Consider an alarm system

Does "Home Security" bring to mind guns or alarm systems?

There are good reasons to combine the two approaches.  But for many, a home-defense weapon might be too much responsibility. In addition, there are situations in which an alarm system can be useful when a firearm is not: fire, carbon monoxide, or medical emergency.  For these reasons, it might be worth looking into an alarm system.

There are many types of alarm systems, monitoring companies, and sensors.  You can even purchase do-it-yourself (diy) kits like this one.

Aside from the cost, your most important decision is whether you want a professionally monitored system or not.  Most people choose a diy kit to avoid that costly, recurring fee.  But a professionally monitored alarm system offers two distinct advantages:

• Security company - or - Emergency Services (Police) response
• Oftentimes a discount on your property insurance (renter's or homeowner's policy)

Both professional and diy setups can offer:

• wireless connectivity (in case hard lines are cut by an intruder or damaged in a storm)
• battery backup for short-term power failures
• control from a smartphone
• notifications to a mobile or work phone when an alarm is triggered
• audible alarm to alert neighbors and/or scare-off trespassers

If you are concerned about burglary, you should require at a minimum: door sensors, window sensors, notification ability, and some type of 'panic button' for the monitored accounts.  Common additional sensors offer enhanced protection or additional features such as cameras, motion detectors (outdoor and indoor), noise (glass-breaking for example), temperature (climate), and zoning (or segmenting the area to be alarmed).

Before you start shopping for any type of alarm system, you need to ask yourself a few questions.  Just like buying a car, you don't want to be swayed by hard-sale tactics or gimmicks.

What do I want this alarm to do for me?

Basically, why do you want one...but think specific function or lifestyle need.  Does the alarm need to protect your home because you travel a lot?  Do you want it to feel more safe while you're at home?  Draft a list of your pressing concerns and describe how you think an alarm will alleviate those concerns.  Just by doing this step, your decision is like 80% made for you.

What can I afford to spend? / Can I upgrade later?

Can you get a starter kit and expand into something more comprehensive later?  With a diy kit, this means a programmable keypad to accept additional sensors.  With a monitored system, many of which have minimum contracts varying from 1 to 3 years, can you add features later or cancel early (in the first 30 days if you're not satisfied maybe)?  How much is installation and monthly monitoring fee?  Do they offer discounts?  Ask your insurance agent to recommend a company or system.

Also related to this is warranty.  Who pays for repairs or defective parts?  Is a warranty offered, or do you get free component replacement during your monitoring contract?

Lastly, check references or online reputation.

Research the company's profile with the Better Business Bureau.  Read product reviews on sale websites.  And ask for recommendations from friends, coworkers, and even the police (off the record of course).