A guide to monitored alarm systems

When it comes to deciding which burglar alarm system is best for you, it’s important to understand the different types available. Let’s focus on the monitored alarm system. 

What is a monitored alarm system?

With a monitored alarm systems, you will have extra peace of mind knowing your home’s security is being monitored 24/7 by security specialists at an alarm receiving centre (ARC). Whether you’re fast asleep or out and about, security experts will call you if the alarm is triggered. If they can’t reach you, they’ll call your keyholders too. Emergency service dispatch will also be requested by the ARC if they visually verify an incident via the home security camera, such as a break-in or fire. Whereas a standard burglar alarm relies on you to be there to turn it off, investigate and call the police yourself. 

What devices can be linked to a smart home security system?

• Mobiles - download the app to manage your professionally monitored system 

• Home security cameras - link security cameras and watch what’s happening live via the app 

• Computers 

• Tablets 

• Amazon Alexa 

• Google Assistant 

• Apple Watch 

• Smart alarm sensors - from glassbreak sensors and temperature detectors, to water sensors and smoke detectors 

• Keypads and key fobs 

• Panic buttons 

How can you set up a mobile with a monitored alarm system?

It’s as simple as can be. All you need to do is to download the app, sync it to the Base Station and follow the steps on the app to sign up for professional monitoring. Once you’ve set up your alarm system, you can keep track of any events, tap into security cameras to watch live streams, view recordings of footage etc. You can also use the app to arm and disarm monitored alarm systems from wherever you are. 

Watching over your home with a home security camera

No matter where you are, you can see exactly what’s going on inside or outside of your home with a smart home security camera. Cameras can be placed outside out of reach and near entry points or hotspots where intruders are likely to pass - sending motion notifications if any intrusions were to happen. Use the mobile app to watch what’s happening live via the home security camera, whether you’ve got a babysitter and want to check in on kids, you want to see if any parcels have been left or you just want to see what your pets are up to, you can rest more easily knowing you’re just a tap away from checking in. 

With SimpliSafe, if any alarm sensors are triggered the SimpliCam is what the ARC uses to visually verify an incident. From here, they will request emergency service dispatch on a high priority call. 

How are you alerted?

With SimpliSafe, as well as receiving an app notification if a sensor is triggered, when signed up to our Pro Premium plan our alarm receiving centre visually confirms an incident via the SimpliCam and can request police or fire service dispatch. Here's how it works: 

• When a sensor triggers the alarm, the Base Station will sound and send a signal through to the ARC 

• A security expert from the ARC will call you and stay on the line with you wherever you are, to help and keep you at ease 

• They can access the SimpliCam's live footage - with your permission - to see if an incident has occured 

• If a security expert from the ARC visually confirms an intruder they will request police dispatch and if they confirm a fire they will request fire service dispatch 

• And, with our Pro Premium plan we also offer guard dispatch. This is where a guard can check in on your home when you can't, providing that extra peace of mind.

What if you are out of reach?

There’s no need to worry. Whether you’re busy in an important meeting, on a relaxing escape, or just out of reach, the ARC will have your key holders list up ready to alert them to help with checking things over. The security specialist can also request police and fire service dispatch if an event is visually verified but if not, there’s also an option for an ARC guard to check out the perimeter of your house. So no matter where you are, you can rely on backup. 

When will police or emergency services be dispatched?

This is of course dependent on what’s going on in your area at any given time. With a professionally monitored alarm system, the ARC is alerted as soon as a sensor is triggered and they have an average response call time of 21 seconds. As soon as the ARC has confirmedd a break-in, police will be notified with a request for dispatch on your behalf, with the call being treated as high priority. So, even if you can’t get to the phone, cameras can visually verify intruders and incidents to request emergency services to be dispatched. 

Who suits a monitored alarm system?

It’s suitable for anyone who wants to add an extra layer of protection to their home. They are valuable for those who are away from their home a lot and are especially useful for those who may also have a holiday home, often having one vacated for long periods of time. Having a system like this ensures that things are taken care of even when you can’t be there. 

No matter the circumstances, whether you are home and asleep upstairs or out for a walk with the dog, an alarm system like this will alert you immediately thanks to its 24/7 monitoring, where you can speak to someone instantly and have things dealt with professionally. Plus, considering out of the 41% of UK adults who have been victims of burglary, 22% of those said it happened when they were sleeping - it’s good to have a monitored system to keep tabs on your home when you’re away in the land of nod. 

What’s the best monitored alarm system?

The best monitored alarm system is one with high-quality, expert security specialists on the other end of the phone. The best ones also depend on the best devices with a system that can integrate with a range of technologies. For instance, the SimpliSafe monitored alarm system works with the likes of Alexa, Google Home and Apple Watch. Not only that, its ARC complies with the highest British and European standards of BS EN 50518 as well as ensuring all employees are licensed by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and are security screened. 

Are monitored alarm systems worth it?

To put it simply, YES. With a professionally monitored home security system, it gives you 24/7 monitoring where security experts are ready to dispatch emergency services for you. So no matter where you are, you can rest more assured that your home is in safe hands. Even if you can’t get to your phone, or are occupied, monitored systems can send out guards on your behalf. Cleverly integrated cameras can confirm break-ins or incidents that can help police to be dispatched but can also help with vital evidence that police will need - meaning you’ll have more chance of getting your valuables back and for criminals to be caught in a worst case scenario.