How Family First Security Works and What to Know Before You Sign Up
What Family First Security offers and how it compares to other systems
Family First Security is a home security company that installs monitored alarm systems, video cameras, and smart home devices in residential properties across South Carolina. The company operates through local authorized dealers rather than direct sales, meaning you contact an independent retailer who then coordinates installation and billing with Family First's central monitoring station.
The system uses 24/7 professional monitoring, which means when a sensor triggers an alarm, a monitoring center receives the signal and can contact emergency services on your behalf. You can also receive alerts on your phone when doors open, motion is detected, or the system is armed or disarmed. The company offers both traditional hardwired systems and wireless options, with pricing and contract terms that vary depending on which dealer you work with and what equipment you choose.
Unlike national chains like ADT or Vivint that handle sales and customer service directly, Family First operates through a dealer network, so your experience depends partly on which local company sells and services your system. This can mean faster local response for service calls but also means pricing and terms are negotiated between you and the dealer, not set by Family First itself.
Key Takeaways
- Family First Security uses local authorized dealers to sell and install systems, so you work with a regional company rather than calling a national office.
- The system includes 24/7 professional monitoring, which means a monitoring center can dispatch emergency services if your alarm triggers.
- Pricing, contract length, and equipment options vary by dealer, so comparing quotes from multiple Family First dealers in your area is important before committing.
- You receive phone and app alerts when doors open, motion is detected, or the system status changes, giving you real-time visibility into your home.
- Installation and ongoing service are handled by your local dealer, not by Family First directly, so ask about their response times and service availability.
How the monitoring and alert system works
When you arm your Family First system, sensors on doors and windows monitor for entry, and motion detectors watch interior spaces. If a sensor is triggered, the system sends a signal to Family First's monitoring center. A trained operator receives that signal and attempts to contact you using the phone number on file. If you do not answer or provide a code to disarm the system, the operator can dispatch police, fire, or medical services to your address.
Alongside professional monitoring, you receive push notifications on your phone when the system is armed or disarmed, when doors or windows open, or when motion is detected in monitored areas. This means you can check on your home in real time even when you are away. Some systems also allow you to arm or disarm remotely through an app, though this feature depends on which equipment package your dealer offers.
The monitoring center operates around the clock, so alarms are responded to at any hour. Response time from the moment an alarm triggers to the moment an operator contacts you is typically within seconds, though the actual dispatch of emergency services depends on your local police and fire departments.
What equipment Family First systems typically include
A basic Family First system usually includes a control panel (the main hub that receives signals from sensors), door and window sensors, a motion detector, a keypad for arming and disarming, and a backup battery in case of power loss. Many packages also include a siren that sounds when an alarm is triggered, alerting you and your neighbors to the intrusion.
Video cameras are often sold as add-ons rather than included in base packages. If you add cameras, they record continuously or on motion detection and store footage either in the cloud or on a local device. Some dealers offer doorbell cameras that let you see who is at your front door and speak to them through the system.
Smart home integration varies by dealer and package. Some systems can control smart locks, thermostats, or lights through the same app you use to monitor your alarm, while others are alarm-only. Ask your dealer specifically what devices are compatible with the system they are offering, because this is not standardized across all Family First dealers.
Contract terms and what to expect from pricing
Family First does not publish standard pricing because dealers set their own rates. Installation costs, monthly monitoring fees, and contract lengths all vary. Some dealers offer month-to-month plans with no long-term contract, while others require one-year, two-year, or three-year agreements. Longer contracts typically come with lower monthly monitoring fees, but you are locked in if you want to cancel.
Monthly monitoring fees generally range depending on what is included—basic door and window monitoring costs less than a package that includes video recording and cloud storage. Equipment costs depend on how many sensors, cameras, and smart devices you add. Ask your dealer for a written quote that breaks down installation, equipment, and monthly fees separately so you can compare across multiple dealers.
Some dealers offer promotional pricing for the first few months or waive installation fees if you sign a longer contract. Read the fine print on any promotion to understand when the regular price takes effect and whether there are early termination fees if you cancel before the contract ends.
