We have just said goodbye to another year with bells of celebration as we rang in the New Year.
Our lives are filled with door bells, cow bells and Blue Bell ice cream, but sometimes we overlook the bell that protects our life and property.
All too often we ignore the bell or alarm that can help us sleep at night, alert us when an intruder attempts to enter our home, and quietly call the police or first responders when we’re not able to make the call ourselves.
Best of all, this alarm works for us whether we’re home or away.
Over the holidays, my brother, Henry Horton, took time to share his thoughts on this relevant topic. He has more than 35 years experience in security management, criminal investigation and counterintelligence.
Buddy, as he is known to family and friends, has worked for industry leaders such as IBM Global Business Services and Accenture on information assurance and cyber programs.
According to the expert, alarm systems provide safety and security for your most valuable of treasures – your family.
Home alarm systems are among the most easily obtained and installed protection systems that someone can invest in.
They provide a great return on investment, add peace of mind and may even lower your insurance premium.
Modern systems can be hard-wired or wireless and they protect points of entry such as windows, doors and garages.
They can watch over driveway entrances, gun safes, jewelry vaults and more. You can also install sensors in your attic or ground sensors around property, fences and gates.
It might even be worth considering a closed circuit television to monitor activity in or around your home, outbuildings or place of business.
In addition to sounding the alarm in the case of an unauthorized entry to your home, most systems include smoke and/or heat sensors that alert you to a potential fire.
Some systems monitor carbon monoxide levels which can be hazardous to your health or even deadly.
When properly installed, a good system will elevate the awareness of your living space and its environs.
Installing an in-home alarm is of value, but the real payoff occurs when it is connected to a monitoring center.
To get started, contact a reputable company that offers monitoring, not just alarm installation.
It is well worth the money to invest in a 24/7 monitoring system.
A reputable alarm company will survey your property and provide a full range of options.
They will recommend the best placement for each sensor technology capability and the optimum in coverage.
It’s a good idea to contact your insurance company and determine if there are applicable discounts from the premiums on your homeowner insurance policy.
You may also need to register you alarm with the local authorities.
Some jurisdictions may charge a fee for registration and a penalty after so many false alarms.
Be sure that anyone authorized to operate your system knows to protect your password.
Tip-of-the-Week: Home alarms may sound like a nuisance but when you need it, it is a welcome bell indeed. Don’t let the fear of the monthly monitoring fee deter you from investigating a system. Companies like NCA Alarms in Nashville provide the service for less than $10 per month. MP
Ann Hoke leads the award-winning team at Ann Hoke & Associates (affiliated with Keller Williams Realty). For more information or comments, contact her at 397-4024 or ann@annhoke.com. |
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