Alarm Monitored System or Unmonitored Alarm System?
 

Most Alarm Monitored systems work as follows:

The security system senses something.  The security system waits 30 to 45 seconds to give the homeowner a chance to deactivate the system to prevent false alarms.  If the alarm is not deactivated the security system sends a message to the alarm monitoring company over telephone lines.

The alarm monitoring company receives the message and verifies the alarm, generally by placing a phone call to the home. If they do not receive the proper password or do not receive an answer, they call the police. The police respond.

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Unmonitored alarm systems typically have on-site alarms and/or flashing lights. It relies on neighbors to call police. Neighbors or passersby should never investigate an alarm themselves. With an unmonitored alarm system, it is best to have a combination of strobe lights and alarms. They should be located on the street side of the house and in an inaccessible spot as possible. It is best to discuss the installation with your neighbors and to place the siren and flashing light on the house where it can be easily seen.

How to choose an alarm company

·         Choosing an alarm monitoring company can be confusing and the technology complicated. Here are some suggestions:

·         Check with friends or neighbors for recommendations on reliable companies.

·         Determine how quickly the alarm monitoring companies respond to requests for service after installation. Ask for references from some of their customers who have required service and call and talk to these people.

·         Obtain quotes from at least three different companies.

·         Ask the alarm monitoring company what screening they do when hiring their alarm staff employees. You want a company that screens for criminal backgrounds/records, etc.

·         Call your local police department and ask how long it takes them to respond to a home security system alarm. Don't be surprised if the estimated response time is as long as an hour. Also ask if there are any fines for false alarms.

·         Lastly, when comparing prices remember to compare detection coverage and features. Not all alarms monitoring companies are created equal.

A Few Things to Remember About Security Alarm Systems

Burglars realize most security systems sound inside the house and then the alarm is transferred to remote locations through the telephone lines.

Most phone lines are typically exposed on the outside of the house in an easily accessible location where the phone line can be cut. If the telephone line is cut, the security alarm system cannot notify the central monitoring station of the break-in.

If the phone line is run underground until it is inside the home (with the main telephone junction box inside the home), the thief cannot tamper with the telephone line until after he or she has broken in.

Having a protected phone line to your house is a good idea whether you have a security alarm system or not.

 

Ralph Winn publishes articles, guides and reviews on security related topics. Ralph Winn has over 32 years of education and experience in the security industry. Your home should be your haven where you feel comfortable and secure. Everybody deserves to feel safe in their own home. The world around us can get hectic at times, and it's important to have a place of safety we can retreat to when times are tough. That's why our goal at the home security store is to help you find the best way to provide a protected environment for you and your loved ones. Ralph has created a user-friendly security forum for you to get answers.