What is the recommended monitoring station contact frequency for a household alarm?

• A. Quarterly
• B. Monthly
• C. Bi-annually
• D. Annually

Answer: (B)

Regular, proactive maintenance with the monitoring station keeps a household alarm reliable by catching problems before they matter. The recommended contact frequency is monthly because it provides timely checks on every part of the communication chain: the panel, the communication path (phone line, cellular backup, or internet), and the monitoring center’s ability to receive and acknowledge signals. A monthly contact also helps keep account details and emergency contacts current and allows you to verify that battery levels and power status are healthy. If checks are done less often, issues like a failing communicator, line outages, or outdated contact information may go unnoticed for weeks or months, delaying response to an real alarm. Monthly contact is the best practice to maintain readiness and rapid response.