American Alarm FAQ
Please find answers to frequently asked questions.
If you don't see your question below feel free to contact a security expert.
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What sort of package deals do you offer? We offer a broad array of commercial and residential system packages including security, fire warning, access control, environmental hazard, video surveillance, sound and data systems, with communications options including telephone, long range radio frequency and internet. Each system is customized to the needs of individual customer's requirements. There is never any charge, commitment, or high-pressure sales tactics, when you invite one of our Residential or Commercial consultants to meet with you to scope out a package to fit your needs. |
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Why don't you offer free systems? Regardless of what some companies may say, there is no such thing as a truly free system. Those deals typically include a minimal amount of low-end components, and the actual cost of that system is built in to your monthly monitoring fee. Many companies using the free system tactic are unable to sustain long-term customer service. Low wages for salespeople and technicians needed to offer those free systems often lead to high turnover and inconsistent quality of service. We don't do business like that. We offer top-level systems that fully protect your home or business, and a competitive price that reflects the true value of the system. |
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Do you offer wireless systems? We offer long range radio frequency transmitters using mesh and cellular technologies for sending a signal in case phone lines are cut, or as a more reliable alternative to certain kinds of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. But on the inside of your property, we stick with hardwired components. Even with rapidly evolving wireless technology, a hardwired system will always be more secure and more reliable than a wireless system. Our engineers continue to study wireless technology and have found it unable to meet our highest quality standards. We judge our success by how well we deliver trouble-free, false alarm-free security for our customers. We simply will not jeopardize our longstanding relationships with our customers and with the Police and Fire Departments in our community by using inferior wireless components. Our installations crews are expert at placing hardwired components without defacing your property. Furthermore, many customers would rather not clutter their fine woodwork and decor with wireless transmitter modules. There are, however, some special cases where wireless components are the only choice, such as with medical alert pendants, or with transmission of video signals between multiple buildings where no wiring is possible. |
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What is the difference between your systems and those provided by the larger national companies? American Alarm is a locally owned, locally operated company. We offer a lifetime warranty on all our home alarm systems. We offer Service in 24 hours or its free. Our Security Command Center in Arlington, MA responds to alarm signals in 20 seconds or less on average, and we do not program signal delays into our equipment. Some companies do this and it can prevent response to your alarm for over 2 minutes or more. You will always reach a live person 24/7 when you call us. Our field technicians are fully licensed and trained in multiple technologies. Furthermore, we avoid wireless and free systems, which are typically inadequate. We won't take risks with your security. In this way, we hope our satisfied customers will refer us to friends, family and colleagues. |
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Do you also monitor the systems? Yes, we have our own 24-hour Security Command Center monitoring station in Arlington, MA which carries the highest available certification by Underwriters Laboratories (U.L.) We monitor security, fire warning, access control, and video surveillance systems via telephone lines, long range radio frequency, and internet. |
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What is your service area? |
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What do I do if my alarm system goes off by mistake in the middle of the night? You can call direct into the security command center at 781-646-5670 after hours to speak to a trained operator. Be sure to have your password ready. If you don't remember it, you should expect a visit from your local police department to make sure everything is OK. |
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If I have trouble with my system after normal business hours what do I do? You can call direct into the security command center at 781-646-5670 after hours to speak to a trained operator who can troubleshoot your problem or dispatch an emergency 24-hour service technician. |
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What do I need to do to make changes to my contact list? You can send an email through our contact form, fax us the changes at 781-648-0199, or call our Security Command Center 24-hours a day, 7 days a week at 781-646-5670 to let them know what changes you would like to make to your contact list. Make sure you have your password ready to authorize the changes. |
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What do I need to do if I move and need to cancel my alarm monitoring service? You can either fax (781-641-2192) or mail a letter to the attention of R. Bushinsky to notify us of the change in your account status. Remember to include your forwarding information in case we have any further questions as well as the new owners name(s) if you think they would be interested in continuing with the service. |
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Are you able to monitor alarm signals over the internet (even if you have VoIP, Voice over Internet Protocol) as well as phone line? American Alarm's security alarm systems are compatible with most, but not necessarily all, Internet Service Providers (ISP). Please call our I.T. Department at 781-859-1080 for more information about your specific provider. |