Posted on March 4th, 2023

When it comes to protecting your home or business, an alarm system can be a valuable investment. However, not all alarm systems are created equal. A monitoring service for your alarm is what you need to make sure that your property is safe. In this blog post, we'll explore what alarm monitoring services are, how they work, and why they're important for your property.

What is Alarm Monitoring?

Alarm monitoring is the process of sending signals from your security system to a central monitoring station when an alarm goes off. These signals can be transmitted through a variety of methods, such as a landline, cellular, or internet connection. Once the monitoring station receives the signal, they can quickly assess the situation and take appropriate action, such as contacting you, your emergency contacts, or the authorities.

How Does Alarm Monitoring Work?

When your security system is armed and a sensor is triggered, it sends a signal to the monitoring station. The monitoring station then contacts you or your designated emergency contacts to verify the alarm. If there is no answer, or if the person who answers the phone provides an incorrect password, the monitoring station will assume that there is a problem and take action, such as dispatching the authorities.

Why is Alarm Monitoring Important?

Alarm monitoring is important for several reasons. First and foremost, it ensures that you are notified of any potential security threats in a timely manner. This allows you to take action and address the situation before it becomes a major problem. Second, alarm monitoring can provide peace of mind knowing that your property is being monitored 24/7, even when you're not there. Finally, many insurance companies require alarm monitoring as a condition of coverage, so having an alarm monitoring service in place can help you save money on your insurance premiums.

Types of Alarm Monitoring Services

There are several types of alarm monitoring services available, including:

1. Self-Monitoring: With self-monitoring, you receive alerts directly from your security system when an alarm is triggered. You then have to take action yourself, such as calling the authorities or investigating the situation.
2. Professional Monitoring: With professional monitoring, a central monitoring station receives signals from your security system and takes appropriate action based on the situation.
3. Video Monitoring: Video monitoring involves having cameras installed in your property, which can be monitored by a central monitoring station. This allows the monitoring station to verify whether an alarm is genuine or not, and take appropriate action.
4. Environmental Monitoring: Environmental monitoring involves monitoring for environmental threats, such as fire, smoke, or carbon monoxide.

Choosing the Right Alarm Monitoring Service

When choosing an alarm monitoring service, there are several factors to consider. These include:

1. Type of monitoring: Decide whether you want self-monitoring or professional monitoring, and whether you need additional services like video or environmental monitoring.
2. Connection type: Choose the connection type that works best for your property, whether it's landline, cellular, or internet-based.
3. Monitoring station location: Make sure the monitoring station is located in a secure, reliable facility with redundant backup systems.
4. Reputation: Choose a reputable alarm monitoring provider with a proven track record of providing quality service and support.

All things considered, alarm monitoring services are an essential component of any comprehensive security system. They provide peace of mind knowing that your property is being monitored 24/7 and can help you take appropriate action in the event of a security threat. If you're interested in learning more about alarm monitoring services and how they can benefit your property, please get in touch with us at Always Feel Safe.