Consumers and Security Systems
Selecting the Right Alarm Company
Pre-Selection Checklist
- Be sure that the installation company is a member of the Electronic Security Association (ESA) or a Charter State Association of the ESA. Members agree to maintain a high level of conduct under a Code of Ethics and render services at the highest level of quality.
- Call more than one company. Schedule an appointment when all members of your household are present. When a security professional visits, ask to see company identification.
- Ask if their technicians are licensed or under the State apprentice program.
- Ask if they screen employees before hiring and do thorough background checks.
- Have their technicians been trained and/or certified by the ESA/National Training School? (NTS).
- Does the company carry adequate insurance coverage?
- Does the contract include a 3-day right of rescission clause mandatory for residential contracts?
- Review what equipment you will actually own, and what equipment, if any, will remain the property of the security company.
- Inquire about the Central Station that will be monitoring your account.
- If service is required on the system, how soon will a technician be sent to your premises? Is there 24-hour service?
- Sometimes there may be a privacy policy for the alarm company’s customers, but always ask for referrals.
- Check online for the company’s reviews and ratings. Does the company belong to the local BBB? If so, what is their rating?
Professional Installation VS DIY Installation
DIY Checklist
Before you decide to install an electronic system yourself consider these factors:
- Are you aware of all the codes and standards that govern how your system is installed and operated?
- Are you aware of all of the options and features of the equipment you plan to install?
- Do you hold the required license and have the ability to pull the permit?
- Have you considered the value of your time to learn about and install the system in calculating the cost of your do it yourself installation?
- Is the equipment you have access to at retail outlets of equal quality to the professional grade equipment?
- Do you own all the tools you will need to install, test and calibrate the equipment you plan to use?
- Will your insurance policies cover you if you are injured or do damage to your property during the installation?
- Does the company you bought the equipment from provide sufficient help in the event something goes wrong during the installation?
- Does your insurance company require a certificate of installation to receive a discount on your insurance?
- Who are you going to get the system monitored by? Is the central station UL listed?
The Benefits of a Professional Installation
False Alarm Prevention
It’s a FACT … false alarms rob communities of valuable appropriate police response. If you have any doubt about the use of your system, contact your alarm company immediately. Many Missouri Burglar and Fire Alarm Association members have in-house False Alarm Prevention Teams that will help their customers remedy false alarms. When you have an alarm system installed by a professional, you will receive proper instruction on its use. Arming and disarming the system should be easy to learn and these instructions must be passed on to ALL persons who have a key to your home or business–employees, children, grandparents, neighbors, and don’t forget the cleaning help and delivery staff. Your security system will be designed and installed to be trouble free for your specific daily routine. It will provide you easy protection for your home and loved ones or your business. However, improper use can result in false alarms. Summoning the police or fire department when no real emergency exists is called a “false alarm.” Some simple steps must be taken to make sure that your system works false alarm free:
False Alarm Prevention Checklist
- Make sure all protected doors and windows are closed and locked before arming your system.
- Do not block the sensing path of any detection devices, i.e. motion sensors should be free from curtains, plants, balloons or etc. that may blow in the path by a breeze, air conditioning or heating unit.
- Leave your home/business promptly after “arming” your system and disarm your system promptly when entering. Know what your exit and enter time delay is with your system.
- If you make an error on entering your keypad code, wait several seconds before trying again.
- Keep your alarm company up-to-date on changes to your key-holders who would respond with the authorities in your absence.
- Use alarm company decals on doors and/or windows.
- Have your security system periodically tested by your alarm professional.
- Make sure your alarm company has up-to-date phone numbers for verifying burglar alarm signals.
- And finally, if you accidentally trip your alarm system, follow your alarm company’s specific procedures for canceling the dispatch.
Ordinance Fines and Enhanced Call Verification
In an attempt to curb false alarms, most communities have instituted ordinances with fines for repeat offenders. The tax dollars spent needlessly on responding to false alarms is a growing concern for many communities. Most security companies today are implementing the use of new technology to prevent false alarms and they are using enhanced call verification to make sure that a burglary signal is valid. To learn more about enhanced call verification check with your dealer.
For Your Protection when Purchasing a Security System
Consumer Beware
The business of selling residential alarm systems is very competitive and customers are aggressively sought by many companies through a variety of methods and means. There is a difference between good salesmanship and fraud, and you need to be aware of the difference. Those who are preyed upon are often the elderly, non-English speakers and those who have recently purchased a home.
For Your Protection
Be cautious of any UNSOLICITED sales contact. Verify all information before you authorize any new work or changes. By capitalizing on large numbers of college students seeking summer employment, out-of-state unlicensed alarm companies often send teams of salespeople to cities. Most teams work on commission, incentives and contests. As they speak to homeowners they keep the pressure on in order make the sale. While licensed alarm representatives will complete the process ethically and responsibly, these representatives will not. Check the agent’s ID and the company’s license before you allow any work on your alarm system. Many state and local jurisdictions provide on-line look up of required licenses. Consumers should protect themselves by choosing a company that is up-to-date on all their licensing.
Double Billing Scam
The fraud scheme goes like this: You receive an unsolicited telephone call or a knock on your door. This person tells you they now have ownership of your alarm system(s) or have taken over your account. The salesman starts making false statements similar to the following; your current alarm company has been sold, is going out of business, is going into bankruptcy, or we have obtained all rights to your account. The salesman will want to change the programming for your alarm system and update your paperwork by writing a new contract with their company. No legitimate alarm company will show up at your door to fix or replace equipment without a prior appointment having been made. If you are approached in this manner DO NOT ALLOW ANYONE ACCESS TO YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS. GET VERIFICATION FROM YOUR CURRENT ALARM COMPANY. Take the time to make a phone call. You’re still under contract with the current alarm company and a new contract may obligate you to a second alarm company and their charges. Without due diligence, you will start getting bills from both alarm companies. This becomes the “Double Billing” scam. You often are left paying both bills, costing hundreds of dollars. Alarm businesses generally notify you, in writing, when they are being sold, transferred or having billing changes.