Will my security system have 24-hour monitoring?
Our Central Station is professionally staffed around the clock, 365 days a year.
Intercity Alarms operates the largest central monitoring facility in Southern
New England and combines the latest security and communications technology with
leading edge electronics.top
How does the alarm signal get from my alarm system to the
Central Station?
Alarm panels send signals to the Central Station via the telephone line, so it
is important to understand that if you disconnect your telephone line, you also
disable your alarm system! Alarm signals can also be sent via a backup radio
system (depending on your location) or over a different telephone line or
cellular connection as a backup to the primary telephone line. top
What will happen when my alarm goes off?
Typically, if it's a burglar alarm, the Central Station dispatcher will call the
premises first. If someone answers at the premises, the dispatcher will request
a pass code. If a valid pass code is provided, the dispatcher will simply ask if
everything is okay. If nobody answers, or if someone answers who cannot provide
a valid pass code, the dispatcher will then dispatch the police. In this
instance, the dispatcher will also notify the emergency contact on the alarm
account's "call-list."
This a typical response; the actual response to an alarm depends on a number of
factors, including the individual account holder's wishes, the alarm company's
policies and the local city/town bylaws. To find out how your individual alarm
will be handed, call the Central Station at 1-800-652-5555. top
What is the difference between my keypad code and my pass
code?
Your keypad code is the 4 or 5-digit code that you enter into your system's
keypad to arm and disarm your alarm system. Your pass code is a word or number
that you use to identify yourself to the Central Station in the case of a false
alarm. If you accidentally set off your alarm, the Central Station dispatcher
will ask you for your pass code. If you don't have one, or if you provide an
incorrect one, the authorities will be dispatched. You will also need a pass
code to discuss your account matters over the telephone, or to make changes to
your account over the phone or online. top
How do I change my pass code?
If you already have a valid pass code and simply want to change it, you can make
these changes over the telephone, or online under the Customer Care section of
the Intercity web site. If you do not have a pass code, or have forgotten your
code, the change must be requested in writing. top
How do I change my keypad codes or add new ones?
Procedures for changing your keypad codes or adding new ones are contained in
your user's manual. If you are having difficulty changing or adding keypad
codes, our Service Department can assist you. top
I am moving, and, unfortunately, will no longer need my
Intercity monitoring service. What is the procedure for canceling my account?
All you have to do is request the cancellation in writing (a fax is fine!)
and make arrangements to have the alarm panel physically disabled. We cannot
stop billing you until the panel is physically disabled, because it will
continue to send signals to the Central Station until it is. If you have leased
a backup radio unit from Intercity Alarms, you must also make arrangements to
return that to us as well. top
My alarm is going off and I can't get it to stop? What do I
do?
Usually, simply entering your keypad code will get it to stop (you may have to
enter it more than once). If that doesn't work, you may have to hit a special
key (9, * or "Reset", for example) before entering your keypad code, depending
on the requirements of your system. Your alarm panel owner's manual will have
the exact procedures. If you don't have an owner's manual, the Central Station
dispatchers may be able to help you. top
This alarm system was in the house when I bought it, but I
don't have a user's manual. How do I get one?
If you know the type of alarm panel you have, we can normally obtain an owner's
manual for you. If you're not sure what kind of panel it is, it may require a
site visit from our Service Department to identify it for you. top
I accidentally set off my alarm and nobody from Central
Station called me! Why?
If you accidentally set your alarm system off, but immediately silenced it by
entering your keypad code, you may simply have caught it before it could dial
out to the Central Station. If it went off for some time (over 2 minutes, for
example) and you didn't get a call from the Central Station, there may be a
problem with your alarm system. Call the Central Station and ask them to check
the alarm history on your account and, if necessary, arrange for a service call.
top
Why does my telephone go dead when the alarm goes off?
Alarm systems use the telephone system to transmit signals to the Central
Station. Most panels have something called "line-seizure" built into them, which
means that the alarm panel grabs the telephone line to report the alarm and,
until it is finished, the telephone line is unavailable for telephone calls.
top
I know that I should test my alarm system regularly. What is
the procedure for that?
It's simple! Just call the Central Station at 1-800-652-5555 and talk to one of
the dispatchers. They will be happy to assist you in testing your alarm system.
We recommend that you test your alarm system once a month. Make sure you have
your pass code ready when you call. top
Will I get charged for a false alarm?
False alarms cost everyone money! A faulty alarm panel or the careless use of an
alarm system can lead to false alarms, and cities and towns are growing
increasingly strict concerning the number of false alarms they will respond to
before fining an alarm panel owner. Every municipality has its own rules
regarding fines for false alarms. It's wise to check with your local town hall
for the rules governing your area. It's also wise to ensure that you keep your
alarm system in good working condition and that you know how to use it
properly…this will help to greatly reduce the possibility of false alarms.
top
What do the "STAY" and "AWAY" features on my keypad mean?
Activating the "STAY" feature arms only the perimeter zones of your home. Zones,
in most cases, can be assigned as either perimeter or interior zones. Once the
"STAY" feature has been activated, one can stay inside the home and move around
without the risk of setting off the alarm system. Only the perimeter doors and
windows will be armed, so if someone breaks into the house through a perimeter
door or window, the alarm will be set off.
The "AWAY" feature is a shortcut to arming your alarm system. By activating the
"AWAY" feature, you do not have to enter your code when leaving your home or
business. The exit delay will count down approximately 30 seconds to give you
time to leave before arming the system. Interior and exterior zones will be
activated when using the "AWAY" feature. top
What is the difference between the Master Code, Installer's
Code and User Code?
The Master Code is usually the homeowner or business owner's code. This code, in
addition to allowing an individual to arm or disarm a system, allows access to
entry level programming, such as changing the clock, date, time and adding new
user codes.
The User Code is a code most often given to the alarm panel owner's children,
relatives, caretakers, employees, etc. This level of access is used primarily to
turn the system on and off.
The Installer's Code is a code known only to the alarm company. This code allows
for deep level programming. top
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