Frequently Asked Questions

• Q. Free Alarm System? What's the catch?
  A. DHS Security can afford to defray the expense. The monthly monitoring will eventually amortize the initial loss on equipment and labor. 
• Q. Can I live anywhere in Texas?
  A. DHS Security has an installation network throughout Texas. Monitoring and Billing will be done by ADT.
• Q. What is the difference between a "HARD WIRED" or "WIRELESS" System?
  A. A hard wired system can be installed on a one story home with a fully accessible attic. Tiny contacts are hidden in the door frame or window well. The actual wires are out of sight. On two story homes or homes with vaulted ceilings wireless transmitters are used to send signals to the control panel.
• Q. What are the main components of an Alarm System?
  A. Control Panel with battery back-up B. Keypad C. Door / Window Contacts or transmitters D. Motion detector(s) E. Siren

• Q. What other devices are common additions to compliment a basic Alarm System?
  A. Glass Break detector(s), B. Smoke Detector C. Carbon monoxide detector D. Low temperature device E. Wireless keypads and remotes.
• Q. Are wireless systems prone to false alarms or affected by errant radio transmissions?
  A. No, the technology today is very sophisticated.
• Q. Can my alarm be "hooked up" directly to the police station?
  A. No, the local police station does not have the software or the man power and expense to field alarm signals.
• Q. How is the alarm connected to ADT's central station?
  A. All alarms are monitored through the telephone lines. You may also chose to add “Cellular Back Up” to your system to allow signal transmission without a phone line.
• Q. Where are ADT's central stations located?
  A. Denver, Colorado -- Rochester, NY -- Dallas, Texas -- Jacksonville, Florida -- Kansas City, Missouri
• Q. Isn't is better to have my alarm monitored by a near by station?
  A. Proximity to the central station is irrelevant. ADT's Stations operate 24 hours a day. Signals are received electronically with no time differential whether your home is 1 block or 1000 miles from a central station
• Q. What happens when the alarm goes off?
  A. A trained ADT dispatcher will call your home to verify if you have set the alarm off by mistake asking for your password. If there is no answer or the correct password is not given the police are immediately notified. Your control panel is a computer that identifies which door/window or motion detector has triggered the alarm. The police are given accurate information as to where the intrusion took place. ADT then contacts you or a designated friend or relative. All of this data instantly appears when a signal is received. Your alarm will automatically shut off within 12-17 minutes and rearm itself.
• Q. How loud is the siren and will it bother the neighbors, if I set it off by mistake?
  A. The siren is 95 decibels and pursuant to alarm code ordinances sirens are installed inside the home. The siren is loud enough to be heard by any thief on the perimeter who tries to break in but will not bother your neighbors if you set it off by mistake. (The siren is very inconspicuous in design, looking something like an intercom)
• Q. Does ADT charge for false alarms?
  A. No, ADT will never charge for a false alarms but local police may.
  Q. Do the Police charge for false alarms?
  A. Some municipalities have implemented a fine for nuisance calls. Typically the 3rd violation in a year averages $25.00. Since your system is monitored and ADT attempts to verify all alarms the police are typically dispatched for real emergency's.
• Q. I already have smoke detectors, Why would I want to add additional ones to my alarm system?
  A. Adding Smoke and fire protection to the system assures the fire department will be called, should there be smoke when you are not home. Smoke detectors as part of your alarm are "supervised" 24 hours a day even if you forgot to set your alarm.
• Q. Is there an extra monitoring charge for additional equipment? (I.E. Smoke detectors, Carbon monoxide detectors)
  A. No.
• Q. What happens if we lose the electrical power in our home?
  A. The system has a 24 hr battery back up housed in the control panel for this emergency. It is re-charged when the power returns.
• Q. How difficult is it to operate?
  A. A child can operate this system, a 4 digit pin number allows full control of your system.
• Q. Can the system be set at night, or when the kids are home?
  A. Yes, The "STAY MODE" disarms the interior motion detector(s) for freedom of movement while keeping the perimeter sensors (e.g. door/window sensors and glass-break detectors) armed.
• Q. How about my Pets? (cats, dogs)
  A. Specially designed pet immune motion detectors can be used.
• Q. What is the correct design of a good system?
  A. Any perimeter opening that is easily accessed. EVERY exterior door, motion detector for emergency backup and smoke protection.

• Q. In an emergency can I summon the police or fire departments?
  A. Yes, some keypads have emergency Police and Fire panic buttons.
• Q. What about medical emergencies?
  A. Should a family member have a special condition and should ADT have all of this information including medications and doctors names. ADT can dispatch whatever authority is needed Police, Fire or medical personnel.
• Q. I have a pager. Can the alarm automatically call my pager when the system is armed or disarmed?
  A. Yes, if desired a paging feature built into the control panel will automatically alert you when the system is armed or disarmed. This feature can be valuable to working parents to verify if the kids have come home from school.
• Q. What if the keypad is not within reach?
  A. Remote wireless devices are available for this purpose.
• Q. Can I add emergency names and contacts to my call list?
  A. Yes, just call the central station and identify yourself with your account number and your secret password.
• Q. What about service or warranties?
  A. Defects in workmanship and parts are covered for the first 90 days. Following the 90 day period the same warranty applies on our maintenance program with only a $25.00 trip charge.
• Q. How much electricity does the alarm use?
  A. Very little, no more than the light on your stove or the clock on your VCR, less than $2 dollars a year.
• Q. Is there a contract I need to sign?
  A. Yes, ADT has a 3-year monitoring agreement. This guarantees the amortization of the free installation.
• Q. Do I need an alarm permit?
  A. Some towns do require them. Permit Fee's average range from $10-$60 the average being $25.00.
• Q. Can I get detailed information in the mail?
  A. No, ADT nor does any reputable alarm company send explicit information on the operation of an alarm system through the mail. General information designed to peak your interest is all that is available. Some people seem to forget we are in the security business. If you were a customer how would you feel if we randomly sent out detailed information on how your system operates?
• Q. Can I get referrals from your existing customers?
  A. ADT has been in the Security business for over 125 years and monitors millions of homes. We rely on our reputation and assume you'll know somebody that uses our services. The contract we have with each and every customer STRICTLY PROHIBITS the release of any personal information
• Q. Who will help me design my alarm?
  A. A trained security technician will visit your home and design and install the most effective system for your needs as well as answer all your questions.
• Q. Who will install my system and how long does it take?
  A. A licensed installer will visit your home. A typical basic system can be installed in 3-4 hours.
• Q. How will I be billed?
  A. ADT direct debits a major credit card, monthly, quarterly or annually. Certain exceptions allow automatic debit through a checking account.
• Q. Will my insurance company give me a discount for installing an alarm system?
  A. Yes, Discounts vary between 5-20% with the maximum being allowed for systems monitored for fire as well as burglary.
• Q. What are ADT's requirements to have an alarm system installed?
  A. You must be homeowner - Credit approval required.
• Q. Who is DHS Security.?
  A. A San Antonio owned company that specializes in residential and commercial security systems. We do represent ADT and set up a number of residential security systems on their behalf.