I have a small house with 2 bedrooms downstairs and one upstairs. Our 2 kids sleep in the bedrooms downstairs. In warm weather, I leave their windows open. Does anyone know of a type of security system that would work for us? I'm most concerned about someone entering the house through open windows, but I can't keep them closed, otherwise the bedrooms get hot and stuffy.

You can have a typical security system with window contacts in you home. On the windows that you leave open the magnet and contect need to be about 8" up from the bottom of the window. Then you can put a second magnet at the bottom of the window. With the window closed the top magnet meets with the contact to allow the system to arm. With the window open the bottom magnet aligns with the contact to alow the system to arm. MAKE SURE that you do not allow the window to be open enough for someone to get in or easily reach in. This is not the best way to do things but it works. There are alternatives that will work better but they are more expensive. One good one is a set of photoelectric beams that cover the exterior of the house in-lign with the windows. This way noone can get through them no matter if the window is open or closed.

Hi jcpress,

From the "For what it's worth" department:

It's not really much 'security', but this is better than nothing: there's a motion-sensing device (OUTDOOR) that communicates to a wireless receiver (INDOOR). (Both come packaged together.) The receiver emits a few loud beeps and will optionally turn on a lamp for up to 5 minutes when motion is detected. It's more like a wireless doorbell than 'real' security but I find it helpful. I bought one at home depot for about $40.

You put the motion sensing thing in the area to be 'watched' (since it's wireless, you can affix to the house, a tree, or ???) It was made by Heath-Zenith.

As I said, it won't prevent someone from getting in, but at least you'll be alerted if someone's out there. It might be worth considering until you install a 'real' solution.

Oh, and yes, animals will set it off too, but I guess this can happen with lots of motion sensors.

I did some rudimentary internet searching and found one at http://www.800doorbell.com/hs3600_2.htm (I don't have personal experience with this company, it was just the first description to pop up.)

Also, got to thinking that there are quite a variety of products in that area; you might find something more appropriate....good luck.

[This message has been edited by k2 (edited August 11, 2003).]

Thanks. Both solutions sound interesting. I'll have to do some research into both of them.