There were a few break ins in my neighborhood. I live in a great area, so I thought I was pretty safe. Alas, one never knows. So I emailed First Alarm and they got back to me right away. We scheduled someone to come out and give me an estimate. Steve came and gave me a thorough estimate and scheduled the install asap. The install guy was really great and took care of every door and window. I had nothing but great customer service with First Alarm, from booking to install and I now feel safe and secure with my new alarm! read more

Had a great experience with them. Always very nice when coming over to update alarm fixtures etc and dealt with city of Oakland for me to cancel false alarm charges. They were very responsive and kind! read more

Fantastic company! We found them on Yelp and they have lived up to their great reviews. They are easy to work with, very reasonably priced, are were super flexible when it came to working with us during our remodel. Marie was the rep and she answered all of questions and there was no pressure. Gemi was our installer and he did a fantastic job with the installation. I highly recommend this small, local alarm company. read more

We've been using Sentry for 12 years. We have looked at other companies recently as we wanted to upgrade our equipment but were really turned off by the competition. When we met today with another company (they promise free equipment) we didn't like that the monitoring was happening from Dallas, the main office was in some other state and a quick google search yielded absolutely horrible reviews. Google Sentry and you'll find high ratings and satisfied customers. When we think back on our years with Sentry we can't recall any negative - we've had great service with this company - friendly, super responsive and knowledgable. We like that they are a small local company. The service really couldn't be better. Though Sentry will be charging us for the equipment upgrade we're going to stick with them. read more

This company couldn't be more unprofessional! I paid them to provide security at my wedding reception, & they never showed up! I am now waiting for a refund, which the incompetent staff and management is failing to provide. Save yourself the hassle of dealing with this mess! read more

If you have switched phone service from a landline to high speed Sonic fiber optic, be aware your alarm system may not be communicating with First Alarm. We had been with Sentry Alert/First Alert//First Alarm for many years. Our alarm system sends out a system-check everyday. When we changed our phone system to Sonic fiber optics we didn't notice any change. One day, after a power failure, we had to reboot the alarm computer and then checked to see of the system was working. When we called the company, they told us they didn't get a signal-check from our alarm for almost half a year. We had been paying for service and yet they failed to inform us they were not monitoring our house! I don't know any value we were getting for our monthly payments. They suggested we replace our system, but since we had a good working alarm, we didn't wish to replace all the built in equipment and then pay a higher monthly charge. We then had many phone calls regarding bills which kept coming. We actually felt they should have paid us back for all the months we were not being monitored. When they sent us registered letters warning us the would refer us to a collection agency, we finally wrote negative review on yelp. We finally were put in contact with someone local who explained the issue. It seems along the way when Sentry Alert was sold to bigger companies, they lost the technical ability to verify the daily system checks. We did not know this. And of course, when we switched to Sonic we didn't know they lost the ability to monitor our house. Since many people are upgrading their phone service to digital fiber optics, First Alarm needs to warn their customers their older alarm system may not be monitored. We believe this warning should be on each billing statement. Ultimately First Alarm cancelled the outstanding fees but didn't return our payments from time they stopped receiving any signals from our alarm system. read more

I have had First Alarm for many years and was very happy with their responsiveness, but when I ended my land line, they scolded me and told me they would have to charge EXTRA if I wanted monitoring service using my cell phone. This strikes me as bad policy because many people are terminating their landlines and they are discouraging future business by making themselves uncompetitive. I went with Simplisafe, which charges less for monitoring, even through my cell phone, and for one third what it took to install First Alert equipment, was able to also wire my garage. After deciding to terminate First Alarm, I then had to deal with Sara D., mentioned in another review. She and I had a hard time getting in touch. I started corresponding and calling in mid-November, 2021. It was only after many calls and emails that I was informed, on January 24, 2022, that I need to give them thirty days written notice to terminate and that was the day they sent me the form to terminate. In addition, they tell me I must continue paying until they can get a technician out to take away the equipment, although another technician at First Alarm told me I owned it. Also, when I requested copy of the contract with them(I had been a customer for so long I no longer had one), they sent me a several sentences of a contract that applied--not a copy of MY contract with them. This saga is not over, but I can no longer recommend First Alert. read more

We have had a great history with Sentry Alert in SF and the east bay. They actually installed systems in a number of my family members' homes growing up, so they were my first thought when it came to arming my husband and my house in SF. They even transitioned us from our old to new house without any fanfare! They're incredibly responsible, thorough -- all around fantastic. read more

