Press Releases Posts

We’re proud to recognize our Technical Support Specialist, Gage, for completing last week's Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon in 5 hours, 11 minutes, and 45 seconds. From a tight training schedule to overcoming injury, his journey to the finish line highlights true perseverance and dedication.

Gage’s background makes this accomplishment even more meaningful. Growing up, he stayed active playing football, baseball, and basketball, but long-distance running was never something he particularly enjoyed.

Even during his time serving on active duty in the U.S. Air Force from September 2020 to October 2025, running was more of a requirement than a passion. Stationed at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming as part of Security Forces, he built discipline and resilience that would later help him in taking on this challenge.

After leaving the military, Gage was encouraged by his mom to train alongside her for the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon. With limited time to prepare, he began training at the start of January, knowing he had a shorter window than most marathon runners would prefer.

The man and his motivation. Gage and his mom pose for post-race pics.

Training came with its own set of obstacles. Gage developed IT Band Syndrome, which caused sharp pain along the outside of his left knee and made it difficult to continue running consistently. At one point, it seemed like completing the race might be impossible.

IT Band Syndrome, is short for IlioTibial Band Syndrome (ITBS), and is a common overuse injury affecting those who are active in cycling, running, and other sports.

The iliotibial (IT) band is a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the outside of the thigh, from the hip down to the shinbone (tibia). Its job is to help stabilize the knee during movement, especially when running or walking.

IT Band Syndrome occurs when this band becomes tight or irritated and starts to rub against the outer part of the knee joint. The resulting friction can lead to inflammation and pain.

The most common symptom of ITBS is a sharp or burning pain on the outside of the knee, which often worsens with activity, especially running downhill or over long distances. Some people may also feel tightness along the outer thigh or hip. Running a marathon while dealing with this condition makes Gage's success even more impressive!

Instead of stepping away, he adjusted his approach. By incorporating strength training and working through the setbacks, Gage stayed committed to his goal. On race day, that dedication paid off as he crossed the finish line and completed the marathon.

Congratulations again to Gage on this impressive achievement. Your determination and willingness to push through challenges is something we here at Alarm Grid are proud to celebrate!

If you own a Lyric system and have not already done so, please read this important update regarding AlarmNet360 changes that affect your panel. It may be time for an update!

Due to updates affecting AlarmNet360 connectivity, Honeywell Lyric security systems will see important changes as of April 15, 2026. While existing systems will continue to function normally, new system registration and remote programming features will no longer be supported after that date.

Lyric panels that are already active and monitored will continue to arm, disarm, and report alarms to a central station, if enabled. Total Connect functionality also will not change. However, after April 15, no Lyric system can be newly registered for monitoring. Read the original notice, and the followup notice.

This is especially important for anyone considering purchasing a used Lyric panel. If it is not already registered, it cannot be activated, even for self-monitoring. In that case, the system will only function as a local noise-making alarm and a basic Z-Wave controller.

Because firmware updates for the Lyric are delivered through AlarmNet360, any monitored system should be updated to the latest version prior to the deadline. The Lyric panel was discontinued in 2021, and no further firmware updates will be provided at this point.

Although remote programming through AlarmNet360 will no longer be available, users may still be able to make local programming changes directly from the Lyric touchscreen. This includes adding or deleting sensors and adjusting system settings. Although Resideo has said that they don't recommend, and will not support, local programming changes with the Lyric after the deadline, it is likely that these changes will be possible.

If you have a Lyric system using SiX Sensors and are concerned about long-term panel reliability, it may be a good time to consider upgrading to a PRO Series panel. Sadly, there is no migration path between systems. Each sensor must be removed from the Lyric and then enrolled with the new panel. If the Lyric panel fails before the sensors are removed, they will remain locked to the non-functioning panel and must be replaced along with the system.

Alternatively, you can ensure that each sensor is powered up and within range of the Lyric, then default the system. This will cause the Lyric panel to send a signal to all SiX sensors releasing them. As long as a sensor receives this signal, it can then be added to a PRO Series panel. Once enrolled, the sensor will be updated to the PROSIX protocol and will no longer be compatible with any Lyric panel.

