Frequently Asked SECURITY Questions
Blanchard Security frequently asked security questions.
How do security systems work?
A security system consists of a control panel that contains a digital dialer with a battery backup, a keypad for arming and disarming the system, a siren and detection devices. All detection devices installed at a location can transmit signals to the control panel via a wired connection or wirelessly on a frequency reserved for security systems. If a circuit is tripped when your system is armed (a door or window is opened or if someone walks through an area protected by a motion sensor), your alarm panel will trip, causing your system to activate, your siren will sound and the monitoring station to be notified.
What is the purpose of having a monitored security system?
With Blanchard Security, your property is protected round-the-clock, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Imagine the peace of mind you will have knowing that whether you are at home or away, your home is protected. With a home security system, you, your family members and your possessions are shielded from robbery. When an alarm is detected, you will be contacted and/or the proper authorities will be notified (the fire department. police or guard service depending upon where you live). Installing an alarm system can save as much as 20% off your insurance premiums!
How does an alarm report to the monitoring station?
At Blanchard Security, your system dials a pre-programmed number into our ULC certified monitoring stations where our response-operators have access to your address and contact information. These signals are sent via traditional landline telephone lines, cellular systems integrated with the security system, or in some case via the internet. This all happens automatically as a feature of your security system with the intention of responding to emergencies at your property.
What types of devices can be monitored by my alarm?
- Door and window sensors
- Motion sensors
- Glass break sensors
- Panic buttons
- Smoke detectors
- Carbon monoxide sensors
- Medical alert
- Low and high temperature sensors
- Water detectors
- Wireless key remotes
- Want something monitored that is not listed? Please call us today.
What if I have pets?
Blanchard Security motion sensors allow for pet movement while still providing protection. A pet-immune motion sensor is specifically designed so that pets under a certain weight will not cause an alarm. This is achieved through state-of-the-art, dual-sensor technology, located in the motion device. Location of these motion sensors within the home are a key component in design, especially if you have cats. This is why our no-charge on-site security consultations with our Security Advisors to properly design your system, is so important.
What if I accidentally trip my alarm?
First and foremost, remain calm. Simply enter your four digit security code. If you disarm your system within 30 seconds, you don’t have to contact us as the monitoring station can tell that your system was disarmed using the proper code. In the event your system still does not disarm, press clear and try your code again. If you feel that 30 seconds has elapsed prior to disarming your system, call the monitoring station to advise them that you accidentally tripped your alarm. You will need to tell the monitoring station your name and secret passcode to prove your identity. If you cannot call them, they will begin calling a pre-set list of references on the account beginning by calling the site.
What happens when the alarm goes off?
Remember that if you turn off your alarm within 30 seconds of activating it, nothing will happen and you can relax. The monitoring centre knows you have deactivated your system. Should the system activate longer than 30 seconds, a trained dispatcher will call your home to verify if you have set the alarm off inadvertently by yourself and will ask for your password. If there is no answer after five rings or the correct password is not given, additional references on the account or the proper authorities (police or security guards) are immediately notified and dispatched to your premises.
The monitoring station will proceed to go through the list of references you provided for the premises and try to reach a responsible party. If police or security guards are dispatched, they will do a perimeter check of your premises and look for any visible signs of forced entry. If none are found, they will leave the site. The alarm will reset itself for all untripped zones after approximately four minutes and the siren will stop sounding. If a break-in has occurred, the police or security guards will notify the station and report their findings to you.
How do false alarms occur?
- User error (86% of all false alarms)
- Extreme weather conditions
- Poor quality or old equipment, faulty equipment or improper installation
- Programming error.
How long will it take to install my security system?
This all depends on the size of the system, accessibility for wiring and configurations. But the typical basic security system in a home or office takes half a day to a day to install.
What happens in the event of a power failure?
The system has a back-up supply battery, housed in the control panel. This battery will allow the system to remain fully operational for hours depending on the specific system. The battery will recharge itself once the power returns.
Can the system be set when we are in for the evening?
Yes, arming your system in “STAY OR HOME MODE” disarms the interior motion detector(s) for freedom of movement while keeping the perimeter armed.
What is the advantage of having a monitored smoke detector?
Having monitored smoke detectors at your premise ensures that the fire department will be contacted if you have a fire emergency. A good quality, monitored photo-electric smoke detector will detect smoke particles caused by even a slow smoldering fire. If you are not at home and do not have a monitoring service, the odds are that no one will hear your regular smoke detectors when you have a fire at your site! Therefore, it is important to get monitored smoke detection so someone monitors for fire 24-hours a day! With this service, your smoke detector is continuously monitored through a 24-hour zone, even when your alarm system is not armed!
Again, monitored smoke detection is considered a key component in reducing large insurance claims which is why most insurance companies offer discounts for monitored smoke detection. Regular smoke detectors installed in homes as a part of the building code, are meant to save lives by alerting you (if you are home) so you have time to exit the building and call the fire department. If nobody is home, these standard detectors do little to protect your property, pets and valuables. We highly recommend monitored smoke detection as a part of your security system.
What is the difference between wired and wireless systems?
While many security systems installed by Blanchard Security are wired-in systems, there are occasions when wireless security systems or specific wireless sensors are installed. Each system typically has the same control panel wired in; however in the case of a wireless system, the control panel also receives wireless signals via a wireless receiver that is also installed into the control panel. Wireless detection devices contain long-life batteries (they can last a few years) which are also monitored by our monitoring centre. Your keypad will alert you to low battery levels on individual devices.