What Are The Benefits Of Remote Alarm Monitoring

Life is often unpredictable. And not always in a good way. Events can suddenly turn your world upside down.

Such as a fire threatening your business or thieves breaking into your home. As a precaution, you may already have fire and burglar alarms installed. And quite possibly CCTV, too. Ensuring everything is protected.

BUT... what happens when you're not there to respond to an alarm?

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF FIRE AND INTRUDER ALARM MONITORING?

Well, smart people get their smart security systems monitored by an Alarm Receiving Centre.

Why?

Because...

If your system is monitored, the activity can be dealt with in real time and hopefully prevent any crime. The operators at your ARC can use an audio warning or two-way radio to communicate with intruders and tell them to move along...

And call the Police or security personnel to deal with them as they try to leave.

"You're nicked!"

But...

If no one is there monitoring the situation, no one will come when your bellbox is clattering away sounding the alarm. You find out what's happened when you get back to your ransacked property.

And you're left just watching the security camera footage retrospectively hoping the Police can solve the crime - trying to piece together the evidence after the event... with no real way to identify the thieves.

It's a pretty simple choice!

And for fire the choice to invest in monitoring is just as stark...

The London Fire Service's website talks about the issues with fire alarm systems that send an automatic alert if they detect what they 'think' might be a fire. Sadly, many of these systems are poorly maintained, resulting in a lot of false alarms.

As a result, many fire brigades won't attend after such an automated alert unless there is a call from a real human confirming that there really is a fire

If such a fire alert comes through, the operators at your ARC can look at your premises through the cameras. If they do see a fire, they can be the second confirmation required to be sure that the Fire Brigade know it is not a false alarm

Sure, there are added benefits

• Improved security - your property is never left unprotected
• An immediate response to any alarm
• False alarms can become a thing of the past
• Your Insurance Premiums may be lower
• Added peace of mind

But the reality is, it's that choice between stopping a fire or crime... or dealing with the aftermath.

Here's what it all means in a little more detail

What is Remote Alarm Monitoring?

Fire alarms, intruder alarms, CCTV, and VSS (Video Surveillance Systems) can all be connected to a remotely located monitoring facility. Known as an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC), they operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Staffed by professional monitoring security operators, they provide homes and businesses with highly secure round-the-clock monitored protection.

How do Remote Alarm and CCTV Monitoring services work?

Once a fire or burglar alarm is triggered or CCTV sensors detect something suspicious, a signal is automatically sent to the Alarm Receiving Centre - alerting the operator of a situation that may warrant further action.

Signals to the ARC can be sent in various ways using:

Landline only: Here, there is only one way of sending an alert signal to the ARC. This means, should the line develop a fault or is damaged by an intruder, no alert can be sent to the monitoring centre. Leaving your home or business vulnerable.

Dual-Path GPRS (General Packet Radio Service): This provides greater security by using two means of sending an alert signal - landline and GPRS mobile network.

An Internet connection: This is another secure way of sending an alert signal to the Alarm Receiving Centre. CCTV systems use this type of connection to send live pictures to the ARC, but is also used for wireless Intruder and Fire alarm monitoring.

BT RedCare GSM monitoring (Global System for Mobile): A popular and highly secure system using a BT landline and mobile network. Both signal paths are continuously monitored and any faults quickly detected.

What happens when an alarm is triggered?

Initially, the ARC operator will make appropriate checks to ensure it's not a false alarm. Once they've determined it's not (or can't confirm it's a false alarm), they will contact a designated keyholder. Or, if the monitoring system allows, they will contact the Police or Fire Brigade.

Some Intruder alarm systems allow the operator to issue a verbal challenge to any would-be criminal. So as well as hearing the alarm going off, they will also hear the voice of the operator. Letting any intruder know the alarm hasn't gone unnoticed.

You can also extend the capability of your Fire and Intruder Alarm system by combining them with your CCTV or VSS.

Why you should combine your CCTV with Fire and Intruder Alarm Monitoring

If you already have a CCTV system installed, combining it with Fire and Intruder Alarm monitoring means you can increase your overall security.

Obviously the main purpose of a monitored CCTV system is to alert the ARC should a camera detect something suspicious. But CCTV can also assist the operator should a Fire or Intruder alert be received.

By using the cameras, the ARC operator can locate any potential problem. And if the camera system allows, it may also be possible for them to zoom in, tilt and rotate the appropriate camera. By being able to see what's happening live, they can quickly assess the situation and determine whether it's a false alarm or if the keyholder or emergency services need to be contacted.

Is having Remote Alarm Monitoring a legal requirement for businesses?

The short answer is no.

However, your insurance company may insist you do. Especially if they feel your business is more at risk from fire or crime than most. In such circumstances, ensuring your fire alarm, burglar alarms and CCTV systems are professionally monitored may well form part of your policy terms.

However, the good news is insurance companies favour homes and businesses that use a Remote Alarm Monitoring service. With the round-the-clock protection they provide, their potential insurance risk is reduced. And so, with your home or business premises being safer and more secure, you may find your insurance premiums are also reduced.

Can our existing Fire Alarm, Intruder Alarm or CCTV system be used?

It all depends on what you currently have installed and, in particular, how old everything is. But switching to a Remote Alarm Monitoring service doesn't necessarily mean your existing fire and security systems need replacing with something newer.

What are these new TIOC (Three in one) Cameras all about?

The new TIOC active deterrent cameras can be monitored by an ARC where the operatives can use the audio features or two-way radio to communicate with intruders. Or you can monitor them and do the shouting yourself.

CAN MAC SECURITY HELP WITH REMOTE MONITORING FOR YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS?

You can't really put a value on having peace of mind.

But knowing that your home or business is never left unprotected. And that an immediate response will follow whenever an alarm is triggered is one way of achieving it. Plus, with Remote Alarm Monitoring, your insurance premiums may be lower, too!

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