FAQ’s before purchasing an alarm system
You Need To Know This!
There are a lot of things to consider when looking for a new home security system. You may find yourself confused by all the terms and different systems out on the market. Here are some basic things to know before investing in a home security system.
Can a home alarm system prevent burglaries?
Yes! In fact, homes with a monitored security system along with signs and stickers are up to 3 times less likely to experience a break-in. Depending on what type of alarm system you have, the intruder could be detected before they even enter your home.
How will I know if there is an intruder?
If someone attempts to intrude, a loud alarm will sound; alerting someone on site and most likely driving away the intruder. Security systems should be connected to 24-hour monitoring that alerts authorities and contacts authorized individuals if there is no one on the premises.
What if the alarm goes off on accident?
Your alarm can be deactivated by entering your secure pin on your keypad. If you forget your pin or don’t enter it in fast enough, you can also call your alarm provider and report a false alarm. A customer service professional will ask you for your code word and alert the authorities about the false alarm. This prevents costly false alarm fees.
Which is the best alarm system?
There is no “best system” in home security. Each system is designed to your needs. So, the best system for you may not be the best system for your neighbor. Currently, there are two effective systems on the market. Wired and wireless; wired systems require technicians to run wires throughout your home from the control panel. Wireless systems use transmitters and batteries that transmit to the control panel.
Which features should I ask about?
Security systems aren’t your old run-of-the-mill intruder alert systems anymore. You can now control almost every aspect of your home with your cellphone or laptop, like: door locks, lighting, thermostats, and appliances. You may also want to add an emergency alert system for the elderly. Here are some things to look out for:
- Perimeter protection of all doors and windows
- At least one motion sensor inside your home
- Fire protection with a minimum of one smoke detector
- A carbon monoxide sensor
Do I need to have a phone line for my alarm system?
No! You can choose to connect your security system to a traditional analog phone line or use cellular technology. Cellular technology works like the technology on your cellphone. The control panel has a GSM device that uses cell phone towers to communicate. It is much harder for a cellular system to fail as opposed to a landline. A savvy intruder could still disable a landline from the outside and enter the premises. A cellular system has a chip installed within the control panel. An intruder needs to enter your home in order to disable the chip, at which point it’s already triggered.
How exactly does my alarm system work?
Something triggers an alarm. The audible device sounds and sends a signal to the alarm provider. Then a customer service professional will try to reach a responsible person on your contact list. If the responsible person deems it a threat, the alarm provider dispatches the appropriate authorities. Your customer service professional dispatches authorities if they can’t reach someone from the contact list. Finally, remember to work with a security consultant to find the system that best fits your needs. When looking for a burglar alarm, the main priority should be keeping everyone in your home safe.
I have a question that wasn’t answered on this FAQ.
Great! We’re always happy to help and love answering security questions. For more information on home or business security, or to find out how we can help you with a customized security system, fill out our contact form or call us at (818) 285-1500.
Want to learn more about home security? Check out our tips for preventing false alarms.
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