How much does a security system cost?

There are several things that you will want to consider if you are shopping for a security system.  Safety, convenience and company reputation will likely be among those considerations, along with the costs – upfront and ongoing.  You should also ask yourself what is it worth to you for peace of mind, security systems not only protect your assets but they can also notify your family if there is a fire or carbon monoxide present.  It is important to understand your security goals in order to weigh the true value of a security system and its cost.

Keep in mind that no home or business is the same, and as such, alarm system pricing is not as simple as other things that you may purchase. At Central Monitoring Services, we understand that shopping for a security system is a personal event and that is why we offer you a personal approach. We do not think you should have to make decisions about protecting your home alone, nor do we think you should be forced into something that you are unsure of. Our security consultant will listen to your needs, your fears and your budget and work with you to decide which tools are best for your own situation. They will design a custom solution for your home or business.

Alarm system pricing varies immensely. From push-button security keypads to remote access on your smart phone or computer, there is no “one-size-fits-all” package.  Our consultants go over all of your security options so that together you can make the best choice for your budget.

There are many cost benefits to having a security system.  Most insurance companies offer discounts to home owners that have a monitored security system.  The cost of the system is insignificant when you compare its cost to that of replacing your possessions or losing a loved one.

Locally owned and operated since 1984, Central Monitoring Services works to provide you with peace of mind and the best service at the best value. Our central station and customer service representatives are here to assist our customers with every day needs, such as data and code changes, false alarm permits and training for you and your family on your security system and its features.  We also have a demo room at our main office that showcases the latest in security systems allowing you to see how the various components work.

So how much does a security system cost?  Can we really put a price on the things that matter most to us?  Central Monitoring Services has a security solution for most budgets.  Call for your free security evaluation today 229-431-0800.

Home Security Checklist

Home burglaries happen every 15 seconds in the United States.  Burglars often target homes that look easy to break into. Follow these 10 simple steps and you can improve the chances that your home will look vulnerable to a burglar.

Attempt to burglarize your own home. Seriously, try to break into your own house. If you can manage to break into your house, just think of how easy it would be for a professional. Take notes of all the weaknesses and consult with a security specialist if you feel the need to. Central Monitoring services offers free security evaluations.

Make your home look occupied. It might surprise you, but most home burglaries happen during the daytime. You might want to consider setting a timer to turn on your tv or a radio at a certain point during the day. If you pay for a gardening service or housekeeping service, have them work during the afternoon. It would also be a good idea, if you have one, to keep your secondary car in your driveway while you are at work or out running errands. Remember to vary your routine of coming and going.

Get a dog. Even the smallest dog will work, as long as it has a loud annoying bark. The one thing a burglar does not want is to be noticed, and a small yappy dog does the job just as well as a large dog. Not everyone can own a dog though, but you could always fake it. Hang a couple ‘Beware of dog’ signs, set a food bowl outside and hang a leash by the back door. Sometimes even the idea of having to deal with an animal will be enough to deter a potential thief.

Secure the entrances to your home. The front and back doors, first floor windows, and the garage door are the weakest spots in any home. They are also the most common entry points for a burglar. Reinforcing the front and back doors can be as easy as replacing the strike plate and adding a keyed deadbolt. Sliding windows can be secured with a wooden dowel or metal rod in the track, and a simple padlock on the inside can keep people from getting in through the garage door. You could also consider placing webcams or even fake security cameras near them as a possible deterrent. For added security, consider high security locks, installed by a professional locksmith.

Hide your valuables. Most thieves will spend as little time as possible in your home, as little as eight minutes in some case. So make sure it takes longer than eight minutes to find your valuable items. Do not trust the usuals like drawers, closets or the freezer. Try to think of more inventive ways of hiding your stuff, or even pull a Scarlet Letter and hide them in plain sight.

Change your locks. If you lose your keys, no matter where they are found, change the locks. Yes, it sounds like a hassle, but it is the safest thing to do. If they got lost in public, you can never be sure that someone didn’t make a copy while they were out of your possession.

Do not list your full name. Anonymity is the best course of action sometimes. Do not list your full name on your mailbox, or even in the phone book. Use only your first initial and last name.

Put your lights on timers. You might think that leaving a lamp or two on all day, or night, while you are gone is good enough. Most professional burglars generally case their target first, so they will pick up on that trick fairly quickly. Set the timers to random, so that there is no set pattern and actually appears as if someone is home.  Add motion lights in the front and back of your home.

Do not open the door! Burglars will dress as door-to-door salesmen in an attempt to case your home.  They will even introduce themselves as a security company and invite themselves in to give you a quote on their services.   Employees from Central Monitoring wear company shirts and drive clearly marked company vehicles.  Look out the window and know who is there before opening your door.

