7Preparation
Making a Shopping List
When you complete your floor plan and system planning
worksheet, use them to prepare a shopping list of the items
you need to complete your system.
Notes:
• Before you actually purchase any items on your shop-
ping list, read through the rest of this manual. Depend-
ing on your installation, later sections might contain
additional information you need to select the proper
items.
• Refer to your floor plans to determine how much hookup
wire you need to connect all sensors and security
devices to the alarm center.
Safeguarding Planning Records
After you plan your system and purchase all the items you
need, don’t forget to store all drawings, worksheets, re-
ceipts, and other documents in a secure place. Don’t throw
them in the trash where a potential intruder might find them.
OTHER WAYS TO IMPROVE SECURITY
Securing Your Home or Office
Although your alarm system can function as a detection de-
vice and a deterrent, it does not physically keep intruders
out. You should also consider the following ways to help pro-
tect your home or office.
1. Install sturdy locks on doors and windows.
2. Make sure that your home or office looks occupied when
you are away. Steps you can take to accomplish this
include:
• connecting lights to cycled timers
• keeping your lawn mowed and your property main-
tained
• having mail and newspapers picked up regularly or
cancelled while you are away
3. Organize or join a Neighborhood Watch association.
4. Put warning stickers on doors and windows to show
potential intruders that your home is protected by a
security system.
Check your local police department for information on other
measures you can take to ensure the security of your home.
Protecting Personal Property
In addition to protecting the boundaries of your home or of-
fice, you should also consider the following ways to help pro-
tect its contents.
Inventory your property.
Make a complete inventory of
your personal property. Then, if your property is stolen, your
police department and/or insurance company can use the in-
formation to help recover the property and/or reimburse you
for its value. Once you complete your inventory, keep it in a
safe place. You might also want to provide a copy to your in-
surance company.
Label or mark your property.
Apply warning decals.
You can apply warning decals to
the back of TV sets, stereo equipment, your personal com-
puter and its peripherals, and other large, valuable items.
Since items you might keep outside your home, such as
power tools, air compressors, and lawn equipment, are also
targeted by thieves, don’t forget to label those items, too.
Note:
Many agencies that produce warning decals also print
a toll-free telephone number or identification number on
them that you can use to find out if stolen property has been
recovered.
Use an ultraviolet marking pen.
Invisibly mark smaller
valuables with personal information, such as your driver’s li-
cense number or Social Security number. Although you (or a
thief) can’t see the ink on the object, it appears brightly un-
der ultraviolet light. Items you should mark include cameras,
bicycles, hand tools, firearms, musical instruments, and art
objects.
Note:
For more information about obtaining warning decals
and marking pens, contact your local police department or
stores that sell security equipment.
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