Description
Why do I need monitored smoke detectors in my house? -How does my alarm communicate to the central station? -What do I do if I set the alarm off accidentally? -Will I get charged for false alarms from the police department? -If my electricity goes out will my alarm system work? -What other precautions can homeowners take to protect their homes? Do I need a monitored security system? Homes without security systems are about 3 times more likely to be broken into than homes with security systems. (Actual statistics range from 2.2 times to 3.1 times, depending on the value of the home.) Businesses without alarm systems are 4.5 times more likely to be burglarized than commercial locations with electronic security in place. Losses due to burglary average $400 less in residences with security systems than for a residence without security systems. (Source: Simon Hakim, Temple University, 215-204-7476) Even the police know that monitored security systems decrease burglaries: 90 percent of police believe alarms deter burglary attempts. (Source: STAT Resources, Incorporated, Boston, Mass., 617-734-2000) In 1994, the International Association of Chiefs of Police passed a Board Resolution stating that professionally installed and monitored alarm systems are useful instruments to deter crime and provide peace of mind for residential and business owners. The organization also pledged to work with the alarm industry to help reduce the problem of false alarms. (Source: International Assoc. of Chiefs of Police, Alexandria, Va., 703-836-6767) top of page Are security systems expensive? Security systems used to be expensive, costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Due to a competitive marketplace and advances in technology, these days you can get a top of the line security system installed in your home for little or no money down and monitoring service for about a dollar a day. Contact us for more information about pricing . top of page How much money can I save on my homeowner's insurance by having a monitored security system? Most insurance companies will give you up to a 20% discount on your homeowners' insurance for having a monitored security and/or a monitored fire system in your home. Please contact your insurance agent to see what savings you can receive on your homeowners policy. top of page How does the monitoring service work? After the alarm has sent the signal to the central station, it appears on the computer screen of a professionally central station operator. On a burglar and fire alarm, the operator will call your home to see if you are okay. If you answer the phone, they will ask you for your password. This is a word you have given to us so we can verify it is indeed the homeowner. If the person who answers the phone cannot provide the correct password or there is no answer, the police or fire department will be dispatched to your home and the people you have listed on your call list will be notified of the alarm. The procedure on a panic alarm is a bit different; the dispatcher will not call the house before dispatching the authorities unless programmed to do so.