Forum
« 'All Seasons' windows from 'Windows We Are' Deck in Co-Op building »
November 29, 2006
What do I really need in a home secutiry system??
I am considering purchasing a home security system and am trying to figure out what I really need, not what the sales guys says that I need. My question is regarding the cell guard which kicks in if my home telephone line is cut/no longer working. The cost is $250-$300 installation + $11/month in monitoring. So it's not cheap. Is this worth it (how often will my home line really be out???) or just a waste of money?
Any advice from others who faced this question? Thanks!!
Comments
I assume you mean that the cell thing is 250 in addition to other installation charges? And that the 11/mo is in addition to other monthly charges?
In any case, in 3 years of monitored service via regular phone line, i have not yet lost connection with company.
Posted by: Anonymous at November 29, 2006 2:04 PM
Yes. The $250-$300 is on top of the motion detector, door/window contacts, additional key pad... The monthly monitoring for the cell is $11 on top of the standard price. Not convinced that there is value for money in purchasing the cell guard.
Posted by: Anonymous at November 29, 2006 2:32 PM
That seems really high. I can see the need if you live in a remote area where it would be easier to cut a phone line, but it seems to be overkill in most NYC residences.
I've had a central-station alarm for 7+ years and have never lost my landline connection with the company, even during our nabe's post-9/11 phone problems, a localized power outtage in 2002 and the summer 2003 blackout.
Posted by: zeebee at November 29, 2006 3:18 PM
I wonder about this myself. If someone has access to your backyard, they could easily cut your phone line and break in. Right?
Posted by: Anonymous at November 29, 2006 4:15 PM
Theoretically, yes, but is a burglar really going to go thru all that effort?
Posted by: Anonymous at November 29, 2006 4:30 PM
How much effort is it to cut a phone line? They hang off the back of every house.
Posted by: Anonymous at November 29, 2006 10:47 PM
the question isn't 'how?', but 'why' would the thief cut the phone line? what does it accomplish? people have cell phones these days.
Posted by: Anonymous at November 30, 2006 8:58 AM
We have cell back up service and it's worth it for us because we have internet phone service. If the power goes out, so does the phone, and there goes the alarm. Obviously, this won't happen with a landline but when we were with Verizon I did have the same thought as the poster above...what if someone did cut the phone line? ADT will tell you that if the power is cut to the alarm (say, if someone cuts your phone wires), the alarm automatically goes off in the house and triggers an alarm at the ADT central station. Enough to deter a thief? I don't know.
Posted by: Anonymous at November 30, 2006 10:16 AM
The "why" is because if a thief cuts the phone line the alarm is disengaged. Unless it's true that the alarm company will know that this has happened. Hmmm... let's see. I will call and ask. Ok, here it is...If the wire were cut the alarm would ring inside the house, but central monitoring would not know about it. Is the sound of the siren enough to deter a thief?
Posted by: Anonymous at November 30, 2006 12:19 PM
i say go for broke. in the long run, thats not that much money for your peace of mind. im buying a brownstone and i am definitely hooking up the alarm with all the extras. like some of the posts say... who wants an alarm going off (and a good thief can silence that easily too) thats not calling the cops?
Posted by: dave at December 1, 2006 1:21 PM
1) Sounds like you need an alarm system that is NOT telephone-line dependant. There are many wireless options.
2) YES, an out-of-reach, high-pitched alarm that sounds out into public areas (street, neighbors homes) is an excellent crime deterent. You'll want to set it up at ALL entry/exit points because you want intruders to run off BEFORE they physically get in your home and NOT afterwards when they can carry away all your shit with them on the way out.
3) You can do a 'mini-neighborhood watch' thingy with a neighbor or two of your confidence. Just something simple like exchanging phone #'s and agreeing to watch each others properties for strange activities.
4) The best investment is usually to make your home look LESS INVITING to douchebags by having solid (preferably steel) doors & frames, good solid locks, keeping all outside areas well-illuminated (specially near doors & windows or alleys), and alarmed windows particularly at street level or access. Careful with those 2nd or 3rd story windows you may 'think' are inaccessible but which turns out you can climb onto the neighbors wall then jump over to the maple tree then scoot in thru the 3rd floor bathroom window ..surprise!.
Been there, shot that.
Posted by: desk sgt at December 1, 2006 10:37 PM
Post a comment
Please be patient while your comment is published. It may take a moment.