I was reading some online news the other day when I came across on article about an elderly woman who had been the victim of a violent burglary. My heart was shaken by the story. I could not help but be saddened by the woman’s situation.

This situation is not an isolated incident. Across the country there are seniors living alone or with a companion that do not have adequate security. Often when these people become the victim of a violent break-in the perpetrator is from the neighborhood or knows that the home is occupied by seniors.

There are some things that seniors can do to make sure that they are protected from this type of crime. Here are a couple of quick tips for seniors:
•    Have your locks checked and replace any locks that are not of good quality or are not working.
•    When you leave the home make sure that you are accompanied by family and friends. This can minimize the potential of an attack as you leave the residence.
•    Do not open the door for anyone other than trusted friends and family.
•    If someone comes to the door for official business whether it be to drop off a package or check the meter ask for ID and call their company to verify there presence at your home.
•    Do not leave any keys outside the home under mats, in key holders, or under a plant. These are prime locations for people to look for keys to enter your home.

The most important thing that you can do to secure the home and protect senior residents is to invest in a home security system. I am a firm believer in keeping our independence as we age. Installing a security system with monitoring services can give your family the peace of mind that your home will be monitored 24 hours a day 7 days a week. It can allow you to rest easy and enjoy your time spent at home without fear of a break-in.

When looking for a home security system, find a trusted name in the industry such as ADT Security Services, Brinks, or Honeywell. ADT Security Services is the leading name in home security around the globe. Millions of customers are protecting themselves with their Safewatch QuickConnect system.

All of these systems work in generally the same way. If an alert is detected the monitoring center is contacted. A security associate will contact the number on file to verify the alarm and dispatch any local emergency response teams that are necessary. This all happens within a short timeframe which is much quicker than if you called 9-1-1 yourself. When selecting a system, investigate the company’s ability to monitoring the home. Most companies only have one monitoring center which can potentially leave your home unprotected. ADT Security Services has a total of five centers to make sure you truly get 24 hour coverage.

The ADT Safewatch home security systems have one important added benefit to seniors that companies such as Brinks cannot offer. Seniors can have difficulty getting to the telephone in a quick timeframe. This does not need to be a concern if ADT needs to verify an alarm. The control panel that is used with this system has built-in capabilities to speak with an ADT associate via speakerphone. The homeowner can be up to 75 feet away for the ADT associate to hear them which is an incredible range.

Another great feature of an ADT home security system is the instant call buttons for fire, police and medical. These buttons can be a lifesaver in the event of a medical emergency. When the user hits the button emergency response teams will be dispatched to the location.

As you can see it is still possible for our seniors to live a safe and healthy life in their own homes. A quick and easy installation of a home security system such as the ADT Safewatch system can provide comfort and security. Your senior will never be alone while their home is being monitored and you can rest assured that if a problem arises help will be on the way.

Every homeowner should consider a home security system to help prevent burglary, fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.  In addition, a home security system can provide local emergency notification for medical emergencies.

Your home is a place where you find peace and enjoy the company of your family.  While it is one of the most important investments you may make in your lifetime, the most important investment is the safety of your family.  A home security system is an ideal choice for families with children and when a spouse often travels for work.  It is also an ideal choice for the elderly and those that live alone.

Homes are always susceptible to burglary, which is why it is important to take the topic of home security seriously.  Even a basic system can provide protection and help prevent intrusion.  Burglars are more apt to choose a home that does not have a security system – and if your home does have one, it may be passed by.

Things to consider when choosing a home security system include researching security systems, comparing features and prices and contacting the local police dispatching center for information on how your area handles home security monitoring systems.

ADT Home Security is the nation’s leading provider of alarm systems, and while they are not the cheapest – they are the best by far.  A basic security system will include door and window contacts, interior motion detector and manual fire and emergency notification service.  Services start at only $35.99 per month.

Monitored home security systems provide enhanced features and are highly recommended.  The system will automatically contact the alarm dispatch center that will in turn confirm emergency services are needed.  If there is a real emergency, the alarm dispatch center will then contact the local fire and/or police to the home immediately.

Unfortunately, unmonitored systems must rely on the homeowner or neighbors to contact fire or police department.  The price difference between monitored and unmonitored is so negligible that it is recommended that homeowners invest the few additional dollars per month to provide a world of difference. 

To help choose an ADT security package that is right for you, ask friends and neighbors about their home security systems and get feedback.  Review the features of the different plans available to see which plan meets your needs.  Be sure to ask about the warranty.  Learn all there is to know about monitored systems and how to handle home emergencies.  Educate the entire household on proper safety procedure and what to do should an emergency occur.

