Alarm System Security Monitoring
Most alarm companies are only concerned with how much money they can make from the monthly monitoring that you pay after the installation. They all play games with how they price the service and the equipment. I have been in the industry for over 30 years and I am just tired of all the games. You as the consumer deserve to be protected.
Home Security System Monitoring
There are multiple ways to monitor your alarm system. Ask a typical security company and they will tell you there is only one. The one that makes the most money for them. Now don't get me wrong I do believe that the best form of monitoring is when you have Central Station with 24 hour personal watching your home. But this is not what everyone wants and it does not fit everyone's lifestyle. Here are the ways that you could potentially monitor your security system:
- Local Only - This means that you have no connection to the outside world. If your alarm is triggered it will sound the alarm for a pre-designated period of time and then shut off.
- Self Monitored - You can have your system setup so that it will notify you through your smart phone. This allows you to call the police yourself, run home real quick or contact a neighbor. This is not the quickest way to monitor your alarm system but it can cost less or even nothing depending on your alarm system.
- Central Station Monitoring - When you use this type of monitoring your system is connected every minute of every day to a central station that has only one job. They respond to signals that come in from alarm systems and dispatch the appropriate emergency personnel. This type of monitoring does not require you to do anything. You just arm and disarm your alarm system and they will watch everything for you.
You must decide what type of alarm system monitoring makes sense for your situation and then you must find an alarm company that is willing to meet your needs. In most cases this will not be the big corporate companies. The smaller security companies in your area might be willing to provide all types of alarm system monitoring but you must ask and know what to ask for.
Do your homework before you commit to a long term contract. Security company contracts a written very well and if they want to enforce them they will most likely win the balance of the contract.
Gloss