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Buying an alarm system

Consumer information

  • Obtain bids from more than one company. Compare prices, warranty and service.
  • BEWARE if the alarm company representative uses high pressure sales or scare tactics.
  • Ask if you are buying the equipment or leasing.
  • Don't overdo it! More is not necessarily better.

The alarm company

  • How long have they been in business?
  • Do they have 24 hour a day service?
  • Are they bonded and insured?
  • Do they monitor their own accounts or contract with a third party?
  • Where is their central station located?
  • Are they a member of the Better Business Bureau or the Minnesota Burglar and Fire Alarm Association?

The equipment

  • Is the equipment approved by Underwriters Laboratory?
  • Is the system tamper resistant (i.e., wires and sensor protected from the elements)?
  • If you are a business, consider a cellular back-up system which can provide reliable backup and uninterrupted communications if the phone or power lines are cut and a break-in occurs.

Reminders

  • A false alarm is like calling 911 for help!
  • False alarms take officers away from real crimes. During 2001 there were over 1900 alarm calls, of which 98.5 percent were false.
  • Human error is the most common cause of false alarms!
  • The City of Bloomington has a false alarm ordinance. You will be assessed a fee for more that two false alarms in a calendar year. The fee begins at $125 and increases up $50 for each additional alarm. Panic, holdup and duress alarms have greater fees.
  • For complete details, see City Code Chapter 14, Article IV, Sections 14.138-14.146.

Contact Information

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Nondiscrimination and accommodation commitments
The City of Bloomington does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodation will be provided to allow individuals with disabilities to participate in all City of Bloomington services, programs, and activities. Upon request, this information can be provided in Braille, large print, audio tape and/or electronic format. 

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