Alarms

Alarm systems are a worthwhile investment in the protection of your home or business.  Studies reveal that it is far less likely that you will become the victim of a burglary at home if you have a correctly-fitted and well-maintained alarm system.

There are basically two types of alarm systems:

Remote Signalling Alarms, including intruder alarms terminating at an approved central monitoring station. The central station will automatically contact the appropriate law enforcement agency to respond.

Audible Only and Hybrid Alarms, including bells-only and automatic dialing alarms. These require some indication that an offense is occurring such as from a witness or neighbor who calls the police.

Before choosing a company who installs the central monitoring type of alarm system, you should answer the following questions:
 

• Before disclosing personal security details, have I checked the address and credentials of the company and seen proof of identity from the representative?
• Is the company subject to an independent inspection process and if so, which organization?
• Is the installation of an alarm a requirement of my insurance company and if so, is the company acceptable to my insurer?
• Can the company representative provide a list of police rules for occupiers of alarmed premises and written confirmation that the alarm and the company are currently acceptable to the local police for the transmission of alarm messages from new installations?
• Have I sought written quotations from at least two alarm installers?
• Does the quotation specify that the installation will be to established federal standards? Include the terms of maintenance and monitoring contracts? Does the company operate a 24-hour call-out service and emergency attendance within four hours?

All alarm systems should have at least two keyholders who are trained to operate the alarm, able to attend activation within 20 minutes and available to be contacted by telephone.