Looks like no one here has any info for you. I don't have any experience with alarm systems, either, but I did hear something recently that you may want to keep in mind as you comparison shop. A number of the companies who monitor alarm systems and those personal 'necklace' emergency alarms are outsourcing the monitoring to locations in other countries. I don't know how widespread it may be, but definitely something I'd want to know before signing a contract. Not sure I'd want someone who speaks English as a second language trying to explain my emergency to the police, fire, or ambulance folks, when seconds could make a life-and-death difference.

From what I've heard, even some of the big companies are doing this (one well-known national one that used to have their monitoring center in my neighborhood has closed that down, in favor of using cheap, foreign help)--so it's definitely something to check out. Good luck.

Knowing what 'false alarms' will cost you might be something that you want to check into also.

I have double deadbolt security doors, 3 big outside dogs (sometimes all tied when I'm gone) and 'big' dog bowls placed that would 'hint' that maybe one was not safe to get out of a vehicle. I've noticed that total strangers usually don't get out, but instead just honk until I stick my head out the door, if I decide to do so.

I'm a 'country girl' living in the country who feels quite secure. I think the security doors would have to be pulled out with great force, or invaders (burglars) would have to enter and exit via the windows with any goodies they stole.

Years ago, (in another less secure residence)I was working out of town, and was away from home 5 days and 4 nights a week. Burglars came 2 different nights and backed up to the door and took out 2 truckloads of household goods. They even stole my new washer/dryer stackmates!!! I was distraught for years over the invasion, and feared leaving home and it not being protected any better than it was.

When I had this house built, security was a big concern, hence the security doors. Additionally, I had the phone company put the protector (which is always on the outside of the house), in the basement, as I never wanted the wires clipped, leaving me without a phone. (My mind was still a bit sick from the burglary 11 years b4)

Possibly just making your home as secure as you can would be enough peace of mind without a system.

Additionally, all of the neighbors keep everyone informed about any problems close by, and we keep an eye out for each other.

Sue

Forgot to add (not that it matters) that I discovered who had burglarized my home. I passed out fliers describing what was stolen, and happened to see several of my stolen items when I glanced in a window at an apartment where no one answered the door.

My discovery solved several local burglaries. It turned out to be a group of 5 young local yayhoos.

For years the local Sheriff's Dept referred to me as Lady Blue, a popular detective show at the time.

Sue