Please note, if you have any SiXFOB key fobs associated with the Lyric panel, be sure they are within range of the panel during the default. Once the default is completed, you'll need to press any button on the SiXFOB to complete the release process. Once completed, the SiXFOB is ready to be paired with the new PRO Series panel.

We wrote a series of posts last year about preparing for the eventual Lyric end-of-life. It is a four-part series, with part one linked above. The additional parts are linked at the bottom of each post. The series outlines your options with product recommendations, along with the pros and cons of each approach.

Alarm Grid is excited to introduce the Alarm.com ADC-V530, a next-gen indoor camera designed to rethink privacy, visibility, and control. With powerful analytics, built in spotlight, and a unique privacy shield, this camera delivers smarter awareness without compromising your peace of mind.

Alarm.com ADC-V530 shown with the LED on:

The ADC-V530 is not just another indoor camera. It tackles one of the biggest concerns people have always had with indoor video: privacy. Instead of just turning the camera on or off, this model includes an Automatic Privacy Shield that can physically block the lens when the system is disarmed or based on custom scenes and schedules. It is a big step forward, giving users real, visible control and peace of mind.

That privacy control goes even further with a physical button right on the camera. A quick tap opens or closes the shutter instantly, so you always know exactly when the camera can and cannot see. Even better, this works even if the camera is offline, so you are never dependent on an app or connection to maintain your personal privacy.

ADC-V530 Shown with the privacy shutter closed:

The reset (🔄) button, located on the back of the camera housing, is used to manually control the privacy shutter. Manual control is available as long as the camera has power. To toggle the shutter between open and closed, quickly press and release the button. This is the same button used to factory reset the camera. If the button is pressed and held for ten (10) seconds, a factory reset will begin. So, be careful when manually controlling the shutter.

A few things to keep in mind: if the privacy shutter is manually closed, it must also be manually opened. Automation schedules or system events will not change the shutter’s position once it has been manually set. If the camera loses power, the shutter will remain in its last position when power is restored.

Of course, privacy is only part of what makes this camera stand out. The ADC-V530 delivers sharp 4MP HDR video with a wide 110 degree field of view. That means clearer images in both bright and low light conditions, making it easier to see what is really happening inside your home.

HDR, or High Dynamic Range, is what helps the camera handle both very bright and very dark areas at the same time. Instead of losing detail in shadows or having bright spots get washed out, HDR balances the image so you can see everything more clearly. This is especially helpful indoors when sunlight is coming through a window, keeping faces and important details easy to make out.

The built in LED spotlight adds another layer of awareness that many indoor cameras simply do not have. It can brighten up a dark space or draw attention to unexpected activity, helping make sure nothing slips by unnoticed. It can also act as a deterrent, letting would-be burglars know they're being watched.

You also get full duplex two way audio, which makes conversations feel natural instead of awkward or delayed. Whether you are checking in on family, talking to a visitor, or addressing something unexpected, communication is smooth and immediate.

Where this camera really shines is in its smart video analytics. It can tell the difference between a person and general motion, which helps cut down on annoying false alerts. Pair that with the Smart View timeline, and you can quickly jump to important moments like when a person is detected or a door is accessed. And with onboard recording enabled (MicroSD card required), you can also scroll through continuous footage instead of being limited to just event-activated clips.

When it comes to storage, the ADC-V530 brings some welcome improvements. It supports encrypted onboard recording with a microSD card, along with SVR options. That means your important video is still preserved even if your network goes down, solving a common frustration with cloud-only cameras.

Setup is also flexible and straightforward. The camera supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WIFI, and you can even use Ethernet if you want a more stable connection. It is designed to fit into just about any installation without hassle.

Features like Perimeter Guard and manual warning sounds also help you take action when it matters. Instead of just recording what happens, the camera gives you tools to respond in real time.

