How to Buy a Wireless Alarm for a Driveway

A wireless alarm system in your driveway can alert you before an intruder has a chance to reach your garage or enter your home. Follow these steps to buy a wireless alarm you can trust.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Determine where you want the alarm system. Do you want one only at the driveway entrance, alerting you to when someone enters from the street? Would you prefer to position the system closer to the garage, in case someone approaches from the side?

2. Acquire information. Check online, in consumer magazines and with a sales associate about the quality of wireless alarm systems. Ask about warranty length and find out exactly what it covers.

3. Check the prices. You want to get the best alarm for your driveway that you can afford. Visit local stores and search the Internet for any sales and discounts.

4. Decide on installation. Are you going to install the alarm or will you hire a professional? Hiring a professional often comes with a guarantee, but will add to the overall cost.

5. Fill out any warranty cards or forms and send them in to the manufacturer. If the wireless alarm fails, having the warranty card on record will expedite refunds or guarantees the manufacturer offers.

Tips & Warnings

• When installing the wireless alarm, put it in areas not easily detected by intruders.
• Check and replace the batteries in the alarm system regularly.
• Do not let people know you have an alarm. The point of an alarm system is to keep intruders out. If intruders know the wireless alarm is in your driveway, they can bypass it.