Re: Looking to purchase alarm system - suggestions?

["Roberto" <Respond@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

"J. Sloud" <jsloud@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:nj9uc1huleh0nrk0cpbk9qvahps7juh86n@xxxxxxxxxx
> On 7 Jul 2005 21:27:13 -0700, tufflaw@xxxxxxxxx wrote:
>
>>Hello, I'm trying to purchase an alarm system for my home, just
>>starting to compare vendors but I'm not really sure what I should be
>>looking for.  I've spoken with two so far, Protect America and
>>Honeywell.
>>
> Some facts they may not tell you...
>
> Almost all alarm calls are for false alarms - well over 90% of the
> time the police get a call for a residential burglar alarm it turns
> out to be false.  Because of this, many police departments have
> stopped responding to non-verified alarm calls.  Those agencies who do
> respond, assume that the alarm call will be a false and it gets lowest
> priority.  Most of the alarms are caused by users failing to turn the
> system off in time, faulty equipment, bad installations, power surges
> etc.
>
> Poilce departments have started charging false alarm fees, sometimes
> running hundreds of dollars.
>
> Typical police response time is 30 minutes or more in many locations -
> if they come at all.
>
> If you want a system, get three quotes from reputable companies in
> your area.  Who's stickers and signs do you see a lot of?  Talk to
> your neighbors.  Who do they use?

Does anyone know the percentage of false alarms calls for DIY installs vs
professional installs?

Bob