Overall, the Alarm.com ADC-V530 feels like a smart step forward for indoor cameras. It focuses on what users actually care about, like privacy, smarter alerts, and better control. If you are looking to upgrade your system, this is definitely a camera to be excited about.

For Alarm Grid customers, a Platinum Plan (Self or Full) or a Video Monitoring account is needed to use the Alarm.com ADC-V530. If you have questions about this, or any Alarm.com camera, our support team is available from 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Eastern Time, Monday - Friday. You can also visit our website to chat with a live support agent Monday - Friday from 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM.

Resideo has announced that the VISTA-21iP and VISTA-21iPLT control panels will be discontinued for sale in the U.S. and Canada effective May 1, 2026. These panels are not compatible with modern LTE cellular networks, making them unsuitable for new installations moving forward.

According to the notice, this discontinuation is limited specifically to the VISTA-21iP and VISTA-21iPLT models. Other VISTA hybrid panels are not affected and will remain available. However, dealers are advised to stop installing these legacy panels in the U.S. and Canada and begin transitioning to LTE-ready alternatives.

For new system installations, Resideo recommends using the VISTAH3 or the VISTA-21IPLTE. These panels are designed to support LTE cellular communication and align with current carrier requirements. There is also a Canadian version of the VISTAH3, known as the VISTAH3CN, though it is not offered by Alarm Grid.

You can view the recommended alternative panels here:

• Resideo VISTAH3
• Honeywell VISTA-21IPLTE

At Alarm Grid we always recommend dual-path communication for your alarm panel, even though we offer monitoring plans that allow for IP-only monitoring. So, when upgrading to one of these panels, we recommend that you also select a compatible LTE cellular communicator.

Alarm Grid offers options such as the Honeywell Home PROLTE-A2 and PROLTE-V2, both of which are designed to work with supported VISTA and PRO Series systems and provide reliable cellular connectivity.

Shop LTE communicators here:

• Honeywell Home PROLTE-A2
• Honeywell Home PROLTE-V2
• Honeywell LTE-21V

The key takeaway is that LTE compatibility is now essential for any new security system installation. Even if you do not plan to add a cellular communicator today, selecting a system that supports LTE gives you the flexibility to upgrade in the future without replacing your panel.

By moving to a VISTAH3 or VISTA-21IPLTE panel paired with an LTE communicator, users can ensure continued service and avoid issues tied to outdated cellular technologies and internet outages.

If you are still using a VISTA-21iP system or planning a new installation, now is the time to make the switch. Explore the recommended replacements from Alarm Grid to find the right solution for your installation.

If you need help, reach out to our support team at support@alarmgrid.com. We're here Monday - Friday from 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Eastern Time. You can also visit our website and chat with a live support agent (9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Eastern Time) or call us at 888-818-7728.

At Alarm Grid, we believe customers should have the freedom to purchase alarm equipment from the source that works best for them. That includes third-party distributors, online marketplaces, and even other end users.

We do not discourage customers from bringing their own equipment. However, it is important to understand that purchasing equipment outside of Alarm Grid can come with certain risks.

One of the most common issues involves used or outdated equipment. While a device may power on and appear functional, it could have hidden problems. Sensors may have reduced battery life, keypads could show excessive wear, and communicators might not perform as expected. In some cases, equipment may be damaged, outdated, or missing critical components.

We have also encountered activation issues with older LTEM-P, LTEM-PX, and IP-COM communicators purchased through third-party sellers. Some older stock did not receive a required critical firmware update and can no longer be serviced. Units with MAC addresses beginning with B82CA0, typically manufactured around 2020 or 2021, and some beginning with 48A2E6, may be affected. Even if these communicators are new in box, they may not be capable of activation.

Another serious concern is account association. Many alarm communicators are registered to an AlarmNet or Alarm.com account. If a used communicator was previously installed and removed during an upgrade, it may automatically attempt to re-register to the original account.