Today I made a simple mistake. That could have resulted in a real mess. But good fortune was shining upon us as we had the smoke alarm as part of our security system. I had left a double boiler on the stove when I went out to pick up my wife. When we arrived back home. The fire department was at the house and the small fire had been put out. The fire personnel stated that had they not arrived for another five/ten minutes and we would have needed a new back wall to our house. We are thankful to Sentry Alert for being aware when I was not. We give thanks. read more

So far we have had an excellent experience with Sentry. We had the system installed a couple of weeks ago. The installer Kris was professional and seemed like he knew what he was doing. The sales person Marie came to our house later to explain the controls. One time already we accidentally set it off. The dispatcher answered right away when we called but still made sure we we ok. All in all, we a happy to have chosen Sentry. read more

We purchased a home alarm sytem from Security Alert when we remodeled a year ago. They were very helpful with evaluating our needs and their price was much less than the major security companies that gave us quotes. They worked with our contractor to coordinate their installation with the remodeling project. They came out several times during the remodel to run wires while the walls were open and then add the sensors and other hardware after the doors and windows were installed. Since the alarm system went into service, they have been very helpful and responsive with refining the system configuration and resolving the small issues that have occured. We have also had good experience with their dispatchers on the several occasions when we have inadvertantly set off the alarm. read more

I was a Sentry Alert/First Alarm customer for about ten years. Their customer service is fantastic. I was a pretty complicated customer for them, having sold my home and moved, then not canceling my service in a timely manner. I ended up with a really big bill. When I contacted Sentry Alert, I worked with both Steve Goldy in Rohnert Park and Shannon Beritzhoff of Berkeley. They listened to me and were understanding about the complications of the situation. We were able to work it out. Buying a new home is on the horizon and I will happily choose them again to secure my home and my peace of mind. Once again going with a locally owned business that values people over policy was the right decision for me. read more

Just a quick shout-out saying how much I appreciate Sentry Alert. We've had them for 12 years and the are friendly, responsive, and have supremely competent staff. Price are quite fair, and customer service fantastic. read more

I'm a big fan of Sentry Alert. They have been our security service provider since March 2011. Customer service is great. Prices are the best you'll see in the Bay area. We needed an upgrade to our system, and got a ton of quotes to compare, and we chose to upgrade with Sentry because of the great prices and excellent customer service. read more

I felt I needed to right a quick review since I had one of the best experiences so far with an alarm company. I spoke with Shannon and Misty who were very patient with my multiple questions and very informative about what they could provide for me and my little family. Their tech was on time and very respectful to set up my alarm. Safe to say me and my little man are safer than ever when the big mans away. read more

We have used Sentry, which is now known as First Alarm, for several years and have always been happy customers. Both my partner and I have had their systems in our businesses and in our several homes. Over time we have had them install many alarms. I would highly recommend them to others! read more

If you live in their service area, go with Sentry Alert. Customer service like it used to be: professional, friendly, engaged and honest. Amazing how refreshing it is to meet people who seem to genuinely enjoy their work, who are knowledgeable about what they're doing, and who aren't giving you a hard sell. My first surprise came when Marie, co-owner and founder of the business, came herself to give me an estimate. Gracious, engaging, patient and most of all she LISTENED to what I needed, rather than trying to sell me something I didn't need. If she weren't selling alarms, I'd hire her as my realtor... or therapist :-) Sentry Alert's estimate for my small residence came in lower than the competition, including the monthly subscription. Unsolicited, Marie gave me additional discounts and breaks on the service charges. The installer came when promised, did a great job installing the system and making sure it was configured as I needed. The next day the dispatch office called to make sure I understood how to work everything, took down my dog's name for the OPD (they're understandably a little nervous entering houses where dogs are present when the owner's absent), and talked me through some alarm settings. Shortly after that, Marie herself called to make sure everything was working as I'd hoped. The quality of customer service provided by Sentry Alert is sadly becoming a thing of the past. This is what it should be- as other reviewers note: real humans, real concern for the customer's needs, real value and quality. This is how business is supposed to be done. read more

The service is good. But they are inflexible when it comes to working out contract disputes. I suppose I'd expect it from a major cell phone company, but I was hoping for something different when dealing with a small, local company. read more

This company used to be great until it was taken over by First Alarm. Terrible service now, poor follow through, and rude techs. My alarm was malfunctioning. I called twice, was told I would hear back but I never got a call back, leaving me without a security system. read more

Had my security system changed a few weeks ago by Dale. He was great. Very professional. I changed the scope of what needed to be done and he completed the job faster than estimated. Thank you! read more

Just had First Alarm install a new security system. Pleased with the service provided by the salesman Steve Hahn and the installer, Shamar.

