Community Chat

[Bridgegal]

We also have Simply Safe.  It is easy to install and covers everything.   We like that it is mobile and you can use the monitoring or not.   

Our best security system was our cat.  He would take off running and get under the bed.   We knew someone was walking up our walkway.   We miss that sweet boy.

[lilypadfrog]

I have a security system to advise if someone breaks in but I also have Arlo Pro 2 cameras around my house.  Picture is clear enough so the police were able to identify someone trying to get into my garage.  In two years, there have been 3 times it prevented a break- in through the garage and twice stopped someone from helping themselves to tools left on my patio.  But, I also have a lot of alerts on birds flying and neighborhood cats sauntering through the line of sight.

The rechargeable batteries only last about 2 weeks (not months per website) and then this 70 year old women had to climb a ladder to take the cameras down to recharge.  This was fixed by hardwiring each camera into my electric system BUT leaving the batteries inside should anyone think they can simply cut the wire.

There is a delay in alerts.  Its about 3 or 4 seconds but thats still long enough for the fed ex guy to bring a package to my door then get back in his truck before I get an alert that someone crossed my driveway and was at my front door.

Arlo updates their software often and that seems to mess up Android systems (cell phone, tablets) which you might be using to monitor.  Its gone offline on my Samsung phone for a day or more then suddenly reappear.

It has audio, loud alarm to scare people away so thats good.  There is no monthly service fee unless you want to save your videos longer than 7 days.  Sorry this is so long.  I just wanted to tell you the good and bad.

[RedTop]

I would strongly advise you to get an estimate from a local security company in your home area.   

We took the advice of a law enforcement officer and went with the same company that installed the security systems in the local courthouse and city offices.   Your financial outlay may be more, but the company will issue a certificate that will help you get a discount on your homeowners insurance.   

[sissel]

We have ADT which I think is $35 a month, that alarm will wake up the dead & goes into the police also has a button for fire dept & ambulance. I don't know about the cameras if they do all that. I am thinking about the cameras but wonder if they can catch them fast. Also do you pay a monthly fee for the cameras? I want alarms going so neighbors know & police will be aware fast. ADT also calls our phones & if we don't answer police are called. Maybe the cameras are better I don't know. 

[patbz]

BTK (Bind,Torture,Kill) killer worked for ADT. That info should make you think twice about "security companies".

[Ceci]

I put in a Ring doorbell. Love it. Can check the house no matter where I am and can speak to whoever is at the door. They think I'm home.

My daughter has the ring spotlights/cameras on her house plus the doorbell. I would like to install those but would need an electrician because there is no electric on the corners of our house.

I like the spotlight/camera because it is motion detector and would cover the sides of the house where the doorbell can't see.

Both send an alert to your phone when motion is detected. Love the doorbell.

[sissel]

Do you pay a monthly fee for the ring cameras? I think it maybe with wifi don't know extra fee. My friend has a shore house with cameras & she said she pays extra for that house but she sees when she isn't there.

[sissel]

My problem I don't just want a camera I want the alarm going off. Scare those little stealers away but don't have a camera. maybe I should get a camera too.

[libbyannE]

We have ADT. I didn’t want the inevitable hassle of setting up my own system. Even simpli safe ads say you can set it up in less than an hour. Scary. That means it would take us three hours—if we got it to work at all. I’d probably end up getting angry and dumping the whole thing in the lake! 

[Cats3000]

@grandma petes  Best home security?  Simple.  Buy a gun.  Learn how to use the gun.  Practice using the gun regularly at a shooting range.  Keep the gun handy.  Shoot to kill if some tries toi break it.  Works every time.