Myth #2: You may never need it, but the small total cost will pale in comparison to the losses you could realize without protection - your equipment, merchandise, customer information, operation uptime, and even employee confidence that you run a safe work environment.

Myth #3: They're too hard to use. Operating a burglar alarm system can be as simple as memorizing a few numbers that make up your passcode.

Myth #4: I don't have time to train employees. It typically takes under an hour to explain and demonstrate how burglar alarm systems work.

Myth #5: The system won't work if my phone lines are cut or I lose power. Most burglar alarm systems are equipped with sophisticated battery and/or cellular backup systems that kick in right away should your power or phone connection fail.

Myth #6: They take too long to install. A burglar alarm system for a small-to-medium sized business can be installed in 4-8 hours. A provider can have your alarm up and running and your staff trained within a single workday.

Myth #7: I don't need one; I have insurance. Insurance exists to replace lost, stolen, or damaged property. But it can't replace the losses your company experiences due to downtime. What happens if an intruder rips up your phone system or smashes your servers? How about if they steal confidential information about your customers or partners? Insurance won't reimburse you for business lost or the fear your customers experience from having their identity tampered with.
 

Jason Smith at BuyerZone.com

The vast majority of home security systems use a telephone line to communicate with a monitoring service. These companies then call police, the fire department or other authorities. But there is a delay with this method. Some communities offer radio communication from your home directly to the police or fire department. Check with your local government to see if it has this service.

By Tim Carter of Washington Post

Wintertime is prime time for thieves and burglars looking for an easy target. It is recommended that homeowners take a few easy precautions to protect their home and property.

- Trimming the shrubbery and trees near windows and doors removes a hiding place for intruders.

- Replace burned-out bulbs in your outdoor light fixtures so dark areas are illuminated. Install outdoor lighting around your house.

- Keep garage doors locked.

- A peephole is great to install in your front door. It is easy to install and it enables you to see outside the door without opening it.

- A dog is a great deterrent against break-ins, but what if you don’t have one? That doesn’t matter, you can fake it. Buy one of those "Beware of Dog" signs from the hardware store and place them by the back door or any area that isn’t visible by a neighbor or the street.

- If you are going to be away from home, have someone get your mail and newspapers, or have them stopped temporarily.

By Staff reports GateHouse News Service

It is extremely important that you test your security system monthly, you cannot afford to experience a communication failure with the Monitoring Station, in the event of a real emergency. The technology used depends on proper connectivity with your phone service provider, unless you employ "Cellular Back-Up" service. Reasons your service communication can fail:

 - You disconnected your home phone service (i.e.: Bell South land line). Many consumers are going to cell phone use only and forgetting the security system communicator is getting disconnected too, when the service is cancelled.

 -You changed your phone service carrier or type of service (i.e.: moved to VOIP). Many times these new service providers forget or cannot connect the communicator properly.

- Your current phone provider has frequent service outages. If your phone service is down, your communicator is down.

• First, don’t panic. There is time. Enter your disarm code (carefully) to reset your system. Remember, if there were a burglar, he or she would not know your code. Do not write your code on your keypad!
• Wait for the central station to call. Give your password, this is different from your disarm code. Be sure to follow all procedures established by your monitoring station. Do not leave your home until you have talked with your monitoring station.
• Finally, any person who has keys to your property MUST be able to operate the alarm.
• Most Important! Just because your alarm has been set-off, does not mean you have a registered false alarm with the Police Department. As long as you respond to the call from the monitoring station and provide your password, they will not dispatch the Police. No Police Dispatched, No False Alarm.

- Lock all protected doors and windows

- Train all alarm system users

- Have us check and service your system regularly

- Contact us if you have any apprehensions about your system

- Ask your authorized dealer about regular checks and routine maintenance

- Notify your security company if you plan any remodeling, including replacing doors or windows; hanging drywall; sanding floors; installing attic flooring; changing phone systems; installing intercoms, siding, ceiling fans or skylights; fumigating; installing wiring for cable or other electronics, or installing anything near the system control panel or keypads.