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Choosing the right alarm

Before you purchase an alarm system for your business or home:

Find out what the requirements are in your municipality

In many cases, local building or national fire codes require fire alarms, particularly for buildings with commercial, business or public occupancies. While in general, no local codes require security alarm systems, many insurance companies require them as a condition for insuring certain types of property, such as businesses selling high-valued items (e.g., jewelry and electronic equipment). Also, some insurance companies may discount insurance premiums of residential customers who have installed alarm systems.

Evaluate the type of response you need

Do you just need an alarm to tell employees or family members to evacuate the premises? Or do you need a central station system that alerts local authorities that there is a problem at your premises?

Be aware that not all alarms are monitored by central stations or other facilities. Some only provide an audio or visual alert at the protected property. Other systems are monitored and/or linked to a dispatch center (such as that for 911 calls), fire department, central station or other facility.

Choose an alarm service company you can trust

Look for a company that:

  • Will be around to service and maintain your system now and in the future.
  • Has established business credentials, is experienced, will protect your property and will help you keep unwanted alarms to a minimum.
  • Will install UL Listed equipment in your business or home.
  • Can send a guard response (if required) in a time that complies with national safety codes. Be sure to ask your UL Listed alarm companies for the locations of the closest service center near you. Shop around - an alarm company headquartered 50 miles away might have a service center just down the street.

You'll also want to consider purchasing services to keep your alarm system performing appropriately (i.e., through regular maintenance, servicing, testing and trouble-shooting). This is a for-fee service, usually on an annual basis.

For more information, please contact your nearest UL Security & Signaling representative.

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