
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, March 19, 1995                   TAG: 9503210118
SECTION: TODAY'D HOME                    PAGE:    EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

SECURITY SYSTEM PUTS FAMILY AT EASE

Installing a security system in their Salem home was something B. K. Short and her husband, Phillip, had thought about for several years.

"It's almost like admitting you're vulnerable," she says.

Their decision came not because they had been burglarized, but simply because of a growing awareness of crime.

"I have faith in my fellow humans, but I also read the papers," she said. "There's always the chance someone would break in."

The sophisticated electronic security system, installed quickly, is not noticeable to the casual observer. It's easy to operate. And it translated into a 10 percent discount on their homeowner's policy.

"We've gotten really used to it," she says. "We've had no problem adjusting. It gets to be second nature. In fact, we've only had one false call" since the system was installed a year ago.

The Short's two teen-agers also adjusted well to the system. Short says when the system was installed the family sat down and talked about it and discussed how to use it and the importance of not giving out access codes to even the closest friends.

"I feel very secure," she says. "I'm more relaxed when Philip is out of town on business or at a seminar. And just as important, he's more comfortable, too."

by CNB