Burglar Alarm Monitoring

Security Monitoring Systems

In most cases, the companies that offer burglar alarm monitoring services also supply the actual alarms that are deployed inside a home or its perimeter. The alarms can be motion detectors, glass break detectors, or electronic sensors that generate an alarm when a door or window is forced open. Such burglar alarm systems are installed over doors, windows and in open spaces, such as basements and long corridors. The sensors are connected using a wireless network or in a wired fashion, to a central security console featuring a two-way speaker and integrated microphone.

Security Alarm Monitoring Centers

When an alarm is triggered, the console sends an alert to the security monitoring company’s monitoring center, where a trained professional will receive it and respond in an appropriate fashion. Typically, the operator will first try to communicate with the homeowner via the security console to get an assessment of the situation, and then inform law enforcement about the incident. In most cases, the operator will remain online until help arrives.

Add-On Services

The services offered by burglar alarm monitoring companies run the gamut from basic burglar monitoring services to a full suite of associated security and safety monitoring services. For instance, in addition to security monitoring, many companies these days also offer fire, smoke and carbon monoxide monitoring and flood alerting services. Some companies have also begun offering medical alerts as part of a broader set of monitoring services. Subscriptions for basic burglar alarm monitoring start at less than $30 per month, and go up from there depending on the additional services you want.

Tips for Selecting a Burglar Monitoring Service

If you are considering signing up for a burglar alarm monitoring service, keep the following tips in mind:

• Decide if you want wired or wireless home security systems. Wireless alarms can be installed easily without professional help. Often, the vendors of such wireless systems will offer security monitoring services without having you sign a multi-year service contract.
• Make sure that any company you choose has a well-equipped security monitoring center that is staffed with well-trained professionals. Remember, when you sign up for a security monitoring service, you are relying on the company to protect you in an emergency.
• Check to see if the monitoring center and the equipment that your service provider uses are certified to Underwriters Laboratories (UL) quality standards.
• It really does not matter if your provider is locally based or is a national company. The more important consideration is the quality of the services they offer. Often smaller, local companies can provide all the services you need at lower rates than larger companies.

Numerous studies have conclusively proved that homes that have burglar alarm systems are about four times less likely to be broken into or vandalized than homes with no such system. By signing up with a burglar alarm monitoring company, you can get the security you need at prices you can afford.