none of which were rated above a Category 2, let me make this observation. I started selling security systems right after the two hurricanes last year that made landfall within a mile or two of each other near Sewalls Point. This year I was selling for Bell South Security (I call them Hell South for many reasons, but they do have good equipment, and low prices for those interested).
During the conversations I have had with both my sales and non sale appointments, and this includes active and retired law enforcement officers, I have the following very important information to be true in every locality. The backup battery lasts for 2 to 3 days at best during power failures. I always recommended to my prospects to hook their systems into their generators, if they have them. There are an awfull lot of people that do NOT have generators, and don't plan on getting one. So, when the power is out more than 2 days, you have no security system at a very critical time. So, who ya gonna call, Ghostbusters?
The active and retired law enforcement officers I spoke with have informed me that a residential, or small business security system alam call from a monitoring center, has one of the lowest priorities during ANY type of critical local, state, or national emergency. That means your security system won't do much more than wake you and a neighbor up, MAYBE.....but not with a dead battery!
One of many reasons this is very important is because of the high crime rate during and after a storm. The thugs are on the streets exploiting the situation, knowing the police can only handle so much. There are alcoholics, drug addicts, and other bottom feeders out there (when they are here trying to shoot me down) desperately trying to find a fix, rob someone for cash, or rummaging for a drink of alcohol. Remember, all the stores in the area won't have electricty for days, weeks, or months. That means their usual source for their "mind altering substances", and the pipeline isn't operating normally. Desperate people do desperate things. The police simply can't be everywhere at once. In New Orleans, the gangs basically tried to take over the city. They suceeded for a short time. If they were near you, and wanted what you had, they would just take it.
My recommendation is to prepare for that day when you will have to defend yourself and your family. Your security system will give you a false sense of security in many cases.
During 911, do you think law enforcement was responding to ANY burglary alarms? I doubt it. If we had a major attack of any significance, don't count on your alarm system to defend you.
The bottom line is that when you need a security system to helpyou the most, unfortunately, you probably won't find it very effective. I recommend you find alternative ways to safeguard your families and yourself.