DH wants a security system!

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-12-2004
DH wants a security system!
16
Sun, 07-17-2005 - 12:37am
Hi, everyone. I need your advice on how to steer DH from investing in a security system. During the last visit to family, my DM decided to get this fancy alarm system for her house. DM has been talking to DH that we need one. An expensive one. This is not ADT. This is 007 James Bond stuff. Foghorn blasting above bedroom doors. Preprogrammed lights outside. Fancy codes and wires. Well, when I visited the last time, I must have tripped a wire or beam while getting up to go to the BR. At 3AM. OMG, there was security folks at the front door. AND, phone ringing off the hook from the security control center. I half expected F-16's to fly overhead. I will take all suggestions on how to steer DH from getting a system. Any ideas? LOL, WHiz.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Wed, 07-20-2005 - 9:04am

We have a security system in our house that we've never even turned on (came with the house). We still get salespeople coming to our door trying to sell us "free" systems--i.e., they'll install the system for free if you sign a contract for so many years...

I'm pretty good about turning salespeople away before they get started (although I always wait long enough to make sure they're not collecting for some worthy cause, in which case I'll usually give them a few bucks), but one guy actually got as far as asking me if I wanted my children to be safe before I finally chucked him down my front steps (not literally, of course).

It disgusts me the depths to which these salespeople will stoop to sell their overpriced, overhyped junk.

I agree totally with Danni--it's just stuff. Imagine all the *new* stuff you could buy with the money you'll save by not having that stupid security system to protect it. And if anything ever does happen, you've got homeowner's insurance, right?

The chances of someone breaking, entering, and then committing a violent crime in your home are miniscule--you're far more likely to run into violence while out of your home, and unless you're planning to purchase a mobile security system, there's not much you can do about that.

Of course, a dog is not a cheap security system either, so I don't recommend it unless you just want a dog, and you want a dog of a variety that makes a good watch dog. I think the cheapest, most effective, all-around best system is one in which neighbors agree to look out for each other--and really do it.

Anyway, if you can talk your dh out of this, do! What a wicked waste of money! LOL

Blessings,

Heather

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-19-2003
Wed, 07-20-2005 - 9:24am

Well after are cars were broke into, we researched getting a Security System. My cousin installs them, he said honestly security systems and door locks are only meant to keep honest people out. A skilled thief can get in your house with or without a security system. Even with motion sensors, you would need them on every possible corner of your house. The window alarms don't work because thiefs just cut a big circle in the glass, suction cup it out & climb in.

Not long ago, I was locked out of our house. I busted the door jamb, took 3 seconds, and was quiet enough that the dogs did not even come out to see what was going on.

Now I have to admit since the door is still broke, we never lock our house. Well we can but you just push the door open anyway. We have a huge safe in our basement (came with the house. We keep all personal papers and jewelry locked in that.

Shannon

Shannon


Pregnancy%20ticker
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-12-2004
Sat, 07-23-2005 - 3:44pm
Hi, Denise :) Thanks for the info. I am finding more and more people arent using the security systems. They either go on the fritz, or are so complicated that you need a PhD in engineering to figure it out. I do want to find out about those taped sounds (barking dog, noise, etc). Where do they have those? I will also NOT get a doberman. Can you imagine, with the cats, the chaos? Am still looking at timers for outdoor lights. They seem like a good idea. Whiz.
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-12-2004
Sat, 07-23-2005 - 3:49pm
Hi, Danni! Thanks for welcome advice. Poisoning dogs/cats by burglers? How incredulous! No thief is going to have time to do this. What about the keys in the rock thing in the garden? Does anyone have this, or is this too inviting for thieves? You are right, though, about extra charges for having the cops/security folks come out on false alarms. Am still looking at timers for the outdoor lights. Dont forget, you have that bird. Teach him/her to bark, make noise. That should do the trick! LOL Whiz.
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-12-2004
Sat, 07-23-2005 - 3:54pm
Hi, Shannon. :) We, too, have a safe in the bedroom that came with the house. I would like to get a small safe for jewelry, papers, etc. that would be waterproof/fireproof. At one time, we had cats that sprayed, and, of course, ruined all important papers, etc. A friend of mine lives in apt. with bars on it. That scares me. What if there is fire, or medical emergency? How wound you get out? Anyway, DH is somewhat backing down. THanks again. WHiz.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Sat, 07-23-2005 - 10:26pm

I want to add to this, since the subject of bars on the windows came up. My neighbor is adopting her two nieces, and before she could take them in under foster care she had to have the fire department come out and inspect her house. One thing they said that had never occurred to me before, is to make sure that all locks are where a small child can open them from the inside, and to teach your children to do so.

We have a deadbolt on one door, and a chain on the other, both out of reach of our four-year-old, and we no longer use them (both doors also have locks that the children *can* reach, so we use those instead, and they both know how to open both doors even when locked). It's important that in the event of a fire or other similar event, children be able to let themselves out of the house.

Same goes for bars on windows--big no-no, unless you live in a *really* high-crime area, and then you should be able to open the bars from the inside (and teach a child to do the same).

I still hold that the best security system is good relations with your neighbors, and communicating with them so they know when you will and won't be around, and paying attention so you'll notice suspicious activity.

Good luck,

Heather

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