Five Smart Tips To Make Your Home Alarm System More Effective

July 9th, 2024



Choosing a home alarm system in Chico, CA can be overwhelming. A simple Google search for “home alarm systems” will bring millions of results. Digging a little deeper, you’ll find there are a ton of options. The best way to choose a system is to work with a security company in Chico, CA. They have the expertise needed to guide you in the right direction and get the right system for your needs. Beyond this, there are things you can do to make any system more effective. Here are five tips we recommend:

1. Hang Notifications: One of the ways that a home alarm system protects you is by deterring criminals. Most of the time, if a criminal knows you have a home security system, they’ll pass and find a home without one. A great tip is to hang signs letting them know you have a security system. You can put out a yard sign or stickers on your doors or windows. Anywhere an intruder will see them.

2. Add A More Keypads: If your keypad is downstairs by your front door and you need to send an alert while you are upstairs in your back bedroom, it doesn’t do you much good. Adding a few extra keypads around your home can ensure you get the help you need. Also, it’s nice on your ears if the alarm is accidentally triggered to have a keypad nearby.

3. Go Wireless: Criminals in Chico, CA are smart, they know they can simply cut the wires on the security system to disable them. However, they don’t have this option with wireless technology. Wireless cameras, motion sensors, and alarm systems are much more secure than hardwired systems for your home. These technologies are now more affordable than ever, so you can easily integrate them into your system. Plus, since they aren’t hardwired in, you can take your security system with you if you ever move.

4. Design In The Dark: The areas that make your Chico home the most vulnerable to intrusion are areas that provide a lot of cover. Anywhere that is darker, whether it is day or night, is going to be a target for a smart criminal. When working with your security expert on the design of your system, make sure you design in the dark. Take time during the day and at night to find the areas that are the darkest around your home. Once you’ve identified all these areas, let your security expert know and they will find a customized solution for you.

5. Speak With Your Local Authorities: Local authorities like police officers and members of the Chico city council are aware of the threats within your community. Talking with these authority figures can help you get a good understanding of what types of protection you need in Chico. Their insights can also help your security expert reduce these risks.

No matter what security system, you and your security expert come up with for your home, these tips can help make it more effective.

What Our Customers Say

"I had the Alibi system installed several years ago. It has functioned flawlessly. The image quality is exellent both night and day and in all weather conditions. I particularly like the replay (which can be set at various speeds) and zoom functions of the system. Tech support from Crimefreeliving has been excellent. I have received quick responses to questions, and timely home visits — as when I changed IP carriers and my Alibi system needed to be reset. I have recommended Crimefreeliving to several friends."

Rich

"As a small business owner here in Chico we definitely saw the need for video surveillance. After expressing our needs and concerns Tim did an excellent job getting us set up with the set up with the appropriate equipment. He really took the time to address our concerns in a very friendly, professional and knowledgeable manner. I highly recommend Tim for all of your business and residential video surveillance needs."

Ron H., Owner/Auto Doctor

"I have to say I love having my security cameras at my home. Tim Truby did a wonderful job of installing the five cameras. He is very neat and cleaned everything up after the installation. He explained to me how to operate the monitor, my phone and IPad. However, I have had to call Tim because I'm not tech savvy and forget what he has told me. He usually just helps me over the phone and then all is well. I'm 80 years old and enjoy the comfort of knowing I have these security cameras."

Gloria

"Tim Truby designed and installed a 32 camera system for us here at the Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District. We had received several other quotes from security system vendors, but Tim’s quote was the least expensive. Tim also installed the system quickly and has always been available when we needed him. We are very happy with our security camera system and we can highly recommend Tim Truby for all of your surveillance system needs."

D. Weseman, Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District

Crime Free Living updated our old video system with a new 16 Channel HD Alibi Video Security System. The old system had been added onto by different installers which resulted in a cabling mess. There were cables that worked and cables that went nowhere. It was a mess. Tim sorted it all out and installed cameras that are very clear. He also installed a monitor for our cashiers to watch hidden areas, a monitor to watch the entry door, and a monitor that allows employees to watch the outside parking and gas pump area. All work was done on time and very professional! Will always recommend Tim and Crime Free Living.

S. AM PM Chico Arco Station

"I had Tim install an Alibi Video Security System at my residence and a couple business locations. The remote view option is invaluable to absentee owners or anyone who travels a lot. The clarity and quality of the cameras have allowed for viewing employee theft. The evidence provided from the HD video cameras was fantastic! Tim was professional and provided extra value from his law enforcement background."

J. Folsom Arco Station

"Tim, I want to thank you again for doing such a fantastic job on installing a wireless IP security camera system at our dream home. The extra time that you took to hide wires, and install a clean, professional system is much appreciated. I still can’t believe the clarity, quality, and ease of use of this new system. I wished that I would have met you before our original inferior system was installed by another company. Now, whether I am at home, or monitoring the system from around the world, I know that my home and family are safe and sound."

John M.

"In April of 2017, my husband and I made a phone call to Crime Free Living that turned out to be a smart and wise decision. Amazingly, in just a few hours, Tim installed four Dome Security Cameras, weatherproof enclosures, and hooked up into our home a 23" Full HD Widescreen Security Monitor. Even more than his professional expertise was the time spent with us in making sure that this system was working correctly and properly installed on our phones so that anywhere in our travels we can monitor our new home in Magalia."

Tieka and Don S.

"I have been using Crime Free Living for the last couple years ar work and at home and I really recommend this product. Tim is a very good service provider. If he can't figure it out, he's got good tech support with the system that he offers."

Gary D.

"I have known Tim for over 10 years. To date, Time with Crime Free Living has installed two separate surveillance systems for my company. With each system, Tim has listened to my needs and custom dsigned surveillance systems for my specific needs and within my budget. The equipment used is always state of the art, the workmanship is top notch, and Tim is the example of trustworthy. I would recommend him for any job."

Steve D., Down Range Indoor Training Center

images Certifications & Training

With 16 years of experience in law enforcement, Tim Truby, CEO, is fully certified in video surveillance and training.

  • Certified Advanced Crime Prevention Specialist
  • Academy Instructor Certification
  • California POST Certification in Specialized Surveillance Equipment
  • California POST Certification in Basic Crime Prevention
    • Advanced Crime Prevention through Environmental Design
    • Certified Alibi Security Dealer
    • Enhanced Risk and Threat Assessment (FEMA)
    • Incident Command System (100 & 200)
    • Certified Cognitech Video Forensic Investigator
    • Neighborhood Watch Toolkit Trainer
    • Computer Crimes/Investigations
    • Domestic Crisis for Crisis Negotiators
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