Security systems have become very popular in the past 10 to 15 years and now are practically a standard in new home construction. Many new homeowners are so busy with moving, that setting up the monitoring is the last thing on their minds especially if they have never had a security system. When they finally get around to it, because they've been burglarized or they keep getting pestered by security company reps, they soon start to realize that they have to consider adding on yet another monthly outlay to their budget. If this sound familiar, you have three basic options at this time.
As we all try to save money during these economic times, we are constantly looking for ways to trim our monthly expenses. When it comes to the monitoring fees we pay to the security company, instead of trying to get a lower rate, some consider just using the security system as a noise maker or having the alarm unit contacting our cell phone instead.
The first two options are pretty much self explanatory and it's the third option that can be a big mistake for a few reasons and I would like to make everyone aware of these risks. Yes, you will save on your monthly budget but at what risk? First of all, let's face it; no matter where you go, or who your cell phone provider is, we all loose signal from time to time. Whether you are driving through a tunnel, getting on a plane, in a building, or the phone is in another room, there is a chance that you could miss the call. Remember 'Murphy's Law,' "What Ever Can Happen, Will."
Now let's imagine that you did get the call from your security system from your home. The security system will send you a series of tones or beeps to let you know which zone is breached. Do you want to sit there counting through 15 beeps (or was it 16?) to find for example that it's a motion sensor, while they are robbing you blind? Are you really going to memorize how many beeps each zone represents so you can notify the police which entry to check? Maybe, but I doubt most would. Oh, it gets better.
Now let's imagine that you're in your home and some one has just broken in. Your land line is now seized by the security system as it is designed to. As it's calling your cell phone to try and send you the signals, now even your cell phone is occupied. Most system will continue to try to send signals and therefore keep occupying your phone while the threat is there in your home. Most folks are not willing to risk these types of real scenarios to avoid saving a few bucks a month. It sounds good on the surface, but when one realizes that the peace of mind that comes from a security system is not there it no longer seems prudent.
I want to be clear in pointing out that most people I talk to, that have been burglarized for the first time, just can't believe it happened to them. Some have lived in the same home for 20 years and have never had to worry about becoming a victim. What I'm saying here is that your home may not ever get burglarized. But I will say this, when it does happen, becoming a victim is a horrible feeling and it affects all family members. If you are looking for peace of mind from your security system, you may want to consider if peace of mind will be achieved by programming your security system to call your cell phone.
Carlos Gonzales
http://BestProtectionConsultants.com
About this Author
Carlos Gonzales Independent Security Consultant. I started in the security business over a decade ago and have seen so many changes. Originally with an ADT dealer in San Antonio, Texas, I later represented several other alarm companies including Counter Force, Monitronics International and Central Security Group. I have always taken the business very seriously and made sure every client was especially happy with my designs to maximize their budgets. If you would like to learn more about identity theft or the ways to protect your home on your own, then come visit my site.
Carlos Gonzales
http://www.BestProtectionConsultants.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carlos_F_Gonzales
