First Security Service, Inc.

Do I need to do anything if I switch my phone service to digital service?

Yes, you must test your alarm system while the phone technician is still on site. There is a way to make your service work with your alarm system. It is a matter of wiring it all correctly. If the technician can’t make it work, then we will need to schedule a service call to get your alarm working properly so that it sends out the alarm signals to the monitoring station as it should!

Should I register my alarm if I live in the city?

Yes, please go to Alarm Ordinances at the bottom of the page.

Will VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) work consistently with my security system?

No. In order to transmit emergency signals properly using VoIP, the signal must be converted to digital, then converted again to analog. It is during this conversion that problems develop. Usually, the signals arrive at the central monitoring station with errors or not at all. Also, your alarm panel has a backup power supply in case of a power failure.

If my telephone line is cut, will my system still work?

If you do not have a digital system that utilizes either cellular transmission or your internet provider, then the answer is no. If your telephone line is cut or the phone lines are out due to a storm and you have a system that only utilizes the landline, then it will not be able to send the signal to the monitoring station.

Will my security system protect my home in the event of a fire?

We highly recommend that every alarm system have low-voltage smoke detectors programmed into the security panel. Electric smoke detectors cannot be programmed into the security panel. When you have your smoke detectors as part of the security system, you have the added benefit of the monitoring station being notified when the panel sends the signal, and thus, the fire department is dispatched immediately.