Many homes have two working parents, and as a result, their largest lifetime investment, their house, is left unattended during the daytime.  Statistics show that most burglaries happen during the day, while the house is left unattended.

 A monitored alarm system is the single greatest deterrent to a break-in.

In fact, convicted burglars, stated in a survey that an alarm system connected to a police dispatch service was the biggest reason why they decided NOT to enter one residence rather than the other.

Another reason for buying a monitored alarm system is related to insurance premiums. 

More and more insurance companies are recognizing that an alarm system reduces claims and are prepared to reward the homeowner for investing in this preventative product.

An unlocked door, an open window, a dark home, and newspapers stacked up at the front door are all invitations to the would be burglar.

 1) How does it work?

Your alarm system is designed so as to protect the outside perimeter of your residence from forced entry. The system is based on electronics which allows home owners, like you, to protect their property from individuals (burglars) when no one is at home or when you are sleeping.  Typical owners of alarm systems would be working parents who leave in the morning and come home at supper time.  Other users are cottage owners who leave their seasonal home unprotected for extended periods, and "snowbirds", those who spend extended periods in the south during the winter.

2) What parts of my home are protected?

Electronic door contacts are generally installed on each door of the home.  If a door gets opened and the house is armed, that action - opening a door - will trip the system, set off a loud siren and send off a message through the telephone line to an outside monitoring center which in turn, contacts the police.

3) What about motion detectors?

Since windows are another form of entry, there must also be a mechanism to detect intruders should they enter in this manner.  Motion detectors are placed strategically throughout the home so as to protect valuables in places like the master bedroom, computer room, den and family room.

4) How many motion detectors are typically installed?

This depends on the size of the house and the homeowners' desire for coverage.  Typically 3 or 4 motion detectors for each home, along with 2 or 3 door contacts as required.

5) How do you 'arm' the system?

A keypad is conveniently located near the most frequently used door.  A four digit code is entered to arm the system.  The home owner is then given a predetermined length of time to leave the premises. Remote arming devices are now available for ease of operation.

6) What happens if there is a break-in?

The alarm system is usually connected to the home's telephone line.  The alarm panel, usually in the basement, is installed close to the telephone circuits and if the system is activated by a burglar, it rings through to the central monitoring station, who in turn, contacts the police and one of the people on its contact list.

7) What does a home system cost?

Home 'Security' systems for bungalows and split entries start as low as $399.00 installed.  Home 'Protection' systems include smoke detectors and low temperature monitoring.  Propane, carbon monoxide and sump pump sensors can also be added.

8) How long does it take to install one?

Once again, this depends on the size of the home.  Prewiring a new home is preferable but if the home is not prewired, a typical installation would be one full day.

9) Will my pets trip the system?

No, as long as pet sensitive motion detectors are used, or you have opted for "full perimeter protection"  FPP consists of door contacts and window sensors.

10) How user-friendly are alarm systems?

VERY much so!  Between the instruction booklet and the time taken by the installer to instruct the home owner, the systems are very easy to operate.  24 Hour paging service is available through Connolly Security Systems Ltd, so that your ongoing security needs are met.

11) Are there insurance benefits to having a security system?

While there is no industry standard, insurance companies recognize the value of having an alarm system.  Insurance companies are also interested in some of the other options that can be added to the alarm system, like Smoke Detectors and Low Temperature Monitors.  Since the home owner pays a yearly monitoring fee anyway, it may make sense to consider some of the home protection options.

12) Does an alarm system really reduce the risk of a burglary in my home?

A DEFINITE YES!  Research shows that you are 40 times less likely to have your home or cottage broken into!  By purchasing an alarm system, you virtually eliminate your home as a target.

A recent article in the Charlottetown Guardian, Charlottetown, PEI, Canada, mentioned that there had been break-ins into six of eight cottages in a certain area.  The only two cottages not broken into had security systems.

By purchasing a security system, you virtually eliminate your home being a target.

Home owners who have monitored alarm systems are urged to inform the central monitoring station staff before leaving for extended periods, like a holiday in the south during the winter months or a family vacation in the summer months.  All zones of your alarm system are itemized on your customer account form at the central monitoring station.  Should there be an alarm at any time, the customer will be informed as to what zone was activated: e.g. back door, so that the client knows where the intruder entered the premises.

After an alarm system is installed, the customer must leave three names for the central monitoring station.  Those persons will be contacted in case of an emergency.

If the customer has smoke detectors tied into its monitored alarm system, the monitoring for fire protection is also delivered for the same yearly fee.  The same applies to carbon monoxide detectors, high / low temp, and gas detectors.  All of those products are sold by Connolly Security Systems Ltd.

Alarm systems can be installed in any and every size of residence. Connolly Security Systems Ltd can respond within 24 hours to emergency security need.  We offer nationally certified installers who take great pride in their work, offer little or no disturbance, along with a clean finished product (all wiring professionally hidden).  Our installation team is very professional and will take the time to train the enduser on all aspects of the system.