How does my alarm system work?
Your home has been equipped with several "sensors" like door and window contacts, motion sensors, glass break sensors, etc.  These sensors report to a central processing unit, known as a "panel".  The panel is basically a computer, the brain of the system. 

You "arm" or "disarm" your panel with a keypad or a keychair remote (keyfob), or in some cases, with a cellular phone or computer. 

Your panel is programmed with a set of instructions on what to do when sensors are tripped.  There are many different functions that can be programmed based on your service package and panel. 

When your system is armed and a sensor is tripped, the panel contacts your alarm monitoring center where there are real people monitoring your system and others like yours.  Your security provider, Gittings Security and Private Investigations, sets up instructions for what to do when there is an alarm.  These instructions are set up at the time of system installation and are based on your wishes.

Typically, the instructions to the central monitoring center are to call the residence first when there is an alarm and try to determine if the alarm is false.  If there is no answer at the residence, or if the person at the residence cannot provide your specific chosen password, then they move on to the next instruction.  Perhaps it is to call your cell phone or perhaps it is to dispatch authorities.

When police, fire or ambulance services are dispatched, they will be notified of the alarm condition at your residence and will respond.

What about false alarms?
It is not easy to trip your system into false alarm.  There are entry and exit delays set up so that if you trip the alarm, a loud beeping informs you that the system is detecting a sensor alarm and gives you 30 seconds to disarm the system.  Even if the call goes through, they will follow your instructions to call your residence and/or cell phone before dispatching authorities.

For example, a tree falls on your house, setting off a door or window sensor, leading to an alarm.  The monitoring center will follow your procedures to call you first.  If they cannot reach you, the police will be dispatched.  They will simply see that a tree fell on your house and follow their procedures about how to notify you.  Some cities and municipalities in larger city areas have fees for false alarms but these are typically for repeat offenses, not for rare occasions like this. 

How do I change or delete user codes?
See your user manual for your panel.  The instructions are in there but if you have problems, don't hesitate to call.  We know that those manuals aren't exactly easy to understand and we're here to help.  Depending on your system and features, we may be able to do this from our office.

Can I change passwords or contact numbers?
Sure, you may call us at Gittings Security (800) 453-0534 or the Global Monitoring Center directly with these requests.  Their number is 800-657-4357.  These are friendly people who will be happy to help you.

How do I get customer service?
Call us with any questions at 800-453-0534.  Office hours are Monday - Friday, 8am-4pm.  We want you to love your system and to use it every day.

Now what?
Get used to your system!  Enjoy the sense of security you have provided for yourself and your family.  We'll touch base every 6 months to make sure everything is working correctly and if you need anything in the meantime, please call. 

What else can we do?
You name it.  Remote thermostat and lighting control, keycard access control, home theater and audio systems, intercom systems, video with remote and smart phone access, outdoor motion sensors, cellular backup systems, predator drone strikes (well, not yet).  Our capabilities expand every day.  Check us out at www.GittingsSecurity.com, "like" us on facebook or follow us on twitter for security tips and tricks - and thank you for choosing us.