Home Security: Professional Alarm Monitoring vs. Self-Monitoring

October 28, 2022 by Anas Mustafa

When considering alarm monitoring, you usually come across 2 options. Either you go with professional alarm monitoring or you opt for self-monitoring.

Professional alarm monitoring means that a monitoring center will receive signals from your alarm system if there is a security breach at your property 24/7. A monitoring operator would contact you and if they are not able to reach you, they will alert the appropriate emergency authorities and/or try to get in touch with neighbours, friends or other emergency contacts.

Self-monitoring puts you in charge of security, in that you will be notified via smartphone if any breaches occur and you will have to handle them on your own.

While both methods of alarm monitoring have their benefits, you may be wondering which one suits you and your needs best. Read on to discover some of the pros and cons of both.

What is self-monitoring?

Self-monitoring means that while you will still receive notifications from your security system, you will ultimately be in charge of how you handle these alerts. This means that you will have to assess the situation and deal with it accordingly, whether that means calling the authorities, fire department, etc. Although if you are busy, in a meeting, at work, travelling or sleeping you could very well miss the notifications from your security system or be in a situation where you are unable to call the authorities for help.

It is definitely a more hands-on approach when it comes to monitoring. If you prefer to take matters into your own hands and don’t want to risk having any false alarms, you might benefit from the simplicity of self-monitoring.

24/7 Monitoring

If you are looking for 24/7 monitoring, then you may need to consider letting the professionals handle your security. Professional alarm monitoring means that an operator will always be available and on call to respond to your security needs.

They will make their best efforts to alert you whenever there is a breach of security. If they can’t reach you by phone, you can rest assured that they will contact the authorities and help provide a fast response.

This is a great option, as you never know when a security breach may occur. It could happen while you are sleeping at night or even if you are away for a weekend or out of town. If you are someone that works full-time or goes away frequently then it’s all the more reason to choose the 24/7 monitoring that professional alarm security provides.

Fast, Professional Response

Professional alarm monitoring means that you get a prompt, professional response every time. With self-monitoring, you must frequently be checking your phone and make sure your notifications are on. If a security breach happens, you will be notified by a notification and then it is up to you to deal with the issue beyond that.

On the other hand, professional alarm monitoring means that an operator will be responding to your security breach. They will first try to contact you and if there is no response, they will further investigate or contact the authorities (ambulance, police, or fire department) should the issue require escalation.

If this is the kind of security response you are looking for, choose the professionals who will give you a speedy, thorough response every time.

False Alarms

One of the main drawbacks to professional alarm monitoring is that false alarms may happen more frequently than with self-monitoring. With self-monitoring, you alone are responsible for calling the authorities and dealing with security breaches after being notified.

When you choose professional monitoring, you still have to be vigilant and make sure that you are addressing alerts, notifications and calls from your security company so that authorities are not dispatched to your property for a false alarm.

Cost Savings

Of course, professional alarm monitoring comes with an increased price, which serves as a drawback for many people. Instead of paying an additional couple hundred dollars a year for professional monitoring, some prefer to go the self-monitoring route.

While it may save you some money in the long run, you should keep in mind that with professional alarm monitoring, you are paying for increased peace of mind and security. Sometimes it’s better to pay a little extra, especially if you know you will be in good hands.

Peace of Mind

Ultimately, the decision you make about alarm monitoring will be up to you and whatever gives you the greatest peace of mind. Make sure to do your research and find a reputable security company.

Here at Canadian Security Professionals, we value your safety and will do what it takes to provide services that make our clients feel valued and comfortable. If you are still unsure, check out our testimonials page here. Many ecstatic clients, who come back to us for their security needs time and time again, back our professional services.

At the end of the day, your safety and peace of mind should be at the forefront of your security decisions. While some may prefer self-monitoring, professional alarm monitoring gives the added benefit of increased security, constant surveillance and an emergency response team ready to assist should problems arise.

It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your security. For more information on security alarm systems and professional alarm monitoring, please call Canadian Security Professionals at 1-877-494-9911 or contact us here. We are your premier destination for all things security. Please contact us today to learn more about our services. Keeping you, your home and your business safe is our top priority.

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