Home Alarm System

[gildo]

Just a quick question has anyone got a home security system lately and how much does it cost, we’re looking to get one in our new home in Copperfield, but looking for a good deal. I hear they have wireless devices now? thanks in advance for any tips.

[Madman]

Just had ADT install a system - great process and would highly recommend them. This was all done right through ADT and not a reseller of ADT.

I picked ADT as they aren't some fly by night operation with no infrastructure behind them.

I was recommended a salesperson by csnarpy on here as he is one of the installers.

I can PM you her details if you so desire. She was really good to us and took the time to come out, look at the house and find out what our needs were in a home security system.

[gildo]

Thanks Madman that would be great.

[bradster57]

Good thread for me! PM me the details as well, we are shopping around for a security company too.

[Madman]

PM'd you both.

[Ford Prefect]

Do what I did ... I signed up for a home security service and didn't renew once the initial contract expired. But I was able to keep the signs and so I left them up. How's a scumbug thief supposed to know I don't have active service. The signs are the most effective part of a security system's deterrent power, and you don't need to pay for them once you've got them. Unless the security companies have gotten smart and go around and collect them now when people don't renew their service.

[Madman]

I like our system not just for deterring thieves, but also for the 24/7 monitored fire, CO and flood protection we have.

[Draug]

Is anything wrong with Alarm Force? You hear their commercials all the time.

I believe their costs is $25 per month ... which I would almost recoup from the Home Insurance discount for having an alarm.

I have been thinking about a security system for that reason alone, but it hasnt made it up to the top of the priority list yet.

[Madman]

Originally Posted by Draug

Is anything wrong with Alarm Force? You hear their commercials all the time.

I believe their costs is $25 per month ... which I would almost recoup from the Home Insurance discount for having an alarm.

I have been thinking about a security system for that reason alone, but it hasnt made it up to the top of the priority list yet.

I called them and wasn't impressed at all by the knob on the other end of the phone. All they want to do is sell your their alarm-in-a-box, one solution fits all junk. God forbid you don't want to sign right away - his attitude sure changed tune from knob to complete dick face when I said I wasn't sure and wanted to wait.

(There's still something to be said about meeting someone face to face and having them care about your needs.)

What AlarmForce doesn't tell you until you press them for it is the "brains" of their "alarm" system have to sit somewhere in plain view and within ear shot of everywhere so the two-way voice system can "communicate". So, you get to have some ugly ass giant "phone" sit on your kitchen counter taking up space and looking ugly. My lovely sales rep on the phone told me I could hide it behind the couch though if I didn't want to see it.....great thought genius. His next option was the basement.

[GrrlGoalie33]

Alarm Force is also not based out of Calgary. If there is an actual emergency, they can't call Calgary's 911 system, they have to call through the regular number...

[The Yen Man]

Originally Posted by Draug

Is anything wrong with Alarm Force? You hear their commercials all the time.

Call 1-800 two six one, two thousand and one! Alarm Force! Alarm Force is listed on the TSX.

Wow, I listen to the Fan960 way too much at work.

[csnarpy]

I find most Alarm Force systems that I replace are complete junk. To me there are only a few credible alarm companies. ADT is the only one that does not contract out monitoring and therefor much more reliable.

I know i work for them but I'm pretty damn sure I wouldn't go with anyone else.

[GoinAllTheWay]

Originally Posted by The Yen Man

Call 1-800 two six seven, two thousand and one! Alarm Force! Alarm Force is listed on the TSX.

Wow, I listen to the Fan960 way too much at work.

Not quite as much as I do apparently

[Fugly]

Just get a dog or at least a beware of dog sign placed in a few strategic locations.

In all seriousness, I'm willing to guess that most bad guys would rather pass over your house if they think a dog is inside.

[twotoner]

A couple of bikes were stolen out of my garage three years ago. During the police followup on it, I asked them about what they thought of alarm systems. Keep in mind this is just two officer's opinions, not necessarily the end all on this.

They made the following points:
- if Calgary police get a call from an alarm company saying an alarm is going off at a home without any contact from the owner of the property, it is treated as a non-emergency. They will get to it, but not at the pace of a "911 - There's someone breaking into my house!!" call.
- I asked them how many times they had ever caught any burglars in the act as a result of a security alarm going off -- they said never.
- I asked them if they thought the alarm company signs were a deterent - they said no, criminals know the system and alarm signs don't phase them.
- a dog is a good thing to have

They recommended getting basic alarms on the windows and doors that were really loud, loud enough for the neighbors to hear, this doesn't require a monthly service contract or a land line for a phone. They said that is what they use at their houses.

