Pittsfield Charter Twp, Michigan

What You Should Know Before Purchasing an Alarm System

The Pittsfield Department of Public Safety’s Crime and Fire Prevention Programs doesn’t endorse alarm companies. It is important for the consumer “homeowners/businesses” to be empowered with information that will help in your decision to have a system installed.

Pittsfield Township False Alarm Ordinance #233

Establishing a service charge to defray the costs of police and fire responses to false alarms and thereby encouraging those businesses and individuals to properly install and maintain their alarm systems is the goal of this ordinance. Service charges are to be established by resolution of the Township Board of Trustees. At present, the charge is waived for the 1 ^st and 2 ^nd false alarm of each calendar year. The 3 ^rd and each subsequent activation during a calendar year requiring a response carries a $100 service charge.

Locating Reputable Alarm Companies

*Are they licensed by the State of Michigan?

• How long have they been in businesses?
• Do they provide burglary and fire alarm protection?
• Do they have a Central Station, if not where are their calls made from when your alarm is activated?
• Is the Company and it’s services listed with the Central Station Alarm Association?
• How many accounts are they monitoring in your community?
• What are the options provided for installation? And can you get the options in writing?
• Do they offer inspections and maintenance contracts for their products? And are there additional costs?
• Are services offered from 9-5? Or are they 24-hour operations?
• Does the company offer alarm response service?
• How do they handle equipment failure that repeatedly causes false alarms?

• Does the alarm company provide information to the local Police/Fire Department notifying them that you’ve sign a contract for service? If not why?

Before you purchase an Alarm System you should:

*Contact several companies and request their promotional material to review prior to a home visit.

• Request information on systems that will provide coverage for the external and internal portions of your home/business.
• Ask the companies the costs for their “adequate/better/best” systems.
• Have a certified Lock Smith inspect the door locks; doorframes to assure that your doors are secure.
• Contact your local police/fire department and request a “security survey” for your home/business. Some departments have “self surveys” and some will come to your home to perform the free survey and provide you with tips to secure your home.
• After careful review of the materials and information about the status of your home contact the Alarm Companies for an appointment.
• Prior to signing a contract check your local laws on alarms. Some cities/municipalities have alarm ordinances that govern the types and maximum volumes of audible alarms. They also access a fee after responding to a set number of “false alarms.”
• Get information on how they work with persons with impairments and individuals that may have a handicap.
• Request clarification of service agreements and emergency response time to system problems.