Reading Gunny's post about a burglary. He commented that the guy didn't have an alarm. I've been thinking about getting one, what do you folks use and why. If you don't use one why not? Just curious, seems prudent, the burglary Gunny mentioned took place in the day, but we occasionally go a way for a few days. Inquiring minds and all that. Economy certainly isn't getting any better and not that it's an excuse but arse Holes seem to be coming out of the wood work. After it happens it's too late. I've been looking at the Simplisafe option. Anyone use it?
What Alarm System to you use?
- Thread starter Bear Paw Jack
- Start date
Cooperhawk
Buckeye
We have a system from "Heartland". It's a Midwest Assn. of power and utility companies that set up their own security system. All of our outside doors are alarmed, There are glass breaking sensors on each floor, motion sensors on the bottom floor, fire and smoke, and the big one for us is temp alarms. We pay less than $20 a month and they monitor it 24/7/365. We also have remote controls that will turn it on or off from nearby. We had to pay the initial cost of setting it up. About $2000.00. It is both landline and cellular.
We were in OKC last Feb. in our Motorhome when we got a call at 7AM that our house was below 40 degrees and going down. We were able to get the furnace installer out there and get the furnace going again before any damage was done. In my opinion that more than paid for the system right there.
I sleep much better knowing its there.
BTW, every once in a while I stumble down stairs in the morning and set it off accidentally. :shock: That siren is LOUD! Then of course the company calls and you better remember the code word or the Sheriff will pay you a visit. :roll:
We were in OKC last Feb. in our Motorhome when we got a call at 7AM that our house was below 40 degrees and going down. We were able to get the furnace installer out there and get the furnace going again before any damage was done. In my opinion that more than paid for the system right there.
I sleep much better knowing its there.
BTW, every once in a while I stumble down stairs in the morning and set it off accidentally. :shock: That siren is LOUD! Then of course the company calls and you better remember the code word or the Sheriff will pay you a visit. :roll:
GunnyGene
Hawkeye
I've had a monitored system with a local company since we built the house in 2000. Runs about $200/year. Also have other precautions that are not monitored or known about by anyone but me.
cruzerlou
Buckeye
Three dogs and a Kimber TLE II 1911 .45 ACP.
Lou
Lou
Busterswoodshop
Hunter
Two Pit Bulls and a Belgian Sheep dog.
GunnyGene
Hawkeye
stevemb said:
There is no "one size fits all" when it comes to security system/methods. All depends on your circumstances and wallet. :)
Rancher Will
Blackhawk
Since I and my wife have two homes, one on each of our two ranches, we are at a different home, sometimes for more than a week at a time. However we have homes on each ranch where some of our employees live with their families. Do the location of our ranch headquarters on each ranch, there is always someone, usually more than one family, at home all the time. Anyone driving into our ranches is met by barking ranch dogs, and someone who checks to see who and what has arrived.
cruzerlou
Buckeye
We do have ADT ,but I concider that as secondary to home preparedness.
Lou
Lou
powder smoke
Hawkeye
Dog Cat Mossberg 12ga. ps
ronto
Hunter
I use a Blue Heeler with a bad attitude for early warning and a 12ga pump for final disposition if needed.
GunnyGene
Hawkeye
RonT said:
Don't mind the thread drift, but there is a difference between security when nobody's home, and that while you are. Both scenarios need to be addressed. In the case I brought up, they had plenty of security while home, including guns (which were also stolen), but nothing for when they were gone. This is very common, since people often don't want to spend money on a monitored system, or extra insurance. A hidden safe for valuables is also advisable.
Cooperhawk
Buckeye
You will always find the naysayers no matter what the subject. It is the nature of the beast. :roll:
We grew concerned when a friends house was burgled while they were at a Christmas Show. They backed a truck up and took everything that wasn't nailed down. Around here they have also learned that a metal cutting blade in a skill saw will cut right through the side of a gun safe. :shock:
A lot of systems use cellular technology to alert the alarm company so there are no wires to cut. Ours has that as well as land line and a battery backup.
Another friend woke up to a noise and found an illegal in their bedroom with them going through his wife's jewelry. This guy evidently got away with this for quite a while before they got him.
When we travel we take the expensive stuff and lock it into our safety deposit box at the bank. The rest I just have to trust that the alarm system will work. If they are in my place with a half mile driveway through the woods and the alarm goes off, there is no other way out. Any Deputy that is in the area will trap them.
We grew concerned when a friends house was burgled while they were at a Christmas Show. They backed a truck up and took everything that wasn't nailed down. Around here they have also learned that a metal cutting blade in a skill saw will cut right through the side of a gun safe. :shock:
A lot of systems use cellular technology to alert the alarm company so there are no wires to cut. Ours has that as well as land line and a battery backup.
Another friend woke up to a noise and found an illegal in their bedroom with them going through his wife's jewelry. This guy evidently got away with this for quite a while before they got him.
