Frequently Asked Questions;
Why go with Canadian Security Systems?
Is there a high pressured sales pitch if I invite a Canadian Security Systems consultant into my home for a free quote?
Do you offer "Free" alarm systems?
How much does an alarm system cost?
Do I own or rent the equipment?
If I live in a rental, can I get an Alarm System?
Can I use motion detectors if I have pets?
Can I arm and disarm the system even when I am not home?
How does Two-Way Voice work? Is someone always listening in?
How does monitoring work? What happens when my alarm system goes off?
Why monitor alarm systems at all?
Can you monitor the alarm system that I already have?
How much does monitoring cost?
Existing Customer Questions;
I am a responder (on someone's call list for the monitoring station) what are my responsibilities?
What happens during a power failure?
What if my phone line is cut?
What if I don't have a landline?
Will VOIP (voice over internet protocol) or digital phone lines work with my alarm system?
Do I get a discount on my insurance if I have a monitored burglar or fire system?
Am I responsible for testing my system?
What do I do if I accidently set off the alarm?
What is the fee for a false alarm?
What if I have a system, and want to move; can I take it with me?
How do I change my code? How do I change the phone numbers on my calling list? What if I need service?
WATCH VIDEOWe’ve been serving Southern Alberta for over 20 years. We’ve built our business on giving our clients great service -not keeping them through long term contracts. We are members of CANASA and are the only Southern Alberta GE SecurityPro Dealer. We educate our customers so that they can make informed decisions. We are upfront and honest with our costs and fees. We use quality products and design systems to fit your needs and budget. We strive to eliminate false alarms. We are here to serve your security needs. Back to top
The cost of an alarm system depends upon the amount of equipment you feel comfortable with. We don’t believe one-size-fits-all when it comes to your security. We custom design your system for your home based on your needs and budget. Back to top
You buy and own the equipment and the devices. This way, you are not obligated to monitor with us should our service not be satisfactory to you. We do not rent the equipment out, however we can amortize it for up to 3 years.Back to top
Absolutely, we have wireless systems that do little to no damage to the walls of premise.Back to top
The motion detectors we install are pet friendly. Depending on if it’s hardwired or wireless, we have detectors that ignore pets less then 40lbs – 80lbs. We can also use glass break detectors, shock sensors and other detectors that will allow a pet to be in the building, without creating false alarms.Back to top
Keyfobs are available so that you can arm, disarm, and even send in a panic signal from within 100 feet of your home. For example; your driveway or backyard. Depending on your system, you can actually call your panel with a cell phone to arm, disarm or check the status. (How-to Video Here) Back to top
If your system has two-way voice capabilities, it acts as two way communication with the monitoring station. Only when an alarm code is sent in to the monitoring station, can they listen in for only up to 90 seconds, and then it is disconnected if it isn’t an emergency.
If the alarm system detects an intruder, it sends a code to the monitoring station. The monitoring station will do whatever it is that you want them to do with that information.
There are many reasons to have a monitored alarm system. To name a few; 24 hour protection whether you are home or away, reduced insurance premiums, reduces personal liability, immediate panic alarm response, crime deterrent decal and signs, reduces loss due to burglary or fire, type of alarm (fire, burglar, medical) is readily identified, interactive voice response that allows remote arming and disarming, but most importantly peace of mind.Back to top
Yes, in most cases we can. It depends on the brand and the make. We would need to test all the devices, so the best thing to do would be to contact us and we would send someone out to check your system.Back to top
Our ULC listed monitoring is from $15.95 a month, with no long term contract. Back to top
If the monitoring station calls to inform you that an alarm has been set off, you are responsible to direct them as to what you would like to happen. We encourage you to tell them to dispatch the authorities and meet them outside the premise. You can tell them to not dispatch police, that you will look into it yourself.
The system will continue to work, but it won’t be able to send codes to the monitoring station. We can add a Cellemetry unit to your panel so it can send signals over the cell network. Even in the unlikely chance the phone line is cut; the Cellemetry unit will continue to send signals to the monitoring station.Back to top
If you don’t have a landline we can add a Cellemetry unit to the panel so it can communicate over the cell network.Back to top
Most VOIP and digital phone lines will communicate with your alarm system. However there are some that have a hard time, or can’t communicate using data streams. Check with your VOIP provider.Back to top
Most insurance companies will offer about a 10% discount on your homeowner’s policy if your burglar system is monitored. If you monitor your smoke detectors as well, most insurance companies will double that discount. They do this because it increases their chance on not having to pay you for a claim. You need to check with your insurance provider to find that information.Back to top
We set up your panel to do a daily or weekly communication test with the monitoring station. If you have warranty, we do 1 free inspection and testing a year. All other testing should be tested by you periodically.
Turn the alarm off using your 4-digit code. The monitoring station may have started their calling process, but the moment they receive the code, they know that someone with authority is on the premise, and no further actions will be taken.Back to top
It’s only considered a false alarm if police attend to the premise. If they are down the street on their way but are called off, that shouldn’t be counted as a false alarm. Right now in the city of Lethbridge Alberta, you are allowed 2 false alarms free a year. The third false alarm you will be fined $75 for residences, and $150 for businesses. The fee is raised every false alarm thereafter. Check with your local authorities for further information.Back to top