Comments on: How to Choose a Home Alarm Monitoring Company

on 11/6/2008 There are newer systems like with GE and Honeywell that are better than others, where they have intercom systems that can hear what's happening through the speakers with 40lb pet immuned motion detectors and wireless equipment.

My buddy set me up with a free system, I would suggest calling GE/Honeywell and getting a free system through promotions. If you can't find their number, just message me. I know of the tricks of the trade ha.

on 10/31/2008 We can supply alarm equipment, iCam33P on self home monitoring as mentioned by jjinlondon from UK. The equipment can go along with the auto phone dialer. When alarm is activated, an SMS will be sent to you by email from the iCam33P camera. The auto-phone dialer will call the preset numbers for notification. The camera will store picture in SD card and upload to the computer server before and after the alarm activation. The cost is less than USD200.00
www.ipcam.net.cn

on 11/25/2007 Would like more information on self-monitoring.

on 10/19/2007 We had a monitored system which cost a small fortune over £350 just for the monitoring, when we had an attempted break-in, the police came out 2 weeks later - fabulous!!! So now we self monitor and can view our cameras from our mobile and the whole system with cameras, contacts etc, inc a year's monitoring cost less than £300 -myhome247.co.uk

on 3/22/2006 Use a local monitoring company, they have good relationships with Police and Fire Departments and are probably licensed for your state. Ask what they do in the community, are they a company in good standing? Ask to see the monitoring center, you can then see the quality for yourself, I visited a couple and the difference was surprising.

on 1/31/2006 All a burglar has to do to make a system useless is to cut the phone line; the monitoring station won't know. There are a number of backup systems, cellular is too expensive and not reliable enough, the signals piggyback off the cell towers and that network can be disconnected anytime the cell company wants. Go with a radio. One product I chose is called Tela-Link, they are a lot less expensive plus they own their own network. Make sure your company offers this product, I have it in my home and use it as my main system as I don't have a phone line. Either way, it's the best you can get.

on 1/31/2006 Ask the alarm company if the 24 hour central monitoring facility will still receive a burglar alarm signal, even if the burglar cuts the telephone line to the premises before breaking in. Most alarm companies will never disclose this weakness in their systems. Go with an alarm company that offers radio back-up using a cellular telephone transmitter system.

on 11/22/2005 Virtually all alarm monitoring contracts provide for automatic 1 year renewal terms when the original term (usually 2 or 3 years) has been completed. Ask for a letter from your monitoring company, allowing you to cancel at any time after the initial term.

on 1/31/2006 If you go to: www.ulalarmfinder.com, you can search for UL Listed alarm companies in your area using a zip code based searched. All UL Listed alarm companies have been inspected by UL to ensure they meet UL's standards for safety; including type of equipment, proper installation techniques, and proper response time. They also ensure the company conforms to the National Fire Alarm Code, NFPA 72. You would be surprised how many companies are not audited by a third party for compliance to national codes.

on 11/22/2005 The IQ Certification Board is a joint initiative of the NBFAA and CANASA to recognize those special alarm companies that subscribe to false alarm prevention techniques and procedures. Learn more about the IQ Board at http://www.alarm.org/iq/iq.html

on 11/22/2005 In Canada, contact the Canadian Alarm and Security Association, www.canasa.org, or call them at 905-513-0622 for member companies in your area. In Canada alarm companies are Listed by the Underwriters' Laboratories of Canada as are the monitoring centers.

on 1/31/2006 Ask what procedures are in place to prevent false alarms should you happen to make a mistake operating your alarm system. Can you specify a password or other secret code to identify yourself, and the fact that everything is OK?

on 1/31/2006 Ask what provisions are in place to protect your prepaid monitoring fees, in case your alarm installer or monitoring company should go out of business. Ask about monthly PAC payments rather than annual in advance payments.

on 1/31/2006 Ask if the company will be locking out the alarm panel, which will prevent you from changing monitoring companies. Obtain written confirmation that the panel will not be locked out, or will be unlocked at no charge upon request.