How to Determine If You Have an Alarm System Installed

When filling out your Fortify Form after purchasing your Fortify Plan, one of the key sections is identifying whether you have an alarm system installed in your home. Knowing if your home has a professionally monitored or self-monitored alarm system—or no alarm system at all—is essential for ensuring your security plan is tailored to your home’s unique needs. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to determine what type of home security alarm you have and how to document it for your Fortify Form.

1. Professionally Monitored Alarm

A professionally monitored alarm system means that your home is connected to a third-party monitoring service that responds to alarms by notifying emergency services or contacting you. This type of system often includes security alarm types such as motion detectors, door and window sensors, and smoke or fire alarms.

How to Identify a Professionally Monitored Alarm System:

  • Check for Monthly Fees: If you’re paying a monthly subscription to a security company like ADT, Vivint, or SimpliSafe, you likely have a professionally monitored alarm system.
  • Alarm Panel: Look for a control panel or keypad in your home that allows you to arm and disarm the system. These systems often connect to a central monitoring station.
  • Monitoring Signs: Many homes with professionally monitored alarms display signs or stickers from the security company near entry points, advertising that the home is protected.
  • Notification of Alerts: Professionally monitored systems typically send alerts to the monitoring center, which can dispatch police or emergency services if needed.

Why Professionally Monitored Systems Matter:

  • These systems provide a higher level of security, as they include 24/7 monitoring by a dedicated team.
  • In case of a break-in or emergency, the security company can respond quickly, even if you’re not home.

If your home has a professionally monitored alarm, be sure to note this in your Fortify Form so that your Fortify Plan can account for the enhanced level of security and monitoring.

2. Self-Monitored Alarm

A self-monitored alarm system means that you are responsible for monitoring the alarm and responding to any alerts yourself. These systems are often part of DIY alarm system setups, where you install the devices and control the system through an app on your smartphone or tablet.

How to Identify a Self-Monitored Alarm System:

  • App-Based Monitoring: If you control your security system via an app and receive alerts directly to your phone, this is likely a self-monitored system. Common brands include Ring, Arlo, and Wyze.
  • No Monthly Fees: Self-monitored alarm systems usually don’t require monthly fees for monitoring services. However, some systems may offer optional cloud storage or premium features for a fee.
  • DIY Installation: If you installed the system yourself, such as adding door sensors, cameras, or motion detectors, this indicates a DIY alarm system that you monitor independently.

Why Self-Monitored Systems Matter:

  • While self-monitored systems give you more control, they also require you to take immediate action if an alert is triggered, as there’s no professional team backing you up.
  • These systems are often more affordable and flexible but may require a reliable internet connection for remote access.

If your home has a self-monitored alarm system, be sure to include this in your Fortify Form so that your Fortify Plan can suggest ways to optimize your system’s effectiveness.

3. No Alarm System

If your home has no alarm system installed, you may be more vulnerable to security risks. Without an alarm system, there’s no automated way to detect intrusions, fires, or other emergencies.

How to Determine If You Have No Alarm System:

  • No Control Panel or Keypad: If you don’t have a security control panel, keypad, or app for managing security, it’s likely that your home has no alarm system.
  • No Security Devices Installed: Check for any visible security equipment, such as door or window sensors, motion detectors, or cameras. If none are installed, your home is not equipped with an alarm system.
  • No Service Fees: If you aren’t paying for any security monitoring service or haven’t set up a DIY system, it’s safe to assume you have no alarm system.

Risks of Having No Alarm System:

  • Without an alarm system, there is no way to automatically detect or alert you to intrusions, break-ins, or emergencies.
  • Homes without alarm systems are more susceptible to break-ins, as intruders may be less deterred without visible security measures.

If you currently have no alarm system, it’s important to note this in your Fortify Form so that your Fortify Plan can provide recommendations for installing a system that meets your home’s security needs.