Canada Home Security Information

Ottawa Home Security Inspection Program

Learn how to make your home safer. At your request, police representatives visit your home (house, condo, apartment, etc.) to provide a safety audit - assessing ways to make your home safer. More information.

Tips for Buying Alarm Systems

Do:
• Obtain at least three estimates and compare the equipment - part for part, sensor for sensor.
• Determine whether estimates are for purchase, rental, or lease to purchase.
• Find out how the system is monitored. What is the duration of the monitoring contract and does it include service charges? Where is the monitoring system?
• Ask for credentials of the sales representative. There tends to be a higher turnover rate of sales reps in the alarm industry.
• Find out what the alarm company’s policy is on verification. Does the company phone the residence when it receives an alarm?
• Inquire if the supplier carries liability insurance ($1 million is the accepted minimum).
• Find out the warranty period and what is covered.
• Find out if the equipment is approved by the Underwriters’ Laboratory of Canada, the Canadian Standards Association, and the federal Department of Communication.
• Get a detailed list of what equipment is being installed.
• Check references.
• Make sure the system comes with proper documentation and instructions.
• Ask who is actually installing the system. In smaller companies, the person selling the system may subcontract the labour and the monitoring of two different companies.
• Be cautious in dealing with one or two person operations who do not have enough insurance.

Do not:
• Be pressured by scare tactics and sales gimmicks.
• Let the system be connected into your phone line unless you have a Bell Canada approved installation of a special alarm jack.