Alarm monitoring means a trained operator receives a signal the moment your alarm is triggered and acts on it. Unique Communications provides 24/7 monitoring through a ULC-listed central station for homes and businesses across Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent and London, and we stay your local contact for service and changes.
What happens when your alarm goes off
- A sensor triggers while the system is armed and the panel sends a signal over cellular, landline or both.
- The monitoring station receives it and an operator checks which zone triggered.
- The operator calls the premises and your contact list to verify.
- If it is not a false alarm, or nobody can be reached, police, fire or ambulance are dispatched.
- You get an app notification and email or text alert with the details.
What we monitor
- Intrusion: doors, windows, motion, glass-break and beams
- Hold-up and panic buttons
- Smoke, heat and carbon monoxide
- Flood, freezer and temperature alarms
- Low battery, power failure and communication trouble signals
- Monitored fire alarm systems for commercial buildings — confirm whether offered
Why ULC listing matters
ULC (Underwriters Laboratories of Canada) sets the Canadian standard for alarm monitoring stations, covering backup power, staffing and response procedures. Many commercial insurers, and some residential ones, ask for a ULC monitoring certificate. We provide one once your system is live.
Cellular or landline?
Cellular communicators are now the most common choice because they do not depend on a phone line or internet connection that can be cut or go down. Landline monitoring is still available, and for higher-risk sites we can set up both so there is always a backup path.
Monitoring costs
Residential monitoring from $__/month. Commercial monitoring from $__/month. Contract terms.
Switching from another provider
If you already have an alarm with another company, you may not need new equipment. We check your panel make and model, confirm whether it can be reprogrammed to our station, and arrange the switch-over so you are never unmonitored. Check your current contract for any notice period before you cancel.
Common questions
Do I need a landline for alarm monitoring?
No. Most systems now use a cellular communicator, which works without a phone line or internet.
What is a false alarm and what does it cost?
A false alarm is a dispatch with no real emergency. Some municipalities charge for repeat false dispatches, so the station verifies before calling police, and we show every user how to cancel an accidental alarm.
Can I see alarm activity on my phone?
Yes. With Alarm.com you get instant alerts and a history of every arm, disarm and alarm event.
Can you monitor a system another company installed?
Often, yes. Many DSC, Honeywell and Qolsys panels can be reprogrammed to our monitoring station.
Do you monitor businesses and homes?
Both, across Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent and London.