Sometimes There Is Cause For Alarm
THE SUNDAY AGE
Saturday July 13, 1996
IT'S the old story: you get what you pay for. While you can get some alarm systems for a lot less, a good intruder alarm system for an average three-bredroom home will set you back about $1400 to $1500 fitted, according to the experts.
What you get for this is the main control panel (usually hidden away in a cupboard somewhere, digital keypad to set and disable the alarm, external siren, casing and blue strobe light, two or three infra-red detectors for key rooms or passageways to detect movement in the house, and reed switches for all doors and windows.
Most good intruder security systems also come with a ``panic" button. These alarms need to be part of a monitored system and cost about another $120. They are popular with the elderly and people living alone.
The idea is that if an intruder enters the house or is trying to get in, all you have to do is hit one button. The security control centre immediately notifies police with the added message ``panic button".
Also popular is the ``remote hand-held duress" device or remote ``panic button". It's a small hand-held device that you can carry with you. It operates through a receiver installed as part of your home's alarm system. It will activate the alarm system from up to 100 metres away from the house.
Even smaller is the ``pendant remote duress" device, which is not much bigger than a set of car keys and which you wear around your neck.
This device works the same way. It is particularly popular with elderly people and also often used as an emergency device in case of sickness or accident as well as as an intruder alarm.
So where do you start? How do you know what security system suits you? You can start by telephoning the Australian Security Industry Association (ASIAL).
The association is Australia's security watchdog. It represents security firms and, according to spokesman Mr Max Wilson, ``promotes high standards in the industry".
ASIAL will recommend firms in your area which you can contact about having a security system installed.
``But," says Mr Wilson, ``we will always say to people that they should always get two or three quotes."
ASIAL can be contacted by free call on 1800 804-510.
© 1996 THE SUNDAY AGE