When that happens, the communicator ties back to the previous dealer or seller. If they do not release it, we cannot activate or service the unit. In some cases, the only options are to convince the seller to release the device or purchase a new communicator, which can delay monitoring by days.

Before purchasing from a third party, confirm the seller has a clear return policy. Verify that the communicator firmware is current and that it does not have a B82CA0 or 48A2E6 MAC prefix. Whenever possible, purchase newer equipment from a reputable distributor or retailer.

If you already have a communicator, and you suspect it may be affected by this issue, do not connect it to a wired network before activation. Immediately after powering it up, press and hold the test or registration button for 30 seconds, then release it to default the unit. Completing this step prior to your activation appointment can help prevent registration conflicts.

Ultimately, the simplest way to avoid these issues is to purchase new equipment from a trusted source. When a communicator is purchased through Alarm Grid and found to be defective, we can typically process a replacement in less than 24 hours, helping to minimize downtime.

Alarm Grid is here to support our current and future monitored customers, no matter where you purchase your equipment. We simply want you to begin the process informed and prepared. Our team is available Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. If you have questions, reach out to us by email at support@alarmgrid.com or by phone at 888-818-7728. You can also use the live chat feature available on our website at alarmgrid.com.

Update: All versions and kits now available!!

The IQ Panel 5 family has officially arrived, and we now have stock available on every model. The IQ Panel 5 family represents a major step forward in security system technology, featuring the Qualcomm DragonWing quad-core processor, Android 14, and built-in PowerG wireless support across all panel variants.

Stock is now available on every panel in the IQ5 family with the exception of the IQ5 Hub with AT&T LTE. As manufacturing ramps up, this panel will become available. We'll update this post when that happens.

IQ Panel 5 Family Variations

As the rollout continues, we will see additional variations become available. You can see a list of all of them below:

If you click any of the product links above for items that are not yet available, the product page will appear with a placeholder price. Once these items become available, we will update the pricing and this blog. You can bookmark this post and check back anytime to see the latest availability for the panel variation that interests you.

Daughter Cards

All IQ Panel 5 family panels come with PowerG built-in. If you need to support legacy wireless sensors from an existing system, you can add an optional daughter card. These are the same cards used with the IQ Panel 4 and are available now:

Accessories

Each IQ Panel 5 family system includes a SmartMount wall mount bracket in the box. The table stand is sold separately and works with all three panel models:

IQ Panel 5 Family Kits

Looking to get everything you need in one package? Our starter kits bundle a panel with the new PowerG+ sensors, the updated line of PowerG sensors featuring a sleeker, more modern design while delivering the same long-range, encrypted wireless performance PowerG is known for.

3-1 Kits are perfect for smaller homes or apartments. Each kit includes one panel, three PGP9303 door/window sensors, and one PGP9914 motion sensor.

10-1 Kits are ideal for larger homes with more entry points. Each kit includes one panel, ten PGP9303 door/window sensors, and one PGP9914 motion sensor.

IQ Panel 5 Kits:

IQ Hub Kits:

IQ5 NS Kits:

What is the IQ Panel 5 Family?

Like the IQ Panel 4 family, the IQ Panel 5 comes in three distinct variants designed to meet different installation needs and budgets:

IQ Panel 5 is the flagship model with a 7-inch HD touchscreen, built-in 13MP PortraitView camera for disarm photos, built-in glass break detection, dual microphones, and all the advanced features you would expect from a top-tier panel. The camera automatically captures photos without requiring manual tilt adjustment.

IQ5 Hub delivers the same 7-inch touchscreen experience and software interface as the IQ Panel 5 at a more accessible price point. It shares the same processor, operating system, and a similar feature set, making it an excellent choice for customers who want full touchscreen functionality without the flagship price.

IQ5 NS (No Screen) eliminates the touchscreen entirely. This panel is designed to be mounted out of sight and configured through the IQ Installer app available on iOS or Android. Status is conveyed through LED indicators: green for disarmed, red for armed. The IQ5 NS is ideal for installations where the panel will be hidden in a closet or utility room, and users prefer to control their system through the Alarm.com app, an IQ Remote keypad, or a third-party automation system like Control4.

