House alarms and home security systems come in all shapes and sizes, with an equally broad range of prices and functionality too. But a key differentiator – perhaps the most important difference of all – is whether or not the system offers professional monitoring.

With a professionally monitored system, an alarm activation is sent to trained security experts who are available 24/7 to assess the situation, contact you and, where appropriate, also contact the emergency services.

Verisure is one such system, where security experts are notified the moment your alarm is triggered. This can be caused by a number of actions, such as a door being opened while the system is armed, motion being detected in your home, or a break-in attempt felt by door and window shock sensors.

How security experts respond to a home alarm alert

Once notified, the security expert will make contact with you via the system itself, using the speaker and microphone of Verisure’s wall-mounted SVK unit. They’ll also check what’s going on, using live photo, video and audio data collected by the Verisure system, and contact the emergency services if a live situation – like a burglary – has been verified.

Crucially, these security experts will only call the emergency services if a situation is verified, and the possibility of the incident being a false alarm has been eliminated. This is an important step and ensures Verisure systems do not call the emergency services every time the alarm is triggered.

This verification process benefits both the customer and the emergency services, since it helps reduce unnecessary call-outs caused by accidental false alarms. It also gives the emergency services more information about the incident before they arrive.

It’s also important to state that the system does not automatically call the emergency services. Instead, the alarm system triggers its siren, then automatically contacts Verisure’s Alarm Receiving Centre, where trained security experts assess the situation, then act accordingly.

Verisure alarm systems also work with an optional SOS panic button. This can either be a dedicated button mounted to a flat surface, such as the underside of a desk or table, or as part of a key fob. The latter can be used to arm and disarm the system with a button press, or act as an SOS call when both buttons are pressed together.

Designed for homes and businesses, the SOS button issues a silent, high-priority trigger, which alerts the Alarm Receiving Centre, where a security professional can rapidly assess the situation. On average, Verisure’s SOS buttons are answered in less than 20 seconds. Trained staff then activate your alarm system’s silent listening mode, and receive real-time images from your security cameras to check what’s going on.

If an emergency is verified through this visual and audio evidence, the response team will bypass false alarm protocols and contact the relevant emergency services, such as the police, ambulance or fire service.

These SOS buttons act as a secure lifeline between the customer and the Verisure team, who can assist with whatever emergency is taking place. However, dialling 999 is always the primary advised option in a medical emergency. The system does not replace, override or act faster than the NHS, and pressing Verisure’s SOS button does not expedite your call.

So, while a home alarm system cannot automatically call the emergency services itself, a professionally monitored system like Verisure can alert trained security experts, who verify the situation first, then contact the appropriate emergency services if required.

Unlike some other systems that offer professional monitoring as an optional upgrade, every Verisure system includes professional monitoring as part of the monthly fee. Similarly, unlike DIY systems that can be installed by the customer, every Verisure system is installed by a professional who assesses the property and the customer’s needs, before recommending and installing the most appropriate system.

Calling 999 is always the primary advised option for medical emergencies. Verisure alarm systems do not replace, override, or act faster than the NHS. Its systems do not automatically or instantly dial 999 or dispatch the authorities in an emergency. All Verisure security experts verify the situation first using live photo and audio data.