.
Free* Alarm System? What's the catch? A. There is no catch, We install a
basic hard wired system for FREE*. You pay for the
monitoring. (see terms and conditions for more details) Click Here
Q. What is
FREE*? A. Click on the WHAT IS FREE
LINK
Q. Who is SOS
Security ? A. A privately owned alarm company totally
independent from ADT. We market exclusively for ADT under
contract as an authorized ADT Dealer. . The Monitoring,
service and billing is 100% ADT.
Q. What is the
difference between an Authorized ADT Dealer and ADT Security
Services? A. An authorized dealer is a local privately owned alarm
company that markets exclusively under contract for ADT Security
Services. Strict guidelines guarantee compliance with all of ADT's
high standards. The security design consultant and the licensed
installers are employees of the authorized dealer. The Alarm
System installed is the same ADT approved Equipment used
nationwide by the local ADT branches. The monitoring of the alarm
system is handled 100% by ADT's vast network of monitoring stations.
The billing for this service is also handled by ADT. All
warranty and service repairs, if needed are performed by either the
authorized dealer or ADT corporate.
Q. What is the
advantage of doing business with and authorized ADT dealer as
opposed to a local alarm company or electrician who installs
alarm systems part time? A. A Local alarm company or electrician will charge
anywhere between $500.00- $750.00 for the same basic system the
authorized ADT dealer will install for free. The authorized
dealer security design consultants are highly trained to design
the most cost effective system. Every installer is fully
licensed, bonded and insured. Every installation is followed up
by a call from ADT's quality assurance department to insure
everything was done to their exact standards and that you are 100%
satisfied. Additionally ADT NEVER Sleeps. We answer the phone 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
All of our monitoring stations have independent power supplies
should the need arise. The stations are manned by full time
highly trained career professionals. Response, Support and
Service is available every day. We
don't have answering machines and we don't close for holidays or
go on vacation.
How many times are homeowners frustrated and
angry to find out the contractor they did business with is not
available when they need them or worse no longer in business?
ADT has been in business for more then 125 years and you can
rest assure we'll continue to be here tomorrow and everyday
protecting lives, home and businesses.
Q. Can I get the
free system offer directly through ADT Security
Services? A. No, because of the high cost of national advertising they
must charge for the system in order to offset this
expense.
Q. What if I'm
located outside of CENTRAL NEW YORK A. ADT has a dealer network throughout the
USA. Submit your name
& tel.# from the Contact Us page and a local dealer will
contact you. Installation and Service will be provided by the
local ADT authorized dealer. Monitoring and Billing will be done
by ADT.
Q. What is the
difference between a "HARD WIRED" or "WIRELESS"
System? A. A
hard wired system is installed when a basement's ceiling is
unfinished. Tiny contacts are hidden in the door frame or window
well. The actual wires are out of sight. For finished
basement ceilings or additions beyond the original foundation
wireless transmitters are used to send signals to the control
panel.
Q. Is there an
additional charge to upgrade from the hard wired FREE system
offer? A. Yes,
Your local ADT authorized dealer can provide the
details.
Q. What are the
main components of an Alarm? A. A. Control Panel w/ battery back-up B.
Keypad C. Door / Window Contacts or transmitters D. Motion
detector(s) E. Siren
Q. What other
devices are common additions to compliment a basic
alarm. A.
Glass Break detector(s) , B. Smoke Detector(s) C.Carbon monoxide
detector(s) D. Low temperature device E. Wireless keypads and
remotes.
Q. Are wireless
systems prone to false alarms or affected by errant radio
transmissions A. NO ( the technology today is very
sophisticated.)
Q. Can my alarm
be "hooked up" directly to the police station? A. NO ( the local police
station does not have the software or the man power and expense
to field alarm signals)
Q. How is the
alarm connected to ADT's central station? A. All alarms are monitored
through the telephone lines. Emergency backups are available should
the phone line be down.
Q. Where are
ADT's Central Stations located? A. Denver, Colorado Rochester,
NY Dallas, Texas
Jacksonville, Florida Kansas City,
Missouri
Q. Isn't is
better to have my alarm monitored by a near by
station? A.
Proximity to the Central station is irrelevant. ADT's Stations
operate 24 hours a day. Signals are received
electronically with no time differential whether your home is
1 block or 1000 miles from a central
station.
Q. What happens
when the alarm goes off? A. A trained dispatcher will call your home to
verify if you have set the alarm off by mistake asking for your
password. If there is no answer after 5 rings or the correct
password is not given the police are immediately notified. Your
control panel is a computer that identifies which door/window or
motion detector has triggered the alarm. The police are given
accurate information as to where the intrusion took place. ADT then
contacts you or a designated friend or relative. All of this data
instantly appears when a signal is received. Your alarm will
automatically shut off within 12-17 minutes and
rearm itself.
Q. How loud is
the siren and will it bother the neighbors, if I set it off by
mistake? A.
