In a recent blog post, we alerted readers to a weakness in many “all-in-one” (fire/burglar) home alarm systems.
The problem is that many major distributors and alarm monitoring companies have built-in dialer delays that prevent signals from being sent to the central station for up to four minutes after the alarm is tripped in the home.
Why? Because their systems are prone to false alarms and their distant monitoring centers can’t handle the volume. They delay transmission of an alarm signal to give the homeowner a chance to respond and correct the false alarm. This is not true security.
If there is a fire or someone is breaking into your home, seconds count when it comes to both the safety of your family and the protection of your belongings.
After that blog post, we received some great feedback from people who were unsure if American Alarm incorporated a dialer delay into its burglar alarm systems.
The fact is, we do not and will not use equipment with built-in dialer delays. The reason we posted this information was to inform our customers as well as others reading our blog that there are some companies that do this.
Our commitment to our customers has always been to provide the fastest possible response to alarm signals. We have the lowest documented response to priority signals, which is currently at 24 seconds or less. This is key in the event of a fire or intrusion at your home or business.
Please keep the questions and comments coming!
Security System Credentials: Don’t Get Burned By Fly-By-Night Contractors
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamUnfortunately, there are a number of so-called professional home and business security companies out there that misrepresent their actual licensing and certifications, and whose employees pose as legitimate, authorized burglar alarm installation technicians when the reality is quite different. Read more →
Top 5 Tips to Burglar-Proof Your Home For Vacation
/2 Comments/by American Alarm Blogging TeamAn empty house can be a tempting target for burglars, so we’ve put together a quick and concise checklist of the top five security tips that can help you keep your property safe in your absence. Read more →
How Important are Security Industry Certifications?
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamIn the alarm business there are a number of active, high-profile organizations that publish guidelines and best operating practices and reward companies that go above and beyond the minimum required to ensure the safety and protection of their customers.
The Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA) is responsible for awarding the top security industry certification, the Five Diamond Certification. In order to be considered for Five Diamond status, a company must ensure that each of its central station operators passes one of two important CSAA training courses as well as demonstrate a complete understanding of national fire codes and security standards. Read more →
Fire and Security Maintenance – Keeping Your Systems Up To Spec
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamKeeping up with alarm system maintenance is easy, and it’s key to reducing the number of false alarms related to problems with equipment. Let’s take a look at some of the key aspects of ensuring the safe and continual operation of your security or fire monitoring system. Read more →
Home Security Needs Change as Your Life Changes
/3 Comments/by American Alarm Blogging TeamWhen it comes to security and electronically protecting your family from harm, crime is not the only thing you need to worry about. Fire and even carbon monoxide poisoning are also concerns. If you have aging parents who may have moved into your home, they too, have special security needs. You need to think of home security as a continuum, and work with an alarm monitoring company that understands that your needs change as your life changes.
Many homeowners wait to think about buying an alarm system after they’ve been the victim of crime. Wouldn’t it be better to have that piece of mind before an incident occurs? That’s why security professionals agree that home security should be a proactive and not a reactive process.
Here are four very good reasons to consider installing a home security system, no matter what stage of life you’re in: Read more →
Home Security Bulletin: Break-Ins on the Rise In New England
/1 Comment/by American Alarm Blogging TeamRead more →
Built-in Dialer Delays Have No Place at American Alarm
/1 Comment/by American Alarm Blogging TeamThe problem is that many major distributors and alarm monitoring companies have built-in dialer delays that prevent signals from being sent to the central station for up to four minutes after the alarm is tripped in the home.
Why? Because their systems are prone to false alarms and their distant monitoring centers can’t handle the volume. They delay transmission of an alarm signal to give the homeowner a chance to respond and correct the false alarm. This is not true security.
If there is a fire or someone is breaking into your home, seconds count when it comes to both the safety of your family and the protection of your belongings.
After that blog post, we received some great feedback from people who were unsure if American Alarm incorporated a dialer delay into its burglar alarm systems.
The fact is, we do not and will not use equipment with built-in dialer delays. The reason we posted this information was to inform our customers as well as others reading our blog that there are some companies that do this.
Our commitment to our customers has always been to provide the fastest possible response to alarm signals. We have the lowest documented response to priority signals, which is currently at 24 seconds or less. This is key in the event of a fire or intrusion at your home or business.
Please keep the questions and comments coming!
Is a Dialer Delay in your Home Security System Putting You at Risk?
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamFive Tips to Protect Your Home Security In The Social Media Age
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamSocial network sites are great because they make it easy for you stay in touch with family and friends. The problem is too many people don’t realize that they could be exposing themselves to any number of security risks. In this video, American Alarm Blogging Team’s Sunny Gault will give you some tips to ensure that your social networking activity doesn’t compromise the safety of your family or your home.
Does your social networking activity compromise your home security? Read more →
American Alarm Acquires Two Rhode Island Security Companies
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamThe Warwick based companies will continue to operate from their current location and pursue new opportunities to grow their residential and commercial life-safety and security services.
“We are looking forward to serving the customers of Electronic Alarm Systems and Phoenix Fire Alarm and Communications,” said Wells Sampson, President of American Alarm. “These companies have a long history of serving Rhode Island customers. We look forward to carrying on their tradition of passion for excellent, caring service. American Alarm’s strengths will help these companies grow.” Read more →