Valley Security & Alarm FAQ

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Have questions about security systems, alarm monitoring, cameras, access control, or fire alarm systems? Valley Security & Alarm provides customized security solutions for businesses throughout Fresno and the Central Valley. Below are answers to some of the questions we hear most often from customers considering a new security system or looking for help with an existing one.

If you do not see your question below, contact our team and we will be happy to help.

Getting Started

Valley Security & Alarm provides commercial and industrial security systems, including burglar alarm systems, fire alarm systems, CCTV and video surveillance, access control, and 24/7 alarm and video verification monitoring. We also provide installation, service, repairs, maintenance, and system upgrades.

Yes. We design and install security systems for a wide range of commercial and industrial properties. Every property has different security concerns, so we build systems around the layout, access points, risks, and needs of the business.

The first step is to contact us for a consultation. We will discuss your security concerns, look at the property and existing equipment, and determine what type of system makes sense for your needs. From there, we can recommend a solution and provide a proposal.

In many cases, yes. Depending on the equipment and condition of the existing system, we may be able to service, upgrade, or integrate portions of it rather than replacing everything. We can evaluate your current system and explain your options.

Yes. If you are considering changing alarm companies, we can review your existing system and determine what equipment can be retained, what may need to be upgraded, and what is required to move monitoring to our Central Station.

Yes. We do not believe every business needs the same security system. Our team designs solutions based on the property, number of doors and entry points, areas that need surveillance, access requirements, fire protection needs, and other site-specific concerns.

Yes. We can support businesses with multiple properties and coordinate security systems and monitoring across locations. Contact us to discuss your sites and the level of service you need.

Security Systems & Services

A burglar alarm system uses sensors and other security devices to detect unauthorized entry or activity. Depending on the system, this can include door and window contacts, motion detectors, glass break sensors, and other devices connected to a central alarm panel.

When the system is armed, sensors monitor designated areas of the property. If an alarm condition occurs, the system sends a signal to the monitoring center. Our monitoring professionals can then follow the appropriate response procedures based on the type of alarm and the instructions established for the account.

Yes. Alarm systems and video surveillance can work together to provide a more complete picture of what is happening at a property. VSA also provides video verification monitoring, which can help monitoring personnel assess alarm events using available video information.

We provide commercial video surveillance systems designed around the needs of the property. Camera selection and placement depend on factors such as the areas being monitored, lighting conditions, viewing distance, and whether the cameras are being used for security, documentation, operational awareness, or a combination of these needs.

Many modern video surveillance systems allow authorized users to view cameras remotely through a computer or mobile device. The specific capabilities depend on the equipment and system installed at your property.

Access control is a security system that manages who can enter specific areas of a property. Depending on the system, access may be controlled through credentials such as cards, key fobs, codes, or other electronic devices.

Access control gives businesses more control over who can enter their facilities and restricted areas. It can also make it easier to manage employee access, limit entry to sensitive areas, and remove access when someone leaves the company.

Yes. Valley Security & Alarm provides customized fire alarm systems for commercial properties. Fire detection and alarm requirements vary depending on the building, occupancy, equipment, and applicable regulations, so our team can help determine the appropriate system for your property.

Yes. Burglar alarms, video surveillance, access control, and fire alarm systems can often be designed to work together. An integrated approach can make it easier to manage different aspects of a property’s security and provide monitoring across multiple systems.

Yes. If your existing system is outdated or no longer meets your needs, we can evaluate the equipment and recommend upgrades. In some cases, upgrading specific components may be a better option than replacing the entire system.

Yes. We install new security systems as well as replace and upgrade existing systems. We can also evaluate an existing system when a business is changing security providers.

Monitoring, Service, & Support

Yes. Valley Security & Alarm operates its own local 24-hour Central Station in Fresno and provides 24/7 alarm and video verification monitoring.

Our Central Station is located in Fresno, California. Valley Security & Alarm provides monitoring through its own local TMA Five Diamond Monitoring Center.

When a monitored alarm signal is received, our monitoring professionals follow the response procedures established for the account. Depending on the type of alarm and the instructions on file, this may include contacting designated contacts or dispatching the appropriate emergency response.

Video verification combines alarm signals with video information from compatible surveillance systems. This can give monitoring personnel additional information about what is happening at the property when an alarm occurs.

Regular testing helps confirm that your alarm system is communicating properly and that the equipment is working as expected. We generally recommend testing burglar alarm systems monthly. Fire alarm testing requirements can vary based on the equipment installed and applicable regulations.

Contact our service team as soon as possible. Do not ignore recurring trouble signals, communication failures, or other problems with your security system. Our technicians can help identify the issue and determine whether service or repair is needed.

Yes. Our services include repair, maintenance, and system upgrades in addition to new installations. Ongoing service helps keep your security equipment operating properly and can identify problems before they become larger issues.

Installation time depends on the size and complexity of the property, the number of devices being installed, the type of system, and whether existing equipment can be used. We will discuss the expected installation process and timeline as part of your proposal.

Yes. After installation, our team can provide instruction on the operation of your system and answer questions about using the equipment and its features.

There is no single price for a commercial security system. Cost depends on the size and layout of the property, the number and type of devices required, monitoring needs, existing equipment, and the level of protection you want. We provide customized proposals based on your specific property rather than a one-size-fits-all package.

Yes. Valley Security & Alarm serves businesses throughout the Central Valley, with offices in Fresno and Modesto. Our service area includes communities such as Fresno, Clovis, Modesto, Bakersfield, Visalia, Madera, Merced, Hanford, Tulare, Porterville, Lemoore, Reedley, Dinuba, Selma, Kingsburg, and surrounding communities.

If you are not sure what type of security system your business needs, our team can help. Contact Valley Security & Alarm to discuss your property, existing equipment, and security concerns. We can help you determine what options make sense for your business.