IQ Panel 5 Family Comparison Chart

Key Improvements Over Previous Generations

All IQ Panel 5 family panels run on the Qualcomm DragonWing processor with Android 14, a significant upgrade from previous generations. The panels include Z-Wave 800-series modules with Z-Wave Long Range support, Bluetooth 5.0 + LE for touchless disarming, and LTE + WIFI dual-path communication. The hardware design has been refined with improved power supply, tamper switch, and SmartMount backplate for easier installation.

One major change from the IQ Panel 4 is how legacy RF sensor support is handled. The IQ Panel 5 family uses PowerG as the built-in wireless protocol. Legacy RF frequency support for 319.5 MHz (Interlogix/GE/Qolsys), 345 MHz (Honeywell/2GIG), or 433 MHz (legacy DSC) sensors is added through optional daughter cards rather than being built into separate panel SKUs. This simplifies the product lineup while still allowing easy takeovers of existing sensor installations.

Each panel supports up to 128 PowerG security devices, up to 128 legacy RF sensors (with daughter card), up to 167 Z-Wave devices, up to 100 PowerG automation devices, up to 242 user codes, and up to 4 partitions.

Choosing the Right Panel

Choose the IQ Panel 5 if you want the complete flagship experience with all available features, including the built-in camera for disarm photos, glass break detection, Live View and Live Answer for video doorbell cameras, Photo Frame, and weather display.

Choose the IQ5 Hub if you want the full touchscreen experience at a more accessible price point. The IQ5 Hub uses the same software interface and delivers the same capabilities as the IQ Panel 5.

Choose the IQ5 NS if you plan to mount the panel out of sight and control your system entirely through the Alarm.com app or an IQ Remote secondary keypad. This panel is also perfect for high-end automation integration. The IQ5 NS does not have a touchscreen, camera, glass break detection, or weather display, but it offers the same powerful processor and connectivity options at a lower cost.

Questions?

If you have questions about which panel from the IQ5 family is right for your installation, or if you need help setting up your new system, the Alarm Grid support team is here to help. Contact us Monday - Friday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM Eastern Time at 888-818-7728, or email us at support@alarmgrid.com. You can also visit our site and take advantage of our live chat option.

As winter weather continues to move across the region, the Alarm Grid team wants to keep customers informed about how upcoming conditions may impact our operations. Forecasts indicate that the Louisville area may be affected by snow, sleet, freezing rain, or a combination of all three. These conditions can make travel hazardous, and the safety of our team is always a top priority.

For this reason, while Alarm Grid will remain open and operational, our Louisville office employees will be working remotely during this weather event. This allows our team to continue supporting customers while avoiding unsafe road conditions.

That said, severe winter weather can sometimes lead to power outages or intermittent internet disruptions. If this occurs, customers may experience slight delays when reaching our support team. We kindly ask for your patience as we work through any temporary challenges caused by the weather.

It is important to note that Alarm Grid’s professional monitoring services will not be affected. Our monitoring partners, CMS for customers within the United States and Rapid Response for customers in Canada, operate 24/7/365. They maintain multiple facilities in geographically diverse locations, ensuring that a single weather event does not impact their ability to monitor Alarm Grid customers.

If you're an Alarm Grid monitored customer, and you need to place your system on test mode or cancel an alarm, please contact your monitoring station directly. For CMS, call (888) 818-7728 and select Option 9. For Rapid Response, call (800) 932-3822 and follow the prompts. When calling, be prepared to provide your name, address, and false alarm password. Providing an incorrect password or a duress password will result in authorities being dispatched.

For routine support issues, the monitoring station will not be able to help. Items such as individual panel support or adding or removing zones from your system must be handled by the Alarm Grid support team. You can reach us by calling (888) 818-7728 and selecting Option 2. For non-emergency issues, email us at support@alarmgrid.com, and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.

