​Managing your system during a storm

Your system(s) require electricity and a method of communication. If the power goes out, if the phone lines go down, or if cellular coverage is reduced, your system may not operate normally.

Battery backup - most systems have a battery backup component that will allow the system to continue to function for a period of time after a power outage. This period of time can vary in length. Security and fire systems without power and/or with low batteries may begin to beep - this is normal and the beeping will subside when the power is restored. You can temporarily silence the beeping of most security systems by entering your arm/disarm code. 
If your system includes electronic or magnetic door locks, prepare for loss of power by taking other measures to secure your doors. Deadbolts, mechanical locks, padlocks, chains, or other devices may be necessary and can be obtained at any hardware store if not already installed at your facility.
Communication - your system communicates over phone lines, internet, cellular service, or some combination thereof. If any of those services go down, your system may not communicate properly with central station. You may not be able to arm/disarm your system using a mobile device, add/remove credentials in an access system, or view your cameras. 
  • Note: Sonitrol will not be able to remotely provide arm/disarm services, view/retrieve video, or make change to your system if it is unable to communicate. 
  • If your communication method is down and your system goes into trouble or alarm, you will not receive a call from central station.
  • If you get a call from central station about power loss or a missed check-in, please make sure the operator knows you're in an area affected by a hurricane.
On-Call & Emergency Service 
(352) 484-7975
For the safety of our technicians and their families, we will dispatch only when it is safe to do so.

Sonitrol of North Central Florida
(352) 369-6300
Our office will be staffed during business hours as long as the roads are safe and electricity available.

Central Station
(850) 205-5000
Non-emergent service requests can be also be placed on our website.

Service Tips

  • If the power is out and your system reports power failure, PF, low battery, or something similar, please wait until the power is back on to request service. Generally systems will restore themselves within an hour and batteries will recharge within 12 hours.
  • If the phone lines or internet are down and/or you're having trouble making phone calls with your personal cellular device, and your system reports comm failure, FC 1, FC 2, line failure, or something similar, the system will generally clear once communication methods have been restored.
  • If your system is beeping and you cannot silence it using your code, please call an on-call technician for assistance with removing battery backup power. Pulling your keypad off the wall and/or breaking wire connections is not necessary and may not stop your system from beeping.
  • If  you have to leave a message for an on-call technician, please be sure to include your name, the company you represent, your service address, and a good call-back number. Other helpful information is the type of system you're calling about (fire, access control, security, cameras, etc.), any message on a keypad or screen, and the current status of your electricity and communication services.
We ask maintenance customers who generally enjoy same-day service response to be patient as we prioritize life-safety systems.
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