We use First Alarm in our home. We have not had any issues. The system was installed on time and on budget. The few times I have called customer service with questions, I have received a great response. read more

Sentry Alert installed my security system and it's flawless. The installer Sergio was polite, professional, arrived on scheddule. Everything went according to plan. Marie Hellman is so patient. She has walked me through the instructions and it's not difficult to comprehend. I feel so much safer now. She knows everything there is to know about alarm systems, very knowledgeable. Carolyn S. read more

I just got a call from Shannon who apologized for the bills and said it was a problem with a newer employee who didn't know any better. She said that they would reimburse me for charges I didn't owe. I feel a lot better about the company, so I'll raise the score to 3 stars based on good previous service. read more

I had a very similar experience to Helen G. We had their alarm system for 10 years. Then we decided to cancel our contract. They told us we had to pay for the rest of the year (eg. 10 more months) before they would cancel our contract. Their Service Dept is definitely not as good as Xfinity's Service Dept. Xfinity gives you a two hour window for your appointment and if they are late they will deduct $50.00 from your service bill. First Alert/Sentry was always late, and the techs were not as knowledgeable as Xfinity's techs. Do yourself s favor and select an alarm company other than Sentry Alert. read more

Update: Sentry Alert did send me a cancellation bill of around $700. Initially when canceling on the phone, the conversation was friendly, and I repeated a number of times that I was fine paying off the $700. The rep on the line was somewhat annoying. He kept trying to sell me services at my new address so that I wouldn't cancel the contract, but I said, "No, just cancel it and bill me." And then, on the very first cancellation bill, Sentry Alert threatens to send me to a debt collection agency. It was a very antagonistic letter and accompanying bill. The worst is that I only had two days to pay the bill before they sent me to a collection agency. Repeat: I only had two days after receiving the bill before they sent me to a collection agency, and this was the first cancellation bill that I received. Of course, I promptly paid the bill over the phone with a credit card, because with 2 days notice, what else do you do? This is a slimy thing to do to someone. I almost wonder if someone there got mad at me and did this. But, I always try to be nice and not confrontational. I don't get it, but I do not recommend this company. Frowny Face. Original post: My complaint is that the fine print of their contract forces you to pay for 3 years. I do not remember this being pointed out to me (It was 1.5 years ago...it's hard to remember a detail that far back). But now, we have to end our contract early, and they want 18 months of payments to cancel. I do realize that we should have read the fine print, but this is a lot of money and 3 year contracts are not a common business practice. Even Verizon only asks for 2 years. I feel that they're taking advantage of me with this...hence the 2 star rating. The customer service of sentry alert has always been good, with very prompt calls whenever we've accidentally set off the alarm. And, they've been good at making house calls to setup the security system. So, I give them 4 stars for service, but 1 star for the 3 year contract. Average := 2.5 stars, rounded down to 2. read more

The company's monitoring is ok--not spectacular. We've had at least three alarms go off when the company did not call to check (nor send out the police). So not the most reliable...but we've had worse. My main issue is that First Alarm will have you sign a multi-year contract (three years!!). Even if you move, die, etc.--they will collect every cent of that. Never again. read more

Excellent, fast, affordable service, and up-to-date. Steve Hahn, in the sales department, is very honest,knowledgeable and understanding. He advised us about economical ways to update our alarm system and which aspects that we didn't need to touch. We referred friends who agree that Mr. Hahn's advice was excellent, their alarm system customized to fit their needs.First Alarm is reliable, the go-to security company. read more

We took over this service (then Sentry Alert) from the prior house owners. We've used them now for 7 years and they've always been great. Excellent, swift, friendly and consistently reliable service. The very best thing is that there is always a friendly, efficient LIVE person at the end of the line- no phone banks or automated telephone service. I'd absolutely recommend them. read more

