DIY Home Security Systems

Today we have a few home security tips for you. Often overlooked but simple home security fixes can sometimes mean the difference between a vulnerable and secure residence.

1. Remember the basics. Besides your alarm system and other security gadgets, security door locks, strong doorframes, and locked windows need to be the foundation of a well protected home. Even with a top notch alarm system and monitoring service, you can still be vulnerable to an old fashioned smash & grab break in. Strong barriers to entry (as well as well positioned security signs and decals) are always your first line of defense.

2. Lighting & Landscaping. Why would you want to provide potential criminals with cover? Now we know that everybody’s botanical tastes are different, and some prefer a more lush yard, but it is important to not provide areas on your property where a burglar could easily hide or feel safe. Keep trees and bushes trimmed when possible, and provide plenty of lighting! A criminal would aways prefer to approach a target with the cover of darkness than when exposed by outdoor lighting.

3. Environmental Protection. Maybe you have a good handle on the security of your home, but safety is about more than preventing a burglary. Don’t forget fire protection! Monitored smoke detectors can often bring an extra discount from your homeowner’s insurance provider. Other devices such as temperature sensors and flood detectors can help save you money and aggrivation by alerting you to potential problem areas. Carbon Monoxide detectors are valuable for personal safety, especially in areas that could have ventillation close to a grage or generator site.

4. Plan ahead. Before you are in an emergency, whether a home intrusion, burglary or fire, you should have though ahead about potential contingency plans. Know your evacuation routes and have fire extinguishers available to everyone in the household. Wireless panic buttons can provide additional protection. for both intrusion and life safety. Have a kit of emergency supplies that is well stocked and accessible.

5. Remember vulnrable areas. People often forget to protect their garages, and even leave their garage doors unlocked. There are often many valuable items stored in garages, power tools, car radios etc, besides the easy home access. A security safe can also be a great item to store important documents or valuables and jewelry.

We will be sure to update with more tips for you soon! In the meantime, for additional reading, check out these links:

• Home Security Tips from GeoArm.
• Home Security Systems – Counting the Cost to You.
• How to Install Wireless Home Security Systems for DIYers.
• Home Alarm Monitoring Tips – Choosing Monitoring Company.

Keep safe!

Check out the new Alarm System Reviews & Customer Testimonials over at GeoArm. Customer response is usually a good indicator of how well a company is doing its job, and according to these GeoArm customers, they are doing a fantastic job:

“I would like to thank you and your team at GeoArm for your exceptional customer service.”

“I take pride in my DIY projects and GeoArm has enabled my success in the home security arena.”

“I am very impressed with the service that I have received.”

“I won’t hesitate to recommend your service.”

“The customer service I received is unheard of these days.”

“The technicians are very knowledgable and helpful.”

“I now have peace of mind in regards to my home security/safety needs for my family.”

Read the rest and see why you should transfer your alarm service to GeoArm.

A helpful video for users of Honeywell’s new LYNX Plus Wireless Security System:

Honeywell LYNX Plus is available in Phone Line, Internet, and Cellular kits from GeoArm, starting at just $274.99, including custom system programming! The easy to use interface is explained in this user guide video. For more helpful DIY home security video updates, subscribe to GeoArm’s Youtube Channel!

eSecure is a branded version of Honeywell’s Total Connect Interactive services provided by Protection One. Users who have eSecure service can switch to GeoArm’s AlarmNet service with the Total Connect option and sometimes save more that 50% on monitoring services. Signing up for GeoArm’s AlarmNet monitoring service online is easy, and our technicians are experienced with all the available Honeywell AlarmNet radios and serivices. Internet AlarmNet service with Total Connect is only $17 per month, while Cellular AlarmNet service with Total Connect is only $25 per month. GeoArm’s central station is UL listed and has an excellent track record of customer service and timely response. Why pay more to Protection One when all they are doing is rebranding the same service with their logos?

Honeywell’s Total Connect App provides all the interactive security services available with your equipment, without the protection one brand. Dowload Total Connect from the Itunes store for free! There is no need to be paying Protection One’s high rates when you can get the same service without the private branding from GeoArm!

