IMPORTANT THINGS TO LOOK FOR IN A QUALITY ALARM SYSTEM

• An alarm system is only as good as the reliability of its power supply.  The most dependability is provided by a system that operates on household electric power, with emergency back-up power provided by batter to assure operation during  emergencies.  If batteries alone provide power for the system, some means of automatically reporting battery failure should be included.  In addition, a service and maintenance contract that includes automatic battery replacement when needed is highly desirable.
• Some visual or audible signal should be provided to alert you to a malfunction in the system prior to operation.
• Any components that can turn the system on or off or render it otherwise inoperative or ineffective should be tamper proofed thoroughly.
• All components and installation methods should meet the requirements of Underwriters Laboratories or other standards such as Factory Mutual, etc., as well as all applicable local standards, regulations, and codes.
• A quality system should carry a reasonable warranty covering both parts and labor, from both the manufacturer and the installer.
• Since any system of this type will require service from time to time, you must be sure that the company you deal with can provide service promptly.
• Make sure you understand your system thoroughly.  Be aware of what it does and what it does not do.  You should be made familiar with all the details of operating the system and receive verbal as well as written instructions covering all circumstances.
• Equally important, you should be sure to cooperate with local crime prevention programs, as well as with all reasonable requests and requirements made of alarm system owners by your police department.  By properly registering your system, as well as advising authorities of whom to contact should you be away when your alarm sounds, you will greatly assist them in providing maximum protection to you, your family, and your entire community.

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