Consider a home security system.  Oh the benefits!  Peace of mind that someone is watching over your home 24/7 will help ease anyone to sleep.  Most insurance companies will give a discount for clients with a home security system installed. Call Central Monitoring Services today and set up an appointment for a free security evaluation.  The security consultant will also help you design a system that meets your needs.

Also, be a good neighbor!  If you see something suspicious, report it.

Central Monitoring answers “Why I don’t need an alarm system”

Did you see the headlines this week? Armed men ransack home, lock aunt in the closet, police look for burglar, police need help finding murderer. Criminal activity is happening in areas where crime used to be rare.

Would it make sense to have tens of thousands of dollars of valuables, home furnishings or inventory but no way to protect it from theft or vandalism? In spite of all the newspaper headlines and TV news reports, there are still people who say they do not need an alarm system.

Let’s talk about some of the excuses or reasons for: “Why I don’t need an alarm system”.

Reason number 1. “I have insurance”. This is my personal all time favorite excuse. My response is that burglar alarms are like insurance. We never plan to get into a car accident or become sick; we still purchase automobile and health insurance. We purchase home owners insurance, but that only helps to replace items stolen in a break-in. An alarm system is like another form of insurance, but even better because it helps prevent the break-in. FBI statistics show that a home without an alarm system is three times more likely to be broken into.

Most insurance companies will give you a discount on your homeowner’s insurance premium if you have a monitored alarm system. The discount varies from company to company ranging from as low as 5% to as high as 20% if you install dead-bolt locks and other security measures. Why would they offer a discount? Insurance companies know that homes that are secured are less likely to be burglarized. I say this often – burglars are lazy, they look for the easy target (the home without protection).

Reason number 2. “It won’t happen to me, I live in a safe neighborhood”. Please don’t be so naive as to confuse your nice neighborhood with a safe neighborhood. Think about it. If a burglar is going to break into a house, don’t they want to steal the most valuables they can on each invasion?

Reason number 3. “Someone is always home”. Really, ALWAYS? Burglars have been known to read the newspaper and then target homes while the family is at a funeral or wedding. Burglars do not only break into vacant houses or strike only at night. There are many reported cases of burglars striking in the afternoon or when the homeowner is taking a nap. In many ways this is even more frightening, this presents a danger to your loved one that is “always home”.

Don’t be one of the many people who protect their home after it is burglarized. To receive more information about protecting your home, family and valuables call Central Monitoring and schedule a free security evaluation 229-431-0800 today.

How to choose a Security System

How to Choose a Security System

You can’t put a price on security. Protecting your family and valuables are essential.

A professionally installed security system can help you and your loved ones feel comfortable in a challenging world.

These days, companies use cutting-edge, highly customizable technologies that will protect you from intruders and other potential threats. Whether you are searching for a home or office security system, choose a qualified, reputable company with a long track record.

A Solution for Every Lifestyle

Whether you are concerned about protecting your family and possessions or need to be aware of events going on in and around your home, there is a solution for you.

Today’s Alarm System Provides:

• Security, reliability and convenience
• Customized solutions for your personal requirements
• Press a button to disarm the system and turn on a light before you enter
• System control from your laptop, iPhone, Android and other compatible wireless mobile devices
• View and control system remotely on a PC via the Internet
• Know your home and possessions are protected

Video Monitoring

Remotely look in on your property, kids, babysitters, elderly relatives, pets, housekeepers, contractors and more over a highly secure Internet connection.  You can also receive video notification or pictures of activities when they occur – such as your child arriving home from school.

Protecting Our Parents

If a parent falls or is in need of emergency help, portable panic devices are available and can be customized.  They can summon the police, fire department or medical response personnel to the premises.

Security And More

Consider how much your alarm system will cost over time. Many companies will offer discounts on installing the system if you agree to a long term contract for monitoring services. It might be a smart agreement. Most people want their alarm system monitored anyway, so getting a price break on a fundamental service makes sense.

Many systems provide additional service to make you more secure. You might consider getting sensors to detect fires, carbon monoxide, natural gas or water in your basement. These features can be easily installed by a professional.

The most important factor is trustworthiness. The best companies will support the product long after the sale is complete. They should help you with any problems and make certain you are comfortable with using your alarm system.

After all, a security system is an investment in your peace of mind.

Safe and Sound

In today’s uncertain world, there is no better time for increased home and office security.  Fire and theft are constant threats and your alarm system is only as good as its monitoring.  Your family and your business deserve great monitoring and we are dedicated to providing exceptional service for you.

Call Central Monitoring for your free security evaluation 800-442-1125.

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