I’m looking for an alarm system and feeling pretty overwhelmed. I’ve always lived in an apartment complex and felt safe, but now that I’m moving into a house, it’s a different story.
My partner works night shifts, so I’m often home alone at night, and that makes me nervous. I need an alarm system that will immediately alert the police if someone breaks in. Cameras would be a nice bonus, but my main concern is having a system that will protect me while I’m asleep and unable to hear anything.
I have no idea where to start or what I need. Any advice would be really helpful!
I don’t have a high-end security system (I use Wyze, which is on the cheaper side), but I will say that cameras turned out to be more useful than I expected.
Our video doorbell has been great for checking on visitors without opening the door. The outdoor cameras help us monitor noises at night without getting out of bed, and they also let us keep an eye on our pets.
If you do get cameras, invest in ones with good audio. Some cheaper ones detect voices but make it impossible to actually hear what’s being said.
If your main concern is how quickly the police respond, you’ll want to focus on how the monitoring service handles alarms, not just the equipment itself.
I’d recommend calling a few alarm companies and asking who their central monitoring station is and what their response procedures are. They should be able to give you documentation explaining exactly what happens when an alarm goes off. Sales reps don’t always know the details, so asking for written information is the best way to get a clear answer.
I’d suggest looking for a local Alarm.com dealer. Also, if you go with a monitored system, check with your home insurance provider—some offer discounts for having one.
Brantley said:
I’d suggest looking for a local Alarm.com dealer. Also, if you go with a monitored system, check with your home insurance provider—some offer discounts for having one.
It might also help to reinforce your doors and windows. Cameras and alarms are great, but they don’t actually stop someone from breaking in.
Cameras just let you see what’s happening, and alarms might scare an intruder off, but by the time they go off, the person is already inside. Stronger locks, security bars, and solid doors could help prevent a break-in from happening in the first place.