We've had Sentry Alert services for the past 12 years--11 in SF and now 1 year in Sonoma. They are tops! From the salesperson to the installer to the phone reps, they are always professional and competent. We've had several service appointments at our new home due to remodeling, etc., and the appointment scheduler has consistently been able to send a tech within a reasonable time frame. I want to make special mention of technician Kris, who is not only competent and knowledgable, but a professional pleasure to work with. I don't think it gets any better. Thank you, Sentry Alert! read more

When Sentry Alerts sold to First Alarm they start having billing issue and service problems. My bill pay service would send checks and they would claim I had not paid our bill. I've give them copies of the cashed check, they would say it was their mistake then weeks later I'd get calls claiming again the bills weren't paid. Then they raised our rate without notice and when the alarm went off they would call us from a block number, so we could never tell who was calling. Finally I just cancel the service and went to ADT. 6 month later they are still harassing us claiming again that we had not paid our bills and claim our cancelation happen month after I cancelled. This company does not have it's accounting act together. Stay away from this First Alarm unless you want to spend months working thru disputed billing. This company is a mess. Stay Away! read more

We've been using them for 2.5 years now, and I must say the customer service is consistently outstanding. I always get a person on the phone right away, and they are always very helpful and friendly. We tripped the alarm once and neglected to answer their incoming call to check on us. They dispatched OPD, who came 3 hours later. When we called to find out exactly what happened and why it took so long for OPD to show up, they had all the specific information about the calls they made and when, to the minute. I highly recommend them without hesitation. Very happy with this company. read more

this company is fantastic! The installation was great, the people are Very friendly and it makes me feel so safe knowing they are watching over my home! I wouldn't ask for more from this company since they are already doing a fantastic job!!!! I would recommend this company to everyone I know and suggest it to those I dont! read more

Sentry Alert is a great local business. When I phoned my old provider and gave Berkeley as my city of residence, they would ask me what state it's in. Not very reassuring. Sentry did its analysis and cost estimate very professionally and installed my system expeditiously. Their staff has been a pleasure to deal with. read more

I'm moving to a new home and had a desire for some home security equipment that was a bit more than a "standard offering." After reaching out to several other companies who would only nod, smile and keep trying to sell me their stock package, I finally found Sentry Alert. I first touched base with Jeff who was more than willing to speak with me about my needs despite the fact that I was calling at 5pm on the Friday of a holiday weekend. He then connected me with David who promptly called me to verify my needs, provide some valuable advice, and deliver a quote for what I really wanted (not just some stock package). After dealing with several alarm companies that had little idea how to provide good customer service, working with Sentry Alert was a breath of fresh air. I highly recommend giving them a call. read more

This is the first service call we've needed since the alarm system was installed almost 3 years ago, and the problem was just low batteries in a couple of the sensors. I called the office yesterday and they scheduled an appointment for between 11:00 and 1:00 today. The technician who came out, Dean, was on-time, friendly, efficient, and showed my how to do the replacements myself next time (it's very easy). I just wish the system hadn't woken us up at 5am with the low battery notification! read more

Excellent customer service!! Extremely friendly, knowledgeable and very reasonable prices compared to the big companies. I didn't even buy their equipment (had my own camera system), and they came out, gave me an overall assessment of my situation and offered their professional opinions about what I needed. Their technician came the NEXT DAY!! Everything was installed & I was given extremely personal assistance in operation of my set-up. They are the BEST! I think they have THE nicest receptionist in the world, lol!! read more

Been with these guys for several years. I like that they are a local, smaller company as that's where I want to spend my money. They will be upgrading our system to the most current cellular technology. The president of the company, Dave, called me to assure me that my business is appreciated. He's a very reasonable and professional guy and I am happy to continue with his company for our home security. read more

A poor choice for home security. We inherited them when we bought our house and service was initially very strong. Through the years it has deteriorated significantly and we are now in the process of changing providers. Their monitoring practices are sloppy. Several times they have allowed people to NOT give the required password when they tripped the alarm (dog walker, child care, mother in law, house guest). They also don't seem to have a fixed monitoring location as several times I have gotten calls from someone on their cell phone which just seems wrong They wanted to charge me $400 for a new keypad even though we have been clients for over 10 years. For that amount, I'll get state of the art somewhere else thanks. read more

Just to update that the management did go out of their way to discuss the problem. But by then I switched to another provider. It is entirely possible that out of the two times I needed assistance I got the wrong guy on the wrong day with the wrong problem. But I think it is important that my review stay the same though as all their other reviews are stellar. I want people to know that the good service they are paying for by paying extra on the system and paying for service calls may not always come though. read more