pbmom
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Post by pbmom on May 31, 2011 8:22:01 GMT -5
I'm thinking of installing a security system in my house due to me being a single female living alone, and reading the news doesn't make me feel so safe. I don't have a phone line and really don't want one installed. Does anyone have a security system using a cell phone? What would you recommend? Thanks!
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Urban Chicago
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Post by Urban Chicago on May 31, 2011 8:25:17 GMT -5
A dog. I say that tongue in cheek, but really, they are the best security systems out there.
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reader79
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Post by reader79 on May 31, 2011 8:32:35 GMT -5
The only one I know of that didn't require a landline was also incapable of notifying 911 of a break-in or fire. It sent a message to your cell, but that was it. It also had video recording capabilities if you bought the cameras and hooked it up to a computer.
We have one, it used to be through ADT, but now it's some other company. We have door, window, and motion sensors. You just have to remember to go through the main door if the alarm is hot, otherwise it sends a silent alarm to the cops and they show up.
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Post by pig on May 31, 2011 8:40:29 GMT -5
I say that tongue in cheek, but really, they are the best security systems out there. Yes, but ATD doesn't shed and poop all over your house.
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pbmom
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Post by pbmom on May 31, 2011 8:54:57 GMT -5
I have two dogs actually but they are in crates during the day or they would destroy my house, so they really wouldn't be a threat to anyone breaking in.
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Colleenz
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Post by Colleenz on May 31, 2011 9:05:52 GMT -5
Our neighbors (next door) house was broken into last week. They have ADT, security lights, trimmed shrubbery etc. A burgler redirected a flood light and broke in through a front window at 10:00 at night (we were home and heard nothing). ADT could tell them how long the guy was there and what door he left through, but other than that they were pretty worthless. The guy was in and out in less than a minute and took five figures worth of jewelry.
We have a large dog (Alaskan Malamute) and he does not need to be crated. I don't worry about locking my doors. I would almost feel sorry for someone who broke into our house - almost.
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dividend
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It's 5:00 somewhere.
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Post by dividend on May 31, 2011 9:42:51 GMT -5
Call a few security companies and ask. DBF only have cell phones, and our alarm system is set up with some kind of intercom relay thingy in the basement.
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Post by tea4me on May 31, 2011 9:59:50 GMT -5
I inquired about home security systems after my home was burglarized. I am also a single female living alone. I chose not to get one because they do nothing to protect you when you are home. It would probably take at least fifteen minutes for security or police to get there.
I opted for a GUN. I figured the trigger would work faster than an alarm.
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reader79
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Post by reader79 on May 31, 2011 10:01:15 GMT -5
I wish I could own a gun. In NYC, they make it so prohibitive that only the criminals have them.
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Clifford
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Post by Clifford on May 31, 2011 11:24:51 GMT -5
We have a system with no land line. It costs an extra $5/month for the service, but it beats the cost of a land line and there is no way for a burglar to cut the wires. Our service is through Monitronics.
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brdsl
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Post by brdsl on May 31, 2011 11:31:00 GMT -5
I have two dogs actually but they are in crates during the day or they would destroy my house, so they really wouldn't be a threat to anyone breaking in. Spend the money to get them trained.
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Phoenix84
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Post by Phoenix84 on May 31, 2011 11:46:55 GMT -5
I can't be much help. I've never had a security system and never cared for one. I don't have very much worth stealing.
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Post by jarhead1976 on May 31, 2011 12:21:41 GMT -5
We have safe touch. Had a watch dog. He watched them break in, then watched them leave.
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moneymaven
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Post by moneymaven on May 31, 2011 12:45:23 GMT -5
Our service is through Monitronics.
Us too, monitored by ADT, or whoever the company is now. We don't have a house phone either. The additional few bucks per month beats the expense of having a land line.
My sister has two Cane Corso Mastiffs - I would feel almost sorry for whoever tried to get into her house.
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Colleenz
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Post by Colleenz on May 31, 2011 13:34:56 GMT -5
And I thought my dog looked intimidating.
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moneymaven
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Post by moneymaven on May 31, 2011 16:08:58 GMT -5
Malamutes are intimidating, but they're so beautiful. I have a mini-Huskey mix. He's scary looking - all 27 lbs of him.
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thyme4change
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Post by thyme4change on May 31, 2011 16:15:22 GMT -5
Are you protecting your stuff or are you protecting yourself? If you aren't home all day, and someone breaks in and takes something, you are (most likely) still safe. You will get an insurance payout, and you buy more stuff. If you honestly feel like someone is going to break in and hurt you, you don't need a system to protect your house while you aren't in it. Just buy something that makes noise if the door or window opens and set it when you are home. No phone line would be needed, but you would have to pick up the phone and dial 9-1-1. Most likely the sound would scare off any attacker.
