Choosing a Home Security Company

It seems like robberies and break-ins are in the paper or on the news all the time. You're smart to be concerned about your own welfare and that of your family. You also want to protect your house and your belongings. For this reason, you may be considering buying a home security system or a burglar alarm.

There are do-it-yourself systems and there are professionally installed systems. Most DIY systems aren't worth a lot, because they're easy for burglars to thwart, and they aren't monitored (if someone breaks in, you won't know until after all your stuff is gone). Oh, you can install timers for your lights, motion sensors for your yard, and upgraded locks for your doors and windows, but if you want to feel truly secure, you may feel safest investing in a monitored home security system.

Monitored systems are installed and watched by professional security companies. When the alarm is tripped they'll send someone over to investigate or call the police, depending on the plan you sign up for. They'll also help you maintain your system year in and year out.

As you might have guessed, they're going to charge you for this. Expect to pay an installation fee, which will cover the cost of the equipment and the labor to set it all up. You will also have to pay monthly fees as long as you want them to monitor your home. (One bonus is that this expenditure can actually lower your homeowner's insurance, since many insurers will discount their premiums for more secure homes.)

Because installing a monitored alarm systems represents an ongoing investment, you want to make sure to find an alarm company you'll be happy with. Let's take a look at some tips:

--Choose a security system that will accommodate your lifestyle and protect your valuables.

--Ask friends, relatives, and neighbors for recommendations. You can also ask your insurance company for suggestions of reputable companies.

--Buy from a company that offers good customer service and technical support.

--Choose a company that is a member of the Better Business Bureau.

--Get written estimates from at least three companies before you decide on one (but keep in mind prices for security systems vary dependent on equipment features and the level of monitoring offered--compare systems to like systems).

--Find out whether or not the company screens employees before hiring them. You want trusted people installing your system, since they'll have access to your passwords and security codes.

--Check to see if the company is licensed and is a member of the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association.

--Ask about guarantees and warrantees to see what's available. Make sure you're protected in case a piece of equipment malfunctions.

--Ask if the alarm systems have backups, including batteries in case the power goes out or radio in case the telephone lines are cut.

--Lastly, make sure to read the fine print of the contract. Find out if there is a cancellation policy (it's not a good idea to get locked into a years-long contract--you may decide you'd be happier with another company after it's too late to change without amassing fees).

Homeland Security Creates New Job Openings

The establishment of the Department of Homeland Security has been a great stride toward improving the overall safety and security of the United States. In addition, it has also created several new employment opportunities, especially in areas where national security concerns may have previously been overlooked.

Newly created positions exist within the Department of Homeland Security itself while others have been created from the various agencies which the Department oversees. These government agencies include U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Secret Service. Internal employment opportunities exist within the Department of Homeland Security in the Office of the Secretary, Office of Management, Office of Inspector General and the Office of Border and Transportation Security. These employment opportunities represent our nation's newfound commitment to the protection from harm that is required by all U.S. citizens. They also present an opportunity for qualified personnel to find a position that will afford them the satisfaction of knowing they are contributing to the continued success of our nation's way of life. From positions in information technology and human resources to attorneys and border patrol agents, the number and variety of available employment opportunities is staggering. Homeland security has become an industry unto itself and will likely continue to create new job openings well into the foreseeable future. Colleges and Universities are starting to develop programs that cater to the needs of the homeland security industry. While many have incorporated homeland security curriculum into already established degree programs such as criminal justice, others have developed degree programs that are specific to the field. These degree programs and the positions they are meant to qualify people to obtain are both excellent options for college students to consider. While the tragedy of 9/11 is beyond unfortunate, the resulting circumstances have created new opportunities for those who wish to prevent an event like this from ever happening again.

To learn more about a Homeland security degree visit our site http://www.degreesinhomelandsecurity.com/

To learn about earning a degree online visit http://www.searchforclasses.com

Catch up on that latest online education news at http:

Home Security Home Alarms-Get an Electronic "Watch Dog"

For most people their home is their biggest investment. In 2006 the median price for a home is expected to be $231,000. And of course everyone has insurance on their house. Everyone has insurance on their car as well. But more people have alarms for their car than their home. How does that make any sense?

In the time it takes you to read the next four small paragraphs two more burglaries will occur in the United States. Remember this: property crime occurs every 3 seconds, a home burglary every 15 seconds.

Alarms can act as a successful deterrent. 90 % of police believe alarms deter burglary attempts. There are all kinds of alarms including expensive home security alarm systems monitored by ex-police officers. Silent, noisy, wired, wireless, door, window, motion, monitored, unmonitored-you name it and there is an alarm for it. Signage is one of the keys. Good signage can let burglars know they are in for a hard time. The thing is alarms work.

Recently in Colorado Springs a woman was saved from an uncertain fate by an intruder trying to get into her house. She was awakened in the middle of the night by her barking dogs. Now I am not suggesting that everyone get a dog because quite frankly a lot of dogs are not suited for this anyhow.

In my article "Home Security-Low Cost Alarms That Work" we talked about the effectiveness of low cost alarms to protect your most valuable asset-your home-without sending you to the poor house. There was a Consumers Union study in 2002 that found that barking dogs and alarm systems are the most effective ways to keep intruders out of your home.

There is an effective device called "The Electronic Watch Dog" that sets off a realistic barking dog sound when movement is sensed from 30 feet away thru doors and walls. The barking gets louder and more frequent as the intruder approaches.

HERE'S HOW IT WORKS Once the cord is plugged in the unit "sees" thru thick doors, walls and glass up to thirty feet away and senses movement. Once movement is detected the sounds of a barking dog get louder as the intruder approaches.

WHO USES IT Anyone who has property to protect; homes, apartments, mobile homes, businesses, RV's, any public or private building, retail stores, warehouses.

In a recent Colorado Springs Gazette article, David Husted crime prevention officer of the Falcon Division of the Colorado Springs Police department was quoted as saying "The sound of a big dog barking is a really good deterrent, too." Asked if he'd spend money on an alarm or a dog "I don't know, I may just go with the dog, if it's got a really good bark."

Chances are very good that you are reading this because in some way crime has touched your life or you want to be proactive and protect yourself, family, home, or business from the ravages of crime. That is the first step.

NOW the next step is for you to take action TODAY and purchase an Electronic "Watch Dog" or one of our audible window alarms. Look at our selection of self defense/ home security products at http://www.aaa-safetyfirst.com/electronicwatchdog.htm and http://www.aaa-safetyfirst.com/homeprotection.htm both of which provide real "Security Solutions".