SECURITY SYSTEMS AND ARMED RESPONSE

Before choosing a security company to "watch over" your house/possessions it may be a good idea to see which firm dominates your suburb. More presence of a certain security firm in your area means that there will be probably a stronger patrol presence. Check to see what/where the patrol cars are parked during the day/night, it is a good idea to choose the security firm who stations there vehicle close to you (faster armed response).

The main problem encountered with some armed security firms is that the maintenance crews provide a poor service. There are security firms that subcontract the maintenance out to other firms. If you have have a problem with your alarm system, first talk to the technical manger and explain the problem so that he can advise you before the maintenance crew arrives. Maintenance crews can take advantage with unnecessary costs (difficult to prove). Try and get a second opinion on expensive repairs. If you have had a maintenance crew fix your alarm, test the alarm system before they leave.

When you receive a quotation for a new alarm system, be sure to ask for the sensor model/type and control pad model/make. Beware of installation crews installing poor systems only to take home the advanced system that was actually supposed to be installed. When your alarm is installed, make sure that you check the sensor coverage in the room. If the sensor is installed at the wrong angle or sensitivity, it can result in "dead zones"in the room were thieves can pass through. Check to see were you need coverage of your sensors. The installation crew does not necessarily know best and are maybe looking for a quick installation to get to the next job.

There are special pet sensors available that prevent false alarms if your cat runs across the room.

Also request for a lightning or surge protection for the system (gets this in writing if it has been installed).

It is sometimes better to install radio transmitter, as it is more reliable (they do not rely on telephone connection) and a radio transmitter works out cheaper in the long run (a telephone alarm system uses the phone to run tests).

If you are changing between security systems, remember that the system is yours and the only equipment that belongs to the security firm is the radio transmitter (if installed).

After installing the alarm. Make sure you receive the manual and the master code for your alarm system. Ask the installation crew to write down the steps to take if you need to change your pin. Write down the name and cell number of the installation crew, so that you can phone him if there are problems. It is better to get the original crew to come back to fix errors. Make sure the battery is new and is connected to a plug point that is not used or can be accidentally switched off.