Next, call the local police department to see how home alarm dispatching is handled in your area; most communities have a protocol and will differ depending on where you live.  Finally, call your homeowners insurance company to find out what kind of discounts they can offer you based on the type of alarm system you have installed.  You may find you will save up to 20% per year on home insurance fees.

With the holidays just around the corner, people are making all kinds of plans. Some might be making all of the arrangements for hosting a party or dinner; others are getting ready for a much needed vacation, and still more are heading to their extended family’s homes for a long, enjoyable visit. Unfortunately, burglars and criminals also look at the holidays as a time to make big plans as well. In the weeks leading up to the busy holiday season they are usually “scoping” out prospective targets and picking the homes they will attempt to break into.

How can a homeowner ensure that such devious characters won’t succeed? There are many important efforts that will stop a criminal in their tracks, and it all begins with some planning and a tiny bit of effort. A very simple deterrent is your security system warning sign, such as those provided to customers of ADT Home Security. Burglars often avoid homes with security systems in place, opting instead for the easier target of another home in the neighborhood that isn’t monitored by a home security company.

One of the most common recommendations made by home security companies and law enforcement officials during the traditional gift-giving season is for homeowners to place their Christmas tree and holiday packages far away from doors and windows. Leaving an enormously tempting pile of gifts near an easily broken window often results in a very unhappy ending to the holiday season.

Additionally, homeowners who will be away for the holidays should work as hard as possible to make this fact difficult to distinguish from the outside of their homes. This means putting household lights, televisions and stereos on timer switches, turning the volume on the answering machine down to a very low level, asking a neighbor to retrieve any packages, mail or newspapers that have been delivered, and to make sure that exterior lights come on at least once or twice during each evening. Many homeowners invest in randomly timed switches that give an even more convincing appearance to the home, and these units will randomly turn things on and off during the day and early evening, giving the home a distinctly more “natural” amount of activity.

One major problem during the holidays is directly related to the beautiful exterior light displays that many people use. Unfortunately, not all houses have an exterior electrical outlet, and many people frequently run cords through basement windows or even into back entry areas. This leaves burglars with a direct route into the home. The best method of eliminating such a threat is to have proper outlets installed, which is a far safer method of adding some sparkle to the neighborhood without risking the safety of the home.

In addition to the days leading up to the holidays, the days following the celebration are also a time to be aware of home security. One of the biggest mistakes made by millions of homeowners is the breaking down and disposing of larger cardboard boxes that contained “big ticket” gifts like televisions, DVD players, computers, etc. These serve as neon lights to would-be burglars, indicating the kind of merchandise contained in the home, and are best brought out to the curb on the morning that the garbage company picks up trash.

The holiday season is supposed to be time or pleasure and fun, but this doesn’t mean that a homeowner should let their guard down. Committing to a few precautionary actions in home security, will help to avoid many of the common mistakes that can lead to a home burglary.

To ensure a safer and more relaxing holiday season, consider helping protect your home and family with a security system such as those offered by ADT Home Security.

The holidays mean travel for many families. Whether it’s across the country for a few weeks to visit extended family or just across town for the night to celebrate a particular occasion, people love to get out of the house during this time of year. For celebrants this means nostalgia, closeness with their families and friends and good times that make the coldest months of the year seem a little warmer for a while. For burglars, this means empty houses and lots of them.

Leaving your home unattended for long stretches of time poses particularly grave risks to security. It bears mentioning that no one should put off a good time out of fear. The best remedy for fear is preparation.

Prepare your home for your extended leave by putting lights on timers or setting your ADT alarm system to turn on the lights at various times if it can accommodate this. Remember that it gets dark early in the late part of the year, so you should schedule them to turn on no later than 5:00 p.m. in most of the US. If it gets dark earlier where you live, adjust accordingly. If possible, set different lights in different rooms to turn on and off for short periods to give the impression that there are people moving around the house. Good burglars are not put off by watching a house for a few days to see if there is actually traffic in and out of the house or just timers.

Think like a detective. If you’re going to be gone for a long while, have a neighbor pick up the mail, but not just to make sure you don’t have a box of overflowing bills and letters. Snow holds footprints for a long time. Having someone walking through the yard daily makes it look a lot more like the house is occupied.

Make certain to tell your alarm company that you’ll be out of town for a few days. If you use your mobile phone to communicate with them, give them an extra number in case service is spotty at your destination. If anything happens, they’ll call you immediately, so it’s imperative that they’re able to reach you if needed.

