Here is the scenario: A rash of burglaries have popped up in your neighborhood and you don’t want your house to be the next target. You work 1st shift (the same as most of your neighbors) and your home is unoccupied for most of the day. You don’t have a big burly dog to stand guard of your possessions and you would like to get an alarm system to provide added protection while you are away. The question though.. do you sign up with an alarm provider like ADT or do you go with a self-monitored system and sidestep being locked into a lengthy contract. For most it is probably like comparing apples to oranges. Hopefully the following information will provide some guidance for you as you ponder the option that is best for your situation.

Professionally Monitored Security System (ADT, GE, BRINKS,)

The Pros

• Convenience! These companies will install and program it for you. If you are not the least bit handy and can not program the clock in your car, then you will probably benefit from this.
• You have a problem, you give them a call and a technician will be out right away to perform diagnostics on your alarm system. Now-a-days, they can even perform some diagnostics remotely by dialing directly into your console.
• Their basic features usually provide not only theft prevention but also fire and emergency notification services. The fire notification feature is triggered by a smoke detector that is linked to your security console. The emergency notification service can be activated by hitting a panic button on your console or maybe on a remote.
• Save on homeowners insurance. The professional monitored company will give you a certificate that you turn into your insurance company and they will reduce your premium.
• Guarantee of receiving a response in a certain amount of time(24 hours a day/7 days a week).
• Peace of mind knowing that your home is protected while you are away

The Cons

• The Cost (monthly)- Most of the professionally monitored security services start around $30 a month and go up depending on the additional services that you opt into.
• The Cost (additional components)- Fortunately, almost all the security companies provide new customers with a free security system. However, these are usually very basic in their coverage of entry points on your home and you almost always need to purchase additional sensors(which are usually not very cheap).
• The Cost(Long-term contract)- 3 years seems to be the standard length of time required for a new contract and 1 year renewals thereafter.

Self-Monitored Home Security System

The Pros

• The Cost (Alarm System) - You can purchase a self-monitored home security alarm for less than $100
• The Cost - no contracts, no monthly fees
• The Cost (Additional Security Components) - extra sensors and accessories can usually be purchased for much less than compared to professionally monitored systems
• Provides flexibility of installation so that you can utilize the alarm as you deem appropriate.
• Extra features - Usually most self-monitored alarm systems have additional features like light controls or chime notifications when a door is opened while the alarm is in passive mode
• Self-monitored security systems call you when the alarm is triggered. Since most people carry a cell phone with them at all times, this feature is a much more convenient option now than it used to be.

The Cons

• You have to install it. Self-monitored alarm systems are not as hard to install as they used to be. All of the sensors and sirens communicate with the console wirelessly. However, you still have to do the installation and the initial programming. A good manual usually makes easy work of this process but it really depends on how handy you are at these type of projects.
• Since it only calls you(or anyone else you designate to receive the calls), the security system is only as dependable as the person answering the phone.
• Does not provide fire notification feature. Most self-monitored alarms do not provide a smoke alarm sensor that works with the console. However, over the years some electrically knowledgeable people have been known to wire a window/door sensor into a smoke alarm unit to get the desired effect.
• If you have a problem with your installation or something is not working quite right, it is usually up to you and your manual to do the troubleshooting to figure out the solution. Fortunately though, most self-monitored alarm distributors are usually quick to help if you encounter a problem.
• You won’t save on home insurance. Since it is self-monitored, the insurance company doesn’t usually provide this benefit. It is not that they don’t trust you… well maybe that is the reason..

In summary, it appears that there is no clear cut winner when choosing a professionally monitored or a self-monitored security system. It really depends on your situation and what your needs dictate. If you are looking for convenience and something that you don’t have to worry about. Then a professionally monitored security system is for you. If you are looking for an inexpensive solution and don’t mind installing an alarm system on your own, then the self-monitored alarm will probably fit the bill. However, if you are really “excited” about the security of your home, maybe should get one of each. Then you can have the benefit of both worlds!

We hope our readers at SmartSecurityPeople.com find this article beneficial. If you have additional tips that you would like to share, please feel free to leave a comment below. If you have a question that you would like us to answer, please be sure to contact us.

Steve Houseworth & U.S. News and World Report recently chimed in with their top 8 ways to help protect your home and the valuables inside. Here is what they suggest:

1. Sign Up: While home security systems are great tools for preventing burglaries, they can be quite expensive. For a more affordable alternative, Houseworth recommends a little trickery: putting a home security sign in your yard without actually obtaining the service.

2. Beware of the Garage: Garages are a common entry point for burglars, Houseworth says. Open garage doors serve to advertise your belongings to passersby, which increases the likelihood of theft. So, homeowners should make sure their garage door remains closed anytime they aren’t present.

3. Be a Neighbor: Neighbors can play a key role in preventing home thefts. Homeowners on friendly terms with their neighbors are less likely to be victimized by other members of their community.

4. Keep Valuables Outside of the Bedroom: A burglar on the hunt for valuables in a home will make the master bedroom their first stop-since that’s where the cash and jewelry are most commonly stored.

5. No Land Escaping: Burglars prefer to target homes that have hiding spots and escape routes in the yards, and abundant bushes and trees make for great cover, Houseworth says. As a result, yards with less shrubbery and more open spaces aren’t particularly appealing targets

6. Install Motion Sensors: Light is a great deterrent for nighttime break-ins. Houseworth recommends homeowners install motion sensors on outdoor lights that turn on automatically if someone triggers them.

