Monitoring
When your security alarm system is activated, it sends a signal to the alarm monitoring center where operators attempt to verify the alarm to make sure it is an actual emergency by placing a phone call to the premises.
If they can not confirm the alarm was triggered inadvertently, operators notify the police department of an activated alarm condition at the premises. The responding police, paramedics or firefighters are then dispatch to the scene.
What do I need to learn about home alarm monitoring?
Choosing the right alarm monitoring services is important when it comes to the safety of your family and property. Here are some questions to ask your alarm provider.
- What type of monitoring services of available?
- Who is contacted in the event of an emergency?
- Is there a long term contract?
- What are the maintenance and service fees?
- How much is a service call?
- How to I obtain window decals or signs?
- Am I eligible for an insurance discount?
Be sure to enquire about your alarm companies UL (Underwriters Laboratories) certifications. If they are not certified, then find a alarm monitoring company that is.
What do I need to know about security alarm equipment?
Utilizing the most advanced security alarm components ensures that you are going to have the most reliable equipment when you need it the most.
- Can other alarm providers monitor the system?
- Is the alarm system proprietary?
- Is the alarm equipment the most up to date version?
- Does the alarm system operate with pets?
- Does the security system log events for viewing?
- What other error conditions are tracked?
- How much is replacement parts and labor?
- What is the alarm system warranties?
Ask your home alarm system provider if the alarm monitoring center is fully UL (Underwriters Laboratories) certified. If its not, look for one that is.
Does the security alarm monitoring work with VOIP?
More and more homeowners are now taking advantage of the monthly savings with switching their phone service over to VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol). While this is cost effective for the consumer, some security systems are not compatible with this technology so be sure to ask your alarm company.
- Is my security system compatible with VOIP monitoring?
- Does VOIP alarm monitoring qualify for insurance discounts?
Evaluate the features and benefits of the alarm monitoring service and make sure the plan you choose is the plan you need. See our alarm monitoring comparison.
What are the alarm monitoring options?
Alarm monitoring services is the one most important benefits of any burglar alarm system as it gives you peace of mind in knowing that help is on the way in the event of an emergency situation. In the past, traditional security systems communicated to the alarm monitoring center with the use of a standard phone line. While this is dependable, more people are choosing more advanced and cost effective alternatives such as radio monitoring, cellular monitoring and broadband monitoring services.
Traditional Monitoring Services
Most people and alarm companies still choose the traditional method of security system monitoring which is the standard phone line. When the alarm system is triggered, the master alarm control panel seizes the phone line and uses a alarm communicator to send signals to the monitoring center.
Broadband Monitoring Services
With advances in the internet, broadband monitoring services have become increasingly popular as people choose to cancel their standard phone line in favor of cell phones for their main source of communication. With broadband monitoring, your burglar alarm system transmits data across the internet using your internet connection.
Radio Monitoring Services
Radio alarm monitoring is an option for people without a phone line or internet connection. With radio monitoring, the alarm control panel is equipped with a digital communicator that sends the alarm signals using radio frequencies to wirelessly communicate to the alarm monitoring company.
Cellular Monitoring Services
Using cellular alarm monitoring is the most dependable, safe and secure method for monitoring your home security system compared to the other methods. Your home alarm system is equipped with a GSM alarm system transmitter capable of transmitting alarm system data using the national cellular phone networks.