We appreciate your understanding and patience as we navigate this winter weather event together!

Happy New Year 2026 From Alarm Grid!

As we prepare to ring in 2026, we want to take a moment to thank all of our customers for another wonderful year. Whether you have been with us for years or just set up your first system last week, we are grateful for your trust and your patience when things get complicated. We could not do this without you, and we cannot wait to head into the new year with you.

Before we get into the festivities, here are our holiday hours. Support team, this affects you…

New Year's Eve (Wednesday, December 31st): Support available until 3:00 PM Eastern Time.

New Year's Day (Thursday, January 1st): Office closed.

Friday, January 2nd: Back to normal at 9:00 AM Eastern Time.

Support team, if you're still reading: Surprise! You are leaving early today. No, you did not miss a memo. There was no memo. This is the memo. Take the W and go home. You have spent all year helping customers, you're the main driver of our success. Thank you for another great year!

Monitoring Station Contact Information

Even while our offices are closed, professional monitoring continues without interruption. Our central station partners at Criticom Monitoring Services (CMS) and Rapid Response are open 24/7/365 and will continue monitoring alarms and dispatching help exactly as they always do.

If you need to contact the monitoring station during the holiday, to report a false alarm or to place your system on test mode, please use the appropriate number below:

US Customers with Full Monitoring Plans:

Call CMS at (888) 818-7728 and press Option [9]. Be sure to have your name, address, and false alarm password ready when the operator answers.

Canadian Customers with Full Monitoring Plans:

Call Rapid Response at (800) 932-3822 with your name, address, and false alarm password ready.

It is very important that you provide the correct password to the monitoring station operator. If you give an incorrect password when asked, or if you provide your Duress password, the monitoring station will dispatch emergency services, as designed.

If You Need Technical Support, Email Us!

The monitoring station can only assist with alarm-related events and emergencies, or system tests. They cannot help with technical support, programming questions, or account changes such as zone names or contact lists.

For those needs, email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We will respond as quickly as possible once the office reopens on Friday. Please note that there may be a brief backlog after the holiday, and we greatly appreciate your patience while we clear it. If you're an Alarm Grid customer and you have a more pressing issue give us a call at (888) 818-7728.

New Year's Eve Safety Reminder

If you are heading out to celebrate tonight, remember to arm your security system before you leave. Whether you are going to a party, watching fireworks, staying in for a quiet night, or spending two and a half hours watching the Stranger Things series finale and hoping the Duffer Brothers stick the landing, taking a few seconds to arm your system can give you peace of mind as you welcome the new year.

The Upside Down is not real, but burglars are.

Happy New Year!

Thank you for being a part of the Alarm Grid family. We are grateful for your trust and support throughout 2025, and we look forward to helping you stay safe and secure in 2026. Here is to a happy, healthy, and safe new year for everyone!

The holiday season is here, and we want to wish everyone a safe and happy season. Alarm Grid support offices will be closed Wednesday, December 24th and Thursday, December 25th, 2025. Our office will reopen Friday, December 26th at 9:00 AM Eastern Time.

During this time, Alarm Grid's super star support staff will be enjoying a well-deserved break to spend time with their loved ones. Even while our offices are closed, professional monitoring continues without interruption. If you have opted for full central station monitoring, your security system remains protected around the clock. That is, as long as you remember to arm it!

Monitoring Station Contact Information

Our central station partners at Criticom Monitoring Services (CMS) and Rapid Response are open 24/7/365 and will continue monitoring alarms and dispatching help exactly as they always do, unless you have provided them with specific instructions to the contrary.

If you need to contact the monitoring station during the holiday to report a false alarm or to place your system on test mode, please use the appropriate number below:

US Customers:

Call CMS at (888) 818-7728 and press Option [9]. Be sure to have your name, address, and false alarm password ready when the operator answers.

Canadian Customers:

Call Rapid Response at (800) 932-3822 with your name, address, and false alarm password ready.

