Home Security

Alarm selection tips
Get a list of alarm companies serving your area or check a company's background and complaint history with the Better Business Bureau by calling (330) 744-3111, or check with the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association: (301) 585-1855., or www.alarm.org.
Ask each company you are considering whether and how it screens its employees and whether it does criminal background checks on them.
Ask for home inspections and demonstrations.
Get and compare signed, itemized written estimates from two or three alarm companies, stating prices for identical items and services, including installation and maintenance fees, and the duration of the offer.
Obtain and check out references from alarm companies you are considering using to find out whether their customers are satisfied.
If you decide to get a professionally installed alarm system, make sure it's customized to your lifestyle and needs by discussing with the salesperson such things as types of crime prevalent in your area, your work schedule and whether there are children in the household who might trip the alarm.
Contact your homeowners insurance company to find out whether a discount, perhaps as much as 30 percent off the premium, applies if you install an approved home security alarm system.
Read any contract carefully and make sure you understand all its terms before signing it.
Source: Kristie Eichhorn, public relations andmarketing assistant for Better Business Bureauof Mahoning Valley