There are several reasons people decide to install a security alarm. Sometimes a robbery on a street adjacent to yours or news of local increasing crime rates can give a person that extra incentive towards purchasing extra protection for their home. A security alarm can offer you additional protection beyond preventative measures you may take to keep your home from being burglarized. However, it’s important to still use common sense when it comes to protecting your family, yourself and your possessions. Some easy ways to prevent a break in on top of having a security system is to simply make sure you have working locks on all your windows and doors. Your main entrance should be constructed of either metal or solid wood. Having dead bolts on your entrance and back entrance door is also beneficial for protecting your home. While this might not be something you can change, having a window right beside an entrance door could be problematic. A burglar can easily break a window and open a door from the outside in this case. It may be wise to place a security alarm or camera in such a location outside your home. It’s also a good idea to keep any gates locked and to take down ladders that a burglar could use to climb and break in upper level windows of your home. You should also have all equipment packed away in a garage or storage shed with proper locks to keep unauthorized people out. Alongside the preventative measures it’s important to get the best security alarm for your money. While not everyone can afford the most up to date security alarm you can get a good one that will also give you peace of mind without breaking the bank. When...

Many homeowners are starting to place an alarm system in their home for added protection. Choosing the right alarm system and company to work with are equally important when considering your options. Before you start calling around and setting up consultations with every alarm system company out there, it’s a good idea to do your research first. Since the homeowner knows their home and their neighborhood better than an alarm specialist does, knowing what you want for protection and products can be useful and will save you from buying additional products. Take a look at what protection your house already offers. Locks and solid doors are important. For those who have problem areas in the home, such as a window adjacent to a front or back door, they may want extra security in those areas. After you have a good idea of where your home needs protection with an alarm system, it’s a good idea to research the security companies you are considering. Look online for customer feedback. There are several websites dedicated to customer complaints on certain companies. It’s also a great idea to research the financial stability of a security company. A.M. Best is an excellent rating company that focuses on a company’s financial stability. The Better Business Bureau also rates companies with a grading system, but they focus on customer satisfaction rather than financial stability. After you have a list of companies you’re willing to do business with call the companies up and ask for a consultation with one of their installers. Most likely the person they send you will be more sales driven and you’ll receive plenty of feedback on what you need for an alarm system. Have a list of questions for the consultant as well as a list...

Providing fire, burglar and video surveillance systems worldwide, ADT is one of the industry leaders in security and alarm services. As of 2008, the company has branches in more than 50 countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. ADT: History In the year 1874, 57 US district telegraph companies joined hands to form American District Telegraph (ADT). After several years of telegraph services, the company launched its signaling business in the latter part of the 19th century. ADT merged with AT&T in 1909 and entered into the new territory of fire and burglar alarms. In 1960, ADT became a public company. With aggressive business policies, including price cuts to overcome competition, ADT became the industry leader with more than 80% of the market share in the US. With a change in the top management of the company, ADT became a leading security service provider by the 1980s. The company expanded its operations across North America and some countries in Europe. It had more than one million customers worldwide in 1990s. In 1997, Tyco Fire & Security Services took over ADT. ADT Security Systems Installing and monitoring alarm systems is the premier service from ADT. Tyco manufactures alarm system products for ADT customers. However, the company also acquires products from GE, Bosch and Honeywell International. The ADT network of security services includes well located customer monitoring centers. These centers receive information when an alarm is triggered. On receiving the information, company executives investigate the authenticity of the alarm. Depending on the degree of emergency, the monitoring executive will either contact the location or inform the respective state authorities to take control of the situation. The ADT network includes the local police, fire services and hospitals for immediate action....