Remember not to turn down the heat too low or you risk frozen and bursting pipes and the associated damage. Good alarm systems incorporate heat, smoke, flood and freeze sensors that enable the alarm company to keep an eye on the environmental condition of your home and to be on the lookout for any warning signs.

And, of course, after you’re all packed, ready to go and heading out the door, remember to arm your alarm system on the way out. You’ll be amazed at the peace of mind you’ll have knowing that you’ve taken care of all the variables and put a little extra effort into dissuading thieves from thinking your home constitutes an easy target of opportunity!

How does one determine the best route to home security? With the large number of companies out there proclaiming their products “the best,” how does one ensure that they actually achieve the best protection, the best benefits available for their home and their family? ADT is the national leader in home security and it’s no fluke that so many homeowners, businesses and even government offices around the US trust them.

Why is ADT the right choice for your protection? What benefits do they provide to your home? To answer those questions, you’ll need to understand what is available through the company, as well as how that compares to other companies. ADT provides:

· Free home monitoring equipment: While other companies also offer free equipment, ADT is the only company that actually provides equipment that you own. That’s right; you own the equipment and pay nothing for it. While this may make you believe that the equipment is less than adequate, it’s some of the most advanced in the industry.

· Installation cost is another area in which ADT wins. Average installation cost of your protection equipment is less than $100, while the competition charges more than $150. For savings, ADT also wins.

· The number of professional monitoring centers is another area of concern. While the competition offers two national monitoring centers, ADT boasts no fewer than five monitoring centers for your protection. Each monitoring system is capable of operating independently, as well as handling the calls from other areas if one center is inoperable.

· Wireless home protection is the best option for your needs. By using a wireless system, you protect the walls of your home from invasive installation methods. An ADT installer will set up your system to ensure the best operation and performance, as well as simple and easy growth in the future.

· ADT provides a keychain remote that allows you to arm and disarm your system from a distance. ADT does this at no charge, while the competition charges you for the privilege.

· 2-way voice communications with the monitoring center is another option that ADT provides, yet the competition does not. With 2-way voice communications, you are ensured even greater protection and benefits.

· Optional upgrades are also widely available through ADT. For instance, you can enjoy carbon monoxide detectors, freeze detectors, smoke and fire detectors and many others through ADT’s professional installation.

· Finally, ADT offers CellGuard, which enables you to communicate with the monitoring center by using cellular towers in the event that your home phone is inoperable for any reason. This provides incredible peace of mind about your safety and security.

As you can see, ADT provides astounding benefits and is more affordable than the competition. Through their professional products, professional installation and real-time monitoring, you and your family can sleep well at night, without worries about invasion or other threats. However, whether you choose an ADT system or a competitor, having a home security system installed is vital.

If you work with a top home security company, you do not have to worry about dealing with more than one company for all of your home security needs. Today’s top home security companies look at all areas of home security.

That means that not only are they offering protection from burglaries and break-ins, but they also offer smoke and heat sensors, carbon monoxide detectors, water sensors and freeze sensors. These are upgrades that a homeowner should consider.

Sensors play an important role for homes, businesses and for government agencies. They convert a physical parameter, such as temperature, into a signal that is electrically measured. In home security, when a sensor is triggered, the homeowner and the proper authorities are notified.

Smoke sensors pick up the presence of smoke in a home or building. Fire prevention officials know that when there is a fire, it is the smoke and not the fire that kills more humans. That is why smoke sensors are important for early warning and to save lives. They come in very handy when residents are asleep at night. If there is the presence of smoke, a sensor can wake the residents so that they can leave the home and be safe.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless, colorless, poisonous gas. It is as thin as air, so that makes it even harder to detect. The Journal of the American Medical Association says that carbon monoxide or CO2 is the leading cause of accidental poisonous deaths in the United States of America. Carbon monoxide kills hundreds of people in the United States every year.

A house can be invaded with carbon monoxide from faulty furnaces, gas stoves, gas fireplaces, automobiles in attached garages and more. When a person has ingested carbon monoxide into his or her system, the results will seem like the flu at first. There will be headache, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, confusion, rapid heart beat and more. The end result can be damage to the tissues, which blocks the oxygen needed, and then death. Carbon monoxide detectors can provide an early warning before the poison builds to a dangerous level.

