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Using state-of-the-art communications technology, an alarm signal in your home triggers a telephone, radio or cellular telephone call from the alarm panel to the central station. The alarm panel sends data that identifies the type of alarm and where it occurred. Then the Central Station swings into action. The telephone call is
answered by computers at the central station. Your unique account number immediately
identifies your home and all the key Each alarm signal includes special identifying codes that tell the operator what type of alarm has been sent. The operator will know, for example, whether it was the fire alarm or bugler alarm. If a door or window was opened, the operator can tell if it is the front, back or side. A panic alarm or medical emergency-the information is spelled out. Each alarm also includes an instruction for a pre-planned series of responses by the operator. For some alarms, the operator will press a single key and automatically dial your telephone number, to see if you are home and check on the problem.
The alarm also instructs the operator who to "notify" about an alarm. The notification list (people who should be called) and their telephone numbers, appears automatically on the operator's screen, with single keystrokes, the operator can quickly call the people on the list, according to the instructions you provide. Every action by the operator-answering the alarm, making each call, dispatching authorities-is recorded as part of the permanent record in the account history. Additionally, if any telephone conversations take place, they are tape recorded for use later, if needed. |
information about your system. Within seconds
(usually less then ten seconds after the call goes through) all the information appears on
a computer screen in front of a professionally trained central station operator.