Frequently Ask Question
Is a home security system really necessary?
Cases of burglaries and thefts are on the rise, which means that more and more homeowners are becoming concerned about their families and their properties. A home security system with burglar alarm monitoring makes your home a less likely target of break-ins and burglaries.
FACT: According to the F.B.I. “Crime Clock”, one burglary is committed every 10 seconds. That is over 1300 homes burglarized a day, and 50% of all homes will be burglarized in the next 10 years.
What are the components of a home security system?
Most alarm systems include a control panel & keypad, door or window contacts, a motion detector, and an alarm siren. CVA Security also offers other optional security devices such as remote control access, glass break detection and 24 hour monitored smoke detection.
Can a home security system save me money?
Yes. Not only will a home security system add value to your property, but it will also save you from 10 to 20 percent on your homeowner insurance under most policies.
How the Home Security System Actually Works
Sensors are placed in various locations in the house to detect break-ins and fire. When a sensor is activated, a loud alarm sounds in the house and the system contacts the monitoring center. Upon receiving the signal, the monitoring center first calls the premise to verify that it is an actual alarm, and then dispatches the proper authorities.
Is a telephone line necessary?
CVA Security recommends a traditional phone line to communicate your alarm signal to our 24 hour UL central monitoring station. But we can also communicate your alarm signals via Internet or Cellular with the installation of optional equipment.
What if my phone lines are cut?
CVA Security can monitor your home alarm system with our optional digital cellular communicator as a backup or if you choose not to install a phone line. Additional hookup and monthly fee are required for this feature.
What if my home is located far from the security company’s command centers?
Signals from your home are transmitted electronically, so your location has no effect on the monitoring stations ability to receive your alarm signals.
WHAT DO I DO IF I SET THE SYSTEM OFF ACCIDENTALLY?
STAY CALM! Go to the keypad and enter your four digit code to silent the siren. This will notify the monitoring center that the signal is a false alarm and we will not call you. If you cannot turn the alarm off, you will be called and asked for your code word.
What happens after the authorities are dispatched?
The monitoring center will try you at work or start calling RESPONSIBLE PARTY members in the order you have listed. These people are selected by you and are responsible to meet the police or fire authorities at the house, let them in, turn off the system, or secure the premises if necessary.
Do I need an alarm permit?
YES…Alarm permit ordinances vary from city to city. Check with your local police department to determine if a permit is needed in your area. Some police departments will not respond if you do not have a permit. An alarm permit application will be provided in your customer packet when the alarm is installed. Some areas also require an electrical and additional permit fees for Fire Systems.
Who pays for false alarms?
In most cities, a fee is assessed for false alarms. In these instances, you pay for fees incurred. If the false alarm is due to equipment failure, CVA Security will pay the fee.
How do I pay for my system?
We accept personal checks, major credit cards, money orders, automatic bank withdrawal or cash. Payment for installation is due in full at the time of the install, plus any additional equipment, along with the first quarter of monitoring. You will then be invoiced in advance each quarter for the monitoring.
What is the hand held panic button?
This remote unit lets you move from room to room and outside in the yard. In the event of an emergency you would just press it for help. The average range is within 100 feet of the house. Perfect for handicapped and elderly residents. It can be used for either medical or police emergencies.
Can I use my system when I am at home or at night?
Yes, the entire perimeter can be armed and the motion detector turned off when you are in the house. This allows you to move freely inside your home while having the perimeter protected. To use the motion detector at night, a keypad must be installed in the master bedroom to arm and disarm the system if someone needs to get up and move around the house.
Will the security system work if there is a loss of power?
Yes. Systems come with a back-up battery that will run the system for several hours. Once the battery is low, a signal will be transmitted to the monitoring center and you will be notified about it.
When can I have my home security system installed?
CVA Security can have a licensed technician at your home on average with in one to three days. We will schedule a time for installation of a customized security system.
Are pets a problem for an alarm system?
No. Major home security systems use pet immunity, which allows for most animals that weigh less than 40 pounds to wander around the home without setting off the alarm. Pets that weigh more than 40 pounds may require a system upgrade.
“ECV” Enhanced Call Verification Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I do this?
Statistically we know that ECV can reduce false dispatches by 50%-60% by calling someone who knows what is going on at the facility first. Police resources are expensive and we don’t want to waste there time by going on calls that are unnecessary
Will it cost me more money since you are making more phone calls.
No, we believe that conserving police resources is critical and we are committed to do doing this and are willing to absorb the additional costs.
Is there a limit to the number of people on my ECV list?
No, not technically but practically there is because of the time takes to call 2 or 3 or more people. We recommend that the ECV list be limited to 1 or 2 people.
Who SHOULD be on my ECV list?
People that have an understanding of what is occurring on the premises should be on the list. It’s important to know things like when the janitors or housekeepers get there, or what time the business opens and closes and an understanding of all the scheduled activities that are occurring there.
Who SHOULD NOT be my ECV list?
People that would not be aware of what is going on at the location, people that don’t live near the location, neighbors that don’t know what’s going on at your location.
How exactly does the call order work?
We make the calls in the flowing order
1) Call the premise number(s)
2) Call the ECV Contact(s)
3) Call the premise number(s) again
4) Dispatch the Police
5) Call the normal call list
Are pets a problem for an alarm system?
No. Major home security systems use pet immunity, which allows for most animals that weigh less than 40 pounds to wander around the home without setting off the alarm. Pets that weigh more than 40 pounds may require a system upgrade.
Do I have to be home during the installation?
No, however, you must be available for the initial evaluation and layout of the system, for signing the contract and the payment of the installation fee. You also need to be available when the installation is completed so the installer can properly explain the operation of the system. Installation of a hardwired system usually takes about six to eight hours.
For more information about our Security Systems, or to order or upgrade your security system monitoring, call us today at 619 585-9111.
ECV Frequently ask question
Will it cost me more money since you are making more phone calls.
No, we believe that conserving police resources is critical and we are committed to do doing this and are willing to absorb the additional costs.
Is there a limit to the number of people on my ECV list?
No, not technically but practically there is because of the time takes to call 2 or 3 or more people. We recommend that the ECV list be limited to 1 or 2 people.
Who SHOULD be on my ECV list?
People that have an understanding of what is occurring on the premises should be on the list. It’s important to know things like when the janitors or housekeepers get there, or what time the business opens and closes and an understanding of all the scheduled activities that are occurring there.
Is there a limit to the number of people on my ECV list?
No, not technically but practically there is because of the time takes to call 2 or 3 or more people. We recommend that the ECV list be limited to 1 or 2 people.
Who SHOULD NOT be my ECV list?
People that would not be aware of what is going on at the location, people that don’t live near the location, neighbors that don’t know what’s going on at your location.
How exactly does the call order work?
We make the calls in the flowing order
1) Call the premise number(s)
2) Call the ECV Contact(s)
3) Call the premise number(s) again
4) Dispatch the Police
5) Call the normal call list