Security System Information Guide

Q.  What should a security system do for me and my family?

A.   A well planned and designed security system should, per the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA), detect intruders or life safety alarms while ignoring authorized users or things that normally occur or might occur when an intruder is not present or a life safety condition does not exist.

      There are a number of objectives that a security system should meet.  These include:

§         Deter the intruder.  This can be done by strategically locating yard signs and window and door decals.

§         Detect the intruder or life safety condition.  Intrusion detection should occur at the perimeter of the dwelling, typically through the use of door and window contacts and/or glass break detectors.  Intrusion detection can also occur at the interior, most commonly through the use of motion detectors.  Life safety detection includes smoke and heat detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors.

§         Report the event.  When an alarm condition occurs, it needs to be reported locally to the residents via the installed siren and remotely to the central monitoring station.

§         Initiate the proper response.  Remote monitoring through a UL listed central monitoring station will ensure that the proper authorities (fire, police or ambulance) are dispatched based on the alarm condition.

§         Avoid false alarms.  The system needs to only detect and communicate valid alarms and the end user needs to be sufficiently trained in the use of the system.

Q.  Why is it important to avoid false alarms and how can my family and I do our part?

A.   Law enforcement, fire departments and emergency medical services are limited on their resources.  Therefore, they need to have high confidence that they are truly responding to a real emergency.  One way their confidence is increased is by knowing that alarm system users are properly trained.  A reputable security system provider will ensure that you receive thorough training in the use of your system.  They will also make themselves available to answer other questions as they arise.

      Some locations require that alarm systems are registered with the local governmental body.  Some governmental bodies also charge for excessive false alarms.  Dealing with a reputable security provider and learning proper operation of your system will minimize the chance of false alarms.

Q.  How do intruders typically gain entry?

A.   Temple University conducted a study in 1990 and found that 81% of the residential break-ins they reviewed were through the first floor of the residence.  They also found that of these entries on the first floor, 47% were through the front door, 32% were through the back door and 22% were through a window.

Q.  Why is it important to have a UL listed central station monitor my system?

A.   UL listed central stations must meet specific requirements including redundant computer systems and backup electrical power systems.  When your system detects an alarm condition, you need to know that a professional monitoring station is receiving the alarm signals and reporting them to the proper authorities.

Q.  How do I know if my security provider is reputable?

A.   Ask questions and do some research.  All security providers in the Commonwealth of Virginia are required to be licensed through the Private Security Section of the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS).  Further, all employees must be registered through DCJS and carry DCJS issued photo identification cards.  Ask to see this identification from anyone you speak with regarding the purchase of a security system.  Ask what the business license number is of the firm you are considering.  If you have any doubts regarding the business or individual credentials, contact DCJS for verification.

      Ask for referrals from friends, relatives, your insurance agent and real estate agent.

      Also ask the firm about their installation practices and the quality standards associated with installation of your system.  As mentioned above, monitoring is important.  Find out what company is providing the monitoring and whether it is a UL listed central station.

Q.  Where can I get more information?

A.   For unbiased information, please contact the following organizations:

§         The Commonwealth of Virginia, Private Security Section of DCJS offers a publication entitled “What You Need to Know about Purchasing an Electronic Security System for Your Home or Business”.  The document can be accessed at

            http://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/pss/documents/whatYouNeedToKnow.pdf

§         The National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA) has a consumer information section on its website.  This section can be accessed at:

            http://www.alarm.org/info_ctr/consumer.htm