When choosing a company to install a security system in your home or to monitor your existing equipment, there are a few things you should consider. Securing your home and family has always been a serious matter but in these days of increasing and more violent crime it’s more important than ever to choose well. Here are a few points to consider.
Look for a brand that you recognize. This system may save your home or family from a fire, medical emergency, burglary or home invasion. There is varying quality in electronic security systems in the market today. Choose one with a good reputation for dependability.
Will they install a proprietary system? A few companies still install equipment that only they can monitor. We believe that it is better to empower the consumer with the ability to freely choose who will monitor and service their security system. Certified uses Honeywell equipment that can be monitored by anyone.
Does the company “lock out” their equipment? Ask if the equipment that you will be paying for will have anything that will hinder another company from monitoring it. There are lock out codes that companies use that prevent anyone else from monitoring you. It’s like buying a car and agreeing that it’s ok for the dealership to hold the key to the hood. One company in the industry actually puts in their contract that if you cancel their service after the initial term you have to return the “programmed software” within 96 hours of discontinuation. If you don’t return it, the contract says that you agree to pay $500. I still haven’t figured out what “software” they’re talking about.
How does the security company rate in customer service? After finding a dependable manufacture of equipment you then have to find a company that will install it properly, support it and monitor it. One of the best ways to predict how a company will treat you is to check how they’ve treated their customers in the past.
How many complaints have been registered with the Better Business Bureau? Before allowing a company to visit you in your home, go to http://BBB.Org to check them out online. Depending on the bureau, companies will be give either a grade such as A – F or simply satisfactory or not satisfactory. Looking to see the actual number of complaints that people have taken the time and effort to register will give you insight into the satisfaction level of a company’s customer base.
“Google” any companies you are considering to find out what others are saying about them online. The internet has become a huge consumer organization where people are able to go and give reviews, testimonials or complaints as they see fit. You do have to read them with a critical mind but if you see a pattern of praise or complaints it is probably warranted.
Next you should find out about the actual people who will be coming to your home. Does the company you’re considering use subcontractors or are the people you will be dealing with employed directly by the company. Are they bonded and insured? Will they be wearing a uniform? Will they have company identification?
Are you dealing with a company that has a drug free workplace? I know that having a drug free workplace makes finding people to work for you more difficult. But we wouldn’t want it any other way. You should demand the assurance that the company you are dealing with is doing everything in their power to protect you and your family from people with addictions coming into your home.
Does the company in question do background checks on all their potential employees? I just can’t stress enough how important it is to make sure that the people who are coming into your home are people you can trust.
Is the Monitoring Station UL listed? Today most central monitoring stations are UL listed. That is good news. The Underwriters Laboratory is the organization that checks and lists (like certification) central monitoring stations. However there are still a handful of local stations that are not listed or certified by any organization. I would not put the safety of my family in the hands of any company that wasn’t willing to be scrutinized and examined by an outside authority.
Are there multiple backup monitoring stations? In most critical services there is built in redundancy. It’s better to have backups that aren’t used than to need them and have none. There’s no difference with monitoring. If a company depends on a single isolated monitoring station then bad weather, natural disaster or unexpected crisis that effect your community may also affect the employees of the isolated “local” monitoring station. If employees can’t make it to work, who is left watching the systems that keep you safe?