If you are new to the home security market then chances are that you might be overwhelmed by the wide array of choices in the market. One term that you will hear frequently is a monitored home security system. It is termed as one of the most efficient forms of home security and hence costs higher than most ordinary systems. But are they worth the extra cost? Or is it just another marketing gimmick?
A monitored security alarm system is a system that is connected 24×7 to a remote monitoring service manned by security personnel. In case of an alarm, these security personnel will immediately contact the law enforcement agencies and they will be dispatched to your home. So how is it different from a normal alarm system and why the extra cost?
How it works
There are two scenarios that we can use to explain the obvious advantage of using a monitored security system over a more conventional one. Let’s look at each one of them.
- An elderly couple stays alone at home and finds that the alarm has been triggered in the middle of the night. Almost immediately, panic sets in. Is it a false alarm? Or is someone trying to break in? Should I call the cops? Now where was that panic button on the keypad? It is easy to get confused. Also, in the unlikely event that the home is really being burgled, then there is very little reaction time for the person to call 911 and give his/her details. In such a scenario, a monitoring service can be a boon. A company representative will call the home immediately to check the status and the reason for the alarm being triggered and in case of an unsatisfactory response; will inform the law enforcement agencies instantly. If you have been trapped in a room in the house and are unable to get in touch with anyone, then the monitoring service can come to your aid.
- In the second situation, let’s assume that you are not at home and the alarm is triggered. Almost immediately, security personnel from the monitoring company will be dispatched to your place. Or they will contact the police and a team of cops will be dispatched to your place to check. This can not only prevent a robbery and save your valuables and assets, but can also save the lives of your pets if you own them.
A monitoring service takes into account several factors before deciding on how to respond to an alarm. For example, an alarm that has been triggered at 3 am in the middle of the night is more likely to be set off by a burglar than an alarm that has been triggered in the evening at 5 pm when most people are at home. Also, the home owner can decide the immediate response that the monitoring company should undertake. Some families even give the monitoring company a list of friends or relatives that they can call in case of an alarm. It is also possible to get the monitoring company to activate the CCTV cameras when the alarm is triggered so that they can monitor the place remotely.
A reliable monitoring service can cost between $25 to $40 monthly and this extra cost may well be worth the extra features and comfort provided by this type of service. Some companies even offer a two to three year contract.