7. Radio Running: Noise helps prevent burglaries as well. Houseworth leaves his radio on all day so that would-be burglars think that someone is at home.

8. Free Police Inventory: For homeowners looking to go a step further, Houseworth suggests contacting the local police department and having an officer stop by the house for a safety checkup.

Here is what SmartSecurityPeople thinks about these suggestions:

1. Yes, definitely. Even if you can not afford a professionally monitored alarm system, try and look like you can. If you have a close family member or friend that is contracted with an alarm service provider, they may be able to get extra signs for cheap (or free) and share them with you.
2. Garages are always targeted as great entry ways for burglars. Keep yours protected. Don’t leave the door open unless you have to. Also, if you have a windowed side entry door into your garage, think about upgrading to a solid non-windowed door (steel if you can afford it).
3. Good fences make good neighbors but that doesn’t mean you should not be friendly. The better you know your neighbors and the better they know you, the safer of a neighborhood you will have.
4. Seems like pretty sensible advice… We guess a good follow-up question would be which room should you put your valuables then? the kitchen? the living room? in storage in the basement?
5. Bushes and trees in the yard certainly do provide additional hiding places for a burglar but well positioned bushes (Rose?) under windows could certainly help to deter some burglars.
6. Yes.. every house should have a motion sensing light. If you don’t, go get one this weekend. If you don’t think they will fit with the exterior decor of your home, splurge and get the fancy one.
7. You know.. We have a family member that has been doing this for years and we never knew why… We recently inquired about the radio and they stated the exact same safety reasoning. They live in the country and they assumed the radio(located in the garage) would always make it seem like someone was home even if that was not the case.
8. We are not sure what city they live in but it is certainly not like most of the ones we have experienced over the years. The police are great at doing their job but helping someone analyze their home for potential break-in points seems to be going above and beyond the call of duty. However, our curiosity has been sparked and we may drop a call to the local police force to see what they say. We will keep you posted on that one.

SmartSecurityPeople.com recently provided the “Top Ten Ways To Protect Your Home“. Since we have ten and U.S. News & World Report only provided eight, you can see that our list is far superior. In actuality, both lists are very informative and probably only skim all the possible suggestions out there. So, if you have additional tips that you have utilized (or witnessed a friend or neighbor using) please feel free to share below. The more we all know the better.

There are many ways to secure your home, your family, and your belongings. This article represents the top ten approaches that Smart Security People have recognized as being the most effective in keeping intruders at bay and your family safe.

1. Lock Your Doors: I know that this sounds very basic and you would think that it is a “no brainer” but folks really need to make sure they lock their doors. It is the easiest approach to securing your home.
2. Lock Your Windows: Again.. this is one of the easiest things you can do but people seem to forget the obvious. Especially make sure that you lock and secure windows that are on the lower level and may be obscured by bushes or privacy fencing. Window air conditioners are popular entry methods for burglars, make sure those are secured as well. Lastly, put up some curtains or blinds. It maintains the privacy of your home and belongings… and besides.. your neighbors will be grateful as well. (Remember.. “ugly naked guy” from FRIENDS?)
3. Invest In A Light Timer: This is really important if you plan on being away from your house for a period of time and you want your home to maintain the “lived in” look to those passing by.
4. Install Motion Lights Outside Your Home: Motion lights, when first introduced, used to be very pricey and only the more affluent could afford them. Now you can get them just about anywhere (Lowes, Home Depot, Ace, WalMart, etc..) and you can pick them up for less than the cost of a meal at a sit-down restaurant.
5. Adopt A Dog: Go to your local Humane Society and find the biggest, friendliest, most intimidating dog that you can find and take him home. Even though he may be a very nice dog, any potential intruder will pass by your home if he sees your “new best friend” in the window.
6. Get An Alarm System: If you feel that you need that extra level of security, get a monitored security system from ADT or get a self monitored system. One will cost you more than the other but each have their own unique benefits.
7. Don’t Let Your Mail Pile Up: If you are going on vacation, pay the neighbor kid a couple of bucks each day to pick up your mail and pile of newspapers accumulating at your doorstep. You can feel good about contributing to the responsibility and welfare of the kid next door and knowing that you don’t have a big “We’re Not Home” sign on your front porch. If you don’t like the neighbor kid, fill out a form at the post office to hold your mail and call your local newspaper as well.
8. Start a Neighborhood Watch Program: This is actually a great way to get to know your neighbors and the bright orange with black lettered signs that you put in your windows will be sure to get noticed. Also, if you live in a “seasoned” (older) community, chances are that you have some retired people that are looking for something to keep them occupied during the day. Give them badges and a big stick and put them on sidewalk patrol. You will be surprised at how effective it will be.
9. Don’t Park Your Car Outside: If you have no choice because your garage is filled with your Star Wars action figure collection (1st and 2nd generation), that is ok. Just be sure to bring in your garage door remote each night. Nothing is scarier than waking up in the morning to find your car window broken, your garage door open, and your life size replica of Yoda missing!
10. Get A Vault: You don’t have to get anything fancy that has biometric sensors, a laser guided opening mechanism, and a retina scannner. The cheap thing that you find at your local discount store (BigLots) will do just fine. If you have it in your budget, spring for the fire proof rated model. Keep any important documentation (Car Titles, Birth Certificates, Wills) and valuables (Rings, Cash, Gold) in this vault.

Now of course, this is only the top ten approaches (judged and ranked by Smart Security People) that you can take in making your home and valuables more secure. We are positive that there are many more tips and tricks that can be utilized.

What are some things that you have done around your home to make it more secure and safe?