When you are shopping for burglar alarms, there are usually 2 questions that you want to consider before you ever start your search:
- What types of burglar alarms are currently available?
- What do I look for when I am shopping for the best one to purchase?
In answer to the first question, there are basically two categories – the DIY type or the ones that you have professionally installed. If you’re an avid DIY’er, this is the more cost-effective option for the obvious reason, namely that you do the installation yourself and don’t have to pay a professional installer to do it
There are burglar alarms that can be mounted on doors and walls so that your neighbors are alerted to any illegal intrusion and can alert law enforcement authorities should you not be in the home when this happens. There are alarms that operate by virtue of an infrared sensor which is activated once the sensor beam is broken. You can get motion or sound detectors but if you have pets it will require additional consideration where your purchasing decision is concerned.
Pets oftentimes will inadvertently set these sensors of and trigger burglar alarms. But, you can set the sensitivity levels of these sensors and avoid this from happening. The best advice I can give you is to discuss this with a professional if you are unsure about it so you avoid any future expense and inconvenience.
Now to answer the second question:
First and foremost, do your research and make sure that the company you are going to deal with has the proper credentials and is reputable before making your purchase – check out the credentials of the person or company representative that you are dealing with. They should have some type of certification where installing burglar alarms and security systems is concerned.
Secondly, check with your insurance company and find out if these burglar alarms are approved by the carrier – most insurance companies will accept only those alarms and systems that are NACOSS (National Approval Council of Security Systems) approved. Make sure that your local law enforcement agency accepts one of these burglar alarms as well.
Finally, be sure to get a quote from several companies that sell and install burglar alarms – compare the benefits, the costs, and all the features involved as well as determining if that company requires you to perform regular maintenance.
