Residential & Commercial Security Systems

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Frequently Asked Questions

CAN I HAVE EXISTING SECURITY EQUIPMENT MONITORED?

Most likely, however, you will need to check the available providers in your area. The security system and remote monitoring are two separate parts of the system. If you are a new homeowner and you are pleased with the existing system in your home, there is a high probability this can be monitored by a local company. Many security systems are compatible with numerous alarm monitoring services. 

WILL MY PET TRIGGER A FALSE ALARM ON MY SECURITY SYSTEM?

This is dependent on the type of sensor installed.

Standard Motion Sensors- This type of sensor can be triggered by a pet roaming freely just as easily as it can be set off by an intruder.

Pet Immune Motion Sensors- This type of sensor combines numerous types of technology to eliminate false alarms triggered by pets. Most of these sensors determine body temperature, speed, and movement patterns. This type of sensor will not be triggered if the pet weighs 65lbs to 80lbs. Pets are important and part of the family, we value this relationship as a company.

Where to put motion sensors? 

Deciding where to put motion sensors is important. To get the most from your home security system, speak with a specialist about where the best locations are for these sensors.

CAN I GET A SECURITY SYSTEM WITHOUT A PHONE LINE?

Yes! With technology constantly changing, more people are eliminating a home phone line. Wireless monitoring has many more pros than using a landline. The connection is established by using cell towers and by installing a cellular transmitter on the property. Wireless monitoring also allows you to access your system anywhere in the world and offers the ease of controlling lights, temperature in the home and locks.

DO WIRELESS SECURITY CAMERAS WORK IF THE INTERNET CONNECTION IS DOWN?

WIFI cameras do not work when the internet is down.

IF THE POWER GOES OUT, DOES MY SECURITY SYSTEM STILL WORK?

The type security system is dependent on what happens when there is a power outage in your home. 

A Traditional Land Line: A traditional phone line will continue to operate even in a power outage.

A Cellular Radio: Just like a cellular phone, this wireless system will continue to function, and the back-up battery also allows your control panel to operate for a fixed amount of time.

VoIP: This wireless system requires a land line and internet. The land line will continue to use a battery back-up, however, if the internet is disconnected it can result in interrupted communication with the monitoring center.

Standard Internet: In the event of a power outage, this will result in losing an internet connection as well. The outcome of this event would result in your system being unable to communicate with the monitoring station.

CAN PURCHASING A SECURITY SYSTEM DECREASE MY HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE?

Yes! A monitored home security system usually reduces your homeowner’s insurance by 10-20 percent. Having a security system installed reduces the chance of being burglarized or suffering from fire or water damage. Insurance companies view this as a lower liability and the homeowner less likely to file a claim.

CAN I CONTROL MY SECURITY SYSTEM FROM MY PHONE?

Yes! There are many options for controlling your system from your smartphone or tablet through an easy to use app. Smart security systems are a must have and very beneficial.

Cameras– Detect movement or stream your live feed on your smart device. 

Lighting– Turn lights on/off directly from your device. 

Smoke Detectors– Silence the detector or receive alarm notifications.

Alarms-Set or disarm your system. 

Locks– Lock or unlock your door directly from your device.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I TEST MY SECURITY SYSTEM?

You should test your alarm system regularly to validate that the system is properly working.

The security system and smoke detectors should be tested at minimum monthly. The system should also be tested after having any technician working in your home, doing home renovations, loss of internet or any electrical power outage. Routinely testing your system ensures safety of your home and loved ones.

HOW DOES A GLASS BREAK DETECTOR FUNCTION?

A glass break detector is used to monitor sound and vibration.

Sensors are placed on doors and windows to detect opening and closing. However, if the glass were shattered by an intruder vs being pried open the sensor would not be triggered.

Glass break detectors also offer the added benefit of being armed even when a family is home unlike motion detectors which cannot be armed while a family is home. If your home has large windows or glass doors, these detectors can come quite in handy. 

CAN MY SECURITY SYSTEM PROTECT AGAINST FLOODS?

Yes! Water sensors are typically placed in basements but are not limited to only the lower level of a home. These sensors can be placed near the floor on baseboards in any room. If the sensor detects water, it sends a direct alert to the central monitoring station.

WHAT IS BETTER? WIRED OR WIRELESS?

Depending on what would better suit your needs, both systems have advantages.

Wireless– Wireless systems prevent making modifications and drilling holes. They can also be easily moved from place to place.

Wired– Wired systems are a great choice for new homeowners who have a preexisting system. This eliminates having to place new holes and wiring into your walls. It also gives the owner an advantage of having a new system of their choice installed easily.

CAN I TAKE MY SECURITY SYSTEM WITH ME WHEN I MOVE?

Yes! Most homeowners who receive a professional installation are required to sign a monitoring contract when the security system is installed. Depending on the limitations of the contract, if the established agreement period has passed most companies will remove the system and reinstall for a new monitoring contract.

