Question 1

Do you require a multi-year contract?

Accepted Answer

No. Most security companies lock you in for 36 or 60 months. We don't. Month-to-month monitoring is the default; you can cancel any time with 30 days' notice.

Question 2

What does an install actually cost?

Accepted Answer

Residential alarms typically run $700–$2,500 in equipment and labor depending on house size and feature set. Commercial varies widely. Every quote is itemized — no flat 'install fee.'

Question 3

What does monitoring cost?

Accepted Answer

Residential monitoring runs $25–$45/mo. Commercial varies based on signal type, fire alarm involvement, and SLAs. We'll quote during the walk-through.

Question 4

Are estimates free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The walk-through is free, the proposal is free, and there's no obligation to sign or commit. We've been doing this for 45 years — we don't need to pressure people.

Question 5

How does monitoring work?

Accepted Answer

Every system is monitored 24/7/365 through a UL-listed central station — redundant power, redundant comms, geographically split signal paths, audited annually. After hours, an EMS technician is also on call directly.

Question 6

What happens when my alarm goes off?

Accepted Answer

Three things happen: automated SMS alerts to your contact list for quicker customer response, an operator verification call to the premises, and dispatch of the appropriate authorities. On commercial accounts we offer video-verified dispatch for faster police response.

Question 7

Will the alarm work if my internet is out?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every install ships with cellular (LTE-M) signal. Internet is a backup, not the primary path.

Question 8

Can you take over a system another company installed?

Accepted Answer

Almost always. We re-program existing panels (Honeywell, DSC, Napco, Bosch, 2GIG, Qolsys) and put your monitoring on our central station — usually same day, no hardware replacement.

Question 9

Do you do annual fire alarm inspections?

Accepted Answer

Yes — to NFPA 72, with paperwork filed with the AHJ. Whether or not we installed the original system.

Question 10

What's your response time on service?

Accepted Answer

Active alarm/fire issues: same day. Non-urgent service: 1–3 business days. Service contracts available with explicit SLAs.

Question 11

Where do you service?

Accepted Answer

All of New York State. Our home territory is Greater Rochester (Monroe, Wayne, Ontario, Livingston, Genesee, Orleans counties); we travel for multi-site clients across the state.

Question 12

Are you licensed in New York?

Accepted Answer

Yes — NYS Alarm Installer license, NICET-certified technicians for fire alarm design, fully insured well above industry minimums.

Real answers, in plain English.

Pricing & contracts

Monitoring & response

Service & takeover

Coverage & licensing

Question we didn't answer here?