Posted by
admin,
Published on
15 December 2011
When Seconds Count, AmeriTecT Protects America!
This Blog is to help you pick out the right security and/or surveillance system for your home or business.
Choosing an alarm company can be a daunting task, and the technology and terms can be complicated. Here are some suggestions to aide in your selection:
*Ask friends, neighbors or use a National Homeland Security recommended company.
*If you have to sign a contract, Avoid companies that do not let you buy the equipment out at the end of the term.
*Avoid companies that do not guarantee their rate will not go up during the term of the agreement.
*Avoid companies whose term automatically renews for long period of time after the agreed term.
*Ask about warranties and ask for references from some of their recent customers who have required service and call and talk to these people.
*Ask the alarm company what screening they do when hiring their alarm installers and salespeople. You should hire a company that screens for criminal backgrounds/records, etc.
*Call your local police and fire departments and ask how long it takes them to respond to a home security system alarm. Be sure to ask if there are any fines for false alarms. You can get False alarm protection through two way voice communication with the control panel-Highly Recommended.
*When comparing prices compare detection coverage and features. Not all coverage plans are the same. Typical charges start at $35/month with voice activation and cellular connect being extra. After you own the equipment monitoring charges should drop substantially, typically under $20/month.
AmeriTecT award winning monitoring is as low as $9.95/month.
Buy from Companies approved by National Homeland Security, must meet all their qualifications.
Posted by
admin,
Published on
08 January 2012
- A burglary is committed every 10 seconds in America. This adds up to almost 13 million homes – one of every 20.
- There is an average loss of $1,300 worth of property per burglary.
- According to the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association, burglars attack homes without a security system 3 times more often than homes with a system.
- Today about 1 in 6 homeowners have invested in an electronic security system – more and more Americans are saying that they feel safer with a home security system.
- Over the last 5 years the number of homes with a security system has increased by almost 40%
- Your chances of a break in are highest right after you move into a new home – Burglars know that most people don’t install security systems until 2 to 4 years after they move in.
- Burglars are more likely to break into your home between 9:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., while you are at work, as opposed to breaking in at night.
- Nearly half of burglars break-in through the front door, 32% choose the back door and 22% through a first floor window. The rest break in through a basement, garage or second floor window.
Posted by
admin,
Published on
08 January 2012
The Basics
The basic elements of a standard home security system are:
- Control Panel:
The location where your system wiring terminates and your backup battery is located.
- Keypad:
To arm and disarm your system.
- Siren:
A loud siren will alert you when there’s been a break-in and it also lets an intruder know he’s been detected.
- Inside Motion Detector:
Passive infrared, microwave or photoelectric detectors sense changes in a room caused by human presence. Special Motion Detectors are available for people who have pets.
- Door and Window Contacts:
Magnetic contacts form a circuit between a door and door frame or a window and a sill; when the door or window is opened (and the alarm is on) the circuit is broken, and this sounds the alarm.
- Central Monitoring Station:
Emergency signals from your home are electronically transmitted to the 24-hour monitoring station, which summons help from police, fire or medics.
The best home security system will be customized to your lifestyle – it will take your schedule into account and will specifically protect the things you value the most. It has been proven that user education is the best defense against false alarms. It is very important that the installer teach you and your family how to properly use your security system, including false alarm prevention measures.
Additional Devices
In addition to the basics, there are some additional devices you should consider incorporating in your home security system. These include:
- Smoke Detectors:
These provide an early warning of fire and should be installed throughout your home.
- Glass Break Detectors:
These devices recognize the sound of glass breaking and will sound the alarm.
- Panic Buttons:
These buttons can be hand-held or may be be located in strategic places such as next to beds and doors; just pushing the button will sound the alarm.
- Pressure Mats:
These mats can be placed under rugs and they react to pressure from footsteps to activate the alarm.
- Closed-circuit TV:
This is a private TV system which allows you to monitor and/or record inside or outside your home.
- Alarm Screens:
These are special screens for your windows which have a wire woven in their mesh which will activate your alarm when cut or removed.
Insurance Savings
Check with your homeowners insurance company! Typically they offer a discount between 2% and 20% on your insurance when you install a security system. Ask your agent which type of system will qualify you for the greatest savings.
