FAQs
Education:
Q. I am not sure what I need can you assist me?
A. Yes, we have in-house engineers who specialize in designing all of our systems to meet our customers’ needs.
Q. We do not have the capability to do the installation; do you have an install team?
A. Yes, we can provide a turnkey solution to our customers so they don't have to worry about anything
Q. Do you have a State Term Schedule?
A. Yes, NWOSS has a State Term Schedule for fire and a State Term Schedule for security. NWOSS also has a Master Maintenance Agreement for service.
Government:
Q. Where can I find out more info about State Procurement?
A. Please visit this website http://www.procure.ohio.gov/proc/viewFAQ.asp
Q. Do you have a State Term Schedule?
A. Yes, NWOSS has a State Term Schedule for fire and a State Term Schedule for security. NWOSS also has a Master Maintenance Agreement for service.
Q. What are your State Term Contract numbers?
A. Security – 7784600307 & Service - 4484600106
Q. What are your GSA Contract numbers?
A. GS-03F-0004M
Q. What special categories, if any, does your company fall under?
A. Our company is considered a small business, and is also a veteran-owned company.
Fire Alarm:
Q. What contract options are available?
A. We offer full service annual maintenance contracts to include all parts and labor, maintenance contracts to include labor only, inspection contracts, monitoring contract and many other options. Please call NWOSS at 1-800-833-6416 today for more information.
Video Surveillance:
Q. How do I know what the specs should be for the Video Management Server?
A. Let NWOSS know the type and frames per second you which to record for every camera in your system, and we can calculate the server specs for you.
Q. Can I view the cameras from my computer?
A. Yes, this can be done in one of two ways: Either the cameras can terminate into a DVR and the DVR can place the video on the network, or you can install IP cameras and the cameras will terminate directly into a network port. Either way as long as your PC is able to communicate on the network that the cameras and DVR are ‘on’ then you can view the video over the network.
Q. Can I burn a video clip to a DVD or CD?
A. Yes, the majority of DVRs on the market today come with either an internal CD or DVD burner.
Q. Can I view my cameras from home?
A. Yes, it is possible but it depends on the type of DVR, router and ISP that you are using. NWOSS typically asks that our customers complete a questionnaire prior to implementing this feature.
Q. How long can I store video on my DVR?
A. This depends on a lot of variables, including: hard drive size, motion recording or continuous, recording frame rate per channel, image resolution per channel, etc. Typically NWOSS works this problem backwards and asks the customer how many days they want to save the video for at a minimum and then place a large hard drive to accommodate.
Q. Is the video admissible in court?
A. The majority of DVRs which we sell have a "watermarking" feature which simple means that if the digital image has been tampered with the watermarked logo is no longer present. If it hasn't, you will see the watermarked logo in the image.
Residential:
Q. How long has your company been in business?
A. NWOSS has been in business for 28+ years.
Q. Where is your office located?
A. We have offices in Lima (OH) and Columbus (OH).
Q. Do you monitor your accounts?
A. Yes we monitor all of our own accounts, so you will always be dealing with local individuals.
Q. Do you offer wireless devices?
A. Yes we offer a full line of wireless devices.
Q. Why would you use glass break detector over a motion sensor?
A. Glass break detectors give you protection at night, while you sleep, where as a motion sensor will be turned off to allow you to move freely throughout the residence at night.
Q. How long will it take for you to install the system?
A. Most installations take less than a day to install and will be done on a day that is convenient for you.
Q. If I do not have a phone line is that going to be a problem?
A. No, we can monitor your system other ways, either over the internet or through a cellular communication device.
Q. Is there an additional fee for having my security system monitored this way?
A. There is no additional fee for the internet monitoring; just for the card needed to make is work that way. Regarding cellular, there is an additional fee for monitoring which covers the cost of the cell service and that is $5.00 more per month. The device communicates over the AT&T cellular network and we would need to check on the coverage prior to having you sign a contract to make sure that we can in fact go that route. If so, it is a great option because it will ensure an alarm goes through if your line is cut, and will also allow you to arm/disarm your system from your cell phone.
