Learn me home alarm systems

Mom lives alone Ina relatively safe two level condo complex. What are the options for a home alarm that will make her feel comfortable and can be installed by a reasonably competent person.

Dogs, guns, giant cats, or piranhas are not an option.

Also the kind that dial out aren't really necessary as the neighbors keep a close eye and would be really pissed off to have an alarm sounding, enough to actually check it out.

I am interested in input here too. My daughter's house (now for sale) is prewired for an alarm system. I wouldn't mind installing cheap system (non dial out) to use as a marketing tool.

I think that if you're going to put in a security system you may as well have one that's monitored - you can't rely on there always being a neighbor available who will respond. In addition, most systems these days can also monitor smoke detectors, CO detectors, low temperature alarms (handy if you're out of town and the furnace quits), and so on. The keypads also generally have preprogrammed panic buttons for medical emergencies.

Just get the stickers?

Chainsaw? I cant think of anything more pants crappingly terrifying.

My mom would want an electric which is equally dangerous but not quite as terrifying.

40 years in the biz. Not a big fan of central connection. Lowest possible priority for the cops. Profit generator for the alarm co. Often virtually impossible to cancel the contract. ADT is the worst for this. For the typical GRMer, I suggest getting an Ademco or DSC wireless alarm system. Sensor installation is very simple. Control must be programmed, but we are all bright enough to follow instructions, aren't we? I would suggest the type where the control, noisemaker, and keypad are in one unit. Yes, I know that is not perfect, but we are talking about real world here, not a jewelry store. Also, a wireless system can be easily removed and relocated. Finishing off a prewired system is another game. Just verifying and identifying the wires will take longer than a full wireless install. That is the best system, but will take a lot of time and effort. Back in the day, I did hundreds of them, but now have almost nothing to do with alarms.

shotgun?

I had a DSC system installed by a local outfit and it seems to work well and the fact that I can add onto it myself is a bonus. I had them put a sensor on the garage door to help protect my tools as well as a motion sensor in the living room to help protect the rest of the house if they come in the windows.

To be honest, it really sounds like your mom doesn't need an alarm. She's got good people around to help watch out for things and for the most part anything that might happen won't be caught/resolved by the addition of an alarm. If she really feels it is needed then make sure it is monitored and that it is easy to arm/disarm (DSC has a keyfob option for example and with an internet module one could get texts/monitor via smart phone) I also second staying away from ADT or any of their cronies.

also interested. Have no worry or desire myself, but when I'm out of town on business, my wife wants one to help her sleep at night.

I generally see them as profit centers for monitoring companies, and low priority for police, but I guess that's neither here nor there.

I do feel like if I'm going through the effort of doing it though, I want it done right. Walk out basement.. I figure a single motion detector would keep anyone coming in that way from getting up to the main floor. (well maybe not physically, but at least would be detected)

For main floor/ground level, what's the current effective monitoring solution? glass break sensors? physical window switches? etc.?

I'd like something she could arm while she's home, and not set off if somebody is just up getting a drink/snack at night.

I've had a monitored security system in my house for close to 30 years. There have been several breakins, and each time they called the police who arrived very quickly - within a couple minutes. Having said that, I think it's even more important to have it so they can call the fire department or ambulance if necessary.

I use a local security firm, in fact their call center is only about four blocks away. The monthly fee is reasonable (~$20/month) and I like the fact they know the neighborhood, compared to the national firms who have their monitoring centers in some other state.

Protected by Insecurity!

I'd like to actually hear more about these wireless systems. I live with my gf and go to my house a couple times a week. My gf doesn't live in the best neighborhood either and wouldn't mind some kind of system. Cost? Battery life? etc.

xflowgolf wrote: I'd like something she could arm while she's home, and not set off if somebody is just up getting a drink/snack at night.

They are typically configured so if you arm the system but don't leave the house, the motion sensors won't set off an alarm. That way you can have it armed and still walk around inside. On the other hand, if you arm the system and then walk out the door, the switch on the door jamb lets the system know you've left the house and then motion sensors will set off an alarm if they detect motion.

Police response time is entirely dependent on your location. I'm in South Florida, where the false alarm problem is huge. If you are in a smaller town, very different situation. Glass break detectors are easier to live with as they don't impose on you. They are a bit more prone to falsing unless you get the good (more expensive) ones, and all must be calibrated upon install. Motion detectors cover a much larger area, but again, must be properly sited. Don't look at blowing curtains, hot air ducts, etc. Large pets can be a problem. For best total security, a hardwire system is best, with multiple LOUD sirens inside and out, keypads at entry area and bedroom. Contact switches on all accessible windows and doors, and a couple of motions. And central connect to a local company, with a cell phone back up. Unfortunately, big bucks. And finding an installer that can hide wires will be difficult. A dying talent. We all got old. As far as costs go for DIY stuff, go to Amazon. I think they still have alarms. You will not be able to buy from distribution, as almost all are dealers only. A Google will find sources, I'm sure.

Neighbors on both sides fell for the ADT $99 ads a few years ago. They were telling me about them and how much they liked them. I told them they weren't worth E36M3 and could prove it. They challenged me so I went to each house, opened the phone connection box and pulled the plug.

One of them cancelled the contract and the other had cellphone back up installed for $$$.

Cameras. Their cheap enough now.

I know a bit about those. Difference is that an alarm is proactive, as in it does something right now. Cameras help after the fact, with IDs, etc.

A video surveillance system needs to be able to take good pictures both in light and at night, dark grainy videos aren't much help. However, they won't do anything to stop burglars unless you have someone monitoring them 24/7. Also, you're out of luck if the burglars steal the DVR too.

As for police response time, it isn't necessarily dependent on the size of the town. I live in a metro area with a population of 3 1/2 million or so, and every time I've needed the police they've arrived within minutes.