Is Anyone Ever 100% Safe?
Written: May 25 '01 (Updated May 25 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: A true sense of being safe and protected in your own home.
Cons: Monitoring fees can sometimes be expensive.
The Bottom Line: I personally feel that a home security system is a big 'plus,' and an extra way to make you feel safer and more secure in your own home.
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| PalmerLD's Full Review: Home Security Systems |
We live in a good section of town, and had never considered getting an alarm system installed...that is, until my mother's house was broken into a few years ago...in broad daylight, no less! Apparently, the intruder had been watching her 'comings and goings,' and chose a time to break in when she was gone.
She came home a little earlier than usual and noticed that her gate was unlocked and opened, and that the window on her utility porch was opened. Realizing that someone had been in her house (and might still be), she went to find help and finally found a neighbor at home who called the police. Three squad cars and 6 officers arrived, and the officers, with guns drawn, entered her back door. The intruder heard them, tried unsuccessfully to escape through a window, and then fled through the front door. Unfortunately, the person was never caught, nor were any of her belongings ever found.
Nothing like this had ever happened before in our family so naturally, our next step was to get her a security system, so she could try to feel safe and secure once more in her home. We called three different local companies, and set up appointments. All three had similar plans and ideas on how to secure her home, and the total costs were fairly close. We made our final decision, and her system was installed.
We chose to have all of her windows contacted, as well as her two entry doors, and a motion detector installed. Both of her doors have a chime, too, and each time either door is opened, the chime goes off...this is a very helpful feature. She has one keypad, and it is centrally located. Her system is monitored, 24 hours a day, and the monitoring fee of $51.00 is paid quarterly. This security system has once again given her a sense of protection, and it makes us, her children, worry less, too.
When something like this happens to someone you personally know (and most especially, a family member), it makes you stop and take a look at your own situation. Needless to say, we, too, decided to get a security system from the same company. We have our two entry doors contacted, have 2 keypads, and use the door chime feature. We opted not to have our windows contacted since we have double windows (storm windows). We, too, are monitored 24 hours a day, and pay the same quarterly monitoring fee.
Do we feel safe? Yes. Could someone still break into our home? Yes. If someone wants in badly enough, then nothing will stop him. But our security system will make entry a little harder, and it will give us, and the monitoring service, a warning.
If you are considering purchasing a security system for your home, be sure to select at least two different companies to interview. Check with your local BBB and make sure that these companies are reputable, and currently have no complaints filed against them. Have the companies give you prices for several different options/plans, and then compare the prices/plans, and make your final decision.
The peace of mind that our security system has given us is well worth the quarterly monitoring fee. We honestly don't know why we never had one installed before my mother's break in.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
PalmerLD
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Member: Margaret
Location: The Pelican State
Reviews written: 154
Trusted by: 50 members
About Me:
First grandchild (beautiful baby boy) born 10/11/06. Will be "out-of-pocket" for awhile...
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