Q. If I decide to move can I take the system with me?
A. Yes, you may take the system with you. But you may also give it to the new homeowner and let them take over the monitoring.
Q. If I decide I do not like the system after three years and I signed a five-year contract is there a fee?
A. Yes, you will end up paying the remainder of the contract. We would prefer to work through any issues you have prior to that happening, so feel free to always call us and discuss any problems with the system
Q. If I do away with my home phone say 2 or 3 years down the road will my system still work?
A. Yes, we will just have to set you up with a different monitoring option. Either cellular or network based monitoring.
Q. Who will be installing my system?
A. The majority of the time your salesperson will also be installing your system.
Q. In your monitoring station is someone there all the time or will I have to speak to a recording?
A. We have a staffed monitoring room; 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year -- holidays included. You are also more then welcome to call us at 1-800-833-6416 anytime with any problems you may be experiencing.
Q. Is your monitoring station local or monitored out of state?
A. Yes, we are locally monitored out of Lima, Ohio.
Q. In addition to security devices, what other products/services do you offer?
A. We offer other services i.e. Smoke detection, water sensing, temperature sensing, heat detection, CO2 detection, as well as medical alert, video surveillance and access control.
Q. If my phone lines are cut will the system still work?
A. This depends, if you have cellular then ‘yes’ because your system will use the cellular network to communicate. If you don’t have cellular, the system will still operate but it will not communicate with us. The alarm in the unit will sound if the system is armed up and if it is disarmed the keypad will show a trouble. That is why we highly suggest cellular!
Q. What color are the devices?
A. Keypads can be ivory, black, white or platinum; and most of the other devices are white.
Q. I have pets -- will they mess with the system?
A. No, we offer pet immune devices depending on the size of the pet.
Q. If I lose power is there a backup for the system?
A. Yes, the security system will have a battery backup and that will last you for at least 24 hours. It may last longer depending on the usage of the system and if you have an alarm.
Q. I have Time Warner phones is that going to be an issue?
A. No, that will not be an issue but you need to keep in mind that if your power goes out you loss the ability for the security system to communicate with your monitoring station. Also, how often does your cable go out? (If frequently we suggest cellular.)
Q. How long will it take for the police to get here in the event of an alarm?
A. We cannot make any kind of guarantee on how long it will take for law enforcement to arrive. It may be 5 minutes or it could take up to 30 minutes. It just depends on where the closest officer is at that point. We can tell you that within a minute of receiving an alarm our office has called you and asked for your code word and dispatched according to the signal received.
Q. What do you recommend for using as a “code” word?
A. Pick a word that is unique to you and anyone else who may have access to the residence. Keep in mind, if you are a Buckeye fan, and you elect to use code words such Brutus, Buckeyes, or Ohio State, an intruder has a better chance at guessing these words and getting away with your possessions.
Q. Who do I call if I have a problem and how soon will my problem be fixed?
A. You can contact your salesperson directly or call us at 1-800-833-6416.
Q. Will I be able to get a discount on my homeowner’s insurance?
A. You will need to check with your insurance company, but we have seen discounts up to 20%.
Q. Can my neighbors hear the siren?
A. Possibly.
Q. Is it easy to use?
A. Yes, very easy to use; similar to an ATM.
Q. Can I have more than one code?
A. Yes, between 30 and 99 codes are possible.
Q. What happens if I set the alarm off on accident?
A. Our monitoring station will contact the person on your Emergency Response form immediately and ask that person for the “code” word. If you respond with the code word and tell them not to dispatch they will not dispatch.
Q. If I have motion detectors, how do I get around the house?
A. There are five different arming modes: Area, All-Perim, Home, Sleep and Away. Depending on how the motions are programmed you can arm certain areas of the house and leave other areas unarmed, so you can move around.