A private alarm receiving centre (ARC) is a professional alarm receiving centre that takes action immediately when your alarm system goes off. It is an extension of your alarm system.
An alarm system on its own is not always sufficient. What happens when the alarm actually goes off? This is where alarm response comes in. In this article we explain how alarm response works, why it is so effective via a PAC (Private Alarm Centre) and whether it is worth considering for you.
What is alarm response?
Alarm response is the process that is set in motion as soon as an alarm system raises an alert. Whether it concerns a burglary, fire, tampering or a medical emergency: an alarm receiving centre (ARC) receives the alert and takes action. This action can range from calling keyholders to immediately alerting the police, the fire brigade or a security service.
How does alarm response work at an alarm receiving centre (ARC)?
When your alarm system is linked to a private alarm receiving centre (ARC), every signal is followed up professionally and according to fixed protocols. These are the main steps:
24/7 monitoring
The ARC can be reached at all times, day and night. You are never on your own.
Alarm verification
Only verified alerts may be passed on to the emergency services. Verification takes place via:
- Video transmission from cameras
- Sound (listening in)
- Multiple zones triggering an alarm at the same time
- Human observation (for example via a security service)
Switching quickly
If something is really wrong, the alarm receiving centre contacts the following straight away:
- The emergency services (for verified alerts)
- The keyholders who can be on site within 15 minutes
- The risk address itself, for checking
Personal contact
No robots, no queues: every alert is followed up by an experienced operator.
Test signals and tamper alerts
Every day the ARC checks that your system is working (using test signals). Tampering attempts are also reported and followed up immediately.
| Type of alarm | Alarm receiving centre action |
|---|---|
| Intruder | Police if the alarm is verified, otherwise keyholder |
| Fire | Fire brigade for a verified alarm, otherwise consultation |
| Robbery | Police called immediately on verification |
| Panic / medical | Calling the location and keyholders, possibly the police |
| Tamper | Immediate action, especially in combination with other alarms |
| Fault / outage | Depending on time and severity, always followed up |
What does alarm response cost?
The cost of an alarm receiving centre is €18,72 per month, but if you take out an alarm receiving centre subscription with us now, you get the first 6 months free!
Do you need alarm response?
Of course, that depends on your situation. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Are you often not at home or on site?
- Do you want complete certainty that an alarm is followed up immediately?
- Do you like the idea of professionals monitoring your property 24/7?
- Do you have valuable possessions or sensitive business information?
If so, alarm response via an ARC is certainly advisable. You avoid unnecessary panic, know that the emergency services are alerted in good time and do not have to respond to every alert yourself.
Alarm response as an essential link in your security
An alarm system is an excellent start, but professional alarm response via a private alarm receiving centre (ARC) ensures that something really happens as soon as the alarm goes off. You can be sure that alerts are taken seriously, that the emergency services are called out when needed and that you are never alone in an emergency.
Curious what security alarm response costs for your home or business? Or would you like to discuss your situation? Contact one of our security experts without obligation. We are happy to think along with you.
Peter Meijer
Founder of Secures & YTEE. Expert in alarm systems, surveillance cameras and burglary protection for homes and commercial premises.