Water sensors are another upgrade that homeowners of security systems should think about. If there is water leakage in your home, water sensors can trigger you. They can help in the laundry room, basement and other places that have the potentional for water damage. They can alert you so that you can fix the problem before extensive damage.

These are sensors that are also useful for property such as cottages or other locations where you are not present year round. They can notify you of leaks, broken pipes, cracked foundations, storm flooding and more. They are especially beneficial to people who live in flood zones.

Freeze sensors are also offered as an upgrade. They can give a homeowner an early warning sign about the potential for freezing temperatures that may result in burst pipes. They work well for people who live in areas that are susceptible to freezing.

While most people are aware of the need for home security, in today’s uncertain economic times, many people assume that they simply cannot afford a home security system. This is a risky – and inaccurate – assumption. In reality, there are many ways in which a home security system can be made affordable.

One of the facts about home security systems that many consumers fail to realize is that home security systems are available in a wide variety of styles, and can suit different budgets and needs. Certainly, there are expensive home security systems with a wide array of gadgets. These types of home security systems are quite appropriate for large homes that may have multiple vulnerability points. While these types of home security systems are expensive, they are ideally designed for higher-end homes. If you fall into the category of the average home owner this type of home security system might not fit your budget, but it might not fit your needs either. The average homeowner can achieve peace of mind with a home security system that will secure their home without breaking their budget.

These types of home security systems are much more affordable than many homeowners might assume, allowing them to enjoy the benefits of home security without worrying about spending more money than they feel they cannot afford.

ADT Security Services offers a variety of monitoring packages at a range of affordable prices. Each package bundles together a variety of options to meet a diverse set of home monitoring needs.

It is also possible to defray the cost of a home security system through savings on your homeowners insurance. Most insurance companies offer a discount on homeowners insurance policies when a home security system is installed in the home. This can help to make the installation of a home security system even more affordable for the homeowner.

Still, many homeowners continue to believe that they cannot afford a home security system. The truth is that they can’t afford not to have a home security system. When a home is burglarized, not only is there the risk of expensive electronics being stolen, but also the risk of losing irreplaceable family heirlooms. Even though the homeowner’s insurance policy might very well cover stolen or damaged belongings, no insurance payment could ever truly replace such items.

When considering whether a home security system is affordable, you should also consider that most home insurance deductibles exceed the cost of a reliable home security system. In addition, you could save yourself the hassle and trauma of becoming a burglary or home invasion victim.

A home security system is not only a precautionary measure, but is also one that will provide your family with the peace of mind that is necessary to ensure you can sleep well through the night, or go on vacation without worrying about becoming a victim.

A recent poll found that people are increasingly in favor of using home security systems to protect their property. The same poll found that people are not concerned with the use of camera devices when used to deter crime in public or private areas. With technology increasing the ability to provide better security systems it’s no wonder that people want to take advantage of them.

ADT home security systems are the number one way that people can protect themselves against crime. Burglaries are one of the most common crimes in the country. A burglary is committed on average about once every 16 seconds. Most burglaries are done by people who are looking for quick cash. They often prefer to take small items that they can easily fit into their pockets or a small bag. Electronic items and jewelry are two of the most common items that thieves are after.

A home security system can help prevent or deter crime. The basic home security system uses an alarm that sounds when an unauthorized person enters the home. The system can also call out to the security center where they will call police. The alarm uses a keypad that is located inside each door. The homeowner uses a code to set and disarm the alarm. New systems are wireless and can provide additional security of windows and other areas.

Home security systems can also include surveillance cameras that are strategically placed near the home. You can view the cameras through a closed circuit television set. The latest technology combines the Internet. Users have an account that can be accessed from anywhere in the world to view their cameras. You can also set your alarm this way.

Remote alarm controls and one-touch settings help make home security systems easy to use. When choosing an alarm system consult with your alarm company to get input about the type of alarm system that is best for you. If you have a large home you’ll need more protection than if you have a smaller home or apartment. The alarm company will have some advice for making sure your home is kept secure. This may include things such as making sure that you have a dead bolt lock on doors and have good outdoor lighting at night. There are many simple things you can do to help ensure that your home is not targeted for a burglary.

Remember that any area can have crime. Always lock your doors and windows. Install motion sensor lights outdoors and in key areas. If you have a fence be sure to keep the gate closed and locked. Keep your eyes open for strange behavior. Most crimes occur by someone who has cased the property first to learn your habits. If you see a suspicious person or car call the police. Let your neighbors know when you’ll be out of town so they can help watch your home. When you get an ADT home security system be sure to put the signs up that warn others about your alarm.

