An alarm system can be monitored by a professional security company or by you. Both methods provide you with a way to protect your home and family but each method varies greatly. If you have a company-monitored alarm system, you are connected to a central monitoring station that responds to an alert sent by your security system, including burglary, fire, etc. This means your alarm is monitored 24/7 which gives you complete peace of mind, whether you are at home or away. With a monitoring service, you are assured that an emergency in your home will receive prompt assistance because the police or fire department will be notified by the security company. While monitoring services usually require a contract and a monthly fee, it is certainly a reliable and effective way to protect your home.