Two-Zone Remote Keypad Burglar Alarm Control Center (490-0451) System Planning Faxback Doc. # 33418 PLANNING AND EQUIPPING YOUR SECURITY SYSTEM IMPORTANT: This alarm system is not designed for use as a fire alarm. Your alarm system is designed to be the base on which you build a security system for your home or office. Since no two homes or offices are alike, this system allows you the flexibility to design your security system to meet your individual needs. NOTES: You can use the book "Installing Home and Auto Security Systems" (Radio Shack Cat. No. 620-1086, not supplied) and this manual to help you plan your security system and select the additional items you will need to set up and operate it. We suggest you have a copy of the latest Radio Shack catalog on hand to make it easier to select additional security items. FIRST STEPS To make it easier to successfully design and install a security system to meet your needs, follow these steps. 1. Plan the system. Proper planning will help you identify what your security needs are and what additional items you must install to best meet those needs. NOTES: Check your local and state regulations and ordinances with respect to installing and using home security systems. Be sure to secure any required permits before you continue. Become knowledgeable about the different types of sensors and security devices you can use with your alarm system. Understand how the devices work before you decide to purchase and install them. These documents cannot explain every possible sensing device and application. If provided, carefully read the instructions with the devices you purchase. 2. Install the system. The quality of protection you receive from your alarm system will depend on the care you take while installing it. Consider these points about installing your security system: Plan the installation before you start, rather than trying to figure it out as you go. Give thought to how much protection you really need. Simplicity, above all, is the most important characteristic of a good security system. Take your time. Don't let the urge to finish quickly rush you into needless errors. Plan to work on only one section at a time. Break the task down into basic components and steps. 3. Test the system periodically. You should test the complete system, including each sensor and function at least once per week with the AC adapter disconnected from the alarm center to ensure that you are getting complete protection. NOTES: Some devices and products mentioned in these documents are not available from your local Radio Shack store. We recommend that you check stores that sell security equipment if you plan to install security devices that are not available from your local Radio Shack store. Radio Shack is not responsible for defects and errors in other manufacturers' products, and assumes no liability for damage to other products or to the alarm system if these products are connected to the alarm system. IMPROVING SECURITY IN OTHER WAYS Securing Your Home/Office Although your alarm system can function as a detection device and a deterrent, it does not physically keep intruders out. You should also consider other means of securing your home or office, such as: Installing sturdy locks on doors and windows. Assuring that your home or office looks occupied when you are away. Steps you can take to accomplish this include: 1. Connecting lights to cycled timers (such as cat. no. 630-0899). 2. Keeping your lawn mowed and your property maintained. 3. Having mail and newspapers picked up regularly or canceled while you are away. 4. Organizing or joining a Neighborhood Watch association. Putting warning stickers (such as Cat. No. 490-0507) on doors and windows to show potential intruders that your home is protected by a security system. Your local police department is a good source of information for 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 office, you should also consider the following ways to help protect its contents. Inventory your property. You should make a complete inventory of your personal property. Then, if your property is stolen, your police department and/or insurance company can use the information to help recover the property and/or reimburse you for its value. You can use the inventory sample sheet Faxback Doc. # 33429 to inventory your property. Once you complete your inventory, keep it in a safe place. You might also want to provide a copy to your insurance company. Label or mark your property. Apply warning decals You can apply warning decals to the back of TV sets, stereo equipment, your personal computer 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 Use an ultraviolet marking pen to invisibly mark smaller valuables with personal information such as your driver's license number or Social Security number. Although you (or a thief) can't see the ink on the object, it appears brightly under 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. (SP/EB 5/25/96)