I live in a neighborhood with local patrol service and have good locks on my doors and windows. Why do I need a monitored alarm system?

Even in the seemingly most secure and well-monitored areas, there are vulnerabilities. Local police patrol units, even that which is contracted by a neighborhood, is obligated to respond first to 911 calls in the surrounding area. There is no guarantee that they will be available to the neighborhood if other alarm calls require their attention. And while their regular patrolling is an effective deterrent, they cannot closely examine every home at the same time.

A monitored alarm system is “on watch” 24/7 - whatever the existing conditions. It is the most effective deterrent to crime that a home can have.

A monitored alarm system can also be the first and most rapid response to a fire that starts inside the home – and can provide the added service of carbon monoxide detection.

My builder told us that we would need to go through the company who pre-wired our home, otherwise our security system would not be under warranty. Is that true?

No. Calvary Alarm warrants a pre-wire, as though they are the pre-wire company. It is important to understand the choices new homeowners have in home security. Verify the facts.

I have sensors on my doors, why do I need a full security system?

While sensors on the doors are a warning that someone is entering the home, the individuals inside are the only ones who will know about it. Pushing a panic button takes far less time than securing a phone and dialing even three numbers.

Also, a large number of burglaries take place with windows as the point of entry. A security professional will discuss areas of vulnerability in the home and develop a system that is best for the home and the homeowner.

An additional benefit of a full security system - that homeowner-installed deterrents such as door sensors cannot provide - is a discount on homeowner insurance policies. Most insurance companies give homeowners a discount for both approved locks on windows and doors, as well as security alarm systems.

What’s the Difference between a “Basic” package and one that is “Custom” built?

Generally, a basic Calvary Alarm hardwire system will consist of one motion detector, one keypad, either three doors, or all pre-wired openings, a control panel with backup battery, a siren, yard signs and decals. Other equipment and services can be added at some of the lowest prices in the industry, when a Calvary client decides to upgrade or enhance a system.

A custom security alarm system is based on the specific needs of an individual or family. These systems are able to accommodate a large family with multiple panic buttons and remotes. They may also include security devices in areas around the home such as adjoining gates and walkways. DSL filters may be necessary to avoid interference created by DSL lines. And for those customers without land lines and opting for cellular service only, cellular backup protector serves not only as additional backup during power outages, but also as a primary link.

A Calvary security alarm consultant can help homeowner’s decide the best system for their needs.

Aren’t the Basic Packages About the Same Price for Most Alarm Companies?

It may seem so at first glance. But, the differences ultimately reside in the details and how each company defines the term “basic.”

For example, oftentimes a company will promote a “basic” package at a low price that does not include the wiring of window openings. Since window openings are a popular point of entry for criminals, they are recommended. The company then charges a high price - that can be three times higher than other security alarm companies - for the additional wiring.

The differences between alarm companies begin to surface in pricing of “add on” services or equipment, monitoring fees and response time, warranty and service. It is important that a homeowner understands all aspects of the company’s service offerings and fee structure.

A Calvary Alarm security consultant can provide all of these answers, with current cost and service comparisons of competitors, during an initial home security assessment.

What if I lose power, will my alarm system stop working?

No. Calvary Alarm provides not only systems with battery back up, but cellular backup protector ensuring that homes equipped only with portable phones or digital phone service rendered inoperable during power outages have more than one backup measure.

How long does it take for someone to respond when my alarm is triggered?

Calvary Alarm has one of the fastest response times in the industry. Within minutes, a first call is made to the home in order to rule out a false alarm. If there is no answer, or an incorrect passcode is received, the second number on the call list is called. If there is no answer, or an incorrect passcode is received, the police are contacted. If the operator is still unable to reach the homeowner or obtain the correct passcode after the police are called, those individuals the homeowner authorized as other contacts are called as well.