Why Buy an Alarm System?
Homes
and businesses with alarm systems have less chance of
being burglarized than comparable establishments without
systems, say 90% of police. Most police believe alarm
systems are effective, according to the National Survey
of Police and Fire Chiefs sponsored by the Security
Equipment Industry Association (SEIA) and conducted by
StatResources of Boston.
- 85% of police officials believe that security
systems decrease chances of residences being
burglarized.
- 90% of police say a business is less likely to be
burglarized if it has an alarm system.
- 90% of police officials feel that an alarm system
increases the probability of a burglar being
apprehended.
- 85% of chiefs surveyed say they have encouraged
installation of electronic security systems in
homes or businesses in their communities.
- 80% of police and 75% of fire chiefs in larger
cities prefer alarms which alert a 24-hour
monitoring company to those that report directly
to police or fire departments.
- 86% of police and 81% of fire chiefs feel that a
system which has only a siren or bell on the
protected premises, is better than no system at
all.
- 50% of big-city police respondents believe that a
typical home has more chance of being burglarized
today than in 1980.
- 60% of police and fire officials report that home
and business owners often ask them to make
recommendations about alarm installations.
Source: StatResources, Boston MA,
1986
You Get What You Pay For
In
security systems as in most things, Quality costs money.
Remember to carefully evaluate your needs before making a
final decision. What appears to be a bargain may prove to
be an extremely limited system.
- Select a reputable and experienced alarm company.
You want it to be in business when you need
service.
- Ask the alarm company for names of customers from
which you may get references.
- Ask the alarm company if it is a member of a
local, state or national alarm association. These
non-profit trade associations are made up of
companies that are part of a reputable,
professional industry, and which remain current
with the technology and practices of the
industry.
- Ask for a written proposal and a copy of the
contract which will protect you as well as the
company. Make sure your contract lists the
equipment the alarm company will install.
You Are Part of the System
When
considering the installation of an alarm system, remember
that you are a vital part of the alarm function. You must
completely understand how the system works, what it does
and does not do and what you must do to keep it in proper
operating condition. Be sure that you are provided with
adequate instructions for testing and using the alarm
system. Ask the alarm company to provide you with written
instructions. The alarm company will be happy to provide
the instructions since it reduces the number of false
alarms and maintenance calls.
Finally . . .
Remember
that a good alarm system is an investment in your
security and personal well-being. Know the alarm company
you are dealing with and make sure you understand exactly
what protection you are getting for your investment.
KCBFAA Code of Ethics
The
following code of ethics is intended to protect
customers, potential customers and/or each other from
unethical business practices by any Member of the Alarm
Association of Missouri. Each Member shall:
- Not knowingly make untruthful or misleading
statements in sales presentations, in its ads, or
under any other circumstances.
- Not use scare tactics during sales presentation
or during any other form of communications with a
customer, prospective customer, or the general
public, nor shall it use undue pressure in
setting up an appointment or in consummating a
sale.
- Not make any disparaging remarks to its
customers, prospective customer, or the general
public, about its competitors by name or
competitive products by brand.
- Make all installations in a workmanlike manner.
- Assume the ultimate responsibility of servicing
its installations, and perform service within a
reasonable time from the time the customer
requests service.
- Cooperate with any request made by government
agencies.
Purpose of the KCBFAA
To
promote the mutual interest of the electronic security
industry, foster cordial relations among the members and
stimulate a wider and more extensive use of burglar, fire
and supervisory alarms and other electronic security
services.
Portions of the information in this
document provided by
The National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association
8300 Colesville Road Ste 750
Silver Spring, MD 20910 www.alarm.org
Copyright © 2006 Kansas City
Burglar and Fire Alarm Association
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