Slow response, a call center that doesn't know your building, missed inspection reminders, a contract that keeps renewing: there are plenty of reasons to change fire alarm monitoring companies. Many property managers stay put anyway because they worry about the switch itself.
The good news is that you usually don't need a new fire alarm system to change who monitors it. Here's how the switch works, and how to do it without leaving your building unprotected.
Step 1: Read your current contract
Before you call anyone, find your monitoring agreement and look for three things: the term, the auto-renewal date, and how much notice you must give to cancel. Many agreements require written notice before the renewal date. Knowing your deadline lets you plan the switch instead of paying for another year you didn't want.
Step 2: Find out what equipment you have
Your new monitoring company will want to know the make and model of your fire alarm panel and how it sends signals to the monitoring center. Many commercial panels can be monitored by any properly licensed company, while older or proprietary setups may need more work. A site visit answers this before you commit.
Step 3: Ask about access to the panel
Some panels are locked with installer codes held by the current company. Locked and proprietary panels are handled case by case. Depending on the panel, the options can range from getting the codes from the current company to adding a new communicator or, in some cases, replacing equipment. Ask your new provider to look at your panel before you cancel anything, so you know which situation you're in.
Step 4: Schedule the cutover, then test
The cleanest switch connects the new monitoring before the old account is cancelled. On cutover day, the new company programs the panel or communicator, then sends test signals for alarm, supervisory and trouble conditions to confirm the monitoring center receives each one correctly. Only after those tests pass should the old service be shut off.
Step 5: Update your contacts and records
Give the new monitoring center an up-to-date call list for each property: who to call, in what order, and after-hours numbers. Keep a record of the switch and the test results with your fire alarm inspection reports.
Step 6: Line up inspections at the same time
Switching is a good moment to consolidate. If one company monitors, another inspects and a third does repairs, nobody owns the whole system. Putting monitoring, annual inspections and service with one licensed company means one call when something goes wrong.
Make the switch with a local team
Avenger Security Houston takes over fire alarm monitoring from other providers across the Houston area. In Texas, a company that monitors fire alarm systems must be registered with the State Fire Marshal's Office, and we hold Texas fire alarm license ACR-2370373. There are no long-term contracts, and your calls go to people who know your building, not a national call center.
Managing more than one property? See our
Property Manager services, or call
(281) 954-3400 to schedule a free review of your current monitoring.