It is very important that you provide the correct password. If an incorrect password or your Duress password is given, the monitoring station will dispatch emergency services, as designed.

If you're an Alarm Grid customer and you need Technical Support – Email Us Instead

The monitoring station can only assist with alarm-related events and emergencies or system tests. They cannot help with technical support, programming questions, or account changes such as zone names or contact lists.

For those needs, email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We will respond as quickly as possible once the office reopens. Please note that there may be a brief backlog after the holiday, and we greatly appreciate your patience while we catch up.

Holiday Travel Reminder

If you are traveling for the holidays, please be sure to arm your security system before you leave. It is also a good idea to double-check that you know your false alarm password ahead of time. A few minutes of preparation can prevent stress while you are away from home.

Happy Holidays!

Thank you for being a part of the Alarm Grid family. Whether you are traveling, hosting family, relaxing at home, or working through the holiday, we wish you a safe, peaceful, and happy Christmas and Hannukkah season!

Thanksgiving is here once again! The Alarm Grid offices will be closed on Thursday, November 27th, so our team can enjoy time with their families. Our office will be open and back to normal hours on Friday, November 28th, at 9:00 AM EST. Despite our office being closed, central station monitoring will be handled as it always is; quickly and professionally.

Monitoring Station Contact Information

Even though our office is closed, your security system keeps working around the clock. Our central station partners at Criticom Monitoring Services (CMS) and Rapid Response will be monitoring systems and responding to alarms all day Thursday. We appreciate their professionalism and commitment to keeping our customers safe.

If you need to contact the monitoring station during the holiday to report a false alarm or put your system on test mode, here's who to call:

US Customers: Call CMS at (888) 818-7728 and press Option [9]. Have your name, address, and false alarm password handy when the operator picks up.

Canadian Customers: Call Rapid Response at (800) 932-3822 with your name, address, and false alarm password ready.

Quick heads-up: Make sure you give them the correct information. If you accidentally provide an incorrect password or your Duress password instead of your false alarm password, they'll dispatch help. Because that's exactly what the Duress password is designed to do.

For Technical Support - Email Us Instead

Here's something important: the monitoring station only handles alarms and emergencies. They can't help with technical issues, programming questions, or changes to your account settings like zone names or contact lists.

For anything like that, shoot us an email at support@alarmgrid.com. We'll get back to you as soon as we're back in the office. The holidays sometimes create a bit of a backlog, so thanks in advance for your patience when we return!

Thanksgiving Safety Tips

If you're traveling for Thanksgiving, please be sure to arm your system before you hit the road. Also, double-check that you know your false alarm password before you leave. Nothing says "happy holidays!" quite like realizing you can't remember your false alarm password while you're three hours, or even three states away.

If you're cooking this year, kitchen smoke and steam are notorious for setting off smoke detectors. If yours is connected to your alarm system and it goes off, just silence it quickly. For all-in-one panels like the IQ Panel 4 or PROA7PLUS, you'll see a prompt on the screen asking for your disarm code. For older VISTA systems, just enter your User Code and press 1 (Off), exactly like you're disarming the system.

The monitoring station will call you when a smoke alarm goes off. If it's just your burning turkey setting off the detector (we've all been there), let them know and give them your false alarm password. They'll ask some questions to make sure everything's okay, and you can decide together whether the fire department really needs to stop by.

Important: Carbon Monoxide Alarms

If your carbon monoxide (CO) detector goes off, get everyone out of the house immediately. Carbon monoxide is completely invisible and odorless, and it's dangerous - especially for little ones, like kids and pets.

The monitoring station is required to send help on CO alarms no matter what. Even if you call them and say you're fine, they're still dispatching the fire department. It's for your safety. The fire department has special equipment to detect carbon monoxide and make sure your home is safe to re-enter.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thank you for choosing Alarm Grid. Whether you're hosting, traveling, staying home for a quiet day, or working through the holiday, we hope your Thanksgiving is exactly what you want it to be. May your turkey be moist, your family drama be minimal, and your smoke detectors stay silent!