All home security monitoring companies aren’t created equal. There are significant differences in the services offered by each, and when you are deciding between providers, there are some essential questions that you need answered. After all, we’re talking about something serious here: the safety of both your family and your physical property. Below, find five important questions to ask when you’re searching for the perfect home alarm company.

How Long Have You Been in Business?
Is this a relatively new start-up with minimal experience in the field?  If you are going to invest in a service or product you want to make sure the company has staying power.  With 135 years in the business, ADT has robust resources to offer you for the best home security available.

What Comes With Your Basic Package?
The most basic home security package should come equipped with everything you need to stay protected. ADT includes a pet-sensitive motion detector, 3 entryway contacts, and a backup battery with their least expensive offering.

How Many Command Centers Do You Employ?
Most companies use just one command center. While it’s unlikely that it will suffer a complete knockout during your reliance on their service, why take the chance? ADT spreads the risk around across five closely connected control centers.

Can You Install Two Way Voice?
In the event of a slip or fall, a few minutes can make all the difference in getting your elderly loved ones the treatment they need. With ADT’s Two Way Voice technology, the control panel is transformed into a two way radio which can be used to communicate with an ADT representative. From there, the appropriate help can be immediately dispatched to your home.

Do You Offer Cell Phone Based Service?
As a testament to its commitment to the ever-evolving home security industry, ADT now offers Cellguard technology, designed specifically for customers who don’t have a land line installed in their home. In the event of an emergency, the wireless home alarm sends a signal directly to a trained professional over the airwaves, ensuring a rapid response. Competitors won’t have this for years.

It’s time for a New Year once again and lots of resolutions may be crossing your mind.  Are you still stalling on a home security system for your apartment?  Don’t take chances this year.  Here are the 10 big reasons to get moving.

1. The recession hasn’t deterred any criminals.  Tough times in the national economy have been the cause of an uptick in petty crime everywhere.  Apartment buildings are always vulnerable, with a high density of both property and residents.

2. The holidays are becoming a popular time for burglars, too.  With everyone out of town and apartments filled with gifts, thieves have both opportunity and motive.

3. Many apartment buildings don’t provide enough safeguards on their own.  Just look at the pathway lighting and other security measures in your building.

4. Many apartments have strict pet policies. It is unlikely for someone to have a large dog in a small apartment. This means one less home security safeguard.

5. Keys to apartments get around.  Did you have the locks changed before you moved in?  Are there repairmen who still have a copy?  Keys to apartments can really circulate sometimes.

6. Your new neighborhood is not known for its neighborhood watch.  With many residents and guests coming and going in a small area, it is difficult to spot uninvited guests, even if you are trying. Don’t compound the risks.

7. Balconies are a popular way inside.  For apartment dwellers lucky enough to have a little outdoor space, there is also a drawback to the same balcony or backyard: thieves have an easier approach.  An ADT home monitoring system will keep them honest.  Posting a few stickers wouldn’t hurt, either.

8. Your renters insurance might go down, too. It is no secret that an alarm system can bring down a house’s insurance costs.  Check and see if it works with your apartment as well.

9. A home alarm would send any wise burglar on his way immediately.  In an apartment building, security is never that far off.  Any burglar willing to work through a ringing alarm is going to end up in jail.

10. Convenience.  Having both your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector go through your central alarm system will be extremely convenient.  You should be able to take the system with you when your lease ends as well.

Like most parts of the United States, the Dallas, Texas area has been affected by the recession. Residents have become used to seeing foreclosure notices on properties across the metro area, and while things are starting to look up, crime is still a serious issue. It’s more important now than ever before to pay serious attention to home security.

Abandoned homes create a serious hazard in neighborhoods. Criminals on the prowl look for easy targets, and there’s nothing more inviting than an empty home. Trespassers can force their way into houses, looking for trouble. Put simply, it’s a problem that the whole block needs to worry about, because the weakest link in a neighborhood can bring in dangerous individuals.

Dallas is also in one of the hottest regions in the U.S., and research continues to show that crime rates drastically increase in direct relation with the thermometer. People spend more time outside, and the risk of associated criminal activity rises dramatically. This may be a contributing factor to the property crime rate in Dallas, which is 1.8 times the national average.

So what can you do to protect your loved ones? The most effective method of home security is the installation of a home alarm system from ADT. Dallas, as well as the rest of the country, has relied on ADT for over a century. Homeowners have looked to this company to help shield the people and property they care about the most.

ADT also offers comprehensive services for all Texas residents. While other companies rely on one single center to keep track of hundreds of thousands of homes across the country, ADT diffuses the risk of blackout or computer hacker attack by maintaining a strong system of five interconnected command centers. That means your home will stay protected, no matter what.

For residents of Dallas, the choice is clear: an ADT home security system is the best way to defend the home in these troubling times.

