I have some cheap $1 alarms (connect one side to the door, one side to the door frame/window.) If the door/window is opened, the siren goes off. I also have a webcam set up as a security camera using some software I found that detects when a human/animal enters view, and marks that section of video for my review automatically.
My friend has a professional monitored home security system that calls to ask if there's a fire every time they cook bacon.
Have ServPro on speed dial.
I remember Paul Harvey say that you should get a very big dog, then get a little dog to hkeep the big one a wake. I think he lives in Chicago, and this was before the biggie at SCOTUS, nullifying much of Chicago gun laws, although they still don't sem to get it up there!I have 3 cats and (had) a dog in the house. RIP. Im sure I could get an alarm system that would ignore them and not go off every time they move, but I feel like a dog is a good enough of an alarm, assuming it's a real dog. And by "real" I mean cannot be punted more than 5yds. Although my cousin does have a pocket dog and even though it wouldn't be able to protect you it would let you know someone was in you house with its annoying high pitched yapping! And once I've been alerted Mr. Intruder would have a nice conversation with Mr. .45 or Miss AR-15.
I have a monitored system with a big honking loud siren. It's armed every time I step out of the house and put into instant-on mode when everyone's asleep. I test it every month like the little instruction manual says.
I see it as a cheap easy way to scare off anyone that might kick in the door and/or call 911 for me even if I'm not there.
What if they are the ones breaking into your house?
I have 3 cats and (had) a dog in the house. RIP. Im sure I could get an alarm system that would ignore them and not go off every time they move, but I feel like a dog is a good enough of an alarm, assuming it's a real dog. And by "real" I mean cannot be punted more than 5yds. Although my cousin does have a pocket dog and even though it wouldn't be able to protect you it would let you know someone was in you house with its annoying high pitched yapping! And once I've been alerted Mr. Intruder would have a nice conversation with Mr. .45 or Miss AR-15.
I remember Paul Harvey say that you should get a very big dog, then get a little dog to hkeep the big one a wake...
Not true, there are some very nice wireless systems that are made right here in the USA and they have built in cell dialers in case you don't have land lines. They're not cheap, but not to expensive. Easy to setup and they go with you when you move.I currently live in an apartment, so electronic security really isn't an option.
Right now we're on the 2nd floor, so there's one way in. There's one of those bar things on the doorknob... as well as some bells on a rope (dog training). I like to think I'd hear something if someone tried to get in.
So, beyond the door, the rest of my home defense is my girlfriend's 9, and my 40 and 45.
Not true, there are some very nice wireless systems that are made right here in the USA and they have built in cell dialers in case you don't have land lines. They're not cheap, but not to expensive. Easy to setup and they go with you when you move.
the ones I use, sell and recommend isn't the cheapest. But it's good stuff, made here in the USA and we don't make you sign a contract to have it monitored. It's DMP. (Digital Monitoring Products.)Do you have a brand/model that you recommend? I've been looking for a good do-it-yourself alarm system thats worth a crap. Seems like the good systems are all tied to a monitoring service you have to sign a contract for. Or at least pay big $$ up front
My wife has been bugging me for an alarm system for a while. She's a stay at home mom and wants the protection for when she is in the house. In this circumstance I dont see the point in paying for a monitoring service when all she wants is to be alerted to call 911 and prepare to defend herself.