Security FAQs

This varies with different systems. Generally, arming/disarming your system will silence your alarm.

This depends on the reason it’s beeping and the type of system you have. A power failure or trouble signal from one of your devices can cause beeping. Most Radionics/Bosch systems will respond when you press the command key followed by the number 4. For a DSC alarm system, touch the star key on the keypad. For a Qolsys alarm system: hit the message icon at the top right of the screen, click “alerts and alarms”, the “OK to acknowledge”, then swipe right or left to return to the home screen.

This usually means that your test signal did not get to the Command Center. Do a test to see if your system is working properly. If it’s not, find out if there has been any telephone work done recently. Make sure the phone lines used for the alarm system are still connected and that there has been no recent change in the dialing instructions.

1. Call the central station and place your system in Test Mode before servicing any devices.

2. Disarm the alarm system at the keypad or app.

3. Remove the sensor cover carefully.

4. Make sure you have the correct replacement batteries ready. The new batteries should be the same type as the ones that you’re replacing.

5. Take out the old batteries and dispose of them according to your local regulations.

6. Wait about 5 minutes before putting in the new batteries. This gives the device a chance to power down and register that it has a new battery.

7. Reinstall the sensor cover once the batteries are replaced.

8. Exit Test Mode and confirm the system is operating normally.

It’s probably one of two things. Your alarm system allows you a very short time to cancel without sending any signal. In this case, your panel would have known you cancelled the signal so it didn’t send a signal. If a signal was sent and immediately followed by a cancel signal, the central station received a valid cancel. No further action was necessary since they knew an authorized code was entered. You can verify if any signals were received at the central station by calling to review the activity. As always, we recommend you test your system often and especially when there is any concern. If you have any doubts about what took place or questions about your system, please call us.

Like most security companies, we recommend that you have your system professionally maintained at least once a year. We also strongly recommend that you test the system yourself in the interim. To do so, call the Command Center and let them know you want to put your system on test. Your passcard will have all the information you need: the Command Center phone number, your account number and passcode. Some authorities also like to be notified when a test is being performed. Conduct your test by arming your system and setting off devices or by using the test feature, if you have one. Call the Command Center to verify that all the signals you sent were received. When you’re finished testing, tell the Command Center. Call us if you detected any problems.

False alarms are often preventable with proper system use, maintenance, and communication. The following best practices can help reduce accidental activations and unnecessary dispatches:

• Keep your alarm code list up to date and remove codes for anyone who no longer needs access.
• Ensure that everyone with a key also has a valid alarm code and knows how to properly disarm the system.
• Make sure all users know which doors to use when entering or exiting while the system is armed.
• Confirm that all users are comfortable operating the alarm system, including arming, disarming, and cancelling alarms.
• Provide adequate training for all employees, family members, or tenants who use the system.
• Understand the proper cancellation procedures in the event of an accidental alarm.
• Request a replacement manual or system refresher if procedures are unclear.
• Know how to test your alarm system and perform regular testing as recommended.
• Notify H&S Protection Systems of any phone number or address changes.
• Provide a reliable secondary contact number so alarms can be verified before dispatching authorities.
• Inform H&S of any remodeling or construction, including changes involving doors, walls, windows, fumes, or dust.
• Assign unique user codes so activity can be accurately identified and managed.
• Review and manage user codes regularly so you know who is accessing the system.
• Contact H&S if you acquire an indoor pet, as system adjustments may be needed.
• Avoid placing large moving objects (balloons, banners, plants) near motion detectors or HVAC vents.
• Address building maintenance issues that may trigger alarms, such as loose doors or windows, rodents, power issues, or roof leaks.
• Check with local authorities regarding alarm permits, registration requirements, and potential false alarm fees.
• If you experience an issue, contact H&S Protection Systems immediately so we can help resolve it.

Notify our Service Department if you have any changes (such as adding a prefix) that may affect your panel’s ability to dial-out. Also let us know if you add any equipment to your line that might affect your panel, such as DSL or fax service. It’s important that your alarm panel maintain its ability to take over the phone line in case of an alarm. Obviously, it’s critical to make sure the Command Center has your correct contact number so they can quickly verify any alarm signals they receive.

