Central Station Monitoring

The most important part of a security system is the Central Station Response. CFI Security offers UL Listed Central Station Monitoring. A UL Listed Central Station must meet stringent requirements for communication systems backup, internal fire safety systems, power backup, record keeping and response times.

We want all our subscribers to be familiar with Central Station procedures and be confident in the Central Station personnel. CFI Security incorporates specific procedures to eliminate False Alarms and supports the standards set by the National False Alarm Reduction Effort. Most false alarms are caused by user error. Get to know your system. There is valuable information in your user guide that will help you reduce the possibilities of a false alarm.

The following will explain the four important features of the Central Station Process: Alarm Response, Testing Your System, Changing Your Call List and Alarm Permits.

Alarm Response

Should you have an alarm, your system will make a connection to the Central Station. The communication system will log the connection and make your specific information available to a dispatcher. Unless you have specified otherwise, the dispatcher will contact your premises and seek to determine the type of alarm that has been initiated. These will fall into two categories: False and Actual.

False Alarms
If you have a false alarm, you can contact the Monitoring Center to cancel a dispatch. Call the Central Station Emergency Number: 1-800-482-9800. When a dispatcher answers, give them your name and password, and let them know that you want to cancel the dispatch. You may also be asked for your line number and account number, which are supplied by CFI Security at time of installation. The call will be cancelled and logged.

You may also wait for the Monitoring Center to contact the premises. When the call is answered at the premises, the dispatcher will ask for the name and password of the individual answering. If the password is authentic, the call will be cancelled and logged.

Actual Alarms
The Monitoring Center will call the premises on alarm activation. If there is no answer at the premises or if the wrong password is given, the dispatcher will immediately contact the local authorities to respond to the premises. For commercial fire response, the dispatcher will call authorities first, and then attempt to contact the premises.

The dispatcher will then attempt to contact the individuals listed on the Call List that you have provided to CFI Security. If your designated contact is reached, then the dispatcher will provide the details of the alarm. At this point your contact should respond according to the arrangements that you have made with them. A record of all calls is kept at the Central Station for review.

Testing Your System

Alarm systems are easy to use and simple to test. We recommend that you test your system once a month so that you are comfortable with you system and confidant in the Monitoring Center. You will not be charged for this test. Please have your owner's manual handy when requesting a test.

Call the Central Station Emergency Number: 1-800-482-9800. Advise the dispatcher that you want to test your system. The dispatcher will ask you Reason for calling, Line Number, Customer name, Account number and Password or Abort code. If verified, your system will be taken off line and you may then proceed to test the system. Set your system in the armed mode and then trigger an alarm by opening a door or window, or walking through a motion detector sight path. Once the alarm is activated, wait for approximately one minute, deactivate the alarm and then call the Monitoring Center. Your dispatcher will again ask for your name and password. Let them know that your have just performed a test and want to check on the device reporting the alarm. Once you have been given the information, ask that your system be put back on line. Your system should then be ready for actual alarms.

Important: Under no circumstance should you test your system in the active mode. Authorities may be dispatched and you may be liable for fines and penalties.

Alarm Permits

An Alarm Permit may be required in your area. If so, you are responsible for securing and maintaining a valid permit at the premises. If a permit is not secured, the local authorities may fine or suspend response to the location. Please check with your location jurisdiction for alarm permits requirements.

We want you to be very comfortable with your system and your response team. If you have any questions, you may contact the CFI Security service staff at 915-778-6061 or contact us. Click on the Service Department and complete the easy to use Service Request Form.