"Mike" wrote in message
news:La%Xc.1950$4m2.1050@trnddc01...
Very useful information.
What are zones?

Mike

groups of alarms. bedrooms might be one zone, garage another,
den/kitchen/dining room another, etc.

BKS wrote in message ...
We have ADT and they are OK. Personally, I would look into a local
place---ask to see their facility---and you will probably get better,
more
personal service. I've heard good stories about local people who know
their
customers and fire/police departments.

Some things you want to consider:

*Get two panels and/or remotes. You can have panels in two locations and
remotes in standard locations. If they want to charge you a lot, find
another vendor. At very least, get a panel/control center for each main
floor of living.

*The water and fire sensors are (really) the most useful. If your
basement
floods, the alarm goes off, etc. Also, some have temp sensors that can
tell
if your boiler if off (and you are on a cruise or something).

*Find out if your town charges for false alarms. (Mine doesn't thank
god.)
For fire alarms, most send the department immediately, regardless if you
call in.

*Teach your family that if there's trouble, just walk up and smack the
emergency buttons on the panels . Then call 911.

*Call them and disable the system ANY TIME you change batteries, etc. I
guarantee you will set off the alarm occasionally.

*Stock up on sensor batteries. Nothing worse then one dying at 10 p.m.
Sat.
night.

*ADT will want to slap stickers all over your windows, etc. Don't let
them.
get the stickers from them and then you can control where and how they
get
installed. The previous owners of my house let the bozos install them
upside
down, etc.!

"Brad Bruce" wrote in message
news:%QvVc.109$oA.85@trndny04...
Mike wrote:
I'm looking for a monitored burglar alarm system for my house.
My insurance agent tells me a monitored system will reduce my
home owners insurance policy by $80.00 a year. I estimate the annual
cost of the system will be around $125.00 a year for a net cost of
about
$45.00
a year.

Any recommendations for a good monitored system?
Does any group or publication evaluate these systems?
Any personal experiences (good or bad) with these systems?

Thanks,

Mike



Get to know the neighborhood police officer.

I'm not joking.... They will know which INSTALLERS cause the most
false
alarms. In one town ADT will have fewer false alarms. In another it
will be Brinks.

Another thing to look at is the control panel. Ask to see and get
instructions on the model of the panel that will be INSTALLED. (Beware
of "Bait and switch") You don't want to be confused when you're trying
to turn of the alarm in a hurry. (Forgetting it's armed when you're
tired and open the door to get the paper at 5am...)

Also find out how it is to add/change "guest" codes for when you have
someone house-sitting etc.

Brad

BTW: I've used ADT. The warning beep is the same tone as the keypress
on mine, so it's confusing to some people.