Call us if your remodeling might affect any part of your alarm system. Also, if you have fire protection, remember that part of your system is always on. Put your system on test to prevent the chance of false alarms from fumes or steam resulting from tasks such as power sanding, steam cleaning and painting.

Yes, though security cameras are used much more extensively in business applications, we do install them in homes as well. We are careful to address privacy concerns and meet the specifications of the homeowner in these circumstances.

Our basic package (which you can click on our home page) includes cameras, cabling, and a network video recorder (NVR — stores and plays back the video). The customer provides an Internet/Wifi connection, 120-volt electrical outlet and a stand-alone monitor, if desired (Note: H&S also sells and installs stand-alone monitors for viewing video). This package does include access to a client software, remote viewing, and training on the usage of the system.

Your system is equipped with a back-up battery to keep your system running for hours in case of a power loss. That’s why it’s important to make sure the panel battery is functioning properly. Make sure to let us know if you’re ever notified of a low battery signal.

Your system will still alert you locally, but no signal will reach the Command Center until after phone service is restored. Cellular back-up service for your alarm system is available to increase your level of protection. Most of the systems we currently install are wireless, so this would not be an issue. In many instances we are able to save customers money by eliminating their landline and the monthly fee associated  with that. Please call us for details.

Make sure to call your local authorities to inform them. Some jurisdictions require a one-time or annual permit fee. Most at least want to have your location registered to know you have a system and ensure a faster response. Many will send you a packet of information on local false alarm ordinances and their department policies. If not, ask them how false alarms are handled in your area.

Your system can be programmed to send signals to show when your system is armed or disarmed. There is an additional charge for the programming and the monthly service. Activity reports can be mailed, e-mailed or faxed to you. You can also opt for online access to see your activity 24 hours a day. Call us for more details

Passcards are used for confirming your identification with the Command Center. You will need to give a valid name and passcode before the Command Center can accept your instructions to cancel or test your alarm. Anyone who has a key for your home and might need to disarm your system should have a passcard and understand the procedures for canceling an alarm. Our customers can fax passcard changes to us at either branch office.

It’s very important for commercial and industrial accounts to have someone on-site responsible for managing the system. Not only does it improve our ability to service the system, it avoids confusion for the other employees. The system manager would be responsible for keeping the system records, updating user information and training other employees.

Let’s say you’re doing some remodeling that might set off a fire alarm or a device needs a battery but you can’t correct the problem immediately. You can instruct the Command Center to put your system, or any part of it, into test for up to 24 hours with verbal instructions. This will prevent an unnecessary dispatch or repeat phone calls. If you need additional time, you can renew your instructions.  Make sure to call us if you need special instructions on your account for a longer time.

Yes, we get many requests for this and can often re-use the security equipment onsite as part of a system takeover. That minimizes costs for the customer. Older wired systems can also often be replaced by wireless technology, allowing the customer to eliminate a dedicated landline to the alarm system and potentially save costs.

That’s a great question. The short answer is yes. We get requests for camera installations to cover areas in manufacturing and warehouse facilities to ensure safety, check on production and monitor damage to equipment or product. In retail stores, owners/managers may want oversight to see if the store is opening or closing on time, or to monitor employee actions onsite. The bottom line is this: Electronic security protection is NOT just about theft. It’s about PROTECTING your business or home from different risks. H&S is here to help you assess those risks and design a system to meet your needs.

While we can answer many of your questions over the phone, the best way for us to prepare a competitive quote to address your needs is for our H&S staff to meet directly with you and inspect the premises for an installation. The meeting and quote are cost-free to you.

Because each installation is unique, it’s important that we meet directly at the home or business of the customer to design a system for their needs. One size shoe does not fit all.

Yes! H&S offers service agreements to cover the cost of repair work and equipment replacement. Please call us for details on how a service agreement can be economical and hassle-free.

Many insurance companies offer discounts for homes/businesses installing security systems and/or cameras. H&S recommends you check with your provider.