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Monitoring 101
Fire alarm monitoring is a crucial component of a building's fire/life safety plan, integral to the emergency response system. A monitored fire alarm system provides a 24-hour watchdog for the building's fire safety plan.
How Does Fire Alarm Monitoring Work?
When a fire monitor system (such as a smoke detector, heat detector, flame detector, water flow switch, or sprinkler head) is activated, it sends a signal to the fire alarm control panel through wired or wireless transmission. Upon receiving this signal, the control panel activates the local notification devices and triggers the alarm signal at the monitoring central station.
Once the transmission is received, the central station ensures that local authorities - the fire department - are dispatched automatically, which is much faster than making a 911 call.
At the same time, the central station operator contacts the registered responsible parties for the monitored account, typically including the property manager, owner, and other essential personnel.
For additional peace of mind, we also provide an annual checkup on external mounted equipment that may be exposed to vibrations, harsh temperatures, or weather.
What is the difference between an Annual Alarm Inspection and a Monitoring Health Check?
During an annual Alarm Inspection, the technician will be visually and functionally testing the devices of the system, the programming, and ensuring that the system onsite is working properly.
During the Monitoring Health Check, the technician is specifically testing what is happening offsite.
- Are the conditions on site being reported correctly to the central station?
- Are the instructions for the central station correct for the signals they are receiving?
- Are there any issues with the monitoring equipment that need to be addressed?
These and many other questions are tested, verified, and addressed with the Monitoring Health Check Inspection.
Coverage You Can Depend On
Reliable Partners for Confident Monitoring
We are partnered with Affiliated Monitoring, Inc., a world class central station with excellent reviews from our technicians and our clients for innovative tools, rapid response, ease of communication and competitive pricing.
AlertMessage Priority Group Chat
- Instant group notification right on your phone the moment an alarm event comes through
- Chat with your entire call list to ensure if alarm is false or not
- Cancel false alarms with a touch of a button without having to make a phone call
SeeMyAlarm
SeeMyAlarm is a user-friendly application that allows access to your monitored accounts conveniently on a mobile device or computer.
- View detailed account information and event history
- Add or update a contact
- Place your system into test
SeeMyAlarm provides an accessible means for the needs of the properties you oversee.
Stella Customer Engagement Platform - Affiliated Monitoring
How detailed is the installation?
On average our certified technicians can install, program and dial setup your monitoring needs in less than 2 hours with minimum disruption.
With hundreds of installations performed throughout the area, our Metro Safety & Fire technicians are also trained to handle complex, specialized installation.
If interested in learning more about how Monitoring can better protect your business contact us today!
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