Beachwood Civic Association

Tips On Neighborhood Crime Prevention – Part 8

Mar 26, 2005

This is part of a continuing series of tips and safeguards for keeping your home and property safe, thanks to the Jacksonville Sheriff?’s Office.

Burglar Alarm Systems
Some residential systems are designed to ring a bell and/or illuminate the area to scare off an intruder. These local systems send a signal from a sensory device directly to a light system or a bell or siren located in your attic or on the outside of your home.

When a sensory device detects an intruder, the sounding device is activated and/or the house lights are turned on. It is hoped that the lights or sound will alert the homeowner (if at home), a neighbor or a cruising police unit. Since the typical residential burglar is not a professional, a local system will usually scare him from the premises.

Many companies will install a combination system, which includes a local alarm (bell and/or lights) and a central reporting alarm. An advantage of having the central reporting system is that it?’s monitored constantly by an alarm company. If the alarm goes off, the alarm company notifies the police department.

It is a good idea to have at least one smoke detector built into your alarm system. Smoke is the primary killer in fires and a smoke detector placed in a hallway between bedrooms can save lives.

Added protection is provided by a back-up power supply in the event of a power failure and a built-in ability to test the system regularly.

You get what you pay for. In this regard, be sure that the sensor devices magnetic contacts, motion detectors, pressure mats, screens, etc. to be installed are Underwriter Laboratories (UL) approved for burglary protection.

There are usually two costs involved when dealing with an alarm company: an installation charge and a monthly service charge. It is not recommended that you buy or lease a system from a company that does not offer a contract for continuing maintenance and service.

Once the alarm company representative has made an appraisal of your security needs, ask him for a written proposal and a copy of the contract you will have to sign. Take some time, look it over, think about it. Check the alarm company?’s reputation by calling the information department of the Better Business Bureau.

Never sign a contract that does not list all points of protection and does not itemize the equipment to be installed.

Remember, a good alarm system is an investment in your security and personal well-being. The mere presence of an alarm is often a deterrent. Advertise the fact that your premises are alarmed by using warning decals.