Interview with Guardian Protection Services

Why should we rely on Guardian Protection Services to secure our homes?

We understand that home security is an important investment and you want to choose a reliable company. When you choose Guardian, it’s easy to spot the difference in the quality of service. That’s because we work hard to provide a great overall experience for our customers – from the initial in-home consultation, to installation and to your daily monitoring service. We also take pride in our wholly-owned UL-certified, Five Diamond, double backup power-protected monitoring station. Remember that the strength of your home security not only depends on the equipment, but the monitoring service as well. Your monitoring is never outsourced as it might be with another security companies. Guardian is also the first firm in history to be recognized as the security company of the year twice – in 1999 and 2013 – by industry journal SDM. And with more than 50 years of experience, we’ve learned to always put our customers and their peace of mind first.

Why don’t you offer the option to install our home security system by ourselves?

Every security device, such as a door sensor or control keypad, has a designated purpose within the overall design of a security system. Precisely positioning each device within your home, programming it to properly communicate to our 24-hour central monitoring station as well as thoroughly testing each device is critical. The fact is many of these devices will send intrusion, fire, panic and/or medical emergency signals directly to Guardian for first-responder notification. This is why it is absolutely imperative that each device be installed in a way that helps to optimize the security of your property and the people who live there. Since most individuals aren’t security experts, we leave the very important task of installation to the professionally-trained low voltage experts we employ. Guardian’s installation experts can also personally instruct you on how to use your system. You won’t have to read the instruction manual and hope you can figure it out. Our experts know just how to explain all the ins and outs, leaving you with an easy-to-manage system to help you feel safer and more comfortable in your home.

What is the process of switching from another home security provider to Guardian Protection?

Switching to Guardian is easy, quick and affordable. The process of switching is highly personalized and is unique to the homeowner’s existing system components and security needs. It starts with an in-home consultation so that our representative can examine the integrity of your existing system and equipment. Then we’ll work with you to determine your expectations and how our system can help. Finally, we will design and install a new Guardian security system that best fits your lifestyle. It is also important that you must not currently be under contract with another security company in order to switch to Guardian.

Which differences do you make between security systems for new and existing homes?

Each home security system that we install, either in an existing home or a new home under construction, has the same reliable system components, including home automation products such as lighting, lock and thermostat control. Customers also enjoy the same level of 24/7 monitoring and outstanding customer service. For new homes under construction, we are also able to offer other low voltage products such as structured wiring, in-wall sound speakers, intercom systems and central vacuum systems – the optimal time to install these is before the walls are up in a home. To learn more about our new construction services, visit GuardianHomeTechnologies.com.

What makes Guardian Protection Services also the ideal solution for businesses?

Although Guardian is known for providing residential security solutions, we have a long history in helping to protect businesses as well. What most people don’t know is when Guardian started in 1950, our sole focus was designing security solutions for businesses – specifically, jewelry stores. But we’ve come a long way since then. Today we offer security to small, large and even businesses with multiple locations, including features that are accessible from a mobile app such as remote arming, access control, real-time alarm notifications, video surveillance and even energy management. Our security solutions address problems unique to each business.

What makes Guardian VoiceLink so unique?

Guardian VoiceLink allows you to speak directly to a trained 24-hour monitoring center specialist in any room where a voice module is located* following alarm activation or an emergency. It is integrated into your wall control keypad and can be activated at a push of a button. No need to pick up the phone. Through VoiceLink, a Guardian specialist may also be able to hear what is going on in the home and provide better information to first responders. We highly recommend this feature especially for seniors, children or those with limited mobility living at home. *Effective range of voice module is approximately 30-feet.

Can you tell us a bit more about your emPower technologies?

emPower® is a smart home automation technology related to Z-Wave devices and is designed to make life a little more convenient. From your internet-connected smartphone, tablet or computer, use the Guardian app to control many functions in your home such us lights, locks and thermostats at any time. emPower enables home devices to “talk” to each other, creating the ultimate smart home. For instance, when you lock the front door, a rule can be set to automatically arm your Guardian security system, turn off the porch lights and adjust the thermostat to an energy saving level. All of these can be achieved with just one tap!

Which home security tips do you have, other than protecting our home with an alarm system of course?

1. Don’t be an easy target. Lock your doors and windows, don’t let mail pile up and refrain from posting your vacation plans on social media (yes, today’s burglars are tech savvy). It all seems so simple, but keeping up with the basics can help decrease your chance of becoming a victim of burglary.
2. Be a good neighbor. Getting to know the people around you can be very effective in terms of protecting your home. If available in your area, join a neighborhood crime watch group – it’s an effective way to help deter crime in your community.
3. Develop a fire escape plan. Unlike burglars, fire doesn’t choose its victim and it can happen to anyone. It can also spread quickly through your home, leaving you only a few minutes to escape after the alarm sounds. We encourage you to create a fire escape plan and practice it twice a year. Guardian offers a free Fire Safety Tips & Escape Planner brochure featuring potentially life-saving tips and a make-your-own fire escape plan to get you started. Download your free copy today!

What does Guardian Protection have in store for the near future?

At Guardian, we are always testing new technology and product offerings to make sure you get only the newest technology that can truly improve your life and home security. Guardian examines a majority of the devices that could fit into your home security/home automation systems and tests them for compatibility and reliability to ultimately help protect your home.

What is the coolest technology you can get from Guardian right now? It’s probably our integrated home security and home automation along with the Guardian app (available for Apple and Android). Home automation is also the area where Guardian is testing the most products to expand our product offering. When you choose Guardian, you know you have technologically advanced solutions that are also reliable and well supported.