Do you have a home security system?

[mbaylor]

Do you have a home security system and what are you using. I am toying with the idea of installing my own, perhaps a wireless system, to protect my investments (including this new home theater addiction and 10's of thousands of dollars worth of computer equipment, I'm a webmaster and IT specialist).

Please vote and let me know your experiences. Thanks.

 

[Francious70]

Sure do, my 12 gauge, my swords, and my fists.

 

[BostonMark]

Yes of course

Absolutely, with over 10 grand of Audio video systems in my rec room, and over 2,000 DVDs and CDs, I use a state of the Art Tech Guard security system. If I don't put my password "BostonMark" into the keypad thats on the left side of the doorway by the lightswitch you can't get in and. ... wait, this is a public forum why do you want to know about my security system..... uhh never mind how do I delete this darn I have to go home to change my password

 

[t3031999]

I don't have a security system per se, but I live in a small town (under 2000 people) in the middle of nowhere with friendly (and somewhat paranoid) neighbors that are always watching out for me.

 

[Matt34]

Glock 27, Taurus PT100, Remington 870 18" barrel shotgun "security special", two German Shepards and a retired Military Working Dog named Lady......I usually have the patio door wide open too.

 

[Audioholics]

Absolutely, with over 10 grand of Audio video systems in my rec room, and over 2,000 DVDs and CDs, I use a state of the Art Tech Guard security system. If I don't put my password "BostonMark" into the keypad thats on the left side of the doorway by the lightswitch you can't get in and. ... wait, this is a public forum why do you want to know about my security system..... uhh never mind how do I delete this darn I have to go home to change my password

Um... hehe... don't bother (closes back of large semi-truck)

 

[edwelly]

I have a system. Not state of the art, but it is descent. The peace of mind it brings is well worth the cost alone.

 

[BMXTRIX]

Yeah - Brinks home security for me.

A lot of security places will install for free, or for a nominal charge with hard wiring. Talking to the Brinks guy yesterday he said that he definitely sees a huge quality improvement in hard-wired systems vs. wireless. Go figure - like everything else, the wires make a difference.

So, throw in full perimeter security w/ 4 video cameras and a dedicated DVR for recording all of them. I'm not taking a chance on people getting in and taking my stuff.

 

[Dan]

I got one. I found a local company that would do a reasonably thorough hardwire job for about $1100 including glass breaks, motion det. in the bed room. All first floor and basement windows and doors covered etc. Also you can of course add fire and CO detectors. Since it is all powered from the electric line you don't sweat dead detector batteries. Also if the power goes off, there is a backup battery good for 24-48 hours. The wireless ones are prone to interference especially garage doors and remote controls.

Also it is GREAT FUN making the glass break detector trip when a loud cymbal crash accompanies the kick drum!

PS If you're at it DON'T FORGET a fire detector in the ATTIC. A house down the road was virtually destroyed by a lightning strike. The owner was home and didn't realize he had been hit until it was too late to save anything but himself. This is at least the second instance I know of where the homeowner didn't know that their house was the one struck. By the way this guy had been hit by lightning 20 years before in another house. Talk about evil Karma.

 

[sts9fan]

The real question is has anyones system ever stoped a robbery? Security systems do one thing: Make the security company money. Get some insurance and stop being so paranoid

 

[majorloser]

Yes, I have a monitored system through ADT that includes window, door, glass breakage detectors and motion detectors. I added additional motion detectors in the theater. I went with their wireless system.

I accidently set it off about a year ago and the Sherrif's department was there in a couple of minutes, so I know it works. It seems I set off the "hostage situation" code. Nothing like answering the door in your boxers to two officers with guns drawn pointing at you

Oh, and for y'all that talk about your personal security systems, let's just say there's numerous firearms of various make and model within easy reach in every room. Florida likes gun owners.

"God didn't make all men equal, Sam Colt did!"

 

[Tomorrow]

The real question is has anyones system ever stoped a robbery? Security systems do one thing: Make the security company money. Get some insurance and stop being so paranoid

Yep/Nope! I have a wireless system that nipped a burglary in the bud. I could have lost much that could not be replaced through insurance....not the least of which was my computer and all my files. He/she/they pulled a sliding glass door out and set off the siren...and was long gone by the time I and my S&W M686 arrived, along with two cops and their Glock/Colt buddies. But 'clearing' the house was a lotta fun! (Matt34, are you proud of me? )

The false alarms can be a pain in the patoot, but I'll put up with that occasional event to save my stuff from being pawned by some loser meth load-o. But mostly, I just want a chance to wake up if there is an intruder with ill-intents entering our house whilst we sleep. ("Hello there", said Mr. Remington as he was not-so-quietly racked. )

My apologies to our Canadian friends who abhor such old-West tactics.

EDIT: Post Script....I used to have a pair of doberman pinschers. No need for an alarm system then. They, too, prevented a burglary. Some dummy broke in, realized his mistake pretty quickly, I'd guess, and fended off my homeboys with an upright vacuum that happened to be near the back door. He stepped in a big pile of doggie-do while running for his life and leaping over a 6' hedge! (That's also where the vacuum was abandoned.) I'd love to have seen that...................

One break-in occured in a quiet urban area, the other in a rural, lakeside setting. There are goofballs that require impeding everywhere.

 

[Matt34]

EDIT: He stepped in a big pile of doggie-do while running for his life and leaping over a 6' hedge! (That's also where the vacuum was abandoned.) I'd love to have seen that...................

LOL, forgot about the landmines, yup, have plenty of those in the yard too.

 

[trfcrugby]

I have a wired Brinks system, three American Bulldogs, and an assortment of firearms, along with full replacement value insurance on the place. Costs a little more, but after an arson in a townhouse I lived in a few years ago, I learned that depreciation sucks when your stuff is ruined and insurance company cuts you a check.

 

[fergusonv]

Hmmm... I wonder how many people responded "no" realized thier poll vote would be shown? I don't think I would want to advertise not having one with thousands of dollars worth of stuff in my house.

 

[Tomorrow]

Hmmm... I wonder how many people responded "no" realized thier poll vote would be shown? I don't think I would want to advertise not having one with thousands of dollars worth of stuff in my house.

Yes, and as with the Great Gun Discussion in the Steam Vent a couple of weeks ago, I'd like to suggest the following. In the phone book in all towns and cities, there will be a little bullet icon for those residents that own firearms and none for those that don't. Now we can apply the little 'alarm' icon next to names, as well...for those that have alarm systems. Nothing next to those that don't.

I think we'd quickly discover people not-so-proudly NOT announcing their position against these devices.

Good cheer.

 

[ducker]

part of benifit to having an alarm system.. is simply having it and displaying you have it...

if you're a burgler.. which house you going to hit... the one advertising an alarm system or the one with out??? reardless of what might potentially be inside.