06/10/2021
WHY CERTIFICATIONS IN SECURITY AND ALARM MONITORING ARE A MUST
If you choose to hire a certified security company, it’ll help ensure that your property is in good hands. Here’s why certifications are important and what you should look for when selecting a security and alarm monitoring company.
CERTIFICATION GUARANTEES ADEQUATE QUALIFICATIONS ARE HELD
In many regions of Canada, there are no legal requirements for licensing and training security installation companies. Anyone can create a home and commercial security business and begin installing cameras and other equipment with no prior training or knowledge. Without certification, consumers have no way to know if their home security company is truly qualified to do the job.
CERTIFICATION GUARANTEES MINIMUM SERVICE STANDARDS
Certified security companies are held accountable by third-party organizations for the level of service they provide. In exchange, these companies get to use the safety organization’s brand in its marketing as evidence of high standards.
For example, the Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC) demands members adhere to minimum response times for fire alarms (30 seconds) and other service calls.
Other organizations such as the Canadian Security Association (CANASA) require members to maintain specific insurance policies. Safety organizations can expel members who don’t comply with the requirements or levels of service.
CERTIFICATION GUARANTEES MINIMUM TRAINING STANDARDS
The Canadian Fire Alarm Association (CFAA) provides training and certification for dispatchers responding to fire and sprinkler alarms in ULC certified monitoring centres.
Five-Diamond certification with The Monitoring Association (TMA) ensures all monitoring dispatchers are trained on handling alarm calls and how to reduce false alarms.
Some manufacturers also provide specific training for their products so that dispatchers can knowledgeably respond to any problems that come their way.
CERTIFICATION GUARANTEES THAT THE COMPANY IS PROACTIVE
With few regulations in place in the industry, security companies have little legal incentive to set their own quality standards for products and services. Companies that go the extra mile and obtain certification are serious about providing top-quality service.
