re: Home Security Companies

The home security business as a whole is about on par with the shadiest pawn shop you know.

Once you understand this then you have a 195% better chance of getting something that A. actually provides value.

B. didn't tear up your house and empty your wallet but provided little else.

Home burglar alarms are 100% based on "art & design."

The best feature of a home burglar alarm is a well placed (new looking) yard sign/ stickers.

Home Fire alarms shall follow applicable "codes & standards" such as NFPA-72 IBC, UL, and the NEC-70.

You have insurance to replace your stuff and a cell phone to call 911 if you're robbed even while home but, if your family burns up while you sleep then it doesn't matter....

Start with a monitored home fire alarm if you love your family, the burglar crap is just noise makers and gadgets get an airhorn from wallmart's marine section does more for less.

Choose a local company with certified technicians, in Alabama each technician must possess a valid state license and make sure you see their factory certification for the brand of system the are putting in.

Before you sign any agreement you should have the salesman provide you with a complete list of submitter documents showing each device and piece of equipment they will use is UL listed for the application.

This will have any trunk slammer running for the door and while johnny slick the sales weasel will bitch they will comply as it's normal business practice just, not readily made available for the general public.

Make your own checklist before and after the installation and have a representative sign off on it stating they did or did not damage any fixture or HVAC vent or drilled into anything. have the salesman sign it as well before you hand over the check.

This will protect you more than you know and if a legal dispute rises God forbid you will have some trump cards in hand.

Good luck!