Re: What's the best home security?
anonymous
Question:
I have Crimsafe security grills on all doors and windows. I don't think we're in immediate danger, and can't go into details. just concerned/paranoid about the security grills working for us. What is the best security
alarm for a reasonable price also, I'm a single parent so finances are not too fantastic at present. I need to feel safe to be able to get my sleeping and eating patterns back to normal and then maybe even function well through the day and at work instead of crying when someone says anything, even if it's a good thing.
My Advice:
I used to install security systems for a living at one point. Oh, the joys of knowing what's what!
It does depend a lot on your needs and your finances.
Grills and bars aren't too bad for stopping someone getting in. However, unless they are installed on secure hinges and can be opened from the inside in the event of an emergency, they are a very dangerous fire trap. Many people have died in fires because they couldn't get out past such grills and bars. The other thing is that they can be seen through, so if you have your lights on and the curtains open, someone could see you. Not good if, like me, someone has a bullet with your name on it! If you don't have that concern, then they are okay - if you can get them installed securely in a way that will allow you to open them in an emergency.
In place of that, the best option - and I plan on getting these myself when I have the money - are security roller shutters. They are insulated for heat and noise as well as being secure. (It was quite funny when installing them, once the shutter was down my workmate and I had to start using walkie talkies to communicate if one was inside the room and the other outside, as we couldn't talk through the window anymore!) If properly installed they can't be removed without making a horrendous amount of noise. They can be fully opened to allow in full light and air, completely closed and locked so that nothing gets in, or left at any level inbetween. They also have the option of being closed and locked for security, but having the air vents between the slats open to allow fresh air and a little bit of light and noise through. They can be quickly opened in the event of an emergency. Please note, different companies have different sales methods and locking systems. Some are also electronic. Electronic ones have the disadvantage of if the power is cut they can't be opened or closed unless a manual back-up mechanism is installed. Some companies can supply key locks on the bottom of them, which is not much good if you can't find the key during a fire. The best is a bottom locking system of a slide bolt that is positioned on the bottom slat, that needs no key, can only be accessed from inside, and only has to be slid across with your fingers to open or lock.
Security doors some in so many different varieties now it isn't funny. Triple locks, different types of screens, different types of hinges and designs, even different types of metals - some being harder to break and cut than others. Simply put, the more it costs, the better it is, but be aware of locking yourself inside if there is a fire, and get plenty of quotes.
Security alarms come in many different types. You can pick up cheap alarms that are battery operated and just make a lot of noise if activated. Or you can go right through to fully monitored, high tech, hard-wired with battery back-up systems. Again, the more you pay, the better you get. It all depends on your needs and your budget. Be aware that most of the fully monitored systems also have a few nifty bonuses, like the ability to just press one button to alert the monitoring centre that you require police, fire, or ambulance to attend your home. The other advantage is that many also have a duress code - a false code that you type in that makes the alarm appear as though it has been turned off, but alerts the monitoring centre that someone has forced you against your will to turn it off, and thus they can notify the police that you are in a possible hostage situation. However, most security companies will not do much more than phone you to let you know that your alarm is going if it does, as the most common cause of them activating is because a bug has crawled over the sensor. The police are not keen to attend to stray bugs setting of false alarms all the time, so don't always count of having someone check out what is going on at your home if your alarm is going off and no one is there. That's why having a neighbour or nearby friend with a spare set of keys to check it out for you, when you're not able to do it yourself, is a good option.
Smoke alarms are the same. Although battery alarms are great, I would not personally settle for anything less than a hard-wired battery back-up system. With a monitored security alarm system, a monitored smoke alarm often comes as part of the package. If not, or if you don't feel the need to have a security alarm, some companies will install and monitor a smoke alarm only. Some alarms only detect smoke, some detect heat, some detect a simple lack of oxygen, others detect any or all of those things. Find out how sensitive they really are and what they detect, as you want something good, but then you don't want them going off because of someone leaving the bathroom door open and the steam from the shower setting if off all the time - I had that problem in my old house! Again, cost can be a factor for many people in making this decision.
Personal alarms, such as those used by some residents in retirement villages, are good if your personal health or safety is a concern, but you will need someone that lives nearby and can gain access to your home to be available to help you if you need to use it.
Window locks and door locks are great, but be aware, it doesn't take much to smash a window or kick in a door if someone really desperately wanted to get in and didn't care about making a bit of noise in doing so.
Be aware that home security systems are only useful if they are used. If you forget to lock something, or don't turn on your alarm, you may as well not have it. They do well towards detering intruders, particularly those that are just wanting to grab a dvd player to pawn for drugs, but they may not stop a professional thief or someone that was seriously desperate to get in. But then, professional theives are more likely to try and take a bank.
Having multiple telephones strategically placed throughout the house can be very useful for calling for help if you need it in an emergency. You can get multi-set wireless phones now that you only have to plug one base into the phone line and the rest just need each base plugged into any power point. Have one beside your bed, one near the front of the house, one near the back of the house, and depending on the size and layout of your home, one where you are most likely to be in the house at any given point in time. So long as you keep them charged, you can even carry one around the house with you.
Of all the security systems I have ever had, the best, without a doubt, was my canine system. One small active and alert dog that noticed everything that wasn't quite right and would bark loudly, alerting me, the neighbours, and the other dog - who was a huge lazy lump but because of his size and appearance alone, would frighten off any would-be intruder (and some friends!) just by making an appearance and letting off one big blood-curdling howl. I called the little one my 'back yard alarm system' and the big one my 'intruder dispute resolution device'. They were cheaper to keep than a monitored alarm system, they patrolled every inch of the property whether I was home or not, they obeyed my orders and mine alone, and they made great companions for me and my kids - just don't get a trained guard dog if you have kids as they are not well suited. Just a big dopey gentle giant is enough to do the trick. Intruders aren't going to know if the dog will eat them or not, so they usually don't try to take the risk. Sadly, unless you get your house fully insulated with kevlar and have high quality blast-resistant screens for windows, nothing will stop a bullet. However, any loyal dog will take one for you if it thinks it might give you a extra few seconds to escape.
The best home defense is usually to give no one an excuse to try and break in in the first place. If you have someone threatening to harm you, move as far away as you can get (see recently posted advice on the Practical Aspects Of Escaping Domestic Violence). Do not store large sums of money in your home, that's what banks are for. Do not keep drugs on the property. If you are on a restricted medication and you think that someone may wish to break in and steel your supply, keep your supply stored at the chemist and just go and pick up a couple of days supply at a time. And be friendly towards your neighbours. If you can't trust them or don't like them, then just leave them to live their own lives and don't cause them any trouble. But if you can befriend them, they can be great assests towards helping protect you, your family, and your home if ever you need them.
(August 2007) (
