First Alert Home Security System Product Review

V.C. Higuera
Naturally, people are concerned about their safety and the safety of their family. For this reason, it is common for homes to have monitored security systems. Security systems serve a two-fold purpose. Aside from deterring a burglar, home security systems also provide peace of mind to household members. Now, you are able to sleep soundly through the night, and go on vacation with worrying about a break-in.

Unfortunately, there are limitations to requiring a home security system. For the most part, companies offering monitored security systems favor homeowners. Hence, if you live in an apartment complex, or rent your home, the company will not install a system. Individuals looking to protect their family and home will have to seek other alternatives. In this case, they might consider First Alert's portable home security system.

First Alert systems are perfect for persons who are unable to qualify for a monitored system with a big name security company. Unfortunately, First Alert systems are not monitored. However, the system can be programmed to call the resident's cell phone if the alarm is triggered. At this time, the resident could notify the police.

First Alert's alarm system came in handy while I was living in an apartment. The alarm kit came equipped with four sensors. Each sensor included double sided tape, which was attached to the door frame. The second section was placed on the door. Once the alarm was turned on, the two sensors had to remain side-by-side. If the door was to open, and the sensors separated, the alarm would go off. The first few seconds included a warning alarm, in which the person entering the home would have to immediately disarm the alarm. The warning alarm would be followed by a blaring siren. At this time, the resident would be automatically notified if away from home.

In addition to using First Alert on doors, sensors are small enough to fit on windows. Although the initial kit comes with four sensors, it is possible to order additional sensors. If necessary, you can protect every window and door within your home. Even though First Alert systems are convenient and provide some level of security, they cannot compare with monitored security systems which automatically alert the alarm company and the police. Furthermore, if a fire were to occur within the home, a First Alert system does not have a feature to notify residents of a fire.

Published by V.C. Higuera

Freelance personal finance and health writer from Chesapeake, VA  View profile

  • Home security systems deter burglars.
  • A home security system can provide peace of mind.
  • First Alert alarm systems are portable, and perfect for renters.
First Alert systems are not monitored, thus, will not alert police or the fire department during an emergency.

4 Comments

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  • William G9/17/2010

    I have an first alert alarm system installed in house in 2006 it has been nothing but trouble it was installed by alarm south in Nc. I have spent nearly thousand dollars in repairs plus the cost of the system.My advice is to stay away from first alert they are problems. Mt system is down again for the 10th or times.

  • Tommy P.12/5/2009

    I recently purchased a home that has a first alert professional security system. The previous owner passed and noone knew the code. I contacted the installer to get a code so I could set it up, but was told I had to enter into a contract, or they wouldn't give the reset code. Can they do this? It seems like extorsion to me.

  • robert rothschild11/12/2009

    I HAVE A 4-5 YR OLD FIRST ALERT SYSTEM IN MY HOME. WE JUST HAD THE KEY PAD REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE, AND THE DOOR CHIME, AND THE ALERT CHIME IS NOT AS LOUD AS THE LAST ONE. WE CAN NOT HEAR THIS ONE IN MOST OF THE HOUSE. WHAT CAN I DO TO MAKE THIS BETTER? THIS NEW ONE HAS THE NUMBER FA560 ON THE FACE. THANKS

  • Mary11/3/2009

    Have a deactivated First Alert system and 2 nights ago heard an alarm for 1/2 hour. Could this be this system?

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