[4X4]

Originally Posted by The Yen Man

Call 1-800 two six one, two thousand and one! Alarm Force! Alarm Force is listed on the TSX.

Wow, I listen to the Fan960 way too much at work.

It's 1-800 two six SEVEN two thousand and one! Alarm Force! Alarm Force is listed on the TSX.

And sometimes, if you're lucky, they'll sing the phone number twice.

Wow, I listen to QR77 way too much.

[csnarpy]

Originally Posted by twotoner

A couple of bikes were stolen out of my garage three years ago. During the police followup on it, I asked them about what they thought of alarm systems. Keep in mind this is just two officer's opinions, not necessarily the end all on this.

They made the following points:
- if Calgary police get a call from an alarm company saying an alarm is going off at a home without any contact from the owner of the property, it is treated as a non-emergency. They will get to it, but not at the pace of a "911 - There's someone breaking into my house!!" call.
- I asked them how many times they had ever caught any burglars in the act as a result of a security alarm going off -- they said never.
- I asked them if they thought the alarm company signs were a deterent - they said no, criminals know the system and alarm signs don't phase them.
- a dog is a good thing to have

They recommended getting basic alarms on the windows and doors that were really loud, loud enough for the neighbors to hear, this doesn't require a monthly service contract or a land line for a phone. They said that is what they use at their houses.

IMO, getting an alarm system is not about the the stuff in your house. It's about Life Safety. If someone breaks in while your sleeping, the siren alone can help scare off potential situations.

Not sure of other companies, but ADT has panic buttons on their keypads that are direct lines to the police/fire. These ARE 911 calls and they work. I accidently forgot to put a system on test, hit a panic button - to show the client - police were there within 5 mins.

Monitored Fire/Smoke alarms, CO detectors, flood detectors are invaluable towards life safety and maybe help preserve your property. IMO. These alone justify getting a system.

[GreenTeaFrapp]

Originally Posted by csnarpy

IMO, getting an alarm system is not about the the stuff in your house. It's about Life Safety. If someone breaks in while your sleeping, the siren alone can help scare off potential situations.

You don't need monitoring for the alarm.

Not sure of other companies, but ADT has panic buttons on their keypads that are direct lines to the police/fire. These ARE 911 calls and they work. I accidently forgot to put a system on test, hit a panic button - to show the client - police were there within 5 mins.

And if the burglar cuts the phone line, how does it work then?

Monitored Fire/Smoke alarms, CO detectors, flood detectors are invaluable towards life safety and maybe help preserve your property. IMO. These alone justify getting a system.

How does the monitoring make more of a difference then just a standard alarm?

[algernon]

Wait. I can just cut the phone line?

I thought there was a bylaw against just having a siren without monitoring?

That would be sweet to have on each window close to grade. I'd also add Million candle power spot lights in hopes of blinding the thieving pricks. Once I have them in a confused, vulnerable state They can easily be locked in my 'Roman & Marlena Dungeon' for my future enjoyment.

[jar_e]

Originally Posted by csnarpy

IMO, getting an alarm system is not about the the stuff in your house. It's about Life Safety. If someone breaks in while your sleeping, the siren alone can help scare off potential situations.

Not sure of other companies, but ADT has panic buttons on their keypads that are direct lines to the police/fire. These ARE 911 calls and they work. I accidently forgot to put a system on test, hit a panic button - to show the client - police were there within 5 mins.

Monitored Fire/Smoke alarms, CO detectors, flood detectors are invaluable towards life safety and maybe help preserve your property. IMO. These alone justify getting a system.

Just to follow up a few things for someone who's worked on the other side with 911....

If you a hit a panic alarm, its crucial to understand the call does NOT go straight to the 911 call centre or anything like that. It will goto the ADT alarm company and than they will phone us ON THE SAME BACK DOOR NUMBER THAT THEY PHONE FOR REGULAR ALARMS. The response may be adjusted due to the type of alarm but it still comes in on the same number.

FWIW, the average time between when a burglar alarm goes off and when police get notified is approximately 7-12 minutes...than it gets dispatched....plus repsonse time. So as much as I think they can be a deterrent don't expect them to catch anyone.

Futhermore, within the city, including CPS/CFD/EMS, you can get charged for false alarms. So, all stuff to keep in mind.