Armory Sponsor
Posted: 7/22/2012 1:09:24 PM EDT
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I have started looking for a system for my place. My job now requires me to be gone more over-nights. It wasn't a big deal until Thursday night my wife says to me "Rob (my neighbor and good guy) came over last night to borrow something, it was 8PM, it was kind of scary because I couldn't see him when I looked out and only recognized him when I opened the door" So BIG FUCKING FACE PALM there.
My wife realizes how dumb what she did was, but got me thinking about home security. I have security doors on both front and rear doors. I also have 2 dogs though both are getting old, lab is almost 13 and Collie is 8. Also have a useless cat and my 5 year old daugther. I am familiar with Brinks, have experience with ADT and know there are other companies out there like Vivint that seem interesting. My house is a single family detached, 1950sqft single story home. No real odd or unique features that I can see. Here are my wants and issues as I see them. Anyone gone through this that has advice, warnings, suggestions? I have started to do research, but one place says ADT is great other says they suck balls. wants- another deterrant, I understand if someone wants in, nothing with stop them piece of mind that my wife/daugther could quickly access help if reasonably priced an ability to check on home remotely (smart phone, computer etc) Issues- My house is not wired for a security system wireless is only option both dogs are 80-100 pounds so as I understand it motion sensors are a no-go due to size/weight house has no hard phone line (easily cut anyway) but has a secure wifi network I am open to a company or doing a setup myself without monitoring. Any and all help is appreciated. |
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http://www.armorconcepts.com/Our-Solutions/Standard-Entry-Doors I have these on all of my doors. |
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Can't really help you much with the security company, as I use one local to me. My alarm company told me that their wireless system is just as robust as hard-wired systems. I also opted for the cellular dialer, so I didn't need a phone landline. One option they had was arm/disarm/panic via a key fob, it may be worth investigating for you.
Regarding the other stuff: Get some motion activated lights to illuminate anyone that approaches your entrance doors. I personally just leave my lights on all the time. They are CFLs and don't waste much energy. Of course you should have a peephole in your door to see them. I'm not sure what your security doors are, but I have these storm doors from Larson: http://www.larsondoors.com/storm_doors/products/349_17 They have impact resistant glass, and a multi-point locking system, and give me an extra barrier if anyone tries to force their way in. I ALWAYS lock them whether I'm inside or outside. I also have the door reinforcers referenced by the poster above. All my exterior doors have them, even the one in the garage. They really solidify the doors from kick-ins. Maybe overkill with the storm doors, but they are just extra peace of mind. |
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A couple of months back we signed up with Vivint. I was really planning to go with my own system, but time and projects kept putting it on the back burner.
The system that they installed in our house is the 2gig system. All wireless so they didn't have to drill a lot of holes and run wires everywhere. The system is upgradeable. It has features that I was looking for. * online updates of system. * I can change notifications (e-mail, texts, etc.) online or from phone. * video can be accessed online. I really didn't want to pay (what I consider high) monthly monitoring fees, but in the end, an unmonitored system has a big hole in security. DK |
| Go with a company to monitor the system, wireless is fine and is flexable as well. Have them install a cellular dialer, you can also go with a digital alarm communicator to access the system via the internet to arm/disarm and receive alerts via email or text. I prefer Honeywell systems over other systems that are out there. |
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