The best security systems

The best security systems offer the greatest protection for your home or business. Crime is at a high level already – and if history is any indicator, that’s likely to continue, as the last four recessions spurred large crime waves across the country. Experts expect today’s high crime figures to continue through 2012, increasing your security needs.

• Prices on security systems and alarm monitoring
• What others said they wanted

Is there really a difference between one security company and another? Of course! Huge differences exist between different services. To decrease your chances of burglary, destruction, and harm, look for the alarm company that meets all of your needs.

Features to look for

Many home and business owners don’t know where to begin when it comes to choosing alarm monitoring services, but a careful feature comparison can help. The best systems have several common features you can count on.

For example, most systems have motion sensors. You want to look for a company that places motion sensors at all doors and windows in addition to installing technology that allows you to know when any exterior point of entry is opened. Sensors that detect breaking glass can be another valuable addition.

Other security features to look for:

• Wireless alarm monitoring
• Siren
• Internal motion detectors that sense the presence of someone in a room (with special alarm setups for clients with pets)
• Smoke detectors
• Panic buttons
• Pressure mats installed under rugs
• Video monitoring
• Alarm screens to be placed on windows
• Easy-to-use control panels

Wireless alarm monitoring

Wireless alarm monitoring is a standout feature of the best security systems. With wireless alarm monitoring you have the knowledge that you will be protected in the event of a power outage or cut lines. Let’s look at how this type of monitoring operates in your home or business:

• Your system is activated
• After the 45 second wait time that allows you to deactivate the alarm system an urgent message is sent via wireless communication to the monitoring station.
• Once the signal is verified by the monitoring service they will call the police and fire departments (Verification involves calling the home or business)
• The emergency personnel respond

Unmonitored alarm systems are also available, but are generally less effective. These alarm systems depend on loud sirens and bright flashing lights to scare away intruders. But they depend on neighbors or passers-by to call the fire or police department in the event of an emergency, which is less than ideal in most situations. If do choose an unmonitored security system to save money, make sure your provider installs high-visibility strobe lights. The best security companies place these lights in ways that increase the chances that someone will notice the alarm.

How do you choose the right company?

How can you find the best alarm company? With so many choices it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. If you want a company that specializes in small business security, is it ASG Security, Stanley Convergent, ADT, or another company that would give you personal service that's also affordable? If it's price that's a determining factor, getting a free estimate from several security companies is an easy way to choose the best security system for your business.

The best companies have your safety as their primary concern. These companies stand behind what they do and offer warranties for their alarm systems. The best providers also carefully screen all of their employees, conduct complete background checks, and have up-to-date licenses and insurance.

The best security systems will help keep your business and your family safe – but they’re only part of a comprehensive plan. Even simple steps like secure window and door locks, motion-sensitive lights, and other risk lowering behaviors can help make your home or business a safer place.

Prices Paid for Security

Pricing details: The best security system we found was for $600. It had a $42/month monitoring fee. This covered 2 doors, 2 motion sensors, 1 glass breakage sensor and 2 panic buttons.

- Restaurant, Exton, PA

Pricing details: $450 was the best price, and it didn't include a contract! We have 2 entry doors, one overhead door, movement sensor and this included 3 months of monitoring.

- Business Services, Indianapolis, IN

Pricing details: We found a deal for $35/month for wireless alarm monitoring.

- Media/Entertainment/Publishing, Charlotte, NC

What other people are looking for

Just looking for the best system for a small clothing boutique.

- Retail, Midland Park, NJ

We are just looking for an alarm system for our business, including surveillance and the best security alarm available.

- Computers - Hardware Industry, Tannersville, PA

We have just purchased a new office space and we are looking for the best alarm system for it. We would like a quote to secure our new space.

- Business Services, Irvine, CA

I would like to see the best alarms and systems that you have to offer to protect my business.

- Retail, Richmond, CA

We have 3 locations in the same area and we are looking for the best security packages to help protect each location.

- Telecom/Utilities, Avilla, MO

We are looking for a wireless alarm monitoring system. We would also be needing monitoring for both fire and alarm. We have about 25 units.

- Retail, New Cumberland PA

We are a storage facility and we are looking for wireless alarm monitoring that is expandable.

- Self Storage Company, Hemet, CA

We are looking for an alarm system that has wireless alarm monitoring. We have 2 buildings that would need to be covered.

- Non-Profit, Sanger, CA

We own a small commercial building and we are looking for some wireless alarm monitoring prices.

- Retail, Georgetown, MA

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