Many people dont appreciate a home security system until it actually goes off. Thats the story I got from my next door neighbor at four in the morning a week ago this past Friday. Torn from a deep sleep by the klaxon-like baying of Randys burglar alarm - Randys my neighbor - I wandered over to his house about 30 minutes after the police had gone. While the police hadnt made an arrest, Randys home security system did the job, scaring away the burglar before he had entered the house.

If what happened to Randy isnt enough to convince you that home security systems can pay for themselves many times over, consider the fact that insurance companies will substantially discount insurance premiums for a private home outfitted with a security system or burglar alarm. My own insurance company discounts my home owners policy by twenty percent because I have a security system installed and monitored by a nationally certified company. The savings make a big difference in defraying the cost of my alarm system.

Home security systems come in many different flavors and are able to detect events ranging from forced entry to smoke, fire and even high levels of carbon monoxide. A plain-vanilla setup consists of a keypad, motion detectors and a link to a monitoring center that contacts the police or fire department if the alarm is triggered. Costs for a basic system usually amount to about one hundred dollars for installation and then a monthly monitoring fee that normally ranges between thirty and forty dollars.

Finding the right company to install your home security system neednt be a tedious job. Youll usually have a number of friends and relatives who already have security systems installed and theyll be happy to make a personal recommendation. If you dont know someone who already has a system, take time to visit the website of the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (NBFFA). Theyll be happy to supply information about home security systems and recommend companies in your area that install home security systems and provide monitoring services.

Depending on your location, your list of companies will probably include such nationally known names as ADT and Brinks Home Security, along with many local companies. Try to narrow the list to three to five companies located in your area. Good selection criteria include membership in the NBFAA, as well as participation in the industrys Installation Quality (IQ) Certification Program. The IQ program gives consumers a yardstick for identifying alarm companies that are active in quality and false alarm issues.

Once youve narrowed your list, call each company and arrange a meeting with a company representative in your home. Price isnt necessarily the most important issue in selecting the company to install and monitor your security system. Heres a quick checklist with questions to ask and things to do:

How many years has the company been in business? Longer is better!

Will it monitor your home security systems operation twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, fifty-two weeks a year? Make sure theyre working 24/7/365!

Does it have a backup power supply so it can monitor your home even when the power goes down? A good company will continue to operate, even when the lights go out.

Does the company have an in-house training program and are employees well-trained so they are able to correctly install, monitor and service your system should repairs be necessary? Make sure the answer to this question is yes!

Finally, have the representative survey your home and explain in detail your security needs and options. Dont forget to get a written list of recommendations and a quote in writing for the cost of the security system and monitoring services.

Once youve met with the companies on your list, compare equipment, services and pricing. Then, make the call and have your system installed. And dont forget to cut your premiums by telling your insurance company that youve installed an alarm system.

Youll probably never need your home security system, but youll sleep better for having it, just like me and my neighbor Randy.