what is the best home alarm system?
We usually consider alarm systems to deter theft, but, really they’re also useful for fire and CO alarms. We have a Sonitrol system with remote monitoring and recently added a couple of fire sensors to it. I am also talking to them about CO detectors as well – I have my own units by the furnace and in the main bedroom now. We’ve had our system about 15 years now, and it’s the wired kind. We have about 12 sensors throughout, plus a combination motion/IR detector down a main hall. (Many windows at ground level, plus pets which makes the whole thing challenging) I worked closely with the installer so I could provide input to the zone map for bypassing, etc. I had Brinks out for a quote as well, but when I objected to some of their contract language, the salesman didn’t have the authority to change it (and didn’t know anyone who did have the authority). That turned out to be a deal-breaker for us, so we went with Sonitrol instead.
ADT is probably the all around most reliable company. The problem with alarms is that response times are usually around an hour for instrusion alarms, sometimes longer. This means that the police will not be catching the criminals breaking into your home. Your alarm should be designed with maximum effect to drive the criminal out of your house when it goes off. This should include the loudest siren allowed in your community, and if you really want them out, include flashing strobe lights inside and outside your house. These strobes will make it almost impossible for them to find any valuables, and will draw the attention of passersby more quickly. I have been a police officer, and a police dispatcher. ADT security is reliably fairly quick in getting the alarm dispatched, and has backup centres in case the primary centre for your area is too busy to call the police. You should also take into account that your local police may charge you a fee if they respond to a false alarm. If you con
