I Have an Alarm… Now What?
The next steps…
If you already have an alarm installed in your house, you can breathe a sigh of relief. Whether you recently moved into a house with a previously installed alarm or a new build that includes a fully functional alarm system, you’re definitely on your way to keeping your family and assets safe. However, there are some next steps and questions to consider to fully maximize your security system.
Test
Try and test your alarm system. Ask the previous homeowner for the master code so you can arm the system and test any contacts or motions. If the master code is unavailable, you may need to contact your local security company to do a hard reset on the system.
Upgrade
If you’re moving into a pre-owned home, your alarm system may be new to you but in reality, could be several years old, if not older. While some of these older systems are still functional, you’ll want to test the contacts and older motions as these often produce false alarms compared to newer motion sensors. If you’re looking to get remote features out of this system, be sure to check the make and model because some systems can simply be upgraded by adding a special module. Simply provide your alarm company with the make and model of the panel and they’ll be able to provide you with this information.
Monitor
Alarm systems are built to communicate with a monitoring station in order to operate at their highest potential. Having your alarm system connected to a monitoring station is crucial because they’ll be the ones to call you or the authorities if your alarm is set off – saving you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in potential theft. Another advantage of monitoring your alarm, is the peace of mind you’ll have when you’re on vacation or out of town knowing your house and assets are safe and sound.
