Q: Now that there are many alarm panels with the CP-01 false alarm rating, I am finding it more difficult to keep up on which manufacturer’s alarm panel has the CP-01 rating. Is there any one location I can check to see which manufacturers and panels have this rating?
A: Yes, I have found one location that you can check. It is at the Security Industry Association’s web site. Go to www.siacinc.org/standards.asp.
Q: As an alarm dealer that provides life-saving products and services, I am concerned about the liability and liquidated damages to my company. Do you offer any suggestions on what I can do to help me sleep better at night?
A: While I am not a lawyer and do not offer any sort of legal advise here, I can offer some suggestions to help you start and stay on the right course. First, make sure you have good employees that have been well-screened and trained. Make sure you and your staff has good technical skills and follows manufacturers’ instructions on installation practices. Make sure you have good contracts so that both you and your customer know where responsibilities fall. Make sure you have a good attorney and insurance agent that specialize in the security industry.
I have found a good source to help you better understand limitations of liability clauses in the documents we use in the security industry. It can be found at the Central Station Alarm Associations (CSAA) Web site at www.csaaul.org/CSAALimitationofLiability.htm.
