Security Companies Tips
Read these 9 Security Companies Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Home Security tips and hundreds of other topics.
Look for Specific Qualities in Home Security Companies
Here is a checklist to follow for choosing a home security company to protect your home and family:
Look for a security company that has broad experience in home protection, or that focuses exclusively on home security.
Choose a company that offers a complete package of services: products and maintenance, installation and monitoring.
Make sure the company does background checks of service technicians and other employees who have access to your home and information about it.
Find out about the company's incentives, discounts and deals for keeping you as a customer if you move and the security system stays in your former home.
Home Alarms Win Support of Insurance Companies
Major insurance companies encourage clients to invest in house alarms, because they can prevent burglaries. In cases where the alarm does not keep burglars from entering your home, the noise and commotion may cause them to stay a shorter time.
Home insurance companies are so sure of the effectiveness of home alarms that they typically will discount coverage for households that install them.
Choose a security company that offers customized packages of equipment that can secure all potential points of entry into your home. A single type of security device is unlikely to provide total protection for your home. Look for a company that offers an array of products -- window and door sensors, motion detectors, glass break detectors and monitoring services.
Security Companies Provide Burglary and Fire Prevention
Homeowners turn to security companies when they are concerned for their safety and their family's safety. They want to decrease their risks of burglary and improve their home's protection from fire.
Burglaries are illegal entries of a home or other structure for the sole purpose to commit a felony or theft, according to the FBI. There are three categories of burglary -- forcible entry, unlawful entry where no force is used, and attempted forcible entry.
A survey of the nation's police chiefs showed their support for monitoring and protection offered by home security companies. They reported that homes with alarms deter burglars.
Fire protection also is a primary role for home security companies, which offer such products as monitored smoke alarms.
There were nearly a half-million residential fires in 2004. The vast majority of U.S. fire deaths occur in home fires.
Monitored home security will alert fire officials immediately when it receives an alarm signal.
Among the common causes for house fires is cooking equipment, heating equipment, appliances and smoking material.
Demand for Home Security Increases Employment Options
| With increasing demand for security systems in businesses and homes, there is greater need by security companies for service professionals.
The National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association -- the industry's primary organization for standards and certification -- offers the National Training School. It provides education in electronic life safety, security and systems. |
| It makes sense to explore the educational experience offered by the National Training School, because of its connections to the national member organization and national reputation for standards.
Options for training include classroom work or online instruction for selling, monitoring, installing and servicing security systems. The National Training School has provided instruction to 30,000 students since its founding in 1985. Check with the National Training School to learn about courses offered in your community. |
Internet-Based Services Improve the Quality of Home Security
Some nationwide security companies are adding Internet-based services to improve quality, service and convenience for customers.
- Look for companies that let you manage your home security account and payments online.
- Consider monitored security services that can link to your home via a broadband Internet connection or traditional LAN line phone service.
- Look for offers in the near future of Internet-based services that allow you to check on your home security from your laptop, no matter where you are.
National Burglary Alarm Association Offers Directory
If you want to locate security companies in your community, check with the National Burglary and Fire Alarm Association. The nonprofit offers a comprehensive, state-by-state listing of home security companies.
Companies in the directory are members of the association, which promotes quality, reliability and training in the home security industry. Association members agree to meet bylaws and a code of ethics.
To get more detailed information on a home security company, check with your local chapter of the Better Business Bureau chapter.
Safe Bet to Pick a Nationally Known Home Security Company
If you are looking for a security company with a solid reputation for products and service, consider nationally known companies with a track record for quality.
- National security companies often have broad experience responding to all types of emergencies for businesses, homes and government. These companies follow best practices, and offer quality solutions that work for customers.
- National security companies typically offer centralized monitoring by professionals trained to follow uniform protocols for quick and effective response.
- They offer knowledge and service that comes from managing a high volume of security issues each day.
Shop Around When Buying Electronic Home Security
The nation's leading industry group for promoting standards for home security companies encourages consumers to shop around when buying electronic protection.
The National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association not only represents the industry but also provides certification and training for professionals. It tells consumers to ask security companies about employee training, screening and certification. Here are some other tips for choosing the right security company for your home protection:
- Make sure the company has the proper state and local licenses to conduct business.
- Check with your local Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against the business.
- Check with local police to see if they have experience dealing with the security company.
- Ask friends, neighbors and your local insurance agent for referrals to home security companies.
- If you are visited by a company representative for an appointment, ask for identification and look for a company vehicle with a logo.
- If you are ordering your home security package by phone or in person, ask for a quote in writing before agreeing to payment.
- Compare prices and offers by at least three companies before making your decision.
Choose Monitored Protection 24 Hours a Day
When choosing a home security company, look for one that offers monitored protection 24 hours a day. You and your family will get the immediate support and help of professional responders when there is an emergency at your home.
With monitored protection, your house alarm will warn you to danger and the monitoring service also will be signalled automatically. Professional responders will verify the emergency and contact local authorities, including police, fire and rescue officials. When you are not home, the professionals will respond to your home alarm and try to contact you, while dispatching local authorities.
| Guru Spotlight |
| Mary White |
