Install a hidden telephone line?
I doubt that the the alarm sends an emergency signal when the line goes dead, because when one goes out, usually an entire neighborhood, or larger area is without phone lines. Today, the best security, other than a weapon, is probably cameras installed, linked to the internet, where you can receive a cell phone call when motion is detected. Then, the camera's recording will be displayed on your cell phone, and you can call 911, and be able to give descriptions of the burglars.
One other way is to possess nothing of value, and learn how to defend yourself and your family. Big dogs which are capable of barking loudly or biting, would also think some burglars think twice about choosing your home. There are other tips that would help and easy to do (eg- removing bushes around the house so that buglars cannot hide, motion lights, make home visible from road, hide extra keys to autos and home in case someone does break in, install a floor mounted safe and use it for checks and jewelry etc.
). They mostly visit at times when one is likely to be out of town (school holidays, summer, etc.), so we think they are casing the house to see if we're gone and can rob us (as many of you know, we've already had one home invasion). I posted a sign on the sidelights by our front door:
