Monitored alarm systems
Monitored systems use essentially the same sensors and equipment as a standard alarm but, instead of having to rely on your neighbours to investigate or call the police, you pay a monthly fee for 24-hour-a-day monitoring. Because the security needs for each home and homeowner will vary, most monitoring companies send a sales rep to do an on-site assessment to determine how much and what type of equipment you'll need. Equipment and installation charges range from free (provided you sign up for a multi-year contract) to in excess of $1,000, depending on the security company and package you choose, with monthly fees of $30 to $50 on top of that. When the alarm is set off, there are a number of variables for what can happen next. Bell, for example, has recently introduced a wireless system that you install and monitor yourself.
If the alarm is tripped, an alarm sounds and you will be notified via phone, email, or text message. Others, like Alarm- Force, use a “two-way wireless voice communication system” through which an operator can listen to and communicate with anyone in the house. If the occupant can't (or won't) provide the correct password, police are notified of a burglary in progress. Other companies send a private security service to investigate alarms before contacting the police.
With monitored systems, you can add on a variety of other features including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, sensors that detect basement flooding or temperature-drops – indicating the furnace has shut down – for peace of mind while you're on vacation, and even medical alarms, with personal distress buttons for seniors living on their own.
As you would with any home renovation, get at least three different estimates and ask each sales rep why their system costs more (or less) than the competition. Be sure to inquire about backup power supplies and, since most systems rely on the phone line for communications, ask about what sort of fail-safe measures there are if the line is cut.
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