Interview With Kim Proctor – Protective Systems Inc.

Seattle’s Protective Systems Inc. was a pioneer in security system technology and sales when it began in 1970 and remains a respected leader in its region today. PSI is a great example of a sophisticated, highly-reliable, family-owned, local security system provider. Kim Proctor of PSI explained some of what prospective and existing security system customers need to know.

Since 1970, locally-owned Protective Systems Inc. of Seattle has been providing Western Washington families, businesses and commercial facilities with security and fire systems. Our approach to security provides you with the highest level of safety – protecting your family and your possessions is our business and we take it very seriously. Continue reading

Getting the Best Hardware

When we look at home security systems, we’re often focused on the system options, monitoring costs, contracts terms and how a proposed security system will protect our families. These are all important considerations which deserve your full attention.

However, in all the shuffle, it can be easy to gloss over the equipment itself. As a consumer, we trust that a reputable security system company will install high-quality equipment, but that’s not necessarily true.

Home security system companies make their money from your monthly monitoring fees. Having you sign up for their services is the critical part of their sales effort. They have little financial incentive to sell you or give you the best piece of equipment out there, unless you make it clear that’s what you want.

A higher grade of security system components may cost you more, but in the scheme of things it’s not a lot of money to get the best security possible. After all, what’s the point in paying monthly fees if they aren’t getting you all that they could?

If you want more capabilities, fewer false alarms, and better detection of entry and motion, them you want high-grade security system components.

So, what which names can you trust?

One of the best names in security system hardware is Honeywell. Honeywell is a longtime leader is all forms of electric and electronic components and security systems. Their acquisition of ADEMCO security systems has brought them into the residential security system market. Honeywell imparts a standard of quality that rises above the rest. If you want components you know will protect your family, then it’s a good choice.

Another trustworthy name in security system hardware is General Electric. The electrics and electronics giant is an industry leader in everything from jet engines to light bulbs. They aren’t bad with home security systems either. GE sells their security comments to security systems companies and directly to consumers. But they’re also full-service and operate their own home security system company which can do everything from installation to monthly monitoring services. If you want quality and end-to-end service from a quality name, GE is an option to consider.

Lastly, there’s ADT. Like GE, ADT operates one of the largest home and commercial security system companies in the world and it also has its own line of components. However, their security systems vary widely from the ultra-cheap to the uber-sophisticated. The ADT name on security system components does not in itself guarantee you the best. However, some of ADT’s offerings are excellent – so ask questions and shop wisely.

Photo via Steve Wilhelm

How to Choose

Putting your home in someone else’s hands can be a daunting experience. All your valuables, the safety of your home, information on your comings and goings and perhaps even the physical safety of your pets and family. When we worry about “Big Brother”‘ a security system definitely shares a lot of information with people you don’t know.

That’s why choosing a good home security system is serious business. You need the security of believing in your security system.

First, look at large, well-known companies with good reputations. A company like GE Home Security (www.gesecurity.com) screens their employees and has numerous protocols in place to ensure the security of not just your home, but your information and privacy.

But that doesn’t tell you about other important features like response time and follow-up. Unfortunately, the only time you’ll ever really know how well your security service works is when you need it most.

That’s why the best way to find out which security system company does the best job is to ask a few good references. First, a sales representative from a good and reputable company should be able to provide a few references in your area – usually homeowners who offer testimonials because of the good results of their security systems.

Perhaps just as importantly, ask your local police or sheriff’s department. Law enforcement deals with security companies all the time and can tell you about the experiences they’ve had with your prospective choices. They can also tell you about any fraudulent providers, shady incidences or incidents that may be caused by faulty security systems.

Ask prospective security providers about their their rates of false alarms. Learn how their products work. One may have better technology than another. If you live in an area with earthquakes, will small tremor set the house off because of rattling windows, or are the triggers more sophisticated than that? After all, you don’t want to get calls about false alarms or earn a bad reputation with your local police.

Lastly, don’t forget the basics. Ask your friends and family who have security systems who they use and how the results have been. Is the service responsive? Is the customer service good? Are they getting their money’s worth? And of course, check for credibility with organizations like the Better Business Bureau and publications like Consumer Reports.

However, in the end when you select that right security system with the right provider, your choice may just be what saves your home or your family.

Photo via chefranden

Selecting a Home Security Camera

Wouldn’t you love to see what’s happening when you’re not around? Better yet, don’t you wish someone was keeping an eye on your home and family when you can’t? Cameras, discreetly placed and sized, can be those eyes.

