Hundreds of security alarm suppliers and security companies are operating in UK. If you are planning to employ a firm specialising in security alarms for installing them in your property, you should check the following points to ensure absolute safety to your property and possessions.

• At the outset, check the credentials and address of the security alarm provider, including proof of identify of the representative of the company.

• Find out whether the company is subject to any independent inspection process. If so, get the details of the organisation that does the inspection of the company.

• Enquire whether your insurer makes the installation of a security alarm system as mandatory. If yes, ask whether the company is in the approved list of your insurer.

• Get a list of the police rules related to properties with alarms and a written confirmation from the company that the company and its products are accepted by the local police. This will be even more needed if alarm messages or other transmissions from your property should be received by the local police and acted upon by them.

• Always obtain quotes from 3-4 companies and compare them for features, specifications and prices.

• Verify whether the installations comply with the British Standards of 4737/BS EN 50131, BS 7042, BS 6799 Class 6 and its amendment BS DD 244. The second standard is for high security systems and the third is for wireless alarms.

• Find out the maintenance terms and conditions of the company along with any specific monitoring contracts that they have. Ensure that the company is having a 24-hour call out service and guarantee emergency attendance at least within a few hours.

The independent inspectorate organisations in the United Kingdom are the Alarms Inspectorate & Security Council, Integrity 2000, National Approval Council for Security Systems and Independent Alarm Inspectorate. The local security alarm company must have the approval and accreditation from one of these organisations. Further, the alarm systems must have two keyholders. These keyholders will be operatives trained in the alarm systems and have their own communication and transport facilities. Members of the Association of Security Consultants or ASC will also be able to provide proper security alarm services.