Dear Laissez Faire Letter Reader,
There are many things in life we really should do…
Exercise regularly… Eat healthily… Save more for retirement…
The same can be said of protecting our home and loved ones. Have we really done all we can to safeguard their wellbeing?
You don’t need to be convinced of the merit of these things. You know they’re the right thing to do.
So how come so many of us struggle to incorporate them into our lives?
Maybe because the effects of not doing these things are not immediately felt, making them easy to put off.
Unfortunately, we often delay the very things that are the most important…
Back in June, we ran an article from our colleague (and former CIA officer), Jason Hanson. He shared the security measures he took after moving into his new home.
He offered a lot of advice and tips… Things like installing superior locks on your doors and purchasing a couple fire extinguishers.
(You can read all of Jason’s advice by clicking here.)
One of Jason’s other recommendations was to install a home security system…
Today, Jason shares what exactly you should be looking for in a security system, the specific questions to ask, and how to evaluate your options.
Safety at home is one of those things we take for granted… Not until we experience a break-in, though, do we realize how quickly our peace of mind can evaporate.
Don’t let this happen to you.
Remember: The things we delay are often the very things that are the most important…
Sincerely,
Doug Hill
Director, Laissez Faire Club
The Key Component of a Modern-Day Fortress
by Jason Hanson
According to FBI statistics, there are over 2 million home burglaries a year. This equates to one burglary every 13 seconds.
The FBI statistics also show that one in three homes without a security system will fall victim to a burglary. Compare this with those homes with a security system and the rate falls dramatically, to about one in 250.
These statistics make sense. After all, burglars want to decrease their chances of getting caught in the act, which is why they case neighborhoods, preferring to target homes without an alarm system.
The thing is with all of the different home security companies out there (and new ones popping up each day), it can be hard to decide which system is best for your home.
How exactly do you know which is the right one for you?
What to Look for in a Security Company
As someone who makes home security a priority, I want you to know what to look for in a security company.
Depending on where you live, there are likely to be numerous home security companies available.
If you choose a national company, you have the reliability that comes with being the customer of a company that’s been in business for a long time. National companies have multiple monitoring centers, meaning that if the monitoring center in Los Angeles goes down, the monitoring center in New York will still be able to monitor your system.
If you choose a local company, make sure they have been in business for at least 10 years. Also, find out what happens if their monitoring system goes down and what backup plans they have.
If you do decide on going with a national company, the most highly reviewed companies are ADT/Brinks, Vivint, FrontPoint, and SimpliSafe. There are so many different security system options to choose from — which is why you need to look at the specific needs of your home. Here are some issues to think about when picking a system:
- Does the company offer a completely wireless system using a cellular network? If your telephone, Internet, or power fails, will your system still work on a cell tower with a battery backup?
- Does the system offer home automation? Some companies provide thermostats, locks, lighting, smoke detectors, freeze warnings, cameras, and other home automation and safety features. You will pay considerably more for these options — but they may be features you decide are worth having.
- Can you monitor your system via a smartphone? Many (but not all) companies allow you to keep tabs on your system and your cameras while away.
- How long is the contract? How much is it to terminate the contract? What if you move? Each company has different rates.
- Should you pay to have the system installed… or should you go with a do-it-yourself system? ADT will install your entire security system, while SimpliSafe sends you all the equipment, leaving you to install it yourself. You will save a considerable amount of money with a DIY option.
So What Should You Do?
If you’re on a budget, I would recommend a do-it-yourself system such as SimpliSafe. If you want a system with every feature and upgrade possible, I would use a large national company such as ADT.
I’ll close with an astute observation…
A client of mine in Las Vegas recently had a company install a top-of-the-line security system. And as the installer was leaving the home, he turned to my client and said, “No matter how great your system, the best security measure you have is your four-legged friend running around your house.”
They don’t call them man’s best friend for nothing…
Sincerely,
Jason Hanson
