Arm yourself with information about home-security systems
By NICK HARDER

Each year, one in 20 homes nationally will be burglarized, according to the Insurance Information Network of California.

Typically, the highest risk occurs with warmer weather, as more people go on vacations.

That makes this a good time to think about home security.

For a lot of people, security means having a good home-alarm system. Basically, there are two types of alarm systems: wired and wireless.

Wired systems were the way to go until about 10 to 15 years ago. That's when wireless systems started getting popular. Now, almost half the homes in America that use alarm systems have wireless.

How do they work?

A wired system uses low-voltage wires in the walls, sometimes in the floors or ceilings, to connect the detectors. The wires link a master control panel to sensors in windows, doors, perhaps motion sensors, and to keypads and sirens. Wired systems are fairly reliable. The downside is that walls and other areas must be invaded to install them.

A wireless system connects the keypads and sensors via an electronic signal. The two main advantages to a wireless system: There's almost no invasion of walls for wires, and you can easily remove it and take it with you.

The costs of these two types of systems vary widely.

You can often get a very basic system starting around $100.

Both systems can be installed by a do-it-yourselfer, but the wired system requires a great deal more work and expertise. Both systems can be purchased from a home center or from an independent alarm company.

Often, an alarm company may charge a similar amount, or even throw in the equipment for a relatively low cost.

Why so cheap?

Like many technical devices, such as computer printers, the price has come down as the technology has developed.

There is another similarity. With printers, you can end up paying a lot more down the line for ink cartridges. In alarm systems, you may get a cut rate for the system, but then you have to sign up to pay for several years of monitoring.

Neither type of system requires monitoring by a central office or computer system in another location. However, such monitoring is often part of the package when you buy the equipment. A two- or three-year contract for monitoring is not unusual.

Monitoring can run anywhere from $29 to $40 a month, and even those figures can vary widely. You often pay more for such things as armed patrols or armed response.

Monitoring services can also summon police or other emergency services.

Before you choose a system, be aware that some home insurers will give you a discount on your insurance if you install a security system. Check with your insurer, because sometimes the system must be monitored to get the price break.

Also, consider some other steps you can take to prevent break-ins.

Install a good deadbolt on each door. Outside doors should be metal or solid hardwood, at least 1 3/4 inches thick.

Set up timers to turn on lights when you're not there, and make sure you have adequate exterior lighting. Light and noise deter burglars.

Trim trees and shrubs near entryways, so burglars don't have cover to do their dirty work.

Stop all deliveries -- mail, newspapers, anything that says you're not home -- when you're away. (Get your neighbors to watch your driveway and entranceway while you're gone to pick up any unscheduled deliveries. When they're gone you can do it for them.)

And, of course, there is one step you can take to cut down on possible break-ins that will give you an enormous amount of pleasure.

Get a dog.

Copyright 2004 Orange County Register The Orange County Register (California) April 17, 2004 Saturday, BYLINE: By NICK HARDER , The Orange County Register, Write: Nick Harder, c/o Home & Garden, The Orange County, Register, P.O. Box 11626, Santa Ana, CA 92711, Call: (714) 796-7769, E-mail: nharder @ ocregister.com.