Security Alarm Monitoring: It’s Better Left to the Professionals

Tips for Selling Professional Monitoring verses ”Monitor It Yourself” (MIY).

Living in a connected world offers consumers a lot of options, even when it comes to alarm monitoring.Today, consumers have a number of options in monitoring their security systems such as self-monitoring from an app or professional monitoring. But just like in anything else, the question becomes, which option is best?

Is Monitoring Your Security System From Your Smartphone Enough?

There is no question that the smartphone has changed how consumers access and manage both residential and commercial security systems. Some of the most common uses include using the smartphone to check video surveillance systems and to receive notifications when a system is armed, disarmed, or activated by an event. These features are wonderful for checking in on the children, monitoring activity at a business, answering video doorbells and much more. While it is a huge added convenience, is it enough to replace professional monitoring?

The Case for Professional Alarm Monitoring

While the smartphone adds some serious convenience, using it as a substitute for professional monitoring just isn’t enough. Here’s why:

• In self-monitoring, there are many times where your attention is not on the job of monitoring.

• Most emergencies demand immediate action.

• Delays in response can mean serious harm to loved ones or employees, property damages or loss, and more.

• Damaging forces work much faster than we realize. For example, high concentrations of carbon monoxide can kill in less than five minutes, a fire can reach flashover in less than five minutes, and the average burglary takes less than ten short minutes.

• Most people have duties other than self-monitoring their security.

Central monitoring station monitoring offers what self-monitoring lacks. Here’s how:

• Central station monitoring is critical when an emergency occurs in structures that are unattended. If occupants are not around to respond to an emergency, and those who are self-monitoring are somehow delayed in responding, there is little chance of preventing or mitigating damage.

• Central station monitoring centers are staffed by professionals trained to respond to various types of emergencies. When self-monitoring, it is difficult to know how we will react in an emergency or how much time will be lost in the process.

• Monitoring stations are manned around the clock. In the event of an emergency, there is no delay in contacting appropriate services.

• When an event occurs, someone is immediately able to evaluate it, potentially saving on false alarm fees.

There’s no substitute for the peace of mind and an added layer of practical security that professional monitoring offers. Professional monitoring should be a part of every specification.