With GeoArm’s new low prices, you can now add cellular alarm monitoring to your system with the GS3060 for only $199.99. DSC’s GS3060 Cellular Alarm Communicator is universal to any control panel that has Contact ID as a communication option. Most modern control panel’s can be connected to the GS3060 with a simple 2-wire connection, and all signals will then be transmitted to GeoArm’s central station over AT&T’s cellular GSM network.

Cellular alarm monitoring service from GeoArm starts at just $20 per month! Don’t have a phone line for your alarm system? Want to protect your system from phone line cut? The GS3060 is an excellent fit to transition most existing alarm systems to cellular service. GeoArm’s experienced alarm technicians pre-program and pre-wire all cellular alarm communicators before they are shipped to provide clients with the easiest possible installation. For just $199.99 and $20 per month, you can get your system communicating to GeoArm’s central station over the most reliable communication path!

In an alarming statement, Oakland, CA police cheif Anthony Batts has announced that if the city continues with its plans to lay off as much as 10% of police officers, that the department may not be able to respond to a laundry list of crimes. Amongst many others, the list of potential crimes inludes:

• grand theft
• embezzlement
• extortion
• vandalism
• and of course: burglary!

If the chief is correct in his assumption, residents of Oakland will have to report these crimes online at the departments webpage. Now, there has been no mention of whether the department will continue to respond to burglar alarm dispatches from central stations, but based on the city’s extensive permitting plan and false alarm fees, it seems that they will.

It seems imprudent for an officer, let along a chief to let everyone (including criminals) know that his police department will no longer respond to certain crimes. Having a permitted and monitored alarm system in Oakland may have just become a little more important.

GeoArm has reduced prices on the entire line of Honeywell AlarmNet cellular and internet alarm communicators. Enjoy the benefits of eliminating your phone line, or having your system communicate wirelessly with an AlarmNet radio that has been reduced in price by 20%-30%!

The 7847i internet communicator, 7845i-GSM internet & cellular communicator, and 7845GSMR cellular communicator are now available from between $157.99 and $238.99. These radios can be added to the Honeywell Vista series of alarm control panels to provide alternative central station monitoring service, and are also capable of providing Total Connect remote services. The 7847i-L, GSMVLP, and GSML have the same functionality, but are built specifically for installation with the Honeywell LYNX wireless security system. These radios actually fit inside the LYNX Plus and LYNXR2 all-in-one control panels.

AlarmNet monitoring service for these security system communicators is available from GeoArm at excellent rates. AlarmNet internet service starts at just $12, and cellular service is just $20 per month. Total Connect interactive services are an additional $5 per month.

Many home security companies are averse to installing or monitoring security systems for a renter or tenant in an apartment. Wireless security systems by GeoArm Security and other primarily DIY alarm companies are making it easier for apartment dwellers to get the same kind of advanced security that condo owners and homeowners enjoy. An apartment security system can easily be installed by a tenant, and the wireless system can even be easily moved if the renter changes apartments. In many instances, apartment settings have higher burglary & crime rates, as criminals know that these properties are oftem left without traditional home security options.

Apartment buildings can give you a sense of saftey in numbers, but in reality you should be more vigilant of your home security situation. Read these security tips for apartments and condos and remember, always lock your balcoy doors, even if you dont see how a criminal could reach your balcony. If you want an easy solution for your apartment, check out GeoArm’s wireless security system kits. These security systems can be easily installed in an apartment setting and you can even choose options that do not require a phone line. If your lease is up and you are moving, no big deal, simply move your wireless security system with you!

If you have a GE Simon 3 model security system, these user videos will help you to get the most out of your home alarm.

GE Simon 3 Security System User Video Part 1:

GE Simon 3 Security System User Video Part 2:

Note:
For a limited time, the 60-924-3-01 Wireless Talking Alarm Keypad for the Simon 3 system is still available. If you have a Simon 3 system and want to upgrade with more keypads, don’t wait, now is the time!