Custom Security Systems Protecting Thurston County Since 1972

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Locally owned and operated, Custom Security Systems has been serving Southwest Washington for 40 years.  Custom Security is the independent installing division of Alarm Center, Inc. a family-owned business, based in Lacey.  Alarm Center, Inc. also includes The Call Center, a phone answering service, as well as ACE Fire & Security Systems, specializing in commercial fire alarm systems. Alarm Center, Inc. employs about 100 people and operates the largest monitoring center in Washington State.

Installing Security Systems

Working with Custom Security is easy.  As is implied by their name, the company focuses on customizing the system for your security needs.  The process begins with a complimentary consultation at your home or business to discuss your needs and provide security recommendations.

Security systems can be as simple as protecting exterior doors.  More elaborate systems may include interior motion detectors, other interior protection, and smoke detectors within the security system.

Custom Security Systems has transitioned to installing wireless systems.  Installation is less invasive since installers no longer have to access a crawl space or attic to get the wires in the correct location.  The company separates itself from the competition by installing American Made equipment and encouraging customers to own their equipment resulting in a lower monthly fee for monitoring.

Monitoring and Handling Alarms

As a Custom Security customer, I was lead on a tour through the UL-approved monitoring center.  The Alarm Center monitors Custom Security’s accounts, as well as accounts for over 100 other installing alarm dealers located throughout Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.  In all, about 45,000 systems are monitored by the Alarm Center.  An operator may respond to a signal from a security system in a private home, a fire signal from a business, or a personal emergency alarm.

The monitoring center provides the utmost in protection and redundancies to ensure that calls are always answered and signals responded to no matter the conditions outside.  Concrete reinforced walls, man trap doors, bullet-proof glass, back-up systems, fire protection, massive UPS (uninterrupted power supply) systems, diesel generators, and multiple phone lines through copper and fiber are some examples of the protections at the monitoring center.

The center is always fully staffed.  During the January 2012 storm that left Thurston County residents without power for days, the monitoring center was fully operational and busy handling calls.  For three consecutive days, one employee with a four-wheel drive SUV drove around to pick up other employees that were unable to get to work.  And, the company provides sleeping bags and other emergency supplies for those times when it’s unsafe for employees to get home.

The company consults with local municipalities on the protocol for responding to alarms.  For example, Alarm Center operators respond to an alarm by first calling the home.  If there is no response at the home phone number, the operator then attempts to contact the home owners on their cell phone.  If the operator is still unable to reach the home owner after two calls, they dispatch the police or private security.  With their new alarm ordinance adopted in 2005, the City of Olympia has reduced its false alarm responses by 85%.  This means that officers can stay on the street, managing other issues rather than responding to accidental alerts from home or business security systems.

Introducing a New Product for Maintaining Independence

Custom Security Systems recently introduced a Personal Emergency Response System called Custom Family Alert.  The purpose of the system is to connect family members.  Aging parents can stay independent and extend the period that they can stay in their home.  Their children do not have to worry because they know that their parents can get assistance if needed.

Clients wear a pendant containing a minature speaker phone giving them convenient access to the emergency monitoring center.  With one-button push operation, the customer can speak and listen from the pendant.  The customer can then give instructions such as, “Let my daughter know I need her help.”  The operator then follows the protocol on the account to connect the family.

Custom Security Systems

800.227.0945

www.CustomSecurityWA.com

www.CustomFamilyAlert.com

 

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