So you are thinking of installing a security system in your home. Perhaps something in the news has brought you to this decision. Maybe a neighbor just had a break in, or even worse, it was your home that was burglarized. You want something that is cost effective, high quality and built to fit your needs. Finding a good alarm monitoring service is an essential part of a great security system. Here are some points to ponder:
Why get a monitored system?
The other day, my daughter and I were walking through our usually quiet neighborhood, when we heard the shrill sound of a siren going off. We didn’t know where the siren was coming from or why it was sounding, so like most people when they hear an alarm, we shrugged it off. If this was a home alarm, it went off for a good 5 minutes. We never saw a police presence in the area. Even if we had called 911, I know that my call goes to the city dispatch and must be transferred to the sheriff’s department. Then add the time it will take for a police officer to find the location due to our vague directions and the end result will be that the criminals will be long gone before officers arrive.
A monitored system can increase police response time in several ways. First, when an alarm sounds, the monitoring station, called a central station, will immediately make a direct call to the responding department of law enforcement and dispatch police. No need to wait for the neighbor to hear your siren, come outside to investigate, run back in the house, dial 911 and wait to be transferred to the correct dispatcher. A good security provider will have trained operators, not just a dispatch center, who will remain calm and know what information is necessary to help prepare law enforcement to respond to your alarm. And let’s face it, during a burglary every minute counts!
But what if the unthinkable happens and you are home when someone attempts to enter your residence? Adding a simple device to your system, called a panic button can help. How? By pressing a panic button, your alarm becomes a verified alarm! A verified alarm tells police that someone has seen or heard criminal activity in progress and to respond quickly. Just recently a newly installed customer had someone kicking in their front door at 1:30 am. The culprit wasn’t in the house yet, so the alarm was not activated. However, the resident pressed the button and the police arrived before the intruder was able to enter the home. Add audio feed and when you press your panic button, operators hear what is happening. They can then relay important information to law enforcement to help apprehend criminals quickly.
Fire and carbon monoxide monitoring
Let me start by saying ALL HOMES SHOULD HAVE SMOKE ALARMS AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS. According to the National Fire Protection Association, smoke inhalation is the leading cause of death in house fires. Carbon Monoxide poisoning kills on average 170 people per year from non automotive products including furnaces, ranges, and water heaters. A security system can monitor your home for fire and carbon monoxide detection. A smoldering fire in a home, may not wake occupants or be visible to the neighbors. Carbon Monoxide is colorless and odorless and will kill before the occupants are aware of it’s presence. But a monitored system will detect unsafe levels, and signal operators to dispatch the fire department. If you are unconscious or unable to use to the phone, help is on the way.
Whatever has brought you to the decision to look into a security system, we only ask one thing…take the time to GET A FREE ASSESSMENT before you decide on your system and a provider. Don’t trust the person on the telephone to make the assumption as to what you need in YOUR home. A security system will not only be protecting your valuables but the things you value..your peace of mind and the safety of your family. We feel you and your family are worth the time it takes to visit and build your security system correctly!
