Alarm Security Company advice needed (Orlando, Sarasota: attorney, new house, live in)

[kestrel123]

Hi.

We are trying to get some idea/opinions on which alarm security companies and monitoring services are good and not so-good. I dont like having to commit to a contract for 3 years, like some of the bigger companies (ADT, Brinks, Ect ) require, but if they are really good and reliable then it may be worth trying it?

Has anyone heard or used a company called Orlando Emergency Signal? The use a monitoring service in Sarasota called All American Monitoring Service, it seems to be based in florida and they dont require a longterm contract.

Anyone's feedback, opinions or experiences with any alarm services in central florida is appreciated. Thank You

[loves2read]

check with the better business bureau
there are plenty of complaints about brinks--in fact I think they changed the name of their company in some states because of lawsuits

google for the name+complaints

don't think there is state agency regulating these companies but you might check with the city attorney and see if any lawsuits have been filed as well...

[paradiddle]

I am not a Brinks salesman. We have Brinks for past 2 years and it has worked fine. They call me right away on any alarm even if it was that triggered it by going in my garage next door ( on the same system ).

I hear that they are being bought by ADT, and I had them for my business.

I have read some of those complaints and I think 50% are from bone head consumers who don't ask questions or read the contract.

[Harbor Hopper]

Are there any alarm services that don't require a landline phone? I'm 32 yrs old, and haven't ever had a landline in my entire adult life and will never have one. I know the phone line is how the system "communicates" with the monitoring company, but am unsure if there are other options now.

[davery5872]

I have had ADT for about nine years and have had no issues. The monthly fee has increases a bit more than I thought it should over the years. I recently called and told them I was going to change service and they lowered my payment. Most companies that install your system will have you sign a contract for service. It's a trade off. There are systems you can install yourself. You can then do an internet search for a monitoring service. Make sure it is UL listed. And having a service that is located in your area may not be a good thing. If there is a natural disaster in your area, the service may be also be knocked out. I live in Western Ohio and my service is located in Pittsburgh. Chances are any event that effects me will not effect Pittsburgh. And they do have monitering service that can use a dedicated cell phone line or broadband. Of course with broadband, no power equals no service.

[topdog352]

You might check with Front Point Security System. I have had them for a little over a year. No land line is required and the service is great. Any issues have been handled quickly and I think they are a good company. No, I am not an employee, just a retired Military Man.

[HenryHelmhazzard]

Originally Posted by Harbor Hopper

Are there any alarm services that don't require a landline phone? I'm 32 yrs old, and haven't ever had a landline in my entire adult life and will never have one. I know the phone line is how the system "communicates" with the monitoring company, but am unsure if there are other options now.

We have an ADT system with a cellular unit for alarms. No land line required, but costs a bit more. The setup has a good battery backup, so it can continue to run for many days during a power outage.

I'm not thrilled with ADT's costs, but they have been reliable and taken care of warranty problems with the system at no additional cost to us, and no hassles.

-HHH

[Oobie119]

Just a question since we were wondering the same?? What happens if someone breaks in and your alarm sounds when you're not home? Doesn't it just make sense to have it attached to a cell?? Ive never had a system, but have one now that we would like to activate.. : )

[beachbum wannabe]

Originally Posted by Oobie119

Just a question since we were wondering the same?? What happens if someone breaks in and your alarm sounds when you're not home? Doesn't it just make sense to have it attached to a cell?? Ive never had a system, but have one now that we would like to activate.. : )

Here is what I have and how it works for me. I have ADT and it is serviced through it's own cellular device(since we only use cell phones and have no phoneline)that is mounted to the wall ,so that in the event of a break-in not only does an audible alarm go off inside the house,but a signal is sent to ADT monitoring service that the alarm has been tripped,whereupon the ADT people go to my Call list and start calling the first number on my list,if they dont reach me they call my wifes phone,if they dont reach her, they call a friend we have on our list ,if they reach us and we cant verify who tripped the alarm,or if they cant reach anyone,then they call the police department to send out an officer,and this all happens within just a few minutes of the alarm being tripped. Probably in most cases there would be a police officer at the property within 10 minutes,and trust me on this because we have had false alarms when we were snowbirding,and the property manager set off the alarm! Hope this helps you

[Oobie119]

The system we have in our new house is ADT, meaning it was put in by them I think. Can we go with anyone for monthly service and activation?