The advantages are numerous. Surveillance cameras enhance your home security system, because suddenly, you’re able to see so much more. Not only are you and your home security system provider able to see what’s happening when you’re gone but you can find yourself steps ahead of a crime. Why not know who’s at the door or even who is approaching your property?

There are some surprising and very helpful ways to use surveillance technology. Sometimes the perpetrators in our lives aren’t human. Is a raccoon turning your garbage barrels upside down? Or are you trying to catch the dog when he digs up your yard? Now you can can begin to turn the tables thanks to your security system.

Of course for animal lovers, surveillance is a great way to protect your pets. When you’re out of the house or even out of town, you can still check in on your furry friends remotely. With the right additions to your security system, you can know if they hop the fence and take strolls around the neighborhood. And when going through the painful process of training a puppy, you’re better able to figure out what trouble he or she gets into while you’re gone.

But as much as we love our pets, our children are always first priority. The right surveillance package can enhance baby monitoring, keeping an eye around the house, watching kids playing in the yard and even knowing who’s coming and going. It can be easy to know if your teenager is sneaking in late from a date or if your ten year old didn’t make it home from school.

Many security systems, such as ADT’s (http://www.adt.com/for_your_home/products_services/video_surveillance) include remote access from Internet enabled computers and even PDAs.

If you want the advantages of surveillance, but without the monthly monitoring costs of a security system provider, you can always take matters into your own hands and install your own system. Places like Sun Security (http://www.sunsecurity.com/) sell many high quality products at affordable prices.

You can choose as many or as few cameras and viewing locations as you like. Of course, consider the fine balance between feeling secure and feeling watched….

Properly done, you and your family will be able to enjoy new levels of security and safety.

Photo via McBossy Boots

How to Select the Right Home Security System Company

Choosing the right security system company is a lot like choosing a doctor. You have to trust your provider’s knowledge and ability to take care of you and your family.

A truly good security company needs to be successful in two major categories: installing a security system that meets your needs and good response during emergencies. One without the other is rather pointless.

When looking at the first part you have to ask a lot of questions about a prospective provider’s choice of security system equipment. Is it up to date? Is it made by a good manufacturer such as General Electric ( http://www.gesecurity.com/portal/site/GESecurity/menuitem.f76d98ccce4cabed5efa421766030730).

When you discuss the options with security system company representatives, look at both hardwired as well as wireless options and ask what they recommend and why. Every home is different so make sure their reasoning matches with your needs for your home.

Pay attention to how many entry points would or would not be covered, how sensitive or not triggers are and how well motion sensors work should you opt for them.

More importantly, when a prospective company’s sales consultant visits your home, does he or she seem knowledgeable and credible? And no matter what, get multiple estimates – compare notes between companies to see who is giving you the best advice and deal.

But then there’s the part they can all tell you they do well, but you can’t really know for sure – the service. When you need it, you need it to work well. How can you find out?

Ask for references of satisfied customers. Any credible security system company should be able to provide you a list of other customers willing to discuss their experience and satisfaction.

Along with that, you can ask around. Who do your friends and the people you know use? What have their experiences been like? Find out if their alarms have ever gone off and what happened when they did.

But even better, check with your local police or sheriff’s department. They deal with alarms, burglaries and security system companies all the time. Find out who to avoid and who gives timely response that works well with local law enforcement.

Often, the big national companies like Broadview Security, formerly Brinks (www.broadviewsecurity.com) offer reliable trustworthy service that gave them their names. But every region has some great local options such as American Alarm Systems in Southern California (http://800amalarm.com/).

The main thing is to ask a lot of questions and compare answers. Make an informed decision that will give you the peace of mind a security system should provide.

Photo via makeitabigbox

Wireless Home Security That Doesn’t Cost A Fortune

If you don’t have a home security system because you imagine it to be more costly than you can handle, you might be pleasantly surprised. There’s nothing worse than knowing you could be doing more to protect your family, but you just couldn’t afford it.

Like so many technologies, wireless home security systems have gotten better and cheaper since they were first introduced. Wireless systems involve sensors and control panels which communicate wirelessly with a central hub or mini-server. The hub is in effect the “brain” of the security system, sounding the alarm. In many cases, the hub can call multiple phone numbers to let you or whoever you designate know that your alarm has been triggered.

Many of these systems use power from the house, but also have battery back-up in case a power failure leaves your home vulnerable.

