EVERY HOME -- no matter how affluent the neighborhood may be -- IS A POTENTIAL TARGET FOR BURGLARY. Burglars don't necessarily look for the most expensive possessions to steal, only the easiest way to steal and get rid of the merchandise without being caught. And, with a burglary occurring once every 10 seconds (according to the F.B.I.), we all are potential targets.

CRIME has unfortunately reached a level where traditional law enforcement methods simply cannot control it alone. The other sections of this site described various ways that you can help secure and protect the people you love and the possessions you've worked hard to attain. This section goes one step further, to describe how home security systems can add another level of protection and peace of mind.

Professional security systems are designed to detect an attempted break-in, sound an alarm to frighten away the intruder, and -- most importantly -- communicate to a central monitoring station to summon help. Although there is no way to guarantee that an alarm system will prevent a break-in, statistics show that homes protected by security systems are substantially less likely to experience an attempted break-in than homes not protected.

There are two basic levels of protection when discussing home security systems: exterior or perimeter protection and interior protection.

The ideal home security system uses a combination of both: perimeter protection with an interior ''trap." Moreover, the best type of protection involves "concealed" devices, which reduce the chances of the system being defeated. Here are some examples of exterior and interior protective devices.

Exterior or perimeter protective devices generally consist of sensing mechanisms attached to doors and windows leading into the home. These devices are wired in such a way that they will sound the alarm if entry is attempted and the system is on.

Here are a few of the types of perimeter protective devices commonly used on security systems.

The most widely used for perimeter protection, these electromechanical devices work with a simple switching mechanism. Contacts are attached to doors or windows. When opened, the magnet moves away from the switch, and the alarm sounds.

Similar to magnetic contacts in operation, these concealed, recessed contact buttons are generally used on doors. They work in the same way that a hidden light switch functions on automobile and refrigerator doors.

These window screens contain inconspicuous, built-in alarm wiring. They are designed to sound an alarm when the screen material is cut, bent or disfigured in any way,

or if the screen is removed from the window frame while the system is on.

These can be used on walls, doors and particularly on windows.

They react to vibrations similar to those that result when an attempt is made to break the surface to which they are attached.

Even more effective are shock detectors with an audio discriminator to detect not only the vibration, but also the sound of breakage (i.e., breaking glass).

However, due to their sensitivity, proper attention to design and installation must be exercised for problem-free operation of shock detectors in the home.

Here are a few of the more commonly used interior protective systems. Before installation and use of any of these devices -- and for the most efficient and effective use

thereof -- you should carefully take into account the "living environment" of the home, where people and pets require special consideration.

Generally used under rugs or carpets, these mats are really flat "switches" that react to the pressure of being walked on. They can be used to isolate desired areas when placed in doorways, hallways, windowed areas and on staircases.

There are three basic types of motion detection systems: infrared, ultrasonic and microwave.

PASSIVE INFRARED SYSTEMS are used to detect the infrared body heat of an individual passing through the protected area.

A PHOTOELECTRIC BEAM casts an invisible infrared light beam across hallways, rooms, stairwells, etc. and will sound the alarm when the beam is broken. Due to the sensitive nature of these devices, care must be taken to insure proper installation and use.

Other motion detection devices use either ULTRA-SOUND or MICROWAVES to protect a specified area. When a person enters the protected area, the patternof waves is changed, which sets off the alarm. Because these are extremely sensitive to any type of movement (i.e., air conditioning systems, heating units), they are more susceptible to false alarmsand are therefore not as well suited to the residential market as passive infrared systems.

Both HEAT and SMOKE DETECTORS should be included in your home security system for fire prevention and maximum life safety. A fire prevention system will not only help make your protection complete, but it can also mean significant cost savings in your homeowner's insurance.(Heat and smoke detectors are also discussed in the "fire prevention"section of this site.)

SMOKE DETECTORS should be located in or near all bedrooms and hallways on all levels of the house. They detect the presence of smoke particles.

HEAT DETECTORS, which detect rapid changes in temperature rather than the presence of smoke, are best suited for locations such as the kitchen, garage and attic.

Again, in addition to a loud alarm alerting any of the home's occupants as well as the neighbors, a MONITORED FIRE SYSTEM will communicate a fire signal to a central monitoring station, so that help is quickly dispatched.

As another important part of your home protection system, emergency systems are available to assist you in the face of virtually any life-threatening situation. Even if your alarm system is not on at all times, your system can be equipped with a 24-hour emergency response feature. A MEDICAL button on your system can be activated at any time to communicate to a central monitoring center and send help in response to a medical emergency. The monitoring station can even keep important medical information and contacts on file to assist in any crisis situation.

