on the efficiency and reliability of this type of security.
 
The only way to know is to test it.;)
In my town (almost 300,000) a false alarm can cost you.
Burglar Alarms - Burglar alarms are counted by looking at the previous 12 months. Each permit will receive alarms one through three free. Anything greater than three alarms is considered excessive and will be charged as follows: fourth and fifth Alarms are $50, sixth and seventh alarms are $75, eight or more alarms are $100 each.
Click to expand...
You might call the PD ahead of time to let them know you are going to test your alarm system and the alarm companies response.
 
M12600

I don't know what brand of home security system you have but ours was hooked up through the home's Internet. Which when it was working properly was fine but when the Internet went down or service was interrupted the whole security system went down and would be impossible to get it back online. Or else there were the "false alarms" that couldn't be deactivated by the remote key pad or the master tablet (got to know the local Sheriff's Deputies really well). Had to add another repeater box to boost the signal throughout the house and it still didn't work right. Had to get replacement remote key pads as they just didn't hold up in every day use and then they had to be reprogrammed!

Finally got rid of it as it was just way too much hassle to try to keep it working.
 
I installed several Wyze cameras that are internet dependent. I was able to monitor my home daily from a far away remote locations months on end to check on its well being. That plus Alexa to alert me to breaking glass and smoke detector noise.
 
I went with the ADT system 4-5 months ago, without any problems so far. It is supplemented with nosy neighbors. Two days ago, I fumble-fingered the panel and they called within 15-20 seconds. I just feel it provides a degree of asset protect without trying to get huge safe into the house. Then too, I have been influenced by the critical comments about safes and their ability to withstand determined thieves. Plus, a safe would be a "magnet" for interlopers. In the log-run it will cost more, but I can live with that.
 
The technology of home security has fallen significantly while it's quality has gotten much better, especially when it comes to resolution of security cameras. The ability to be alerted on your phone as well as being able to talk both ways to determine whether or not the cops need to be called is a big plus too. While I have a simple set-up myself, my dog is still the best theft deterrent I have.
 
Home security is like much else in life--there is no one-size-fits-all answer.

Every imaginable situation will have benefits and flaws. Typically, the only thing the experience of others can give, is how to avoid pitfalls in the process, rather than a silver bullet for the pieces-parts.

What works for me is unlikely to work for others. What works for others probably does not fit my situation well.

Just the nature of the beast.
 
We have one but I also have other stuff that alerts me, at home or away, before someone gets close enough to the house to be able to break in.

A lot can happen during response time and that itself is variable, can be greatly diminished in places that have lots of false alarms.

Anything you can do to give you a head start is a good thing. More of an action than reaction situation.
 
Our home security system works exceptionally well. If anything fishy happens, I get an e-mail, a text, and phone call. I have to answer immediately, or the police is dispatched and in my community, they are very fast at responding.
 
The subject matter is within the proper scope of ST&T, but not in that of other THR forums .

I cannot provide anything useful in the way of a response.
 
My home system communicates with the monitoring station via cellular link and is not internet dependent. Also has battery backup good for an hour or two. Long enough to get my generator working.
 
I recently installed a Ring outdoor motion sensor camera with lights. So far I am quite impressed with it. I get a chime on my phone within seconds of the motion detection, and I can adjust both the motion sensing area and sensitivity via. software settings.

I'm in a rural area (outskirts of small town) and also enjoy seeing what the critters are up to.
 
MI2600 said:
I just read a discussion on the merits and demerits of gun safes which brought to my mind the subject of home security in general.
I have a home security system with all doors alarmed, sound alarm (window breakage, etc), motion sensor alarm, and smoke detection. I know, from experience, that if the disarm code is not answered within one minute, or incorrectly, the homeowner is telephonically contacted to provide a "secret" disarm code. Failing that, the police are notified. In my case the police station is 2-3 minutes away (small town). The system also has battery backup.

I would like to hear comments on the efficiency and reliability of this type of security.
Click to expand...
 
I would disagree. I put in my system to protect myself and my property, which primarily, in monetary terms, for me is my guns. A gun safe doesn't do both, nor does it notify authorities if a threat exists.
 
MI2600 said:
I would disagree. I put in my system to protect myself and my property, which primarily, in monetary terms, for me is my guns. A gun safe doesn't do both, nor does it notify authorities if a threat exists.
Click to expand...
And therefore they have the dame purpose?
 
Once again, security is individual, just like insurance. No one solution fits all.

I, for one, am loathe to rely upon any one thing. A person might call that "belt and suspenders"--I'd not disagree, other than an implied limit of just two.
But, my answer is only good for me.

I have cameras that cover blind spots around the house. I have certain ways to access those. My ways are my ways.
 
I have Simplisafe and it is wireless and are not dependent on your internet connection, they use a built in cell modem. You buy the system and install it yourself and are NOT on any contract. I had ADT but they are not user fixable or ad-on-able if that is a word and they lock you in a long term contract. There are discount codes out all over the place to get a pretty good discount.
 
I have the system that even if the smash the control board cops are here fat, monitored. I also have two Golden Retrievers and Magnum guns.. I’m good.

Thewelshm
 
My alarm system was recently upgraded to a proprietary cellular system by ADT. Now even if they cut every cable to the house, it's secured. Oh, a battery backup like those used for PC's beyond the tiny 7Ah battery inside the system is a good idea.
 
George P said:
Big dogs beat electronic devices or those dependent on having power
Click to expand...

Yup you're right but, power is easier to supply than having a well trained and loved dog replaced. Yes, my pit mix "can" influence a burglar but once that door opens and the battery backed up siren screams it just may prevent me from cleaning up my dead dog.

As usual YMMV
 
George P said:
Big dogs beat electronic devices or those dependent on having power
Click to expand...

Dogs professionally trained for that kind of work and professionally handled are a good component of a layered security system. If you rely on a dog to be your primary security alarm you will most likely be disappointed. I took numerous burglary complaints where the dog the homeowner relied on let them down.
 
I never said it to mean they were the only component; just one of many layers; outside lighting helps deter them from approaching, big dogs barking hopefully deter them from breaching, alarms are for after they breach
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

H
  • Locked
Home Security System Recomendations
Replies
18
Views
1K
millertyme
M
P
  • Locked
Home security systems
2 3
Replies
57
Views
4K
Walt Sherrill
W
P
  • Locked
Alarm Systems
2 3
Replies
52
Views
1K
GrimmLV
G
V
  • Locked
"Wireless" home security systems???
Replies
17
Views
795
CZSteve
C
3
  • Locked
Home Security - Is one of your layers becoming obsolete?
Replies
7
Views
1K
DrewH
D
Back
Top