Vanity: Any FReepers Use Simplisafe?

[goodwithagun]

When I took my seedlings outside this morning using our basement door, I discovered that somebody tried to break in last night. There is minimal damage; we won't need to replace anything. I think they were just trying random palces for tools to convert to quick pill cash. Percocet, Vicodin, etc. are big here, and junkies will steal metal and tools for them. We have the back yard lit up already, so that's upsetting to me. With three little ones and a husband that works 24 hour shifts, I'm wondering if it's time for an alarm system. Any suggestions?

[GeneralisimoFranciscoFranco]

I tried to find it on the website but maybe they took it off after a slew of emails from myself and other gun related website denizens but they used to have one of those “whatever you do, don’t try to defend yourself with a gun unless you’re Wyatt Earp, oh lawd.”

They’re dead to me.

[JoeFromSidney]

Three things. First, talk to one or more alarm companies, to see what they offer. Some combination of sensors on the doors, motion detectors for the interior, and glass-break detectors for the ground floor windows, should be considered. Second, get a dog. The dog doesn't need to be a big one. You're not depending on the dog to deter the intruder. You want a yappy dog that will wake you up when you're asleep. Third, get a gun, learn how to use it, and keep it handy. That's for when someone breaks in despite having set off an alarm. You may want to consider a video camera with an internet connection so you can view the house when you're away. However, the first three items are much more important than the camera. The camera won't do you any good if you're asleep when you're attacked.

[FunkyZero]

I use video cameras both inside and outside, but keep in mind, this is for evidence purposes only, so don't consider it any sort of security. It's mostly worthless unless you are trying to figure out whos dog is crapping in your yard (not to mention it's expensive as all getout).

I know you have limited options on firearms with kids running around so 3 things I can think of that are simple and effective that can actually improve your safety. 1) A dog. Dogs make noise and derelicts will tend to avoid them. A larger, trained dog is even better if you can afford to put out the cash for it.

2) Inexpensive battery powered motion sensors. You can buy a couple of driveway monitors and place them in strategic areas in your house with the alarm in your bedroom while you sleep. This gives you 5-10 seconds to ready your... 3) shotgun or other choice of weapon. Daytime is less of a threat so you can keep them secured until it's bedtime.

In addition, doors need deadbolts, not just locks. Any door can easily be pried open with a 3 dollar small bar if it doesn't have a deadbolt. Most times, these idiots aren't wiling to make the noise required to bust open a door with a deadbolt. Sentry (motion) lights also tend to startle them and at least make them think before pulling something.

Alarms systems are somewhat worthwhile, but it still doesn't protect you from anything, it just dials 911 for you. It's still going to be 5-10 minutes before the police arrive so you have to be realistic about your expectations. Protecting yourself should be the first priority followed closely by contacting police. Be inventive and understand simple stuff like not screwing door chains to a flimsy piece of trim or drywall. Everything you implement, ask yourself how YOU would break it and how easy would that be. You can't keep them out of your house, but you can slow them down and give yourself warning. In my humble opinion, those are the key points to prioritize.

[pugmama]

Have had nothing but trouble with Simply Safe. We get an alarm nearly every time we leave the house. It appears to be set off by the ? cats, but company says this “shouldn’t happen”. As our cats aren’t jumping near the sensors, we have no idea what sets them off. We keep moving the sensors-and the same thing happens. Keypad needs to have batteries replaced quite frequently.
All in all, not worth the money and we will be replacing with something else. Read the reviews on Amazon for additional comments.

[happyhomemaker]

I agree about the dog. We have two in the home and no one gets within 20 yrds of the house without them warning us.

[Mercat]

I know. Pretty scary. My son is an IT engineer training in security so I trust him on this.

[wrench]

There is a lot you can do before signing up for monthly monitoring. For vacation homes, monitored alarms make the most sense.

For occupied structures, you need to harden the property. Get rid of doors with glass panels that provide easy access by just knocking the glass out.

Fence your property and install gates that remain closed and locked at night.

Fence the perimeter of your property. Crooks pick easy targets, they want to drive up un noticed, and have easy access to your valuables, and quick loading of their vehicle and getaway.

Do you have an attached garage? Odds are if you do, you also leave the door from the garage to the house unlocked. Even locked, most garages have more than enough tools to get through that door. A garage gives a perfect place for a crook to work un noticed both breaking in and loading up valuables, think about that safe deposit building breakin in UK over Easter, the crooks had time to work un noticed.

Motion lights, perimeter detectors that turn lights on before crooks can get within 100 yds of house, window screens and beam detectors that set off sirens, lights and horns are all installable without having a full fledged alarm system.

Treat crooks like livestock, fence them out and physically keep them from getting to your house. BTW, livestock can’t read, signs do nothing to control them.

[jsanders2001]

[zeebee]

Get a Dropcam. Then at least you can see who is intruding in full HD video.

[Mechanicos]

Many of the modern security camera systems have the capability to detect motion, alert, call a phone if alarm is tripped and be viewed remotely. some have Pan tilt zoom cameras that can be controlled from a phone/comp remotely too.

What we have found is the presence of Security Cameras and motion activated flood lights appears to stop the night crawlers from targeting us. They are up high and not noticeable unless somebody is looking for them.

[AF_Blue]

Amazon also offers a selection of signs from various companies.

[Daffynition]

SimpliBark.....works 24/7, even if the power is out.

[Farmer Dean]

I think it’s time to rethink about getting the dog.But take the time to find the right kind of dog.One that’s family oriented but protective-German Shepherds or Rottweilers are good breeds to consider.Ours would fight to the death if we were threatened and they bring a lot of canine firepower.

[Organic Panic]

I was just investigating them. It’s about 500 for a starter system. Monitoring, I think, was 20 - 30 a month. Then you’ll need full time WiFi.

There catch is to replace a contract based company but in reality my cell based system was a better deal because I don’t have to maintain internet and a landline. It was a 2 year contract. The cell transmitter service was $14 per month extra and is battery operated so there are never outages.

[verga]

BKMK

[Ditter]

We have a good alarm system, doors,windows, glass breaks, wireless call to the police and beams indoors. We also have 4 dogs that are mostly inside and they bark loud. Beware of dog signs and security dog signs on the fence. We don't have cameras.

MrD was at the feed store and bought a huge spiked dog collar. I have thought about chaining it to a column at the front door, with a big water dish beside it but no dog. That would give a burglar a reason to move on! ; )

[Ditter]

Dogs are the best warning,we have 4 . Our best watch dog weighs 15pounds and is totally blind. He hears every sound and let's us know. At night we have all 4 dogs in our bedroom and our solid wood door is locked. We sleep good......... Did I mention we are also armed?

[eyedigress]

If your cash strapped just buy some fake cameras. Mount them up high and point them at your entryways.

9v battery keeps a light flashing.

Crooks will spot that.