When we travel we take the expensive stuff and lock it into our safety deposit box at the bank. The rest I just have to trust that the alarm system will work. If they are in my place with a half mile driveway through the woods and the alarm goes off, there is no other way out. Any Deputy that is in the area will trap them.
Looks like we are about the same. A local alarm company, 17 dollars a month. If somebody sets it off true the police might not show up but it is loud and would call attention if it didn't get turned off right away. And as mentioned it is wireless, we don't have land line phone service (which is Internet based more than likely anyway) so the alarm and a dog.
GunnyGene
Hawkeye
Besides the usual alarm systems, if you have a driveway that doesn't allow a car to go off the drive across a yard, etc. there are some things you can install that will prevent a vehicle from accessing your property, or leaving with your stuff. Pop up remote controlled tire shredders for example, or pop up steel bollards.
Things like this:
http://www.trafficspikesusa.com/
http://www.trafficguard.net/applications/driveway-bollards/
Things like this:
http://www.trafficspikesusa.com/
http://www.trafficguard.net/applications/driveway-bollards/
contender
Ruger Guru
Alarm systems can be good or bad. Many man hours are wasted by the police chasing "false alarms." In fact, many police departments are trying to figure out ways to reduce these false calls, or charge the home owner for them. So, if you go with an alarm system,,, get a good one that has a good record of very few, if any, false alarms.
Where I live,, response time by the LEO's is at least 20-30 minutes. I'm on the edge of one county, with a nearby town less than 5 minutes away,,, but a different jurisdiction. No help from them,,, even though we are good friends with the cops there.
I suffered a B&E a few years ago. The thug kicked in my back door. Estimated number of kicks, 6-8 before the door frame broke.
I had game cameras set up around here. Unfortunately, the one camera that would get license tag info was broken. I got pics of the thug, and yet, we still haven't caught him. Even with a LOT of excellent help. He was in & out for a total time of 19 minutes here.
We have since beefed up the external defenses to prevent as much of this repeat type of B&E again. Try kicking the door, & he'll likely break a leg or foot first. Dual key deadbolts, set in a solid steel type frame will prevent the use of any door if entry is gained. Safes in the home kept me from losing the gun collection, but Miss Penny lost a lot of jewelry. We have replaced her box with a safe.
But, alarms around here are not worth much, and according to the local LEO's, less than 1% are actual B&E's.
BTW; my BIL sells & installs alarm systems that are top end & commercial. He backs up my thoughts. He also gave me an electronic gate system. Can't drive up my driveway anymore due to fencing & a gate.
Where I live,, response time by the LEO's is at least 20-30 minutes. I'm on the edge of one county, with a nearby town less than 5 minutes away,,, but a different jurisdiction. No help from them,,, even though we are good friends with the cops there.
I suffered a B&E a few years ago. The thug kicked in my back door. Estimated number of kicks, 6-8 before the door frame broke.
I had game cameras set up around here. Unfortunately, the one camera that would get license tag info was broken. I got pics of the thug, and yet, we still haven't caught him. Even with a LOT of excellent help. He was in & out for a total time of 19 minutes here.
We have since beefed up the external defenses to prevent as much of this repeat type of B&E again. Try kicking the door, & he'll likely break a leg or foot first. Dual key deadbolts, set in a solid steel type frame will prevent the use of any door if entry is gained. Safes in the home kept me from losing the gun collection, but Miss Penny lost a lot of jewelry. We have replaced her box with a safe.
But, alarms around here are not worth much, and according to the local LEO's, less than 1% are actual B&E's.
BTW; my BIL sells & installs alarm systems that are top end & commercial. He backs up my thoughts. He also gave me an electronic gate system. Can't drive up my driveway anymore due to fencing & a gate.
I have a long driveway ( 800 feet) with a gate at the road. It stays closed, but unlocked. If you deviate off my driveway in the Fall and Spring, you will be here awhile. I was a deputy sheriff in this county for eleven years. This is known by the miscreants of the county. No one can tell if I am home or not due to a truck parked so they can't see if my car is also there. Lights on timers, and radios. If someone breaks into my house my tablet has an app "manything" that will alert me and show me real time what is happening via Internet. I have two yappy Shelties. :)
gramps
gramps
ronto
Hunter
Agreed, but in my case some one is always at home. :)GunnyGene said:
Cooperhawk
Buckeye
stevemb said:
The reason the "System" calls for you is that first they call your residence to see if it really is a valid alarm. If you answer and give the password no one calls the authorities. If you do not, the authorities are called for you. This solves the problem of false alarms. In two years we have not experienced a false alarm.
Insurance will never replace heirlooms from our families or pictures, ect. of family and friends.
No one system or method is a good fit for everyone. Look after your own needs and address them as you see fit.
I really do not care if some of you choose to sleep with a pit bull in your bed and a howitzer loaded and set up in your bedroom. At least have some respect for those who choose another method.
