Alarm Systems
Choosing An Alarm System
It is commonsense to improve your home security with a visible and audible deterent to help prevent you becoming an easy target. If you have been a victim of burglary your insurance company may insist that you have an alarm system fitted.
There are many alarm installation companies to choose from and one of the best ways of choosing is by recommendation from a satisfied customer. You should obtain at least three written quotes from reputable installers, and remember that the cheapest may not necessarily be the best value.
What To Buy
The alarm system you choose should include a control panel, possibly a remote keypad, detectors (which may include passive infra - red units, magnetic contacts, vibation sensors, glass break detectors) a sounder and anti foam, anti tamper bell box with a strobe light.
The alternative to a wired system is a wire-free radio operated alarm that incorporates all the elements of a wired system but uses a specially allocated radio frequency to operate.
Installing The Alarm
Alarm systems can be professionally installed, the best but more expensive option, or you can buy them in kit form from DIY stores. Make sure you understand exactly how the system works once it is installed. The installer should talk you through all the elements of the system before leaving
Monitoring
You may also be offered the facility to be linked to a central monitoring station, for an annual fee, and a maintenance agreement with the installing company. (Check with your insurance company what requirements they have). An alarm monitoring station will not accept emergency calls directly from a DIY alarm. However some systems have the facility to accommodate an automatic calling device that will, if the alarm is triggered, repeatedly telephone a series of numbers you have chosen until it receives a reply.
If an alarm is already fitted check it out.
- Is it working and is its sensitivity level correctly adjusted? A badly adjusted alarm may not go off when it should or alternatively may be so sensitive that it is triggered by passing moths
- Check what points of access are covered by the alarm and by what method, contact breaker, movement detector etc. Check if any access points are not covered
- Find out if the burglar alarm system is monitored and by whom
Personal medical alarm
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