Monitored security systems have come a long way since the watch tower bell rung from the lookout in the village square.
These days, systems are personalised and networked directly with a security company to provide coverage against multiple types of emergencies.
When you think of alarm systems, think of them as a kind of insurance, the same as any life, home or automobile insurance policy; their biggest benefit is giving you peace of mind. How they do that depends on the product and the security company you purchase from, but in general they work as follows…
How a Monitored Security System works
The key word is ‘monitored’, as a trusted security company receives alarms triggered from inside your home or business from a wide variety of sensors.
These sensors can include fire detection systems, distress alarms from personal health monitoring devices, intrusion detection systems and even gas sensors to detect atmospheric toxins like carbon monoxide. The alerts from these detection systems are sent to the security company that monitors around the clock. When an alarm is set off, the security company will take the appropriate action; summoning firefighters, medical professionals or police depending on the alarm type.
In the case of a security alarm, there can be procedures in place to call the building in question to challenge whoever answers with responding with a password.
No response on the phone or an incorrect answer will indicate that something is amiss and the police will be sent. This is to minimise the number of mistakes, as security alarms are often the source of false positives; employees may forget their passcode, for instance, or an emergency door may be accidentally opened, or a window with a break sensor may be broken by mistake.
Phoning to confirm the emergency is an effective measure to take to limit police involvement in the case of a false positive.
Benefits
There are many benefits to having a monitored security system, but the most significant is peace of mind.
In the case of an emergency, many home and business owners are not equipped to respond, or may be incapacitated and unable to respond.
In this case, the security company can take the proper measures to ensure the correct professionals are contacted.
Response time, in some emergency situations, is critical and the security company receives the alarm instantly and can respond immediately. The security company also lends a sense of credibility to the emergency situation, where professionals know that an emergency has been verified.
These reasons alone may be enough to warrant investing in a monitored security system.
The financial benefits of having a monitored security system cannot be overlooked either.
When it comes to purchasing insurance, most companies will offer deep discounts ranging from 2% to 15% on premiums for buildings that are covered by a monitored security system.
Just having a security system and displaying the proper advertisements proclaiming the system and company can be enough to deter most would be thieves.
If a thief does proceed to break in, the response time associated with a monitored security system decreases the chances of any property being stolen or vandalised.
Monitored security systems are a worthwhile and valid investment for any business or homeowner with multiple benefits and complete peace of mind.
Here at Protect & Detect, we offer an extensive range of security devices, including monitored fire alarms, intruder alarms and CCTV systems.
These systems are continuously monitored by a contracted company, ensuring someone is alerted as soon as the alarm sounds.
Protect & Detect is a leading fire safety and security company, servicing Ipswich, Colchester, Cambridge, Bury St. Edmunds, Chelmsford and beyond.
Protect & Detect offers a wide range of fire safety and security services including; fire alarms, fire extinguishers, burglar alarms, intruder alarms, fire sprinkler systems, access control, door entry systems, CCTV, barriers, nurse and warden calls. Contact our friendly team today for a quick quote.