Best wireless home security for deaf - suggestions?

[johnrifficus]

Hello,

I'm a newbie here. Please bear with me for my lack of knowledge in wireless home security systems.

Before I proceed, I would like to share a little bit about our background...

Me and my wife are now "officially" empty nesters as the last child just moved out a week ago. Because of our deafness, we are at a disadvantage BIG TIME especially at nights when it comes to home security while we are asleep. We also have four dogs but they are miniture and their fangs are nothing to be scary about.

Barking dogs may help, but we need a stronger sense of security and that is why I'm here.

To strengthen our home security,  I am looking for a wireless home security system that involves flashing lights especially strobelights that would wake us up right away if a security breaches. A sound alarm would be fine just to scare away any possible intruders but we need to be alert about it.

What kind of console do I need to work with flashing lights and even applicanes such as TV and stereo?  We definately need window/door sensors and maybe motion sensors but the dogs are the problem as they move around while we are asleep.

I am not sure if we need a dialer because we don't even have phone service and only use blackberry wireless.

Any suggestion for a system suitable to our needs?

Your expertise will be graciously appreciated!

Thanks for your time reading this and hope to hear from you shortly...

[x10challanged]

Hi Johnrifficus and thank you for visiting the forums before purchasing.
In your case as much as I hate to say this I would recommend you visit with a professional alarm company and not a do it yourself alarm system.  I have several friends who are deaf 3 have security systems which provide the type of notification you are asking about all were installed by major alarm companies who have access to a free program for the deaf.
I would be happy to provide you additional information if you like just PM me and I will send you the info privately.  Since I do not feel x-10 is 100% reliable for this type of application i.e. turning on and flashing lights on command I don't think it would be in your best interest to purchase.

[steven r]

I agree with x10challanged on this. I think a professionally installed system would be in your best interest. Most professional systems have the ability to output a signal that can trigger a powerflash module and interface with your existing X10 products to flash lights or trigger macros. In addition many can be interface with cell phone service if you desire the ability to notify police, fire, and family. I do recommend caution dealing with the big name alarm systems, however. See link below.

http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=15734.msg86602#msg86602

Also don't rule out the many organizations that provide support for the hearing impaired. They might be able to give you a referral. No doubt someone else has also needed an alarm service.  http://www.heartsandminds.org/self/links/senselinks.htm

Best of luck in your search!

Post back if you find something that would help others in your situation.

[deafalert]

I feel same thing with Johnrifficus - I prefer the system that can alert either of me or wife - and when I respond that it may be a genuine alert, the central monitoring center should call the law enforcement.  However, the problem is that the center does not know how to react when calling via relay to us. The employees are trained but there are high turnovers - that is a disavantage.  Also, with the wireless internet means, they charge me too much rather than a normal monthly fee for a hearie - not fair.

That is why I am looking for the system that I can handle myself rather than being frustrated by those who are not sensitive to my needs regarding being alerted.   

Any comment will be appreciated.  What I would like is the wireless system with capable of alerting us via PDA or computer then I have a special phone number to call about the security breach, if I am away from the home.

[HA Dave]

.............wireless home security systems....    now "officially" empty nesters as the last child just moved out a week ago. Because of our deafness, we are at a disadvantage..........we need a stronger sense of security and that is why I'm here.

Any suggestion for a system suitable to our needs?

Besides "security" you need some electronic ears don't you? X10 makes it easy for "the hearing" be notified [of say] driveway activity... typically a motion sensor chimes-a-chime. But the same motion sensor can also turn on a light.... or flash a strobe. I can't see [or hear] cars in my driveway... but I have setup a driveway detection setup that lets me know when a car (or person) enters.

• You need smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors that alert with lights. (aren't those available in stores?)
• You need a way to contact 911. (contact the phone company?)
• You need sensor based detection that will alert [and awake] you if suspicious activity is detected. (See the X10.com Web Site)

I use a perimeter detection system myself (with voice). Setting one up to alert yourself with just lights shouldn't be too difficult. I would start with floodlights and some SocketRockets. Home Automation (X10) can greatly improve anyones lifestyle... whatever impairment one deals with. I have an alarm that when triggered/tripped [after the sirens have stopped and the lights have stopped flashing ]  a RED light is left ON in the garage that little feature could keep me (or anyone) from walking in on a robbery in progress.

This X10 stuff isn't rocket science..... But it is a heck-of-alot of FUN. Sign-up for the "newsletter" and look for good deals.