Finding the Right System

What to consider when selecting an alarm company

By: The Canadian Security Association (CANASA)

Electronic alarm systems are recognized as an important contributor to the securing of people and property. In a 1995 Canadian comparison of break and enters (B & E) on residential premises, the B & E rate was 37 per 1000 non-alarmed premises vs. only 4 per 1000 on alarmed. Residences with alarm systems are 9.25 times less likely to have a break-in. In the same study, total losses on non-alarmed residences was over $11.5 million, whereas alarmed properties experienced a total of only $248,000 in losses. These studies clearly demonstrate the deterrent value and loss reduction value of alarm systems.

As a user or potential user of an alarm system, you will enjoy the benefits that a system can provide. While some may infer that alarm systems prevent crime and stop it, they do not - their value is in deterring crime and reducing losses should a break and enter occur. With these facts in mind, the interest by consumers in acquiring an alarm system has increased dramatically in recent years. Having made a commitment to purchase a system, where does the consumer go to have such a system installed? The caveat "consumer beware" is an important pre-requisite when purchasing an alarm system.

It is essential that you focus your attention on s electing a qualified alarm company that is in a position to design a system which will meet your needs, however great or small. In selecting a company, give some consideration to what you are looking for in a system. Once you begin the process, it is important to remain consistent when dealing with competing quotes otherwise you will not be in a position to compare apples to apples.

Determining what your needs are is something that you as a homeowner will have to decide. A security system is not something that you should buy off the shelf, it should be customized to meet your needs and finances. An on-site evaluation by the alarm company is recommended before an educated quote can be provided to you. A basic system will take a two stage approach to securing your premise. The first will monitor the perimeter access points (doors & windows), the second will monitor the interior by detecting movement inside the premise (motion detectors, etc.) A combination of perimeter and interior detection is the most commonly used, however, either may be used independently depending on your needs and requirements.

An electronic alarm sytem, when used properly, is a valuable tool in securing your family assets.

When discussing your needs with a company there are several questions you should consider asking to assess the capability of the company:

  1. Will the company provide a detailed quote indicating for what length of time the quote is valid (30 days for example)? You would be wise to obtain a minimum of three quotes before making a decision.
  2. How long has the company been in business and are they a registered or incorporated company?
  3. Does the company carry professional liability insurance?
  4. Will the company provide references?
  5. Once an agreement has been reached, will the company provide you with a contract and if so, will it outline the applicable warranties, costs, and services included in the price?
  6. Will the system be monitored 24 hours a day and if servicing is required, what is the cost and how quickly can it be performed?
  7. Will the company provide the necessary training on the system as part of the price?
  8. Is the company a member of the Canadian Security Association and have they completed CANASA's Level One Training Course?

Another important aspect in determining the capability of the alarm company is in their approach to you as a potential customer.

A professional will:

  1. Not criticize a competitor; they will however, highlight their own strengths in providing a service.
  2. Be properly dressed and discuss the potential sale of a system in a business-like manner.
  3. Review the premise as a whole and make recommendations regarding the overall protection of your assets. The review should include, but not be limited to: reviewing the entrance ways, reviewing the lighting, reviewing the doors and windows, checking locks

A true professional will provide you with written information needed to make an educated decision. In electing to purchase an alarm system, it is important for the consumer to understand their own responsibility. False alarms represent a problem that is of concern to the industry, police and to users of alarm systems. A false alarm is an alarm that is generated by a system when no emergency exists. While the responsibility of the alarm company is to ensure that the system is designed and installed properly, the user has the responsibility of ensuring that the system is operated properly and not abused.

As an owner you will have to:

  1. Understand how to use the system and be sure that everyone who needs to use the system understands how to use it as well.
  2. Inform the alarm company if changes are made to your premises (ie: renovations) to be sure that the alarm system will continue to operate as designed.
  3. Test the system on a regular basis as agreed to with your alarm company.
  4. Have regular maintenance checks on your system.

An electronic alarm system, when used properly, is a valuable tool, in securing your family and assets. CANASA is a non-profit association representing the security industry in Canada. Founded in 1977 CANASA works to further the professional aims, objectives, ethics and business standards of the industry.