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Frequently Asked Questions
1 - How much does the system cost? The cost can vary by quite a bit, but systems are usually surprisingly affordable. Some of the factors affecting the cost are:
2 - What does AlarmBRIDGE do when the alarm is tripped? The short answer, is that AlarmBRIDGE will do whatever you have instructed us to do upon receipt
of an alarm signal from your system. The standard procedure however,
is to telephone the protected premises in an attempt to verify the
existence of an emergency situation. If the telephone is answered,
our operator will expect the person at the premises to be able to
identify themselves with their own name and a special secret "passcode"
that is unique to that person. Once proper identification of the
call recipient is made, that person can provide dispatch or cancellation
instructions to our operator. If no satisfactory verification of
the person's identity is provided, normal dispatch procedures, as
instructed by the subscriber, will be followed (eg. police dispatch,
private guard dispatch, fire or ambulance dispatch or other agency
dispatched or notified). 3 - Is our system wired or wireless? Most security system experts agree that "wired in" systems are still much less costly than wireless versions, although the gap is closing. Wired systems use telephone-style wires and cables. Professional alarm installers are usually able to "fish" wires through stud walls, false or suspended ceilings, attics and other spaces, to provide an esthetically pleasing finished job. Occasionally, due to certain styles of construction, it is impossible or impractical to fish wires. In those instances, it is recommended that a wireless system be considered. There are even "hybrid" systems available, that combine the advantages of "wired" systems for those portions of a system that are readily accessible, with wireless modules that can be added, to permit access to those areas where it is impossible to run wires.
4 - Where is the AlarmBRIDGE Alarm Monitoring Center located? Unlike most other alarm companies, AlarmBRIDGE believes in being prepared for the worst, which is why we offer our customers triple redundancy protection. Whether it be a massive extended power outage or and act of Mother Nature - we've got you covered.
The primary AlarmBRIDGE Alarm Monitoring Center (AMC) is located in Ottawa. AlarmBRIDGE also has another Alarm Monitoring Center located in Ottawa used as a back-up along with a fully redundant Alarm Monitoring Center located in Montreal. All AlarmBRIDGE Alarm Monitoring Centers are certified by the Underwriters' Laboratories of Canada (ULC).
5 - Are the systems difficult to use? As with most modern-day electronic devices, alarm systems have evolved to the point where they are easy to use and highly reliable. A well-designed system can be used and understood by employees and family alike.
6 - Does AlarmBRIDGE charge for false alarms? AlarmBRIDGE does not charge a fee for false alarms. However in this time of tight budgets for police and fire departments, many jurisdictions have instituted fees associated with alarm systems. These charges range from a nominal "registration fee" to an "alarm response fee" or a combination of the two. Some jurisdictions invoice the alarm company, which then passes on the cost to the individual subscriber. Others invoice the subscriber directly. Many have no fees whatsoever associated with an alarm system. Check with your local police and fire departments to find out the regulations in your area. OPTION: Many alarm users, in an attempt to limit costs and assist the authorities by reducing the demand on their services, opt to contract for private "guard" response. This service is usually considerably less expensive than the response fee charged by municipal authorities. Of course, should the guard service discover evidence of a break-in or attempted break-in, police are contacted immediately. In such circumstances, no municipal charges should be incurred.
7 - How can the AMC establish who is authorized to be in the property and who is not? Individuals who are authorized by the alarm-owner to be on the premises during protected periods, are provided with a confidential passcode that confirms their identity to our Alarm Monitoring Center operators. This passcode can be selected by the individual and can be any combination of words and/or numbers. People are encouraged to use passcodes that are easily recallable in times of stress.
8 - What happens if I sell my property and move? Your agreement with AlarmBRIDGE is for a specified period of time, and you are required to honor the terms of the agreement. Having said that, AlarmBRIDGE will work with you to ensure the most economical solution to your circumstances. For example, you may wish to have the alarm system removed from your present location and re-installed elsewhere. Alternatively, you might arrange with the new occupant of the premises to assume responsibility for payment of the monthly monitoring fees. If you are planning a move, contact the AlarmBRIDGE Customer Service Department for assistance. 9 - Does AlarmBRIDGE install on weekends or evenings? Normally, installations occur Monday to Friday, between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. Under special circumstances, arrangements can be made for an installation to occur outside those hours. In such circumstances, a nominal charge, to offset increased expenses incurred by AlarmBRIDGE™, may be charged to the subscriber. 10 - Will I receive an insurance discount for having a monitored alarm system? If so, how much? Most insurance companies do provide a discount to customers who have a security system which is monitored at an Underwriters’ Listed Alarm Monitoring Center. Of course, AlarmBRIDGE has such a listing, and our subscribers can usually enjoy the maximum possible discount. If your insurance company does not adjust your rate, you may wish to shop around to find a company that will. Residential discounts of 5% to 20% are the norm, while commercial premises sometimes qualify for even higher discounts. 11 - What else can I add to my system? Virtually anything that can be monitored electronically can be monitored remotely through your alarm system. Some of the more common applications are devices that permit AlarmBRIDGE to monitor for such things as:
12 - How do I secure my home or business if my pets run freely? Well-designed alarm systems usually involve interior motion detectors, strategically installed to permit "trap" detection of individuals moving throughout the premises. Now, for a nominal extra cost, "pet-friendly" motion detectors are available, that will permit your pet(s) to wander freely throughout the protected area, while still providing excellent detection of unwanted human intruders. 13 - Will the neighbors hear my alarm siren if someone attempts to break-in? Generally speaking, alarm systems are designed to notify any occupants of the premises that an intruder may be on site. Of course the intruder will also hear the siren - and as a result, is far more likely to depart as quickly as possible, since he has no way of knowing who else might be alerted. Systems which contain an outdoor siren or bell have often proven to be ineffective in calling for help, since neighbors may be away at any given time. During poor weather conditions, even the loudest siren or bell may be inaudible to your neighbor's. Most of all, even if your neighbour hears your alarm
system - experience has shown that they will seldom take the initiative
to call police. This is particularly so if you have ever had a false
alarm in the past. Having your system monitored by professionals
at an Underwriters’ Listed Alarm Monitoring Center is the only real
way to ensure complete protection and peace of mind. 14 - How many people should I have on my Passcode List and Call List? The Passcode List for your system should include anyone who has access to the premises during times when the alarm system will be armed. This will permit them to identify themselves to our AMC operator if they are on the premises when an alarm occurs. The Call List should be limited to those persons whom you would like to attend the protected premises subsequent to the receipt of an alarm signal at the AlarmBRIDGE Alarm Monitoring Center. For residential systems, the Call List should include at least one person who is not a resident of the protected premises, such as a neighbour, relative or friend in the same general area of your home. These persons should also have a key to your home. 15 - What if I go away on vacation? If you are leaving on a vacation, you should contact the AlarmBRIDGE AMC to let them know that the protected premises is going to be vacant for a period of time. You should also advise us about any persons who will be entering the premises during your absence. If their names do not already appear, these persons should be added to your Passcode and Contact Lists (they can be removed following your return). Be sure to provide these people with a User Code (used to turn your system on and off) and instructions as to how to use the system properly. |
