For your convenience, our most common customer questions are answered right here.
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Security systems that rely on telephone lines to call out used to work fine through a power outage, because the old copper lines continued to be powered by the phone company’s own generated power. But they need to be upgraded now, because even with a landline, chances are your phone line turns to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) close to your home without your knowledge. This means that without backup power, your alarm system can’t report to the monitoring station when the power goes out, leaving you vulnerable.  LEARN MORE
When we install wired or wireless fire and security systems that connect to your internet service  – either broadband or fiber, or cell service (Verizon LTE or AT&T LTE), our internet-based products and our cell-based products are directly connected to Countryside’s internet exchange, and the signal comes in to our Central Monitoring system on fiber directly without ever being converted back to the old phone lines in between you and Central Monitoring. So your alarm signal goes out no matter what, and is received at CMS without interruption or degradation. LEARN MORE
That depends. Security systems that communicate via fiber optics or broadband need grid power to work, so in a power outage, your alarm system goes down unless you have battery back up power connected to the system. To prevent loss of function, you need to have an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) back up on all internet communication service points. LEARN MORE
Here at Countryside Alarms, we’re committed to stay abreast of changes in the Fire & Building Safety Code. We are the leading experts in Vermont, and we believe in helping property owners understand the rules and ensure the safety of their renters while keeping costs to a minimum. The State is cracking down on inspections and enforcement of the code for short term rental properties. Your requirements will depend on the number of bed spaces, which includes beds, pull out sofas, bunks, etc. in your rental. See our page on Vermont Property Rentals for more info.
Yes. When we come to inspect your building, we are working for you, not the State. We will always give you an honest assessment of what you need without promoting unnecessary expense. We will work with you to find the most cost-effective way to meet minimum code and protect your property and its occupants. See our page on Vermont Property Rentals for more info.
On Oct 10, 2016 the State of Vermont is adopted strict new rules for rental occupancy which could render your current occupancy permit invalid. It’s important to know the requirements of these Vermont Fire Prevention Code Changes. See our page on Vermont Rule Change for more info.
Countryside can generally, within a week, provide the customer with a scheduled installation date for the near future.
The actual time it takes to install the alarm system varies on the size and complexity of your system, but most systems can usually be completely installed within one day.
We carry, on hand, one of the areas largest inventories of all major alarm system brands. When you need parts there is generally little-to-no waiting for the parts to arrive.
A service contract for Residential and Commercial properties is $310.00 a year. This rate is capped for a minimum of 4 years; therefore you don’t have to worry about unannounced rate increases.
Countryside’s last rate increase was in 1988 and we do not foresee any changes in the near future. We try to keep the costs down for our customers.
The alarm systems are pre-programmed to auto test themselves each week. Our service technicians will also do a yearly test and service to all alarm systems that are covered by a service contract. Click Here for instructions on how to test your system yourself.
No, our systems our designed so that you are not required to test them.
However, you can also test your alarm system to verify proper functioning of the devices, if you should choose. The whole process only takes a few minutes and it can be done anytime day or night. Click Here for instructions on how to test your system yourself.
On a standard installation, which operates from your phone line, when your lines are cut you can no longer be monitored by our Central Station. As an option, to ensure that you are never without protection/monitoring Countryside was the first in the area to offer a cell phone and wi-fi system, which does not require any phone lines.
You will need to submit a real estate property transfer certificate for your alarm system.
Vermont has two standards for this. If you sell a home for owner-occupied or vacation second home, the VT Dept. of Fire Safety Certificate of Compliance applies; this is the weaker of the state standards. However, if a Vermont building owner who is renting or has rented is to show income generation to increase the value of the home, then this form is not what needs to be submitted.
Real Estate agents often get this wrong, so we recommend contacting Countryside for third party advice, at least. We’re here to help owners of Vermont property understand the difference and guide them as to which form is required for their sale.
Including employees in the Central Station, Technical Support and Installation Departments, Countryside has approximately 33 employees and nine service trucks operating from the South / Central Vermont Area, which assures fast service whenever you need it.
YES, we can handle any size account.
Countryside is locally owned, operated and staffed in Mount Holly, Vermont. We provide service to people throughout New England including: Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts.
We specialize in security and life safety systems ONLY.
Countryside has its own Central Monitoring Station. We are proud that we do not subcontract or sell our monitored accounts to outside monitoring companies. You can rest assured that when you begin your service with Countryside, you will always have Countryside assisting your needs, not someone from an answering service or a private call station.
Very stable; Countryside was formed in 1981 and has been in continuous operation since.