We all know the benefits of installing a home alarm system. This interesting article shares the reality of dealing with the devastation of a burglary and what alarm systems can do. However many of us are still neglecting a vital part of the system – having our alarm monitored.
While an unmonitored alarm can act as a deterrent it certainly has its limitations. The biggest limitation is that it relies on someone in your neighbourhood to act on your behalf if you are not there to take immediate action. However, there may not be anyone around at the time or, if there is, they may be reluctant to ‘get involved’. Result? The reason for the activation – whether break in, fire or false alarm, is left unresolved and possibly with major consequences.
So what is meant by alarm monitoring? Alarm monitoring is where your alarm is linked to a security company’s 24 hour monitoring centre. When any activations occur your alarm automatically alerts the monitoring centre.
So what could this all look like?
Your intruder alarm is triggered…
Your monitoring company attempts to contact you
If you are at home or can explain the activation then no further action is required
Your monitoring company can respond by sending a mobile patrol
If you’re not home – your home is protected!
Your smoke alarm is triggered…
Your monitoring company attempts to contact you
If you are at home and can explain the activation then no further action is required
Your monitoring company can respond by calling the fire service or sending a patrol
If you’re not home – your home is protected!
Your panic alarm is triggered…
If you are at home and can verify your authenticity with the pass code, then no further action is required
Your monitoring company can respond by calling the Police or sending a patrol
If you’re in trouble – you are protected!
Your alarm has a fault and stops working…….
Your monitoring company attempts to contact you.
You are now aware of the problem and can decide on the best course of action
Your home continues to be protected!
So as you can see the benefits of having your alarm monitored are significant. What’s more some insurance companies offer premium discounts on house and contents insurance if your alarm is monitored.
Of course the market is full of security companies claiming to provide an effective monitoring service. You should ask several key questions when deciding on a monitoring company.
- Is the monitoring centre based in my city?
- Does the monitoring centre use their own security guards or have to ring another security company if a guard is needed to come out to my property?
- Does the company I’m dealing with actually monitor my alarm or have they subcontracted someone else to do it?
- Can my monitoring provider maintain and service my alarm or do they need call a different alarm company?
- Are they a reputable company and connected to market leaders like BOSCH and Paradox?
- Is the monitoring company a New Zealand enterprise or a multinational?
If the company can answer yes to all these questions then you are in the best position to receive a professional, more efficient, easier to contact company saving you money and having faster response times.
Well the evidence is clear – a monitored alarm by a reputable and reliable security company is your best protection against any unfortunate incident – so why wouldn’t you?