PERSONAL AFFAIRS by Joey Fitzpatrick
SAMPLE NOT RELEASED FOR PUBLICATION
A home security system can not only provide a homeowner with peace of mind,
it also saves money on home insurance. A professionally installed, monitored
security system can usually save 10 per cent on premiums. If the your home
also has smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, the discount can be 15 per
cent.
Always negotiate for discounts when purchasing home insurance. There can be
discounts based on the age and type of home, the type of heating system,
combined policy (where you purchase your auto and home insurance from the
same company), as well as discounts for being "claims-free."
A standard home security package, including motion detectors, control panel,
key pad, siren, door contacts, warning decals and lawn sign, can be
installed for as little as $100, along with a monthly monitoring agreement.
With some companies you can get no-charge installation by signing a
monitoring agreement for a specific term - typically three years.
The monitoring agreements are in the range of $25 - $35 per month, depending
on the features included. The more extra features added, such as carbon
monoxide sensing, the higher the monitoring fees.
"Most security companies today can customize a package for an individual's
needs," says Don Budden, general manager for ADT in Atlantic Canada.
It's always a good idea to videotape or photograph the valuables in your
home, and always hang onto receipts. These will make all the difference in
the event of a break-in and theft.
"Proof of loss is what an adjuster is going to look for at the time of
claim," says John Newcombe, an agent with Allstate. "This helps us figure
out the value, and what exactly the customer had."
Without investing a great deal of money, there are a number of steps you can
take to protect your home from invasion. Constable. Mike Landry, with
Halifax Regional Police Crime Prevention Unit offers the following
suggestions:.
* Ground level windows can be secured with a low-cost metal grating.
* Sliding patio doors can be secured by boring a hole between the frames of
the doors and inserting a metal pin or three-inch nail. This prevents the
doors from being moved vertically and sideways.
* A solid dead-bolt in the front door is a good backup for the locking
system in the door handle.
* Install exterior lighting both in front and back. Exterior lights should
be at least 150 watts, and positioned in such a way that they can't be
easily removed.
* More than 10 per cent of home intrusions are from the second level. Secure
any objects that would allow an intruder to gain entry to the second floor.
i.e. don't leave step or extension ladders sitting around.
* Shrubbery and bushes should not shield windows. This provides cover for an
intruder trying to gain entry.
* Encourage your neighbours to become part of a Neighbourhood Watch program.
With these programs neighbours keep an eye on each other's homes, and report
suspicious activities.
* Don't leave garage doors open during the day, giving passers-by a chance
to make an inventory of what's inside. Make sure garage doors are secured at
night.
* Get a dog. Or if you don't want a pet, leave a large dog's bowl outside to
suggest the presence of a dog.
* Put stickers in windows announcing that your home is protected by a
security system and a Neighbourhood Watch program.
"The whole purpose is to make your home a tough target," Cst. Landry says.
Joey Fitzpatrick is a professional writer living in Halifax,
Nova Scotia. He can be reached c/c syndication@canada.com
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Copyright (c) 1999 Joey Fitzpatrick
Distributed by Writers Syndication Services