A PANIC button -- either on your security system or as a hand-held remote device -- can summon help immediately when activated. It can be programmed to communicate a specific message or summon a specific contact (i.e., the family doctor) in Hand-held an emergency. panic button

A DURESS feature on your alarm system or on a hand-held device would function to transmit a silent distress signal. If an intruder ever tried to force you to turn off your system, this feature would still allow you to summon help.

An EMERGENCY button on your system could function to summon assistance to virtually any emergency -- even when the system is turned off. If your system has a

one-way or two-way talk-in feature, this could assist you in communicating your specific emergency situation to the monitoring station for more rapid response

The CONTROL PANEL is the "brains" of the alarm system. When a detection device of any kind is activated on the alarm system, the signal is transmitted to the control panel. The control panel activates the alarm bells or sirens, and -- when the system is monitored by a central monitoring station -- operates the automatic dialer that calls the monitoring center. The control panel also turns the system on and off via remote arming stations, or "keypads." Lastly, the control panel includes the system's power supply and back-up battery.

In addition to having a home security system that will sound a loud horn, (hopefully) scare off an intruder and alert the neighbors, it is also important to have an offsite monitoring center to receive the alarm signal and dispatch the necessary assistance. Such off premises alert means that help will be on its way quickly in an emergency, whether it is the local authorities or the security company's own trained employees.

Monitored security systems generally transmit their signals to the central monitoring station through the telephone lines, withthe help of an automatic telephone dialer. This dialerseizes the telephone line, dials the monitoring center, and delivers a coded signal that identifies the type of alarm that has been activated so that the central station operator can notify the proper authorities.

Most central monitoring stations have expertly trained personnel whose ONLY function is to remain

alert for alarm signals and act upon them. This usually involves dispatching either security company personnel or local police or fire officials to the scene at once.

To maximize life safety and property protection, it is critical to choose a reputable security company and one that installs quality equipment, has professional monitoring facilities, and (preferably) provides its own highly trained security response team to supplement the authorities. These qualities will help assure that you are getting the best protection possible.

Here are some important questions to ask of security companies before investing in a security system and trusting your monitoring to them.

1. How long have they been in business?

More importantly, do you believe that they will still be there tomorrow and in the future, when you need them?

2. How many employees do they have, how are they screened, and what kind of training do they receive?

3. Where are their corporate offices, monitoring centers and branch offices located? Would they be willing to give you a personal tour?

4. Are all branch offices and in-home employees licensed by the Department of Consumer Affairs and Investigative Services -- as well as any other local regulatory agencies?

5. Can the company provide a valid certificate of liability insurance?

1. Is the security system exclusively designed for homes?

2. Can the system be customized to meet your family's specific needs?

3. Is the system flexible so that it can be expanded to accommodateadditional protection if needed?

4. Does it have an Outside Access Terminal to check the status of the system before entering the house?

5. Does the system have home  management and voice guidance capabilities?

Does it represent the latest in home security technology?

Is it also user-friendly?

6. Does it have a continuous, self diagnostic program to help identify system problems and prevent false alarms?

7. Does the company provide 24- hour, 7-day-a-week service on its systems?

8. Are the officers company employed or subcontracted?

You will want to check with your insurance company to find out how much you can save by installing a home security system. The other safety and security precautions mentioned throughout this site (i.e., dead bolt locks, fire extinguishers) may also contribute to a lower insurance rate.

9. Does the system come with a manufacturer's warranty to cover replacement of parts for at least one year?

10.Is there an extended warranty or additional protection plan available for the system?

1. Will the system be monitored locally by a company-owned and operated, computerized communications center?

2. In case of emergency, does the communications center have back-up power. Is it backed up by other local centers?

3. What type of training do the monitoring center personnel receive? Are they trained to handle each call as if it were life-threatening?

For more information on a home security system for your home or office, contact your local Los Angeles Security branch office. Armguard is the premiere home security company across the California and has been for more than 25 years. Armguard has locations throughout California as well as Armguard franchisees and dealer locations throughout the United States and Canada.

3. What type of relationship and reputation does this company and its officers have with local law enforcement?

4. Does the company set standards for conduct and performance?

4. What kind of training and supervision do they receive?

5. What kind of services do you get for your monthly fee? Do these services include: Random patrols? Vacation watches? Mail and paper pick-ups? Special escort services

6. Does the company work with neighborhood homeowners' associations?

1. Does the company employ its own armed response officers?

2. How well are they screened? Trained? Supervised? Evaluated on an ongoing basis?

3. Do they care about your neighborhood?

Do they assist in setting up neighborhood watch programs?

