2 Responses to “best DIY home alarm?”

1. TBone Bod on June 16th, 2009 12:15 am

   It’s like asking what’s the best wine…. They’re all different for different people. Contact an on-line security firm – or firms; tell them what you WANT and they should be able to tell YOU what would be the best solution. Set up a spare email account if you’re concerned they may pester you.

2. the_divine_bubbablue on June 16th, 2009 1:07 pm

   Home alarms, even DIY ones, are a waste of time and money unless you live in a place where people are apt to break in while you’re home. Alarm systems are not meant to make you safe; they’re meant to make you *feel* safe.

   Burglars who target empty homes (ie. 99% of them) are not deterred by a home alarm. It only takes them three minutes on average to get in, take your stuff, and get out. Even commercial alarm companies don’t respond that quickly, let alone the police, who would have to be informed of the ringing alarm (and do you call the cops every time you hear a ringing alarm? Your neighbours probably don’t) and dispatch a car.

   If you live in an neighbourhood where there’s a reasonable chance someone could break in while you’re home, though, a home alarm isn’t a bad idea: it just gives you time to know someone’s broken in, and possibly time to get out the back way, not a bad thing. But it might be more sensible in the long run to put the money into better locks, doors, and lighting than into an alarm system. (Also don’t keep your valuables in a desk or, more importantly, in the bedroom, the two places burglars target first. The longer it takes them to look for stuff, the more likely they’ll leave without it.)

   Honestly, if an alarm system could deter burglars, a sign proclaiming the house has an alarm could do the same thing.