Be comfortable with your alarm system. Make sure that people who have access to your house have a user code and password and are familiar with the operation of the system. Whenever you add or delete users, or make changes to your emergency contacts, be sure to update us at Security Services Northwest.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alarm Systems
If my phone line is disconnected, will you be notified? Will my system work?
Because your alarm system transmits signals to our Central Station via a telephone line, if your phone line is disconnected, the alarm system will work, but we will not receive any signals. Alarms can be monitored via a wireless connection that will still provide a signal to our Central Station in the event that the phone line has been disabled. This service is in addition to Basic Alarm Monitoring fees and requires additional equipment.
If I don’t have a landline phone line at my house, can I still have an alarm system?
Yes, we can provide alarm systems that transmit signals to our Central Station via wireless connection.
Will you know if my alarm system stops working?
Alarm systems need to be tested on a regular basis to ensure there is communication between the alarm panel and our Central Station. We recommend that you test your system at least monthly. Call us and let us know you wish to test your system. We will verify you with your password and then have you manually send us an alarm. Alternatively, your system can be programmed to automatically send a test signal to our Central Station confirming the connection.
Do you install security camera systems?
Yes we do! Give us a call at (800) 859-3463 for a free quote.
What happens if I accidentally trip my alarm?
If you accidentally trip your alarm, input your code to turn off the system. Call us at (800) 859-3463 and let us know you accidentally set off the alarm. Be ready to identify yourself and have your user code or password readily available; that is how we will verify you and cancel any police/fire/medical response.
Can you turn off my alarm from your Central Station?
No. We monitor your alarm system, but our Central Station cannot remotely turn off alarms. You need to disarm the system with your user code. If your system is not taking your code, try pressing the "#" (pound) button and then input your code again.
Can you program a new user code into my system?
If you have an IQ4 alarm panel, then YES can update your user codes. If your system is older, we are unable to update codes remotely but can schedule a service call and send out an alarm tech to update your user codes. If you would like to upgrade your panel to an IQ4 panel, call us at (800) 859-3463.
I’m going out of town and want you to contact someone else in case of an alarm.
Give us a call at (800) 859-3463 and we will add a temporary note to your account noting that you will be out of town. Let us know if anyone should be on the premises (such as a housesitter) and any temporary changes to the contact list while you are gone. Also let us know when you will be back in town.
Will my dog or cat set off the motion sensor?
Motion sensors have sensitivity settings that can be adjusted to account for pet movement. However, pets walking up or down stairs or climbing furniture near motion sensors may set off alarms, depending on your pet’s size. Sensors should be set at a height and location that limits these situations from occurring.
If I lose power, will my system still operate?
Yes. The back-up battery will provide power to your system for several hours. After approximately 12 hours, if power has still not been restored, you may receive a low-battery signal. When you lose power and/or receive a low-battery signal, we will be notified at Central Station.
Do you have a mobile app?
Yes, we are an authorized dealer for alarm.com, which allows you to manage your alarm system via an app or web dashboard. You can control your alarm and camera systems remotely, receive alerts in real time, access your security cameras, and more.