The Moving Planner Blog

Whether you are moving an office, home, or apartment, you have the perfect opportunity to evaluate and upgrade your existing alarm system. If you don’t already have one, then you really should consider it. Having an alarm system in place will not only increase the chances that a burglar will be caught (and your items returned) but it also helps to deter them from breaking and entering in the first place.

In this brief guide we will cover three different alarm systems suitable for many offices and most homes.

1. Monitored Systems – these systems are monitored by a call center that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, even during holidays. They require a dedicated phone line and are often paired with various sensors that trip the system. You need to have a separate, dedicated landline for this service. The monitors and sensors often require a battery so they can continue to operate during a power outage. One major disadvantage to this type of system is that the response time provided by the call center and the local authorities often leaves plenty of time for a burglar to get in and out before anyone arrives on the scene.
2. Unmonitored Systems work best when paired with a monitored system. They will produce a deafening sound when triggered. When installed on their own they are nothing more than a deterrent designed to scare away an intruder after they have broken in. Skilled criminals will likely know the difference, so these systems are generally only good for alerting you and your neighbors to the fact that someone has gained unauthorized access to your location.
3. Owning a Dog has long been considered a form of alarm system. When moving an office this might not be practical, but even having a small dog can help deter intruders from breaking in. Only the most dedicated criminals will attempt to enter a location protected by a dog. It is considered the best deterrent, and when combined with a monitored system can provide the highest level of security.

There are also several other considerations to take into place when moving an office or home and installing a new alarm system. Wireless systems are now the most common, even though they are a bit more expensive than traditional wired systems.

Any advanced system will include motion and heat sensors along with those that determine when a window or door is opened. You also have the option of installing sensors that detect broken glass or pressure applied to any entrance in your home or office.

Consult with a local firm before making a final decision. There are a lot of options, and making sure you get it right is the most important thing you can do. When choosing your alarm system, it may also help to check with your neighbors, as various providers offer different prices and levels of service. This will also give you a great excuse to introduce yourself and strike up conversation with your new neighbors.