| Choosing the right Alarm Company can be difficult. | | | | - Referrals. Ask them if they can give you referrals of |
| There are so many choices and decisions to make. It | | | | other customers who have the same system that you |
| is serious business, however, because it the safety of | | | | want. Make sure that these costumers live in your |
| your family that is at stake. Here is help in how to | | | | area. |
| choose an alarm company that will best suit your | | | | - Ask them how long they have been in the alarm |
| needs for home security. | | | | system business. |
| Here is a guide on how to choose the best alarm | | | | - Ask them where their central monitoring center is, as |
| company. | | | | some companies' monitoring centers are located |
| 1. First, it is important to do your research by contacting | | | | somewhere else. |
| the following entities: | | | | - Allow them to see your house and ask what the |
| Get in touch with the National Burglar and Fire Alarm | | | | company's recommendations are. Make sure they |
| Association (alarm.org) | | | | explain it with thoroughly. A good explanation will |
| - Ask for the brochure entitled, "Safe and Sound: | | | | ensure you that you're dealing with a company who |
| Guide to Home Security." They also have the | | | | knows what they're doing. |
| members list of all the alarm companies that are found | | | | - Make sure that they understand that you don't want |
| in your area. Make sure the companies you are dealing | | | | other people (subcontractors) to work on the |
| with are part of this organization. Talk to Insurance | | | | installation process. Be very strict about this. The |
| companies/agents | | | | company should do it themselves. |
| - Ask these people what company they can | | | | - Ask for the warranty period and the after sales |
| recommend you Talk to representatives from your | | | | service that they offer. |
| local Police Department | | | | - Read the contract carefully before signing. |
| - If you have a few alarm companies in mind, ask the | | | | - Don't be afraid to ask tough questions. 4. Evaluate |
| crime prevention department regarding the status of | | | | the information that you have learned during your |
| these companies. 2. Narrow down to at least 3 or 4 | | | | research. This will help you select which alarm |
| companies and arrange a meeting with them. | | | | company offers the best service to meet your needs. |
| 3. At the meeting ask the following questions: | | | | Owning your personal alarm system that is monitored |
| - Ask them if they carry general liability, the | | | | by an alarm company can be very helpful in insuring |
| compensation for the service of the workman and | | | | the safety of your home and the safety of your |
| error/omission insurance. It won't hurt to ask if they | | | | family. Make sure you do your homework and use |
| have certificates of insurance to prove their claim. | | | | these guidelines to help you make the best decision. |
| - Business license. This is a proof that they are | | | | Choosing the right alarm company will help you sleep |
| certified to operate in your area. A business license is | | | | soundly at night knowing that you have extra |
| also a proof that they are operating legally. | | | | protection for your home. |