Signal Watch Central
Privacy policy
This privacy policy explains how Signal Watch Central collects and uses information to provide free matching and alarm-monitoring education. We are not an alarm company or a central station, and we do not install or guarantee monitoring.
Who we are (and what this page covers)
Signal Watch Central is a free service that helps people in the United States understand 24/7 fire and burglar alarm monitoring and get connected with monitoring providers near them.
This privacy policy applies to information you share when you visit our website or contact us. It does not change or replace any privacy notices from monitoring providers you may be connected with.
We do not install alarms, operate a central station, or provide UL-listed monitoring. Our role is educational and matching, which means we help you find a monitoring provider and explain how the alarm-monitoring signal path typically works.
Information we collect
We collect information you provide to us directly, such as when you request help finding a monitoring provider or ask questions.
Common examples include:
• Contact details (for example, name and email address)
• Location information (for example, city or ZIP code) so we can match you with nearby providers
• Details you choose to share about your alarm setup (for example, whether you have an existing system)
We may also collect information automatically when you browse our site. This can include basic device and usage data, such as pages viewed, browser type, and approximate location derived from IP address.
If we use cookies or similar technologies, we aim to make that clear through site controls or notices. You can usually manage cookies through your browser settings.
How we use your information
We use your information to:
1) Provide free matching and education. For example, we may use your location to help connect you with monitoring providers in your area.
2) Respond to questions and support requests. For example, if you contact us, we may use your details to reply.
3) Improve our site and content. For example, we may analyze how visitors use our pages.
4) Maintain safety, security, and compliance. For example, we may review activity to protect against abuse or fraud.
We do not use your information to make promises about alarm outcomes. Monitoring is a process involving sensors, a control panel, a central station, and verified operator actions. The exact steps depend on your system and provider.
How we share information (and with whom)
We may share limited information with monitoring providers when you ask to be connected. For example, we may share your location and the basic details you provided so a provider can confirm whether they serve your area and what options may fit.
We do not sell your personal information.
We may also share information in the following situations:
• Service providers: We may use vendors that help us operate the website (for example, hosting or analytics). These vendors are expected to process information only to provide services to us.
• Legal reasons: We may disclose information if required by law or to respond to lawful requests.
• Business transitions: If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, or similar event, information may transfer as part of that transaction, subject to applicable law.
Your contact preferences and TCPA consent (important)
If you provide contact details and explicitly choose to receive communications, we may contact you using the methods you consented to. Any contact that involves autodial, prerecorded messages, or texts is only permitted if you provide prior express written consent.
How consent works here:
• Consent requires your explicit checkbox selection (the unchecked box you must actively tick).
• Consent is not required to use our free matching and education service.
• Consent is not a condition of any service.
• You can opt out at any time using the opt-out instructions included in communications or by contacting us.
If you have questions about your preferences, contact us via /contact/.
Data retention
We keep personal information only as long as reasonably necessary to:
• Provide matching and respond to your requests
• Maintain records for legal, accounting, or compliance needs
• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
The exact retention period varies based on the type of information, the purpose for collecting it, and any legal obligations that apply. If you ask us to delete your data, we will consider that request in line with applicable law.
Security practices
We use administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect information from unauthorized access, loss, misuse, alteration, or disclosure.
No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security. However, we aim to reduce risk using standard industry practices.
Costs and claims we do not make
This is an education and matching service. We do not provide monitoring and we do not control monitoring pricing.
If you contact a provider, monitoring costs can vary widely. Typical pricing may depend on factors such as the equipment you have, the monitoring contract terms, whether you use cellular or other communication paths, and the rules and market conditions in your area.
Some alarm sales practices may involve long auto-renewing contracts, “free” equipment with higher monitoring lock-in, vague cancellation terms, door-to-door pressure, and false or unclear promises. We encourage you to review any contract carefully before agreeing to it.
State rules and licensing vary
Rules for alarm-company solicitation and licensing can vary by state. That means certain steps, disclosures, or forms may differ depending on where you live.
We will follow applicable laws in connection with how we provide matching and education. For anything related to provider licensing or monitoring requirements, you should ask the monitoring provider directly and review any paperwork they provide.
Your choices and how to contact us
You may be able to request access to, correction of, or deletion of certain personal information, subject to applicable law. You can also ask about how we handle your data.
To make a request, contact us at /contact/. If you want to understand the broader terms of use for using our website, see /terms/.
Changes to this privacy policy
We may update this privacy policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal or operational reasons.
When we update it, we will revise the “Last updated” date at the top of the policy (or in the location where we display it on the site).
We collect limited contact and location information to provide free alarm-monitoring education and connect you with providers you choose, and we only use certain outreach methods if you gave explicit checkbox consent.
Common questions
Is Signal Watch Central an alarm monitoring company or a central station?
No. Signal Watch Central is a free matching and education service. We do not install alarms, operate a central station, or provide UL-listed monitoring.
Will you share my information with monitoring providers?
If you ask to be connected with a provider, we may share limited details you provided (such as your location and basic needs) so the provider can respond. We do not sell your personal information.
Can I receive texts or calls from you?
You can choose whether to receive communications. If any communication would use autodial, prerecorded messages, or texts, it requires your prior express written consent through an explicitly checked box. Consent is not a condition of using the free matching and education service, and you can opt out at any time.
How much does monitoring cost?
Costs vary based on your equipment, the monitoring contract, and where you live. Some providers may require installation, offer different communication paths (for example, cellular), or include false-alarm policies. We encourage you to ask for itemized pricing before agreeing.
How long do you keep my personal information?
We keep information only as long as reasonably necessary for our purposes (such as providing matching, responding to requests, and complying with legal requirements). The exact timeline depends on the type of information and the purpose for collecting it.
Thinking about 24/7 alarm monitoring?
Learn what happens when your alarm trips, then get matched, free, with monitoring providers near you. You compare and choose who to hire — and you confirm the price and contract term before you sign.