How to find and work with a Family First dealer in South Carolina
Family First Security maintains a dealer locator on its website where you can enter your zip code to find authorized retailers near you. Dealers are independent businesses, so their customer service quality, installation speed, and technical support can vary. Before contacting a dealer, check online reviews on Google, the Better Business Bureau, and Trustpilot to see what other customers in your area report about their experience.
When you contact a dealer, ask for an in-home consultation where a technician can assess your property, recommend sensor placement, and provide a detailed quote. This visit is usually free and gives you a chance to ask questions about equipment, monitoring, and what happens if you need service after installation. Do not feel pressured to sign on the spot—get quotes from at least two or three dealers before deciding.
Once you choose a dealer and sign a contract, they handle scheduling installation, training you on how to use the system, and providing ongoing technical support. If you have problems after installation, you contact your dealer first, not Family First directly. Make sure you understand your dealer's hours of operation and how quickly they respond to service calls.
What to consider before choosing Family First
The dealer model means you have a local point of contact for service and support, which can be an advantage if you need fast response. It also means you are not locked into a national company's policies or customer service standards. However, it also means your experience depends heavily on which dealer you choose, so research matters.
Family First systems are compatible with some smart home platforms, but not all. If you already use Apple HomeKit, Google Home, or Amazon Alexa extensively, ask your dealer whether the specific system they offer integrates with your existing devices. Some dealers may offer systems that work with your setup, while others may not.
Consider whether you want professional monitoring or prefer a system that sends alerts only to your phone. Professional monitoring costs more but means someone is actively responding to alarms even if you cannot reach your phone. If you travel frequently or want the peace of mind of 24/7 professional response, professional monitoring is worth the extra cost. If you are home most of the time and want alerts only, some dealers may offer lower-cost options.
Installation, testing, and ongoing maintenance
After you sign a contract, your dealer schedules installation, which typically takes two to four hours depending on how many sensors and cameras you are adding and whether the system is hardwired or wireless. During installation, the technician places sensors on doors and windows, mounts the control panel, tests all connections, and walks you through how to arm and disarm the system, set entry delays, and receive alerts on your phone.
Ask the technician to test the system with you before they leave—trigger a sensor and watch the alert come through on your phone and see the monitoring center respond. This confirms everything is working and gives you confidence in the system. The technician should also provide written instructions or a manual for future reference.
After installation, you are responsible for routine maintenance like replacing batteries in wireless sensors (usually annually) and keeping the app updated on your phone. Your dealer may offer annual service visits to inspect the system and replace batteries, or you may do this yourself. If the system malfunctions or a sensor stops working, contact your dealer to schedule a service call.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my internet goes out?
Most Family First systems have a cellular backup connection that sends signals to the monitoring center even if your home internet is down. This ensures alarms are still monitored and emergency services can still be dispatched. Ask your dealer whether the system they offer includes cellular backup and whether there is an additional monthly fee for it.
Can I take the system with me if I move?
This depends on your contract and your dealer's policies. Some systems are portable and can be reinstalled at a new address, while others are tied to your current home. Ask your dealer about portability before you sign, and understand what happens to your contract if you move before it expires.
What if I forget my security code?
Contact your dealer with proof of identity, and they can reset your code. Keep your contract and account information in a safe place so you can verify your identity quickly. Some dealers allow you to change your code through the app, while others require a phone call to the dealer or monitoring center.
Do I need a landline for the system to work?
No. Modern Family First systems use cellular or internet connections to communicate with the monitoring center, not a landline. Wireless systems are common, and most dealers offer internet-based monitoring as the standard option.
What is the difference between hardwired and wireless systems?
Hardwired systems have sensors connected to the control panel by wires running through your walls, which requires more installation work but is generally more reliable. Wireless systems use battery-powered sensors that communicate with the control panel by radio signal, making installation faster and less invasive. Wireless systems require regular battery replacement. Ask your dealer which option makes sense for your home layout and budget.