Suburban Chicago Publication Recommends Self-Installed Home Alarm System and Interactive Monitoring

Who knew? Interactive monitoring and easy setup alarm systems are now mainstream! At least those are two of the recommendations in this recent article from the Elk Grove Citizen. Located just beyond O’Hare Airport, Elk Grove Village bills itself as “The Exceptional Community” – and since their local paper is way ahead of the pack on recognizing home security trends, I’m inclined to agree!  Here’s a sample from the article:

Law enforcement officers say the best way to prepare for home security is to provide a do-it-yourself alarm and self-monitoring system. Newer technical systems will even call the homeowner on his or her cell phone when somebody enters your home unannounced while you are away.

Let’s take a look at these recommendations in detail. A few years ago the concepts presented here might have seemed downright revolutionary – but not today!

Self-Installation is Easy - and it Works

The first suggestion refers to setting up your own alarm system, which only a few years ago was almost unheard of – especially if you wanted the system to be monitored 24/7 by a professional dispatch center. As I've explained in prior posts, it's the monitoring center's job to send the police or fire department in the event of an emergency. Today you no longer have to deal with messy wiring, technicians in your home, and inconvenient appointments: there are several companies offering fully functional, wireless monitored alarm systems for your home that you can set up in half an hour – with no tools. The best of these arrive fully programmed, and use recognized brand name equipment (such as GE Security) that is Underwriters Laboratories tested and approved. And remember - the only safe alarm systems are the one that have cellular monitoring built in: no phone line required, and no phone line for an intruder to cut. What’s more, you can add to these systems at any time, and even move them with you.

Professional Monitoring is Best

I do take exception to the suggestion that self-monitoring alone is either safe or reliable. In fact, my prior post explains the perils of self-monitoring. The main point of an alarm system is to notify and dispatch the authorities when they are needed – and that’s not something the average homeowner can do at any time of day or night, on vacation, etc. Let the professionals do what they are trained to do. And speaking of notification, that brings me to the next recommendation.

Your Alarm System CAN Keep You in the Know

Interactive monitoring has been available for years from the more advanced alarm companies. What does interactive monitoring mean? Here is a partial list of what your alarm system should be able to do:

• Remote arm/disarm capability
• Crash and Smash protection that's virtually impossible to defeat - read about it here
• Free apps for iPhone, Blackberry, and Droid device
• Email & text notifications on anything happening at home: doors opening, etc. - even when the system is not armed
• Video services, such as live viewing from any web device, and motion activated clips sent directly to your phone
• Smart home: remote control of lights, locks, and even thermostats

So yes, your alarm system can communicate directly to you – but the right system, offering the peace of mind and protection you need and deserve – is still monitored by a professional 24/7 dispatch center.

In summary, this article from Elk Grove is mostly right. What’s especially great is that they hit on two of the most significant developments in home security: ease of home alarm self-installation, and the benefits and availability of interactive monitoring. It just happens that these elements are at the core of FrontPoint’s home alarm offering – and that may explain why we’re the #1 rated alarm company in the US. It’s easier than ever to check out alarm companies (and what their customer say) by checking on-line reviews, and when you check our FrontPoint, you’ll be amazed at all the positive comments about us and our technology. It’s all about protection and peace of mind – and taking full advantage of what is available today.