For one reason or another, we've (meaning my WIFE) has decided we need a security system on the house. Granted, it does sit 75 yards from the road, has woods behind it, and no streetlights or flood lights on the side of the house...but we HAVE to have it <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />, even though I have two portable, point and click security systems in my nightstand, as does she. I'm not concerned about when we are at home. I'm not too concerned about when we aren't home either, as we don't travel much.

We talked with Brinks and ADT, and have decided to go with ADT, as they had much more to offer than Brinks. They seem to have some what better contingency plans for our needs, as we are in the same 'monitoring center area' as the states in hurricane alley (except Florida). Also, the ADT man brought tons of references, which we checked about 10 of, he did a more thorough assessment of the home than the Brinks gal did, and he ignored his cell when it rang, and the Brinks gal answered every call. He also explained the installation process, the guarantees, and the advantages of ADT.

The Brinks gal came in, looked around wrote stuff down, and left the rest to us. She ignored when we said we'd prefer a window open sensor over the kitchen sink instead of a glass breakage sensor, and she had the motion detector in an area that it would not have been effective in.

So, we are getting sensors on all ground level windows, and a motion detector pointing across the living room that covers all front windows and the front door, and the stairs up. A sensor on the garage door and the two doors into the garage from the kitchen and mudroom. Also, I installed some Mr. Goodbars (not the chocolatey treat) on the sliding glass doors in the kitchen.

I know some of you here are familiar with home/work systems ...does this sound like overkill, or is there such a thing as too much when it comes to securing your home?

The only thing that concerns me is the average response time for County Sheriff there is 17-22 minutes. There is a county mountie that lives down the hill. But lots can happen in 17 minutes.

So now you know when you need service on the system, the ADT guy won't answer the phone. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/nana.gif" alt="" />

Get a dog, and keep your guns loaded. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I have the OSA security system.



"Osa"

Me and my wife currently own 2 duplexes ( 4 Units ). All the places that we rent have an alarm system and motion detection unit in the main area of living.

Unbeknownst to our tenants (there is no monitoring agency).

One night about a year ago (Apt #4) alarm was going off <AND WE LIVED IN #1>. I woke up at about 1 AM, flashlight and 38 in hand, and the master key---went to investigate.

Turns out the Power was the issue and the tennants were not home. I went to the laundry room and dissconected this huge battery in the compartment! In the rental agreement it states that there is a functioning intrusion detection system---but that's it!

I have discussed with my wife the possibility of incorperating a security monitoring service....But she declines the idea as being to costly.

I feel that if you have adequate perimeter lighting and audible alarm sys. then you should be good to go! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Now in the case of living out in the boonies---Better get a service. You see, where I live all my neighbors are ultra NOSY and they will accomadate the parties in question via terlephone! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/zombie.gif" alt="" />

We don't need no stinkin' agency <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

It will keep the dummies out. All the new systems are wireless and use Lithium 123 batteries. Have ADT give you a discount on a case otherwise they will set you back $15 every 4-6 months per sensor.

Being wireless the pro's use jammers but unless your nest is housing some high price goodies your will be ok. 17 minutes is a LONG LONG time you need a dog to supplement your point and click defence.

Glass break detectors are great it's a specific frequency that glass makes when broken. It's what saved my office during the recent burglary attempt. Were on cell phone backup but that can be overkill for your average home.

Don't overlook physical security. You want to be a hard target <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Check on the dog. We are safe from any badgers or groundhogs that may intrude.


Pretty well covered on the hardware part too.














I just came up with an idea...someone should sell fake 'big dog' poop, like Mastiff or Great Dane...to help us weinerdog owners out. Spread it out in the yard, ya know.

As for lights on the sides, the FIL said he hook up some flood lights when he comes in next month. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Also, the system isn't going to be wireless...thats an option they offer, at least around here it is.

Don't need no DOG---But guns are loaded! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

double check on the wireless, otherwise they will be running wire from the alarm box to each sensor location.

Nice hardware, might need an upgrade on the furry one <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/ignore.gif" alt="" />

Sales guy said they will fish it really nice behind the walls, and showed some pics of similar systems. Looked decent enough. They give a 30 day thing at the beginning where they'll take it all back if we decide against it or something.

As for the pooch, yes, its long barrel model, but its real lightweight at 12.5 pounds, and perfect for concealed carry.

I think he'd buy us an extra few minutes...between his big stupid ears flopping around and him snarling and barking at a bad guy, he'll be too busy laughing to rob us...lol...like we have anything worth taking anyway.