Protecting your property and your valuables, not to mention keeping your home’s inhabitants safe, often requires the use of a home security system. Statistics show that homes with alarm systems are three times less likely to face break-ins than unsecured homes. Furthermore, a reliable alarm monitoring company that features the latest technology will allow you peace of mind. You can be confident that your property and loved ones are safe, whether you’re at home or away. Click here for the Best-Selling Home Security Products.
The most common benefits of installing a residential alarm system include:
- Protecting yourself and your family. In case of an emergency, your security system will alert the fire and police departments immediately. Often, the mere existence of a yard or window sign indicating that a home is protected by an alarm is enough to deter most criminals.
- Monitoring the house while you’re away. If you have a caretaker for your children, elderly relative, or otherwise dependent family members, or if there are other people working in your home, they can easily be monitored when you’re not there. You’ll also feel confident leaving your house vacant if you’re away from home for an extended period.
- Protecting your valuables inside the home. From media equipment to family heirlooms, most people keep their valued possessions inside their houses.
- Securing outdoor items, such as vehicles and other property. A home security system that monitors your yard or the perimeter of your property can help you avoid potential trespassers and thieves.
An added benefit is that having residential alarms can help maintain neighborhood property values, thanks to a shared feeling of security among the neighbors.
When shopping around for your security system, you’ll also want to choose the best alarm monitoring company, a centralized agency that oversees the functioning of home security systems. In many places, an alarm monitoring company is also known as a central station. While a number of companies install and monitor their own alarm systems, in many cases the monitoring services are outsourced to a third party.
To choose the best alarm monitoring company, you could request information from the alarm service itself, noting certain desirable characteristics. For example, look for a company that 1) is certified and licensed, 2) has backup centers, and 3) demonstrates good customer service.
Is the alarm monitoring company certified by Underwriters Laboratories?
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is an independent U.S.-based agency that inspects and certifies various products and services, including alarm-monitoring companies. Upon certification, a company must comply with UL standards to maintain its license, and then the company is subject to annual audits. Once products are UL-certified, they can (and must) bear its mark of identification. In addition to inspections and certifications, UL also provides support services, such as “onsite consultations and education,” to local authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), alarm contractors, and insurance companies.
Do they have redundant (back up) monitoring centers?
Power outages and technical problems can cause widespread failures or glitches in your individual alarm system. You’ll want to know whether the alarm monitoring company can deal with issues affecting the system and its individual components, such as cameras, motion detectors, computers, and lighting devices.
According to security experts, there are three methods of redundant monitoring: multiple servers, multiple central stations, and multiple types of signals. When choosing a monitoring company, determine which of these redundant methods it utilizes. Some use two, or even all three, levels for maximum efficacy.
Do they offer a cellular backup alarm?
In most cases, a cellular backup dialer is an optional component connected to the alarm system. As people increasingly rely on cell phones as their main phones, however, alarm-monitoring companies tend to use cellular devices as the primary measure in homes with no landline.
How is the company’s customer service department?
Are they available 24 hours a day? Can they provide information about other services that might benefit you, such as medical alert devices? Can they explain any additional costs or fees that you might encounter?
There are many businesses offering security services for your home. Be sure that your alarm monitoring company meets your needs by asking the above questions and getting recommendations from trustworthy sources.
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