If you want to take the do-it-yourself approach, a high-quality Mace wireless security system goes for as little as $139.95 from online stores such as Brickhouse Security (http://www.brickhousesecurity.com/alarmsystems.html). Systems with voice command abilities cost more at $200-$300.

The nice part is that whatever you choose, that’s all you have to pay. If you install it yourself and don’t elect monitoring services – you purchased years of home security for a singular price.

Of course, if you want monitoring services, that too can be very affordable. Companies like Protect America (http://www.protectamerica.com/pa/advantage/adt-security) offer GE Wireless systems for up to ten entry points installed for free with a 36 month contract. Monthly rates run only $42.95 per month no matter how many entry points you choose.

Protect America is national and like so many larger security companies offers an array of services which include fire and temperature monitoring and health emergency response.

The important things is that it doesn’t cost a fortune to have the latest and greatest. You can be protected by top technology in a budget. And what is more valuable that the safety of your home and loved ones?

Photo via RichSeattle

Do You Need a Full Service Home Security System?

So, you’ve decided to take the big and important step to protect your home and family with a home security system. But there are so many choices. How to choose?

One of the most important factors is deciding whether or not you want and need a full service security system with a monitoring company. There are no shortage of them and many offer great deals. But are they the deals for you?

First you have to ask yourself what the value of a security system is to you and what you hope to get out of one.

At its most basic, a security system acts as a deterrent to theft. Noise and attention are a thief’s enemy. Why swim upstream? There are plenty of homes with no alarm, no dog and no one watching. Rather than take unnecessary chances, the smart thief moves on. This is much the same goal as a car alarm. By and large, it’s effective.

If budget is an issue, you can install a basic security system yourself – or have one installed quite affordably.

However, monitoring services take things to the next level. Many, such as those offered by national prover ADT (www.adt.com) start for as little as $24.95 per month. With a monitored security system, dispatches security guards or police immediately in the event of a break-in. Someone is checking on your home even when you can’t.

Plus, depending on the package you decide on, your security system can monitor for fire, flooding, and any extreme temperature changes. No more worrying about frozen pipes while you’re on a winter vacation and no worrying about electrical wiring, a gas leak or a furnace problem doing unexpected damage. You have resources to protect your home.

Many services, including ADT, offer medical monitoring. You can have an emergency medical button installed by a bed or in a particular room. They even offer emergency medical pendants and bracelets which are wireless triggers to get help in case of emergency. For families with an elder or for those with touchy medical conditions, this can be a whole new form of security.

However, something is better than nothing. If the whole enchilada is too much to swallow, stick to an option you can afford and which makes sense for you. The main thing is to protect your home and family. In that sense, you’re making progress any which way.

Photo via The Upstairs Room

50 Articles Comparing Home Security Systems

Securing your home is a great investment. It is an investment not only into your home, but your peace of mind. Knowing that your home or family is secure is very important. Security systems also can cost you a lot of money depending on the system you choose. You should do your research and know which company will get you the security you need at the best price. With the economy the way it is, it is always good to know that you are getting the best protection you can. Job losses are high and home invasions are on the rise. Here are a few places to look to find out which systems are top and which ones you should stay away from if you want the best protection for your home, your loved ones, and your valuables.

