I was asked on a test today &what is beaver tailing?& Its a fire science class and my professor recommended asking an &old firefighter&.
You can have and choose whatever level of security systems you want to pay for, but my husband and I have only ever had a good monitored alarm system and it has worked very well for us. My husband is a real tech person but has never felt the need to add security cameras to our system. It's up to you and where you live and your level of need for security.
It depends if someone is monitoring them. If no one is monitoring your video feed then you need at least a decent recording system that retains video for at least a month. If you have a home alarm system but it is not monitored then that isn't good either. So you definitely want to go with something that is monitored 24/7. I would choose alarm system because I am sure that security camera monitoring is expensive! Also an alarm system that has 2-way voice with the dispatch center will scare criminals away. You could also set up a internal feed of cameras just for youself. That also acts as a deterant to criminals. As soon as they see the camera they will walk away.
I am assuming that they charged because there was no active fire when they arrived. The landlord should write down and note the happenings of the situation. Then approach the appropriate government agency about the bill. The fact that there was a fire, that it was put out before the fire department arrived should negate the billing. You acted in good faith. There was a fire, you didn't want your apartment to burn. You did the right thing. When people just ignore burning dumpsters there will be more dumpsters burning. Your landlord should be pleased that there are tenants who call these things in and keep her property protected.
Id say alarm system. That can be tied into the smoke alarm as well as detect motion, glassbreak, doors and windows. Plus you can have that monitored 24/7 and call the police fire dept or medical services. A camera system will only allow you to view and/or record anything happening inside your home. You would be able to check it anytime from the internet but many new alarm systems can do that as well now.
Home Security Camera System, I have two systems and there great, lets you see who's coming and going. I sleep a lot easier at night, knowing I can just look at the cameras and know what's out there.
