Home security systems owned by one in five

• With one out of five homes in America now equipped with some type of alarm system, there is a growing trend among homeowners to protect their families against crime and provide peace of mind.
• As advances in technology and the increase in the competitive marketplace have driven security system costs downward, now might be a good time to invest in one.
• With so many companies to choose from, security experts advise consumers to do their homework and become educated about their specific security needs and the various options available.
• Joe Peck, owner and president of Alarm Systems of Huntington, says the business has really changed since he began installing security system some 40 years ago.
• "The first system I designed was for a nursing home that wanted a motion detector feature," he said.
• The technology that exists today has revolutionized this industry, but I still think it all boils down to the chip."
• Customers who want monitoring capabilities as part of their security features might be shocked to learn that it is actually less expensive today than a unit that does not have it, because the computer chips for monitoring are now built into the system, as opposed to being an added option.
• According to the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association, you should call several companies and ask if their employees are trained or certified by the NBFAA.
• It is also a good idea to find out if the company has the appropriate licensing.
• Insurance agents, neighbors and friends can be good sources for referrals.
• Once you have narrowed your choices, get a price quote in writing to ensure that all specifications are clearly outlined as part of the total cost.