Harness Technology to Stay Safe, Frugally

From Smoke Sensors to 'Grannycam,' A Look at Affordable Security Systems

Modern living sometimes seems threatening. It's tempting -- but impractical -- to live in a fireproof underground concrete bunker with armed guards nearby.

Aboveground, in the real world, security systems can be a comfort, but expensive installation and traditional monthly monitoring costs of $30 or more are sometimes daunting.

However, new technologies and ways to communicate can keep you safe while possibly even saving money.

In addition to gadgetry, Lt. Ed O'Carroll, assistant commander of the Fair Oaks police station in Fairfax County and former president of the Virginia Crime Prevention Association, strongly recommends a layered approach to home security.

"Homeowners should not just do one thing," he said, but should use many means "to best protect home and personal property from attack."

And, he added, "any electronic device should be reinforced by good community/neighborhood involvement -- eyes and ears of neighbors."

He also suggested that systems have reliable backup in case of service delivery interruptions, such as a cut phone line. "Wireless backup is suitable," he said, and "we have made recommendations such as burying

phone lines to reduce the possibility of tampering."

As examples of the expanding choices available, here's a closer look at four systems that use modern options -- high tech and low, centrally monitored or able to notify you directly if there's a problem.

· For flexible direct alerting without monthly fees, Sensaphone's Model 400, list price $395, monitors electrical power, high or low temperature, and noise level. Inexpensive wired add-ons signal hazards such as water, motion, smoke and intruders. It can also control a thermostat or other device automatically, manually or remotely -- handy for vacation homes or when traveling. An internal battery keeps it on duty in power failures. It can be programmed to call specified phone numbers and deliver recorded alert messages.

Phil Smith, a mainframe software architect who works in Herndon for Voltage Security, an enterprise security company, recalled using an earlier Sensaphone model decades ago to monitor a small software company's computer room. "More than once," he said, "staffers received off-hours telephone alerts at home that the computer room was overheating when air conditioning failed and electronic equipment continued operating." Without immediate action, he said, there would have been expensive damage. This small device can give homeowners and apartment dwellers similar warnings when bad things happen.

Sensaphone products can be bought directly from the Ashton, Pa., company or from online home automation dealers like http://www.smarthome.com and http://www.homesecuritystore.com.