New Year’s Eve is just one week away, and with the new year comes plenty of resolutions. Before you pop the champagne, though, ask yourself this question: are you still testing the waters when it comes to your family’s safety?  If so, the time to end the internal debate has come. With the recession driving up the number of thefts in every community, this is no time to take home security lightly. Make sure you have these five key elements in place at home.

1. Secure entry points.  It’s no secret that thieves try to enter through the front door more often than through any other point in the home.  Are your doors and windows secured?  Even if your home security alarm is the best in the business, a burglar might take a chance if he thinks he can get inside easily enough.

2. A smart landscaping design.  With the recession bringing more first-time thieves into the world, there may be some potential reconnaissance around your home.  Don’t let anyone approach easily.  Keep exterior hedges trimmed and low enough to see over from the house.  Also, make sure the bushes near windows and doors are extra thorny.

3. More than one deterrent.  For some thieves, it will be the ADT sign in the lawn advertising your alarm system.  For others, it will be the floodlights that shine whenever someone sets foot in the yard.  Use several different ways to let potential intruders know that your home is protected.

4. A good siren.  Especially when your neighborhood is used to the sound of false alarms, a good siren can make all the difference.  Hearing a real charge from your alarm will draw attention and hopefully scare off any burglar not already on the run.

5. A well-designed alarm system.  Setting up an alarm is more than a plug-and-play procedure.  Make sure your home security system has motion sensors and glass-break detectors like ones offered by ADT and other industry leaders.

The number of elderly women who choose to live independently is growing each year.  This means that home security for this population is more important than ever. In addition to the already frightening chances of home intrusion and theft, elderly populations are at an increased risk for in-home accidents. Because of this, it is crucial for seniors to remain vigilant with regard to their personal safety, even if they have had no issues living alone in the past.  Here are five tips for keeping your golden years safe.

1. Make the routine chores easy.  If cleaning and cooking are a part of your everyday life, keep the preparations simple.  Don’t hide one or two ingredients in hard-to-reach cabinets above or below. Try to keep routine items at eye level to avoid accidents.

2. Be mindful in your bathroom.  Home security begins and ends in the bathroom for elderly women.  Watch out for any leaks which can make the floor slippery. Safety bars should be installed next to the shower and toilet, along with rubber mats to be used on the shower floor.

3. Use your home security system wisely. There are a number of features you can use on your home alarm which immediately boost safety. One example is the automatic lights when you enter your home. Keeping the area bright upon entry is essential.

4. Don’t continue with hard-to-turn knobs and switches.  To keep hands and wrists from straining on a daily basis, consider swapping difficult faucets, door knobs or light switches for more ergonomic options. Reducing unnecessary stress on your joints can go a long way in reducing the risk of accidents.

5. Consider a medical alert device like the ones being offered by ADT.  Whether or not you have had a medical emergency in the past, these alert systems can save your life in the coming New Year.  An intercom system allows for communication in case of a fall, along with a one-touch emergency button to be worn around the wrist.

In the movie Home Alone, about a boy who stops burglars from robbing his house in Chicago, home security is a combination of elaborate tricks and good luck. In reality, there is a lot more we can do to help protect our homes and families. Burglars are only as effective as their opportunities allow them to be. Below, you’ll find some tips to help you get inside a home intruder’s mind.

Where Do Burglars Enter?
Studies show that many burglaries (approximately 34%) begin at the most obvious entry point: the front door. A surprising number of homeowners leave their doors unlocked and open to anyone looking to take advantage of an easy opportunity. The lesson to be learned is simple: keep your doors locked at all times, and consider the installation of a dead bolt lock, the most secure mechanism out there.

When Do Burglars Attack?
FBI statistics show that 62.4% of burglaries take place during the day, between the hours of 6 AM and 6 PM. This conflicts with the commonly held image of a thief hiding in the shadows at night, waiting to pounce. In reality, burglars want to avoid confrontation. Striking during the day, a time when most people are gone at work and at school, makes the most sense. The best way to defend against an intrusion while you’re out of the house is with the installation of an ADT home monitoring system.

Which Houses Do Burglars Skip?
All criminals look for easy targets, and burglars are no exception. Most keep their eye out for houses that don’t seem occupied, and properties that have places to hide. Make your home unappealing to criminals by installing floodlights and keeping the grass mowed. Most importantly, advertise to passers by that your home is protected by ADT, the most trusted name in home security.

Gone are the days when homeowners could leave their doors unlocked, secure in the knowledge that their neighborhood was safe from harm. Unfortunately, in today’s world, every precaution must be taken when it comes to home security. With burglars getting savvier every passing year, you need to think like them if you’re going to keep your property safe. With these basic precautions, you can greatly improve your home security and keep them at bay.