  1. Home systems A look at the many different alarm systems and monitoring options you can choose for your home to help ease your mind.
  2. DIY systems Compare here some of the do it yourself options.
  3. Systems Here you can find information on different types of systems to find the right one for you.
  4. Compare Look here to see monitoring companies as well as equipment reviews.
  5. One system Learn here about one of the systems available for you.
  6. Smarthome Learn about this system here and what the benefits and views of this system are.
  7. DIY Alarms Look here to find the advantages of a DIY alarm system.
  8. Best systems Look here to find out which is the top system in this blogger’s opinion.
  9. Top system Look here at what one blogger says should be in your home security system.
  10. Contractors Take a look here to see what the best systems are.
  11. Top 10 Look here to find the top 10 systems out there.
  12. Security Reviews Look here to see some reviews of systems available to you today.
  13. Finding the Right System You will find help here to find the system that is right for you and your home.
  14. Security is Needed Learning about why security systems are needed in your home.
  15. Webcam Security Learn about ways to use your computer webcam for security in your home.
  16. Blogger Help Here a blogger helps to show you the pros and cons of certain types of security systems.
  17. Chart Look here to see a chart that compares the features of several types of alarms.
  18. Tips Here are a few tips on picking out your home system.
  19. Monitoring Companies Look here to find out what monitoring companies there are and what they offer.
  20. One of the Best Look here to see why this company is seen as one of the best.
  21. Testimonials Read here to find out why some people love their ADT systems.
  22. Tips on Picking the Right System Learn a few tips to picking the system that is best for your home.
  23. Review Look here to see why one person likes this particular DIY system.
  24. Brinks VS. ADT Read here about the differences between these two companies.
  25. Compare Chart Look here at this chart to compare prices of several popular systems and how much they charge to get started and to keep their service.
  26. Comparison Chart Here is a chart that has several different companies and their benefits and costs to you when considering a security system.
  27. Can be a Challenge When comparing systems, it can be  challenge if you have never done it before.
  28. Reviews Look here to see different systems and the reviews on those systems.
  29. Which System to Choose Look here to see some different options in systems you can have installed in your home.
  30. Get the Best Read here how one blogger says you can make sure to get the best when buying your system.
  31. Learning to Compare This blogger shares how you should compare and what to look for in your system.
  32. Set up Look here to see how to set up a wireless system and see if this is the one for you.
  33. Picking the Best Read here to see how one blogger says you can be sure to pick the best system for your home.
  34. Compare Before You Buy Make sure to compare systems before investing in a system.
  35. Mom Shopper One mommy blogger shares how she picks her home system and how to make sure you have a good one.
  36. Safety and Security Be sure to choose carefully to insure your safety and security when choosing a system.
  37. Before You Buy Here are some things you need to be aware of before you buy a system.
  38. Logitech Learn about the Logitech system here and if this is the right one for you.
  39. Different Systems Here you can find a list of the different systems available and the benefits on each.
  40. Tips on Systems Here are a few tips on burglar systems that you will find useful in making your choice.
  41. ADT Benefits If you are considering ADT, look here to find some benefits of using them for your home security needs.
  42. Home Security Look to this site for tips on home security choices, top companies and more when picking your system.
  43. Choosing the Best Look here for tips on picking the best company for your security needs.
  44. Compare Monitoring Companies Take a look here at the monitoring companies and the benefits of each.
  45. Problems Learn some common problems with alarm monitoring and how to avoid them.
  46. Guardian Read about the different types of alarm services you can get with a Guardian system.
  47. Choosing the Right System Here is a guide on choosing the right home security system for your family and your new home.
  48. Home Security Systems There are many systems to choose from. Some of the systems also test for carbon monoxide and work with your smoke detectors.
  49. DIY Alarm Choices There are many DIY choices out there to use. Look here to see if one is right for you.
  50. Broadview Take a look at the new generation of Brink’s Home Security.

Image Credits: Daquella manera

Automobile Security System: Choosing the right one

Whenever you buy a car, you must first find out if it has all the required security systems to ensure proper functionality and ownership. The undermentioned guidelines and tips discuss the most important security features you should look for in a car before buying it. And if you car does not have any of these security features, than it is probably best to invest in a good and affordable security system. It will ensure that you will have peace of mind nothing to worry about. Motion sensors will always allow you to leave your car’s top and windows open. If you are transporting cargo with a van or truck, then motion sensors are very good at protecting the cargo, especially the cargo areas inside the van or truck. The automobile security system will sound an alarm as soon as a thief or unwanted person invades into the restricted space.

Glass breakage sensors are also a very important feature, one that every automobile security system should have.Glass-break sensors will detect a breaking windows and they will sound an alarm if anything undesired happens.This keeps your car from being stolen by thieves who try to break in with through the window. You also have the option of choosing driver’s side door priority unlocking system that enables you to open the driver’s door without unlocking the other doors. This means that you will always be able to enter your vehicle without ever letting your guard down.

Remote outputs will allow you to expand the “sound of the alarm” capabilities of your vehicle by adding features such as a remote starter or extra window controls. Most alarm systems come with at least one output. Think of all the things you want your security system to to have depending on your usage before actually choosing one. Doing this will definitely help you choose the right one amongst plethora of options available.

So why should you buy a good quality automobile security systems? Well, first you have to ask yourself this: “Do I like my car?”. And if the answer is yes, then you’ve got your first reason. Protecting yourself and you family and of course and then your car stereo is also very important matter. There are a lot of reasons why you need to invest in a good car security system. In addition to  that, almost all insurance companies will charge lower rates for a vehicle equipped with a proper security system. Hence, the security system will virtually pay for itself.


A vehicle equipped with the proper security system not only makes your car a lot more difficult to steal, it also makes life easier for you. With the help of that tiny remote you carry around along with your car keys, you will be able to power the alarm on and off, unlock the doors and even zap open your car’s trunk.