Make sure you have your true goal set. If you really just want to protect your stuff, that is different than protecting yourself.
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share88
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Post by share88 on Jun 1, 2011 2:50:50 GMT -5
I don't think the police even think of responding to alarms since most of them are false - accidentallly set off by homeowners themselves.
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rileyoday
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Post by rileyoday on Jun 1, 2011 3:35:45 GMT -5
I bought fake security signs for the yard and window stickers. I also have a fake security keypad by the front door.
Some experts feel the signs are enough deterrent. 22 dollars.
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ruger2506
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Post by ruger2506 on Jun 1, 2011 14:16:27 GMT -5
The best security system money can buy. Gets immediate results and saves you time later (no time in court testifying).
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❤ mollymouser ❤
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Post by ❤ mollymouser ❤ on Jun 1, 2011 14:23:28 GMT -5
pbmom ....
How are the locks on your doors and windows? Do you have any lights inside your home set on timers? How well do you know your neighbors? Is there a neighborhood watch? Are you careful to give no outward indication that you live alone? (just one name on mailbox, phonebook, answering machine?) Would you consider taking a self-defense course? Do you carry pepper spray?
(I am just pointing out that there are other things that you can do to help protect yourself.)
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Wisconsin Beth
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Post by Wisconsin Beth on Jun 1, 2011 14:29:57 GMT -5
My ILs just "upgraded" their home security to wireless. I think it runs though their sat. but I could be wrong on that part. I tend to not listen when they discuss it...
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moneymaven
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Post by moneymaven on Jun 1, 2011 14:30:53 GMT -5
Do you carry pepper spray?
Actually, wasp spray is just as effective as pepper spray, easier to get, cheaper, and sprays further distances.
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❤ mollymouser ❤
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Post by ❤ mollymouser ❤ on Jun 1, 2011 14:37:57 GMT -5
And it kills wasps, which around here would be a nifty bonus!
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pbmom
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Post by pbmom on Jun 1, 2011 15:09:34 GMT -5
I've actually decided to hold off on the security system. I can't stomach the thought of one more bill.
Mollymouser-i have deadbolts on my doors and the windows have two locks on them each. Myself and my neighbors all communicate very well and watch out for each other's property. The only indication that might let people know that I live alone is just my car in my part of the driveway, but my neighbors share it with me, nothing is on the mailbox and I only have a cell phone...no house phone.. I do carry pepper spray at all times. Thanks for the advice!!
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Post by tiredturkey on Jun 1, 2011 17:37:23 GMT -5
My neighbor has a wireless system and they only have cell phones, no landline. Damn thing false alarms all the time. I know because when they get the call from ADT, they call me and ask me to go see if anything's going on. If not, they tell ADT not to send the cops because around here the false alarm fees are HUGE. Don't know what they're thinking because if their dog is home no one, sane or otherwise, would go in that house. I know he's a cat because I feed him when they're gone but most folks are averse to any canine that can stand up, put his feet on your shoulders and be taller than you are. And his bark will trigger seismic alarms.
We have a full blown, hardwired, perimeter and interior motion detectors, surveillance cameras system but we don't set it when we're home, even if one of us is here alone. That's what two 38's, a 20 gauge, deer rifle and baseball bat are for. Ditto pepper and wasp spray.
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azphx1972
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Post by azphx1972 on Jun 2, 2011 21:06:41 GMT -5
I have a wireless security system that communicates to the central monitoring center via cellular frequencies, however I don't pay for a cell phone line (just the monthly monitoring fee). It's also wired into the fire alarms. I don't think the alarm system necessarily makes me feel safer, but it does give me a certain peace of mind knowing that no one has been in my house while I'm away (since it would trip the alarm sensors and notify me).
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tskeeter
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Post by tskeeter on Jun 3, 2011 18:32:41 GMT -5
Stopped in a work on Sunday. When I left, I found a squad car in the parking lot. Talked to officer friendly and learned that an alarm had gotten tripped. They had responded because we had reported theft problems. Gave my boss a heads-up on Monday (accountants work on holidays if it is month end). He checked the security system and found that an alarm had been tripped 20 minutes before I entered the building. I suspect this type of response time is normal for alarm system responses, especially as cities reduce police budgets. Is the response time acceptable to you, pb?
If you're concerned about your own safety, pb, I vote with ruger. A 12 gauge "porch sweeper" loaded with shells alternating between buck shot and slugs. And spend enough time using it so it becomes second nature.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 3, 2011 19:24:17 GMT -5
We have the wussiest cocker spaniel on earth . . . she barks LOUDLY as she backs up so she can get under the bed or in the closet or wherever. I would still bet on her over the alarm system. She has a seriously ferocious bark that would make you wonder what on earth produced it.
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