When you think about protecting your family and your possessions the most important consideration in home security should be the company’s monitoring centers. ADT 24 Hour Monitoring has taken everything into consideration to make sure that you are protected round the clock. ADT is the only home security provider that has not one but five 24-hour Customer Monitoring Centers across the country.

Each ADT Customer Monitoring Center has been carefully planned out from the equipment to the expert trained staff to provide you with the best home security monitoring possible. Their backup systems are prepared for another center to take over if a center suffers from a disaster such as a hurricane or tornado. Whether there is a power outage or a computer crash you can rest assured knowing that ADT is still there monitoring your home security system through one of its advanced monitoring centers.

Whether your home security system detects carbon monoxide, fire, flood, burglary, or you use the one touch emergency buttons ADT is there for you and your family. ADT has disaster preparations for the following circumstances in place to protect you and your loved ones:

· Power Outages

· Power Failure

· Computer Crashes

· Flooding

· Hurricane

· Blackout

· Tornado

When a monitoring center is unable to provide service another center immediately takes over to ensure that you will receive continuous monitoring 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

ADT Monitoring Centers are more than just a home security center. They are often a lifeline for the people who are a victim of a serious emergency or burglary. The ADT associate may be the only contact a person has during a medical emergency until help arrives. Real life personal stories of people helped by the ADT monitoring services of their home security system are stories of the unknown heroes. These heroes work diligently behind the scenes for you when your home security system signals an alarm to the ADT monitoring center. They make the call to paramedics, police or fire emergency teams when you cannot make the call yourself or are unaware an emergency condition exists.

ADT home security packages can be upgraded to include Two-Way Voice. Two-Way Voice gives you the ability to speak with an ADT monitoring center from inside your home using the home security control panel. The control panel has a sensitive microphone that will detect your voice from up to 75 feet away. If you are injured and unable to come to the phone the ADT associate can speak to you to verify that an emergency exists and stay on the line with you until help arrives. This added benefit of the ADT home security system gives customers the confidence that someone will be available when help is needed. Just hearing the ADT associate’s voice from the control panel can be reassuring during an emergency situation.

ADT Monitoring Centers receive over 19 million customer calls each year. The incredible track record of ADT Home Security has made it the trusted source across the country. Their proven ability to monitor your home round the clock combined with the incredible diligence they have placed into ensuring continuous monitoring make it the #1 home security provider in America.

When you are considering home security systems, chances are that you will examine the type of sensors that are provided, the monitoring system offered and the means of communication with the monitoring center. How many consumers consider the type of keypad that the system utilizes, though? Believe it or not, your choice of keypad can have a dramatic effect on your enjoyment and continued use of your security system. Let’s take a look at the two types generally available.

Standard Numeric Keypad

Most people are familiar with these. These keypads are compact, convenient and have soft alphanumeric buttons. There are quick access buttons many times, to directly alert the police, fire department or emergency services. Sometimes, there is a digital display that will provide additional information such as the location of a triggered alarm sensor or other important information. These are ubiquitous to the home security industry; a standard that many people never see past. While these provide vital access to the system via the keypad, they can also be a drawback. Why is this, you ask?

What would you consider the number one cause of false alarms in the home security industry? Perhaps you think that pets or small children are the most common cause. Perhaps you feel that consumers opening a door without disarming their system is the cause. The actual most common cause of false alarms is actually inputting the wrong security code. Whether it is because the code has been forgotten or the wrong button pushed erroneously, this can decrease your use of the system. If you cannot accurately input your security code, why continue to use the system? No one likes false alarms, neither the consumer, nor the monitoring company or the authorities responding to these alarms.

Options Available

There are options available, though, to go beyond these drawbacks. One of the best options, offered through ADT is a new range of touch screen security keypads. Far from being like the old style, these offer easier inputting of codes to reduce the number of false alarms present. This is accomplished with larger “buttons,” which are easier to read. For homeowners that have trouble using standard security keypads, this is a great option.

Another option exists, as well. Arming and disarming your home security alarm system no longer hinges on the use of keypads at all. One popular option offered by ADT is a keychain alarm remote. This operates in the same manner as your car alarm system. Push one button to arm the system, push another button to disarm the system. You can do this from your porch, your driveway or sitting in your vehicle. All you must do is make sure that you locked your doors. This offers a dramatic decrease in false alarms, since you no longer have to put in a code at all.

Regardless of your home security needs, you can find a system that will fit your needs, both in terms of complexity and in terms of ease of use.