There is now an influx of DIY home security systems on the market, which has resulted in more people having systems installed in their homes. However, the question is whether self-monitoring is as effective as 24/7 professional alarm monitoring?
To answer this question, we’re going to take a look at both.
Self-Monitored Security Alarm Systems
Monitoring your alarm system yourself is an option. You can check on system status from a smart phone app or a computer. You can also set the system to call you or another number on your contact list in the case the alarm is triggered.
It’s even possible to monitor activities happening inside your home or business with live video feeds. Seeing what is going on can bring about a great deal of comfort. It’s nice knowing when the alarm is triggered and what zone is affected when it happens. It’s even nicer when there is no reason for the alarm system to sound.
However, there are downfalls to self-monitoring despite the advantages. With only you monitoring your system, you could be in a position where you are not capable of notifying the authorities. For instance, you could be staying in a cabin in the mountains where a cell signal isn’t available. If your alarm is triggered, you aren’t going to know about it. If your mobile device’s battery dies or you become busy and leave your device in another room, you will be none the wiser and the authorities won’t be notified. This puts your home or business at serious risk.
24/7 Professional Alarm Monitoring
Professional alarm monitoring gives you additional services that are nice to have. You can still monitor your system on your own, but professional monitoring is 24/7 no matter where you are or what you are doing. If you are unable to contact the authorities, the monitoring center can.
In other words, if you are enjoying a beach somewhere and decide to leave your mobile device in your hotel room, your home or business is still being watched.
Good professional alarm monitoring companies have exceptionally fast response times, which is important for the security and safety of your home or business. Studies have proven that 83 percent of burglars first look for an alarm system before they attempt the burglary. However, 40 percent of them will stick around and challenge it. Sixty percent know that the presence of alarm carries a high possibility of it being connected to a monitoring center that can alert the authorites very fast.
Approximately half of burglars target homes, while 31 percent target commercial locations.
Yes, there is a small monthly fee for your system to be professionally monitored, but there are no disadvantages to having that extra set of eyes watching your system. You can still access your surveillance system and remotely arm or disarm the system if you need to, but you don’t have to worry about a bad cell phone signal, a dead battery, or a busy schedule keeping you from noticing a break-in.
A live person checks to see if the alarm is turned off within a specific amount of time. If the alarm continues to sound, that person contacts the police to check on your home or business.
Another perk:
Your insurance company may give you a discount when you have an operational and fully monitored security system in your home or business. This alone reduces the cost of investing in a security system.
Contact An Experienced Rochester Security Alarm Company
At SPS Fire & Security, we install affordable state-of-the-art systems that include 24/7 monitoring and the self-monitoring features that you need. To learn more about our systems, services, and how we can give you the peace of mind you deserve, call 585-770-0348. We serve Rochester, Syracuse, Buffalo, and the surrounding areas.