HOW DO I REPLACE MY SECURITY SYSTEM BATTERY?

Here’s some easy to follow steps:

  1. Find the device that needs the replacement.
    Some devices that might contain batteries include the following: Control panel, door and window sensors, keypads, glass break detectors, wireless cameras and smoke detectors, thermostats, or door locks.
  2. Alert a company representative before changing the batteries to prevent any tampering or triggering a false alarm.
  3. Find out what kind of battery you need.
     Most components require AA or batteries used in watches. The control panel is the only device that might require a 12V battery. If unsure of the specific battery required, simply contact your company’s service department. 

WHAT CAN I DO TO PREVENT A BURGLARY?

  • Have a monitored security system installed.
  • Lock your doors and windows whether at home or away. 
  • Use curtains and blinds and keep valuables out of sight from a street view.
  • Do not use location services or tags on any smart device. 
  •  Be aware about posting on social media when on a vacation.
  • Motion sensor lights are a great way to deter a home invasion.
  • Get to know your neighbors where they can recognize unwanted guest. 

WHERE SHOULD SMOKE DETECTORS BE INSTALLED?

It only takes minutes for a small fire to spread.

Smoke detectors should be installed on the ceiling in every room of your home. This also includes hallways and stairways. If the hallway is large, install two and always install at the top and bottom of stairways. Avoid installing them close to windows, doors, air conditioning units and ducts where false alarms can be triggered.

WHERE SHOULD CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS BE INSTALLED?

Protecting your home from poisonous gases goes hand and hand with fire and flood.

CO detectors should be installed on each level of a home, along with any attics or basements. Installing an alarm next to an attached garage to prevent fumes from a running car is also preventative. Remember to install CO detectors five feet above the floor. Keep the detector fifteen feet away from any fuel burning appliance.

HOW LONG IS A TYPICAL MONITORING CONTRACT?

Most contracts require a 3-year minimum unless the equipment is paid in full.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO MANUALLY DISCONNECT MY SECURITY SYSTEM ?

Yes! Although it is against advisement and we recommend having a technician come out for a service call. By disconnecting the backup battery and unhooking the transformer, a system will power down.

BEWARE: With a monitored system, this will result in dispatching the police.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A SECURITY SYSTEM?

A conventional security system is meant to protect your home and loved ones against burglaries and home intrusions by securing all points of entry with sensors that are linked to a control panel. If the system is monitored, a command center will dispatch the police if the system is tampered with at any point of entry.

CAN A BURGLAR DISABLE MY SECURITY SYSTEM?

A burglar can cut a traditional telephone line if they suspect the home has a security system. Wireless systems reduce the risk of home break-ins.

DO HOLES HAVE TO BE DRILLED IN WALLS TO INSTALL A SECURITY SYSTEM?

Only a wired system would result in holes being drilled, the alternative is a wireless system that do not require drilling holes in a wall.

WHY IS IT NECESSARY TO HAVE A SMOKE DETECTOR INSTALLED WITH MY SECURITY SYSTEM IF I ALREADY HAVE ONE?

Smoke detectors are especially important in preventing a fire in the home. A battery-operated smoke detector will alert you if there is a fire, however, a smoke detector linked to security system will be monitored and automatically dispatch the fire department in the case of a fire.

HOW LONG DO BATTERIES USUALLY LAST IN A SECURITY SYSTEM?

Most systems are powered with lithium batteries that can last anywhere from 3-7 years and vary on usage. The system will alert you with a low battery light if the battery is getting low.

WHAT IS A MAGNETIC CONTACT?

A magnetic contact is a two-part device that is installed on the exterior and interior of a door or window. When the magnets lose contact while a system is set, it results in an alarm being triggered.

CAN MY CHILDREN OPERATE A SECURITY SYSTEM?

The operation of a security system is easy. A four-digit code and an explanation of the controls will easily allow a child to operate the system effectively.

WHAT IS THE CONTROL PANEL/KEYPAD?

The control panel or keypad allows you to control all functions of your security system with a four-digit code.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO SET MY ALARM WHILE IN MY HOME OR BUISNESS?

Yes! The system will allow you to choose a “stay” button and be in the residence or business while still armed. This will protect you and the perimeter while still moving freely.

HOW DO I CHANGE THE CODE FOR MY SECURITY SYSTEM?

Contact the service provider who maintains your security system, verify your identity and they can direct you how to change the code.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I ACCIDENTALLY TRIGGER MY ALARM SYSTEM?

Promptly enter your code on to your keypad and contact the central monitoring station and alert them of the false alarm. If you are at the residence and have a 2-way voice system, then you can simply state your safe word over the control panel/keypad.

DO I OWN THE SECURITY SYSTEM?

There are two options when it comes to owning the security system. Signing a monitoring agreement for 3 years and paying the entirety will allow you to own the system outright. Another option would be to purchase the equipment and pay in full upfront which will also allow you to own the system outright. 

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