ADT Alternative

Use a Commercial Provider Other Than ADT

• ADT has been around since the late 1800s and is a well respected company. It is not the only alarm company in the business, however. Review other commercial alarm system dealers before choosing an alarm company. One alternative to ADT is Broadview Security (formerly Brinks Home Security). Like ADT, Broadview Security offers a recognizable name and product. Broadview Security also uses a sub-dealer lease program in which the Broadview Security Corporation leases its equipment and its name to local dealers in your area. Besides ADT and Broadview, consider other large alarm system companies such as ASG Security, Protection One and Signature Alert.

  The advantages of using a large alarm company are several. Generally, these companies offer year-round, 24-hour monitoring. Typically, these companies are inspected by product compliance watchdogs (such as Underwriters Laboratory). Still, if the reason you are seeking an alternative to ADT is to distance yourself from a big corporation, consider a local company.

  Locally owned-and-operate companies tend to be smaller and cheaper than the larger corporations. You may not have access to some of the features of a large company with the local companies. However, the smaller companies provide a homelier version of customer service. Check your phone book for local and national options.

DIY: Alarm System

• Hiring an alarm company provides you with an added level of protection: the alarm company will monitor your alarm system and respond to triggered alarms by calling your home or dispatching emergency services. If you are not interested in this service, consider installing your own system. Keep in mind: unless you hire a company to monitor your house, your alarm system will only serve to alert you to potential intruders.

  With that said, start your self-installation by ensuring that you have proper locks on your doors. According to the Orwell Police Department, equip your doors with dead-bolt locks with a throw of at least 1 inch. In addition, the secure the latch strike plates on your doors with at least 3-inch screws. Further, install siren and sound devices that will alert you whenever a door or a window opens. Planning your own system is an intensive process. Follow a checklist to ensure that you cover your bases. See the resources section below for a checklist provided by the Orwell Police Department.