Alarm systems and monitoring systems are all over the place price wise. Most of the ones that I see advertising offer the system for free or low cost and make it up with a long term monitoring contract at a high rate. The systems offered usually are bait and switch types. You are provided with a few motion detectors and a couple of door contacts then shown the options. If you are somewhat handy, installation of a wireless system is pretty straight forward. There are numerous alarm suppliers on the internet that you can buy the components from. If you are concerned about your ability to install your own system, contact a local professional with a good reputation. Monitoring prices vary widely and it pays to check around. I pay about $8.00/month with no contract for a company that gives stellar service.
opos
Buckeye
We are home most of the time and keep no regular schedules...never gone at night as we don't drive after dark...I picked up a dozen of the super cheap battery operated window and door "screamer" alarms on e bay....each one is individual to that door or window...open one...break the circuit and it really lets out a howl...batteries seem to last a long time and they just go on the window frame with the sticky back tape they come with..I used a glue gun to give a bit of extra hold...they are on aluminum frames...only issue is we have a few windows and a couple of doors that are often in use so got to remember to flip the switch in the morning and flip it back at night...
I'd guess if anyone opened the door or window the screaming noise would probably have them on the run..whatever .. it would sure wake us up and let us get into our safe location where we can defend ourselves if needed...there is no alarm company involved with these at all...cost is about $2 each...batteries are common watch style batteries that are super cheap.
I'd guess if anyone opened the door or window the screaming noise would probably have them on the run..whatever .. it would sure wake us up and let us get into our safe location where we can defend ourselves if needed...there is no alarm company involved with these at all...cost is about $2 each...batteries are common watch style batteries that are super cheap.
Animals dogs or cats are a great early warning system when you are at home. But, if you're not there they can be dealt with and then the thief has a clear field.
I have what was originally an ADT system. But their costs are ridiculous. I use a local, or maybe national for all I know, outfit. The Monitoring Center advertises $9.99 a month, but it really works out a bit more, naturally. But the service seems good.
I have what was originally an ADT system. But their costs are ridiculous. I use a local, or maybe national for all I know, outfit. The Monitoring Center advertises $9.99 a month, but it really works out a bit more, naturally. But the service seems good.
7p's
Single-Sixer
Sleepin' Easy!
Took down our Rebel flag and peeled the NRA sticker off the front door.
We've disconnected our home alarm system and quit our candy-ass Neighborhood Watch.
Bought two Pakistani flags on eBay and raised them in the front yard, one at each
corner, plus a black flag of ISIS in the center.
Now, the local police, sheriff, FBI, CIA, NSA, Homeland Security, Secret Service and other
agencies are all watching the house 24/7.
Took down our Rebel flag and peeled the NRA sticker off the front door.
We've disconnected our home alarm system and quit our candy-ass Neighborhood Watch.
Bought two Pakistani flags on eBay and raised them in the front yard, one at each
corner, plus a black flag of ISIS in the center.
Now, the local police, sheriff, FBI, CIA, NSA, Homeland Security, Secret Service and other
agencies are all watching the house 24/7.
We had ADT wire an entire Military Armory and had nothing but trouble with them . Constant false alarms on the supply room/vaults. Didn't happen to just one area but it varied from unit to unit. I was stationed there from '86 through '97 and they NEVER got the problems solved. I know because when the alarm sounded for my unit I, as the First Sergeant, received the call to come in. That got very old very quickly. I am definitely not a big fan of ADT. I decided that the .45 ACP I have loaded by my bed is all I need.
I installed my own wireless system for around $300.
Don't use a monitoring company.
Bought an auto dialer that is programmed to call my cell, the two neighbors, my parents and a friend or two.
When the alarm is triggered the auto-dialer begins calling each number in the program until someone picks up.
If I get the call I call the house if no one answers then I call the cops, then the neighbors to look out the window to see if one of my cars is there.
A monitoring company does the exact same thing. Why pay someone to do what I can do myself?
Don't use a monitoring company.
Bought an auto dialer that is programmed to call my cell, the two neighbors, my parents and a friend or two.
When the alarm is triggered the auto-dialer begins calling each number in the program until someone picks up.
If I get the call I call the house if no one answers then I call the cops, then the neighbors to look out the window to see if one of my cars is there.
A monitoring company does the exact same thing. Why pay someone to do what I can do myself?
Bryan
Single-Sixer
I use a pit mix and a jrt. One to see , one to enforce. Woorks great for me. Plus they are good company.
PiratePast40
Single-Sixer
Disconnected our ADT system. Constant false alarms and they wanted to charge $79 for each trip to fix what they installed. Sheriffs department sent a notice out that after 2 false alarms in a month, they would be charging us $59 for each time they had to handle the call. Now we either have one of the family members come stay at the house when we're gone or give a neighbor the key. Still have the sign in the front yard.
Just not worth the money for the equipment, monthly monitoring, false alarms, and false sense of security.
Just not worth the money for the equipment, monthly monitoring, false alarms, and false sense of security.
