Frequently Asked Questions

Following are some of the more frequently asked questions about security systems and service. If you have a question that isn't answered here, please contact us.

Why do I need monitoring anyway? Why can't I just have a loud siren outside?
Having an alarm system will often serve as a deterrent and the siren may well scare off the burglar. Most people go for this type of system.

However, wouldn't you want to know if someone broke into your home or business while you were away so you could close the door or repair the damage as soon as possible? Also, wouldn't you want the fire brigade called before a fire was visible from the outside? Our monitoring services give you peace of mind in knowing that, even when you are not there, someone is protecting your property.

Can I have an alarm system even though I have pets?
Yes. There are options that we can use to design a security system that makes allowances for your pets. We can discuss these with you so that you can choose the best ones for your lifestyle.

How much does an alarm system cost?
As with anything you buy, the cost can vary considerably depending on your needs and the choices you make. We strive to give you complete protection and competitive pricing. Please contact us for a free consultation.

Why shouldn't I buy the cheap nationally-advertised system? Isn't it a good deal?
This cost is usually for a minimal, basic system that may not adequately protect your home. Starting with that price, you may then have move to the "a la carte menu" to add other components you might need for your system which often ends up costing more than a custom designed system. Also beware of non-hard-wired systems because although installation may be easier, maintenance and false alarms could be higher.

Someone else installed my alarm system. Can you maintain it for me?
Yes, in most cases we can. If you are not currently under contract with another security company, contact us for more information.

Can my existing alarm system be upgraded?
With technology advancing rapidly in recent years, many improvements have been made in our industry. For example, today's control panels have a much larger zone capacity that those of a few years ago. Also, if you are experiencing false alarms, you may have faulty contacts or wiring that needs replacing. Please contact us if you would like to discuss upgrading your security system.

Should the windows be alarmed or should I have motion detectors?
Each of these components serves a different purpose and you may need one or the other or possibly both depending on your building, its location on the property, and how it is used. These questions and similar issues can be resolved by an on-site visit and discussion with you to design a custom security system for your home or business.

What happens when the alarm goes off?
This depends on what sort of system you have installed. When your system that is being monitored goes into an alarm mode, it sends a signal to a central monitoring station. This signal tells them the type and / or location of the alarm. Depending on the type of alarm signal, the central station staff will call the premises to determine if there is an emergency, call the proper emergency support officials, and call you to inform you of the situation. The specific procedures are set up when your system is installed, and you have control in this process. Not all systems need to be monitored.

There are various options like delayed bells, this gives time for the police to be contacted by the monitoring station and arrive at the scene before the intruder is warned off by the bells or sirens.

What happens if a burglar cuts my phone lines or if there's a phone system failure?
We offer an optional wireless communication link to the central station that protects you in case of cut phone lines or other phone system failures.

Can I just have the alarm system installed and not pay an annual maintenance charge?
We can offer this service (or lack of it). The alarm system will be guaranteed for one year initially. After that year you are free not to have the installation maintained. You should remember however that the systems do contain batteries that can fail at any time, corrosion may seize contacts closed, detectors may become problematic and the system is running 24 X 7 even if the alarm system is not set. This may cause the system to fail at anytime or be unreliable without regular maintenance. What would you do if the siren started howling at 2am and you could not turn the system off?

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Last amended: Thursday, April 17, 2008