The siren is 95 decibels and pursuant to alarm code ordinances
sirens are installed inside the home. The siren is loud enough to
be heard by any thief on the perimeter who tries to break in but
will not bother your neighbors if you set it off by mistake
. (the siren is very inconspicuous in design, looking something
like an intercom)
Q. Do I pay for
false alarms? A. NO. ADT does not charge for false
alarms
Q. Do the Police
charge for false alarms. A. Some municipalities have implemented a fine
for nuisance calls. Typically the 3rd violation in a year
averages $50.00 . Since your system is monitored and ADT
verifies all alarms the police are only dispatched for real
emergency's. Your tax dollars pay for
these.
Q. I already
have smoke detectors, Why would I want to add additional ones to my
alarm system? A. Adding Smoke and fire protection to the system ensures the
fire department will be called, should there be smoke when you
are not home. Smoke detectors as part of your alarm are
"supervised" 24 Hours a Day even if you forgot to set your
alarm. They are Especially important if pets are present. Animals
have a "VERY" low tolerance to smoke.
Q. Is there an
extra monitoring charge for additional equipment. A. Adding SMOKE Detectors and or
Carbon Monoxide and Keyfob Remotes are the only equipment that will
increase your monthly rate to $34.99. Standard Equipment such as
Doors/Window Contacts, Or Other Devices will Not affect your monthly
rate.
Q. What happens
if we lose the electrical power in our home? A. The system has a reserved
battery housed in the control panel for this emergency. It is
re-charged when the power returns
Q. How difficult
is it to operate? A. a 5 year old can use this system, a 4 digit pin number is
used to turn it on and off.
Q. Can the
system be set at night, or when the kids are
home? A.
Yes, The "STAY MODE" disarms the interior motion detector(s) for
freedom of movement while keeping the perimeter
armed.
Q. How about my
Pets? (cats, dogs) A. Specially designed motion detector(s) or "pet alleys" are
used, oblivious to their movement.
Q. What is the
correct design of a good system? A. Any Perimeter opening that is easily
accessed. EVERY exterior door, motion detector for emergency
backup and smoke protection.
Q. In an
emergency can I summon the police or fire
departments? A. YES. The keypad has emergency Police and Fire panic
buttons.
Q. What about
medical emergencies? A. Should a family member have a special
condition ADT should have all of this information including
medications and doctors names. ADT can dispatch whatever authority
is needed, Police, Fire or medial
personnel.
Q. I have a
pager can the alarm automatically call my pager when the system is
armed or disarmed? A. Yes, If desired a paging feature built into the control
panel will automatically alert you when the system is armed or
disarmed. This feature can be valuable to working parents
to verify if the kids have come home from
school.
Q. What if the
keypad is not within reach? A. Remote wireless devices are available for
this purpose.
Q. Can I add
emergency names and contacts to my call list? A. Yes, Just call the central
station and identify yourself with your account number and your
secret password.
Q. What about
service or warranties? A. Defects in workmanship and parts are covered
100% for the first 90 days. Following the 90 day period the
same warranty applies with the addition of a $25.00 trip
charge.
Q. How much
electricity does the alarm use? A. Not even worth mentioning, No more than the
light on your stove or the clock on your VCR, Less than $2
dollars a year.
Q. Is there a
contract I need to sign? A. Yes, ADT has a three Year monitoring
agreement ( CA residents - 2 Years ). This guarantees the
amortization of the free installation.
Q. Do I need an
alarm permit? A. Some towns do require them. Permit Fee's average range
from $10-$60 the average being $30.00. The authorized
dealer will collect the fee from you and take care of all
necessary paperwork.
Q. Can I get
Detailed information in the mail?
A. NO. ADT nor does any reputable
alarm company send explicit information on the operation of an
alarm system through the mail. General information designed to
peak your interest is all that is available. Some People seem to
forget we are in the security business. If you were a customer how
would you feel if we randomly sent out detailed information on how
your ADT system operates?
Q. Can I get
referrals from your existing customers? A. ADT has been in the Security
business for 125 Years and monitors millions of homes. We rely on
our reputation and assume you'll know somebody that uses our
services. The contract we have with each and every customer
STRICTLY FORBIDS the release of any personal
information.
Q. Who will help
me design my alarm? A. A trained security consultant will visit your home and
design the most effective system for your needs as well as
answering all your questions.
Q. Who will
install my system and how long does it take? A. A licensed installer will visit
your home. A typical basic system can be installed in 3-5 hours.
Most systems are installed in 8 Hours. Starting times are 8am for
morning installations and 11:45-2:00PM for afternoon
installations. Any System larger than a base system
requires an AM installation.
Q. How will I be
billed. A.
ADT direct debits a major credit card or checking
account, Monthly, Quarterly or annually.
Q. Will my
insurance company give me a discount for installing an alarm
system? A.
Yes, Discounts vary between 5-20% with the maximum being allowed for
systems monitored for fire as well as
burglary.
Q. What are
ADT's requirements to have an alarm system installed through and
authorized dealer? A. *36-Month Monitoring Agreement required at $32.99 Per
month. ($1,187.64) Form of payment must be credit card or
electronic charge to your checking or savings account. Offer
applies to home owners only. Local permit fees may be
required. Satisfactory credit score of 625 or greater is
required. Certain
restrictions may apply. Offer valid for new customers only.
Other rate plans available. Can not be combined with any other
offer.
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24-hour central station monitoring
by ADT which provides emergency notification to local police, fire departments, medical
personnel, and designated contact
persons. |
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