A Homeowner’s Guide to Finding the Right Alarm System Provider

No one should ever compromise security. No one should just settle when the safety of the family is at stake. Nothing is ever “just okay.”

A study by the University of North Carolina and Charlotte on convicted burglars’ view on alarm systems and deterrents found that 83% of burglars considered the presence of deterrents such as home security and that 60% would seek another target. Only 13% said they would still continue the attempt even after an alarm had been discovered. That is a large drop in your risk of be a victim of burglary just by having an alarm system present.

Buying your first alarm system shouldn’t be taken lightly, as if just buying another pair of shoes. You have to remember that burglary is a crime of opportunity. When burglars see a way in, they are most certainly going to find a way out. While burglars generally avoid homes with an alarm system, you must consider establishing a stronger home security from your alarm system supplier.

But, how do you exactly determine a trusted home security provider fit for your alarm system needs? To help you out, here are the key considerations for choosing one.

Seek advice and read reviews

When you intend to buy or upgrade your phone, one of the first things that you do is read reviews of your prospective purchase online. Be as persistent when you search for a home security store. Support your choice with research and informed advice from users. However, you have to be very cautious when doing so because some online reviews can be untruthful with the intention to mislead.

One of the most effective ways to choose the right alarm system provider is to seek the advice of friends and family. They have your best interest in mind. You can depend on them to give you an honest assessment of a device. Personal referrals are priceless.

Research work record

Credibility is at the core of choosing a trusted home security provider. Evaluate the company’s work history to determine whether its record is untainted, received a significant number of complaints, has a reputation of being a trailblazer in the industry or if it has good customer service. Find out if they have all the licenses to operate, especially those that may affect consumer protection. The Better Business Bureau is a good place to start here.

Satisfies all your needs

In figuring out where to buy home security devices, it is important that you are able to identify your needs. What do you want the alarm system to do for you and what’s your allotted budget for home security? Only then will you be able to narrow down your choices and ultimately pick the right one.

If you think that a wireless alarm system would work best for your home, then opt for an alarm system supplier with specific wireless products. The Alarm System Store offers topnotch security devices, sensors and other accessories that can help you in managing your home.

Pool of experts

People are the heart and soul of any company. Find out if their pool of home security experts are truly what they claim to be. Check if they are indeed trained and certified to reduce faulty installations and other technical problems. Experts should also extend to customer service professionals whom you can count on to give assistance whenever necessary.

Dispatcher and command center

With so many alarm companies to choose from, you should find the one that has a responsive 24-hour security command center. You will notice that most professional alarm systems have a two-way radio capability, which will directly send a distress signal to the command center. The command center will then assess the situation and if a threat is validated, it will ask authorities to dispatch units and attend to your emergency.

This aspect is very important because it deals with the actual responsiveness of a security company and of authorities. At the same time, it must help you identify validated threats both from false alarms and your immediate surroundings.

Contracts and warranty

This is usually the boring, tedious part of the process. But don’t make the mistake of not paying attention to this detail. Some companies make you sign a two- or three-year commitment contract. Also check to see whether or not they have any warranty policy.

Innovative

A good company must always know how to innovate. In the security industry, companies who have the best and latest technology are considered pioneers. And as the market evolves, it is important that your choice of provider is capable of change, upgrades, and other technological advancements in order to keep up with the latest features that consumers are looking for. Many people are not only looking for home security, but smart home security with home automation and remote capabilities.

Security is serious business, and you should take it seriously. When you shop around for a burglar alarm, do not just settle for the cheapest unit or the most expensive one at that. Do not just pick the one that looks the most advanced or the one that has the most features. The reasons for choosing an alarm system provider should include the provider’s credibility, innovative offerings, customer service availability, and the variety of products offered specific to your needs.