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Home Security - Security Alarms SystemsTown of Milton

Security Alarm Systems

Do you keep extremely valuable or sentimental property/possessions in your house? Do you often leave your house unattended for more than a few hours everyday, or do you want more protection and peace of mind? These can be some reasons to invest in an alarm system.

The FBI has announced that over a ten year period, an average of one (1) of every four (4) residences throughout the United States will be burglarized. In 2007 there were 40 burglaries (33 residential; 7 non-residential) in the Town of Milton, making it one burglary occurring every four (4) hours, eight (8) minutes.

Many quality alarm systems are available on the market. Before you purchase a security system, you should have in mind what kind of system you want. This will prevent buying more equipment than you actually need. Read as much about different brands and types of systems as you can. Talk to friends and neighbors that have alarm systems. We recommend that you speak to at least three security companies about their product and service prior to purchasing any alarm system.

Choosing Your Alarm System - Questions To Ask Yourself

  • Have I installed or implemented other security measures first that may make buying a alarm system unnecessary?
  • How do I know the right company to choose when considering the purchase of an alarm system?
  • How much protection do I need?
  • What kind of alarm system should I get?
  • How much should I expect to pay?

Tips To Help When Choosing An Alarm Company

  • Ask about insurance . . . general liability, workman's compensation, and errors/omissions. You have every right to ask for certificates of insurance for these items. This protects you, because if the company is not properly protected, the claim or losses may fall on you.
  • Ask for the company's city business license, which allows them to do business in your community.
  • Ask for local referrals of other customers in your area that have had systems installed like the one being proposed to you.
  • Check your contract! Review carefully what you sign, make sure everything is agreed upon in writing. Know what the warranty period is and what is included in the warranty.
  • Remember, an adequate design should consider the structure, the lifestyle, the perceived needs and the budget of the occupant.
  • Ask if the company has been established for three to five years.
  • Ask if it is going to be monitored locally or outside of the state of Virginia (NOTE: Several alarm company's have their central monitoring station located in other states).
  • Be sure the company does the entire installation and does not subcontract work out.

The Milton Police Department does not prefer one alarm company over another or one alarm system over another, nor do they recommend specific companies, brands, or types of security devices of any kind.