Have you ever wondered how your alarm monitoring service actually works? What do they do for your money? How do they keep you safe?
Chubb Security say that alarm monitoring is primarily about peace of mind.
What do they mean by this?
Well, everyone knows that an alarm siren going off is a deterrent. But the chances are good that nobody in the neighbourhood will go and see why the alarm is going off.
Nobody is willing to put themselves in harms way for the sake of a TV or PlayStation!
So you purchase a home security system and sign up for alarm monitoring.
How Does Alarm Monitoring Work?
Fire Monitoring of Canada explain how their system works in the above YouTube video. The transcript follows.
Keypad
Every alarm system has a keypad which is used to turn the system on and off. This is also known as ‘arming’ and ‘disarming’. The keypad isn’t the ‘brains’ of the system, it’s simply how you interact with it.
The keypad activates and deactivates devices which are connected to the security alarm system, such as door contacts, motion detectors, glassbreak detectors, beams, or any other device which may be securing your building.
Control Panel
The ‘brains’ of the security alarm system is the control panel, which is usually located in an electrical room, telephone room or other secure area of the building. All of these security devices can be connected to the control panel by wires or wireless communication.
Alarm Signals
When armed, if a door is opened, motion is detected, the sound of breaking glass heard, or any other device is tripped, the alarm panel “wakes up” and that’s where Fire Monitoring of Canada comes in. The panel begins sending information to FMC’s Signal Receiving Centre about what is happening in your building. This alarm data can be sent to our Signal Receiving Centre through any combination of phone line, cellular, IP, DVACS or other ULC-approved methods of communication.
Monitoring Station
These alarm signals are received at our monitoring station in receivers, which our operators acknowledge through our alarm monitoring automation software. Alarms are presented to our operators with your building’s information and this is what we use to begin contacting the appropriate people about the alarm.
Confirmation
Typically, FMC will attempt to confirm the alarm from your security alarm system prior to notifying police in an attempt to ensure that the alarm is valid. This is a process known as Enhanced Call Verification, and it has been proven to reduce false dispatches of police by up to 60%.
Alerts
FMC can also send real-time alerts and deliver control of your security alarm system to your phone. This would allow you to arm and disarm the system remotely, check on the status of the system and add or remove users conveniently from wherever you are.
FMC has been installing, servicing and monitoring security alarm systems in businesses for over 25 years, and understand how unique your business’s monitoring needs are.
If you have questions specific to your business’s security alarm monitoring, call us at 888-789-FIRE or visit us a www.fire-monitoring.com for a free assessment.
What Can I Monitor With Alarm Monitoring?
Chubb suggest that alarm monitoring can be used in the following situations.
Burglary and Intrusion
Perimeter protection devices provide your home or business with extra security and protection, for you and your family when home alone or asleep at night, or for staff working late. When perimeter protection devices are added to your security system, you can arm doors and windows and move freely around your property providing you with extra protection and feel secure in the knowledge that if activated you will be alerted.
Smoke and Fire Detection
Incorporating hard-wired smoke detectors to your security system can provide the ultimate fire protection for your home or business. Unlike traditional smoke detectors that are only useful if you are in the premises, wiring the smoke detectors into your security system, will mean a signal will be sent to your 24/7 security alarm monitoring centre who will alert you and call the Fire Service.
Emergency / Panic Alerts
In a home environment, it’s a great idea to keep panic buttons in easy reach of each of your family members to help you feel secure and have a good night’s sleep. In the event of an emergency situation, the buttons can trigger the alarm system, allowing the system to respond by contacting the alarm monitoring centre, alerting them to the situation.
Features of an Alarm Monitoring System
The features and benefits of 24/7 Back-to-Base Alarm Monitoring include:
- Ultimate peace of mind protecting what matters to you most
- 24/7 round-the-clock protection for your property and assets
- Instant response to alarm activations
- A range of different response plans to suit your needs
- Potential to reduce your insurance premiums
Conclusion
Alarm monitoring is about peace of mind.
It is about using technology to do what you alone cannot achieve.
It is about having a team supporting your safety and security.
At roughly $1 per day, it can be money well spent.
