Like it or not, the rumor mill has always been a source of information for the general public. People are apt to believe anything if it happens to back up a theory they've had or sheds some light on a problem they've been facing. The topic of home security is no different. We've heard all sorts of tall tales about different home alarm systems and the companies that offer them. We've heard stories about why big companies are bad and why small companies can't handle the job of safety. What should we believe? Here are five myths that have floated around the home security trade and whether or not you should take a moment to believe them.

1. Myth: A great alarm system is the be-all, end-all of home security. Myth buster: It's essential to back up a security plan with an alarm, but alarms don't work on their own. Homeowners should be smart about their alarms, keeping them updated and checking the news on a regular basis for hints that it might be time to change the system. Besides, an alarm is useless without reinforced doors and windows to prevent easy criminal entry.

2. Myth: In security, local is better. Myth buster: Hiring local is great, but staying safe is bigger than your zip code. It takes big resources to handle the latest threats to your home and family, bigger than most local companies can provide. When you go with a bigger, more established company, you will avoid the unexpected problems when a system isn't backed up. What would a local company do in the case of a local power outage? They won't be able to network with another center off the grid, like a big company could do.

3. Myth: Wireless alarms are not as reliable as the wired models. Myth buster: Wired systems have not proven to be more effective, though they have been proven to be easier to disable. When you have less parts and less wires, you can test your home alarm system quickly and efficiently. Besides, it will be harder to disable something that requires interior access -- an entry that will have already disabled the alarm.

4. Myth: Home alarm systems always sound in the right situations. Myth buster: If your alarm is less than advanced, it will go off more than you'd like. New systems that are pet-sensitive and can detect heat and motion are the most effective way to avoid false alarms, an unpleasant nuisance which usually occurs at the worst possible moment.

5. Myth: Your garage is the safest place in the home and doesn't need extra attention. Myth buster: The garage is one of the easiest places to enter, making it a target. Make sure the door that connects a garage to the house is as strong as your front or back door.

Myths have a way of becoming facts after floating around for a while. Make sure you're got a true winner like the ADT alarm systems available now. One thing that is no myth:
adt alarms are the best in the security business.