By the way I didn't tell you earlier the company we use is ADT and they only charge us $20 a month. They might be more now because we have used them for the same price for 5 years now. Good Luck!!

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We use Guardian and I am not sure if they are nationwide or not. I have a remote on my keychain, so I can keep it by the bed, and hit the panic button if I need to. Ours runs about $92 for 3 months. I like the peace of mind, DH works late sometimes.

Go grandma!! (ps-you were good to think on your toes!)

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Hi all!! I'm new here, but I thought I'd add my two cents on this topic. We do have a security system and it provides so much peace of mind for me and my husband especially with the new baby. An added plus is that we get a discount on our homeowner's insurance with proof of monitoring.

( I installed these for 5 years) If you are that concerned about your safety you may want to have a cell phone back up installed with your system. If you do not, a simple cut phone line will make your system useless. Yes, any cut wires will set the alarm off but it must be able to dial out. Also if you are worried about your windows than you should install glass break sensors also. I use a large sounder, not the beeping on the keypad like everyone else has, and it works just fine (in response to the neighbors not being able to hear it, only if they couldn't hear a fire truck sounding next door). Be careful with ADT though and make sure to read the fine print. They are struggling right now and will try to rip you off any way they can.

I think it's all about how you view safety.
I grew up in Oakland and live in a suburb outside of SF, an urban girl. We do not have a security system (we rent so there is no insurance break) and I never have. My entire childhood, my house was broken into once, by a guy who was casing us and broke in right when we left for vacation. Outside of that one incident, I haven't had problems.
I talk to my neighbors, they know when we are going out of town and we keep an eye on their houses too. I lock my windows and doors at night and when I leave, but that's common sense. We have a border collie that sounds ferocious (and I think he would be if someone was actually threatening me, he got protective after ds was born), but in reality he is a softie. I do feel safer having him in the house when dh isn't home. I generally don't open the door to strangers, I don't want to deal with them and why give them a view?
I really feel that people are paranoid and alarm companies play on it for monetary purposes. Why live in fear?? A truly talented thief will get in and out of your house successfully, security system or not (some of the most successful operations have been when people are home, eating dinner and oblivious to what is going on upstairs).

We currently have a Simon 3 Wireless system made by GE. I like the wireless system because it was cheaper and you can install it yourself. For now, we have our doors monitored, a monitored smoke detector, and a pet friendly motion sensor. Another benefit to having this wireless system, is you can add components as you need them. I am looking at buying a glass break sensor, some window sensors, and a light module to turn on the house lights when the alarm goes off. I found some good used components on Ebay too!

Why do I have an alarm system? Two main reasons: 1) The alarm is to protect us at night by scaring away intruders. 2) To call the fire department if there is a fire when we aren't home as we have dogs in the house. Yes, I have the security to protect our valuables in the home, but that is my last reason for having one.

ADT is our monitoring company and after having them for 1 1/2 years, I got my first call from them this weekend. The alarm wasn't going off, but they received a signal that something was wrong with the motion detector. Turns out I just replaced the battery for the first time and didn't put the cover back on correctly.

(I'm the husband to a future stay-at-home mom.)

We have a security system, it was already in place when we bought the house. It is nice to get the insurance discount, the discount ends up paying for about 1/3 of our security system monthly bill! We do like it. It protects the windows and all doors. Our neighborhood is very safe, and we don't use it durring the day but turn it on every night when we know we're not going anywhere for the rest of the day.
It gives us a "secure feeling" to know that our neighbors would definately hear the alarms from our house if something was going on. BUT, as far as using it for the cops to come, if I were in the middle of nowhere, I would be worried.
First the system notifies your security company that your alarms are going off, then the security company calls you, and if they talk to you and you need help or don't get a hold of you...THEN, they call the cops/whoever. The person(s) who tried to break in would either already be GONE by the time the cops get there, OR they've hurt someone/something that's in your home and had enough time to get away. Let's hope the security system scares them away before anything has a chance to happen!
I say, if you get a security system, get a LOUD one- that at least a few of your neighbors will hear, or it's worthless.

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One happy wife and mommy!!!