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FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
The
following Frequently Asked Questions may be helpful to better
understand residential and commercial alarm systems. If you
have further questions, please contact
us today.
What
is an access control system?
Keyless
entry, known in the industry as "access control,"
is one of the most cost-effective way to increase security.
Not only do businesses have to worry about burglars, they
need to protect their physical location, intellectual property
and employees.
- Learn
more about the advantages of keyless entry systems
Thinking
about getting Internet phone service?
Many
consumers enjoy the use of Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
digital Internet and phone services. But it is vital that
consumers complete a series of steps BEFORE VoIP will
work with your Sonitrol SC security system. Please review
the following information before you choose to install a VoIP
or choose NOT to have a land-based phone in your home.
- Drawbacks:
Included in the drawbacks of VoIP as your phone service
are issues regarding 911 service. We strongly recommend
that you keep a basic land, wired telephone line if you
get VoIP for day-to-day phone use. If not, your system will
be monitored using the public Internet as a means of communication.
But the Internet can, and likely will, fail at certain times,
which will leave you unprotected.
- Responsibility:
It is your responsibility to have public Internet service
on your premises. If you use VoIP, you will need to provide
standby electrical power to your ADSL, cable modem and other
devices like hubs, routers or switches that may affect Internet
communications. A recommended standby duration is 24 hours,
but in all cases, not less than 15 minutes. Please be aware
that communications with Sonitrol SC will fail if the power
for the modem, router, hub or switch is interrupted.
- More:
To
learn more about compatible VoIP providers and how to link
your security system to a VoIP service, please contact
Sonitrol SC today.
What
do I do if I am having problems with my alarm system?
Seventy
percent of false alarms are caused by user error. Be sure
to train anyone thoroughly who may be using your system, such
as employees, cleaning staff or real estate agents. Sonitrol
offers free training as long as we monitor your system. Make
sure special arrangements are made for guests or repair technicians.
Other causes for false alarms include:
-
Noise sources (i.e., compressors and time clocks)
- Drafts
that move plants and curtains
- Open,
unlocked or loose-fitting doors and windows
- Banners/signs
- Pets
- Helium-filled
balloons.
Before
activating your system:
-
Turn off all noise sources - radios, compressors, televisions,
printers, etc.
- Lock
all protected doors and windows.
- Keep
banners/signs, balloons and fan heaters away from motion
sensor areas.
- Know
how to cancel the alarm if the system activates.
How can I prevent false alarms?
-
Allow Sonitrol technicians to check and service your
system regularly. Routine maintenance can help prevent
many false alarms from occurring.
- Notify
Sonitrol immediately if you think your system is not
working properly.
- Make
sure everyone who uses your security system understands
how it works. Anyone who has a key to your facility
should know how to operate your system.
What if my alarm goes off accidentally?
-
Determine if there really is a fire or an actual break-in.
- Don't
panic - remember your code.
- If
the alarm was accidental, disarm your system.
- Carefully
press each number of your code. Practice, be prepared
to reset.
- After
you've reset the system, call Sonitrol to report the
accidental activation.
- If
your Sonitrol system is tying up your phone line, wait
several seconds and try again or use an alternate phone.
- Don't
leave your facility until you've spoken with Sonitrol
personnel.
Be prepared!
-
Rehearse alarm cancellation with anyone who might use
your system.
- Make
sure that anyone with a key to your facility knows how
to operate your system.
- Tell
all users who to call when the alarm activates.
- Keep
your Sonitrol system instruction book and phone number
handy.
- Cancel
all alarms that don't need emergency response.
For
more information , please contact Sonitrol
SC's call center.
Why
should I have an audio monitoring system?
Sonitrol
SC's verified audio intrusion systems give our customers the
fastest possible response time because of our unique sound
detection technology. Explains company president John Rama:
"When
an alarm comes in, we contact the police or fire department.
Our equipment is able to detect exactly where a break-in is
occurring. Our central station call center monitoring technicians
have been trained to differentiate between routine noises
and sounds that indicate trouble."
Unlike
other alarm systems, the Sonitrol SC audio alarm rings soundlessly,
lulling intruders into a false sense of security, while the
sounds of break-ins are traced to their origin and authorities
are alerted by Sonitrol SC's staff.
Should
I use a motion detector in my system?
Motion
detectors are used in many residences and small businesses
to provide an added layer of protection. By using in conjunction
with an audio monitoring system, you'll experience fewer false
alarms for police and fire departments.
How
do I arm my system?
To
arm your system, follow the instructions in a manual you received
from your Sonitrol SC service technician when your system
was installed.
It's
important for you to routinely set your alarm system to ensure
you get the security provided by Sonitrol SC.
If
you have problems and need extra help, please
contact Sonitrol SC's call center.
How
can I find the manual to my alarm system?
Check
out our Online Toolbox to find the
manual for your alarm system.
What
happens when the phone line goes out?
If
you have traditional land line service and it goes out, your
security service also will go down. But you can bypass such
a security lapse through our Cell Backup Service.
A
cell backup allows you to keep uninterrupted service to your
home when standard phone or power lines are down. It allows
for an emergency signal to reach Sonitrol SC if phone lines
are disconnected or your VoIP Internet phone service is unavailable.
By
using Cell Backup, you will always have security coverage
with Sonitrol SC. Contact us today
to learn more.
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