4. What is their relationship with local law enforcement?

Most insurance companies give substantial discounts to homeowners for installing an effective security system -- especially a system that is connected to a central monitoring station and is monitored 24 hours a day for both security and fire protection

You can easily minimize the risk of being burglarized at a relatively small cost. Home security is the best and the least expensive insurance for you and your entire

family.

There are many simple ways to help burglar-proof your home.

Start by checking the landscaping surrounding your home.

? KEEP SHRUBBERY TRIMMED

so it never blocks the view to or from any door or window. it will give you, your neighbors and patrolling police a view of trespassers and deny an intruder a place to hide.

? PRUNE LARGE TREES

near your house so a limb doesn't provide easy access to a second story window.

? KEEP YOUR LAWN WELL KEPT

so it gives your home that "lived in look.

? KNOW WHO'S THERE before opening your door. A wide angle door viewer enables you to identify the visitor. You can see him, but he can't see you.

? If your door has a mail slot, an INTERIOR HOOD will prevent anyone from looking through it into your house -- but will not interfere with mail deposits.

? The metal plate attached to your door frame or jam for the purpose of receiving the latch or bolt is called a "strike."Make certain that strikes on all

exterior doors are solidly in place.

? WOODEN DOORS are either solid throughout or have a hollow center. All exterior wooden doors should be of solid construction for greater security.

? OUTSIDE HINGE PINS can make a good lock useless. An intruder could enter by removing these pins. To prevent this, replace hinges with new ones with non-removable pins.

It's useless to spend good money on inferior locks. They can be quickly opened by a novice burglar using simple tools. A properly constructed lock will be a "pin tumbler" lock and have at least 5 pins within its mechanism.Every exterior door should have a deadbolt lock. ALL DEAD BOLTS should have:

? A bolt which extends at least 1 inch when in the locked position;

? A cylinder guard ring of hardened steel; and

? A hardened steel insert or bearing in the bolt to preventsawing of the extended bolt.

? A sliding glass door can be secured so it can't be opened or lifted out of its track even when the lock has been removed or broken.

? DRILL AT LEAST A 1/4-INCHDIAMETER HOLE (from the inside) that angles downward through the TOP CHANNEL and continues into the TOP portion of the sliding door

FRAME when closed. By placing a solid metal pin or bolt into the hole, the door will be held securely in place. When not in use, the pin can be attached to a cord or light chainand dropped through a screweye adjoining the door.

Keep trees & bushes trimmed back so that they cannot provide concealment or access into your home.

? ADDED SECURITY is provided by screwing two or three No.8 or No.10 sheet metal screws into the track above the sliding door. The screws should protrude so the top of the closing door just clears them. This will prevent the door from being lifted out of the lower track.

? A LENGTH OF BROOMSTICK,

wooden dowel or metal rod, when placed in the lower track, will prevent a sliding door from opening. Make certain it fits snugly into the track when the door is closed.

? INEXPENSIVE "PIN-TYPE" LOCKS may be purchased

and easily installed to prevent the operation of sliding glass doors.

? Secure by the same methods suggested for sliding glass doors.

These windows are usually found in older homes and apartments.

? TO SECURE THESE WINDOWS,

drill a hole that angles slightly downward through a TOP CORNER of the bottom window into the BOTTOM of the top window. Then place a solid pin or nail into the hole to prevent the window from being opened.

? KEYED LATCHES may be purchased to lock sash windows.

These windows are difficult to burglar-proof as the individual panes of glass can easily be removed.

? APPLICATION OF A TWO PART EPOXY RESIN to each panel of glass will prevent easy removal.

? USE OF GRILLES OR GRATES are recommended for louver windows. If installed

in bedrooms, be sure they are designed to open from the inside, otherwise they can bar escape in the event of a fire.

These windows are the easiest to secure.

? Make certain the locking latchworks properly and the crank which opens and closes the window has no excessive play.

? REPLACE any worn hardware.

Do not overlook ventilation openings, crawl holes that permit access under your home or small, swinging doors used by your pets.

Grilles, heavy screening or locks will deter entry through these points.

Intruders prefer darkness. The rear, side and front areas of your home should be well lighted.

? LOCATE OUTSIDE FLOODLIGHTS

just below the edge or eaves of the roof. Keep tools locked away when you're not using them or someone else will -- to break into your home.

? WIRE COVERINGS will protect against intentional bulb breakage.

? USE A TIMER OR PHOTOELECTRIC

CELL to automatically turn the lights on at dusk and off at dawn.

SOLIDLY BUILT GATES and properly built fences are your first line of defense against illegal or unwanted entry. Equip all gates with good locks and use them.

All garages should be kept closed and locked. Most contain not only valuables you want to protect, but

tools that can be used by a burglar to break into your house.

? HARDENED STEEL HASPS AND PADLOCKS are recommended

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