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Securing the Best Security Provider for You

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Keeping the most valuable things in your life safe comes naturally to most. We teach our kids about stranger danger” and we teach employees how to lock safes and buildings. Yes, keeping our family members or work associates aware of their surroundings helps protect them in public; but what can we do at home or in the office to keep everyone safe? Sometimes locking a door isn’t enough to keep someone from breaking into your building. What can we do to keep your valuable assets safe?

Currently, one third of U.S. broadband house­holds have a security system. That repre­sents an 18% increase from 28% in 2018, according to Parks Associates. According to Resideo’s research, 60% of consumers believe a profes­sionally installed system is the way to go. We agree. Here are five tips on what to expect when shopping for a profes­sionally monitored system.

1. Do your research!

This isn’t just a t‑shirt purchase; your safety depends on this decision. This is a life safety system that needs to have a trusted, reputable company standing behind it. Seek input from family and friends on anyone they’ve worked with. It’s especially important to make sure you choose a profes­sional who is a member of the Electronic Security Associ­ation and has gone through its National Training School. This program requires that the dealer completes extensive training in electronic security, thus making the dealers more efficient and knowl­edgeable. Security profes­sionals who are members of the ESA produce higher quality work than those who are not certified.

2. Schedule a consultation.

Once you have narrowed down your list of potential dealers to one or two, you’ll want to schedule an in-person, phone, or video-based consul­tation so they can provide tailored solutions to meet your unique needs. A reputable dealer will have a no-contact solution during the coron­avirus. Likewise, Bates Security has imple­mented virtual security consul­ta­tions. Before your consul­tation, you’ll receive a bio sheet of the security expert who will be assisting you so you are informed. Bates Security will also provide a bio sheet for the techni­cians who will be installing your system so you know who to expect.

3. Get ready for some questions.

This consul­tation is not like an uncom­fortable first date, but it may feel overwhelming at first. Rest assured that a good security expert will ask many lifestyle, business, and family questions and is trying to get a sense of what your system should include. The goal of this consul­tation is to find the exact solutions to fit your unique needs. A good security dealer also will be skilled in home-networking and will ask you about your Wi-Fi network to ensure any wireless devices, like a video doorbell, will stay online and give you what you need.

4. Monitored video is usually a must.

While it may add a small amount to the monthly monitoring fees, video monitoring is a must-have for most systems today. Does the property have a backyard with no line-of-sight from neighbors? While that’s great to have, it also means the home has a blind spot that is vulnerable to break-ins (your security expert will identify this during consul­ta­tions). Motion sensors and viewers may be a fit for this location.

5. Save yourself some money!

Did you know working with a local profes­sional means that they will know about any potential reduc­tions in home insurance rates for your area? They will provide your insurer with a certificate of instal­lation. Discounts can range from 10 – 20% for a whole home, profes­sionally monitored system. USAA offers a 20% discount, again only if the system is profes­sionally monitored.