I don't live where there are many, or any burglaries or break-ins so I thought a home security system to be unnecessary. Then I thought more about it, not just as an alarm or even as a deterrent to alert or ward off a burglar, but as a tool that would provide some peace of mind for me.
You may think that because you don't keep a large amount of cash, valuable coins or a lot of jewels in the house, you're safe. The big threat today are snatch and grab, quick opportunity and identity thieves. They'll likely leave your bulky stereo system and HD TV alone and go after new and canceled checks, bank records, investment records, credit cards, cameras, guns and power tools. The hardware is easy to pawn and the papers and cards you may loose can be a headache for years. They are searching for good items of good value.
I could have called a professional security system company, deal with their marketing guy and a bunch of package deals. I didn't want to study and select their packages or have a monthly service charge.
I wanted fewer smoke and heat detectors and more motion detectors and cameras, not in the company's packages. I decided to select what I needed and to do the installation myself.
Don't be intimidated. The hardest part of the project as deciding what components I wanted. That took just a couple of hours. If you can turn a screw and shoot a staple gun, the install is a no brainer. Of course if you don't have the time or don't want the hassle, an electrician or handyman can do it for you.
Everyone's security system component requirements are different. Mine include inside and outside alarms that will wake the dead and alert my neighbors. There are door and window alarms, heat and smoke detectors, motion detectors and fiber optic web cams all connected. Individual and groups of components can be turned on and off. Through the web cams I can see the interior of the house, garage and backyard from either my office or from thousands of miles away.
Select and install it your self or with some expert help from a professional company, post signs, tell your neighbors, give them contact information and relax. You're taken care of and can rest easy in the knowledge that your home is secure.
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