Do you own or rent a town home? If so, you may not think that you need a home alarm system. Town homes do not stand separate from other structures, making them appear more secure than their housing counterparts. Nevertheless, while there are certainly many benefits to living in a town home, there are a few important drawbacks to consider as well.

One of the biggest advantages (from a home security standpoint) of living in a shared structure is the community you join when you move in. Getting to know your neighbors is a sure way to keep your town home better protected. When the people living around you see something suspicious, they can alert the proper authorities. Be sure to let neighbors know when you may be away. Every additional pair of watchful eyes decreases the chance of a successful intrusion.

Of course, home security is about more than burglaries. In the winter it is more important than ever to make sure that both the interior and exterior of your home are protected. Most town home communities have a super or maintenance person who can perform basic maintenance. Ask management to have this worker come inside your home to expect features such as the furnace, and appliances that could potentially pose a hazard this winter.

Some of the same factors that result in benefits can also put your home security at risk. Neighbors who aren’t careful and concerned with home security might let a stranger into the building without thinking twice. Although you may take every security precaution, one mistake in the community could open the door for a burglary or break in. For this reason, your town home could benefit from an ADT home monitoring system. Don’t think your safety is the responsibility of others. Instead, take responsibility for your town house by utilizing a home alarm system.

With frigid temperatures setting in across the country, now is the time for parents to think about keeping their kids safe through the winter months. Exposure to extreme weather conditions can cause hypothermia and frostbite within minutes, so it is important to plan ahead and always be prepared. Here are some things to think about as the temperature drops.

Warm clothing: Your child’s best defense against the cold is a proper wardrobe. Look for synthetic materials that will retain heat, even if they become soaked in water. Great examples can be found in natural materials such as wool, as well as synthetic fibers like fleece. Avoid cotton as an outer layer.

Wait at the bus stop: On the coldest days of winter, have your child wait inside the car for the bus to come, or drive them to school.

Keep tabs on snow day activities: If your kids are going to go out sledding on a snow day, make sure you know exactly where they are headed, and have a plan for what time you expect them to return home.

Perform a home inspection: Have a professional come in to take a look at your furnace each winter, as cracks or fissures can cause fire. If you plan on using your fireplace, have a chimney sweep come in to clean all necessary components. You should also consider adding carbon monoxide protection to your ADT home monitoring system.

Avoid the perils winter poses for your children by being proactive about safety. With preparation, precaution and ADT home systems, your kids will enjoy the winter safely and securely.

Winter is fast approaching, and with it comes a number of new home security challenges. The cold months of December, January and February bombard property owners with potential hazards. Here are some tips you can employ to keep home security a priority and make it through to the spring unscathed.

Perform a home inspection now: Don’t wait until the middle of winter to inspect your heating system. Have a certified professional come in and take a look at the furnace and check for any leaks.

Buy Rock Salt: A slip on the ice can have disastrous consequences. Sprinkle chemicals to melt the ice, especially on heavily trafficked paths.

Upgrade your ADT monitoring system to include carbon monoxide detection: Add carbon monoxide detection to your ADT system to help stop this “silent killer.” When the system is triggered, authorities are automatically alerted, allowing for a rapid response.

Have floodlights installed: Floodlights greatly lower the chance of slipping on an icy surface, and also take away hiding spots from burglars. Hook your lights up to a motion detection system to ensure they’re always on when needed.

Don’t take a vacation from home security: There’s nothing as nice as escaping to a tropical paradise when the snow starts piling up, but remember to take proper precaution such as stopping newspaper delivery and hiring someone to take in packages.

The holidays are right around the corner, and people are focused on gift-giving, holiday parties and celebrating the season. Before you let your mind run wild with holiday spirit, remember that home security is extremely important in December. A combination of weather hazards and an increase in burglaries present security and safety challenges that should be addressed. Here are the top five ways you can help protect your home and loved ones this winter.

Install an ADT alarm system: ADT is the home security industry leader, has been helping to protect commercial and residential properties for more than 130 years. An ADT home security system is a key component in any home defense. It’s not too late to make this precious investment before you leave town for the holidays.

Hire a housesitter: If you’ll be away for an extended period of time, consider hiring someone to check on your house each day to make sure everything is okay. They can turn on and off lights, bring in newspapers and keep an eye on what’s going on.

Protect your home’s pipes: Frigid temperatures can cause ice to form in the pipes in your home. The result is intense pressure, which can cause explosions if left unchecked. Let a slow drip run from a few faucets in your bathrooms and kitchen to keep things flowing.

Tell the neighbors you’re going away: Encourage the neighbors to contact you and the police if they spot strange behavior while you’re out of town.

Park in the garage: Why risk a fall by parking outside and walking along an icy path? If you have a heated garage, keep your car inside during the winter -just remember not to run the vehicle with the garage door closed.

Keep home security in mind as you enjoy all the fun the winter has to offer.