See it in action: WHIRC offers cutting edge visual alarm monitoring system

See it in action: WHIRC offers cutting edge visual alarm monitoring system

WHIRC is proud to offer an advanced visual alarm monitoring solution, powered by CHeKT’s innovative technology, to enhance security for businesses.

How it works

When an alarm is triggered, WHIRC’s monitoring team receives the corresponding video feed through the CHeKT video bridge — no additional logins required. At the same time, the end-user receives a text notification with the video feed. If the event is confirmed as a threat, the end-user can verify it with a click. This verified alert prompts WHIRC’s team to contact emergency services with high-priority, verified dispatch information, helping law enforcement respond quickly to help prevent potential crimes or identify suspects.

Why visual monitoring matters

This approach ensures accurate responses, reduces false alarms, and improves police efficiency, enhancing overall security and aiding criminal apprehension.

Compatibility and integration

The solution is compatible with existing and new security systems, if the cameras meet Open Network Video Interface Forum (ONVIF) standards. This flexibility allows businesses to upgrade their security infrastructure without overhauling existing systems.

Get started today

Elevate your security with WHIRC’s visual alarm monitoring powered by CHeKT. Contact WHIRC to integrate this solution into your business security system.

WHIRC celebrates 32 consecutive years of UL certification

WHIRC celebrates 32 consecutive years of UL certification

Rockford, Minn. (February 10, 2025), WH International Response Center (WHIRC), a leader in technology and monitoring solutions, proudly announces that its alarm monitoring center has successfully achieved UL (Underwriters Laboratories) certification for the 32nd consecutive year. This milestone underscores WHIRC’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety, reliability, and performance in security monitoring.

UL certification is a globally recognized mark of excellence that signifies compliance with stringent industry requirements for alarm monitoring centers. Maintaining this certification for more than three decades demonstrates WHIRC’s unwavering dedication to continuous improvement and superior service quality.

“For 32 years, our team has remained committed to upholding the highest industry standards,” said Ashley Raisanen, WHIRC Technology and Sales Manager. “This achievement reinforces the trust our dealers and customers place in us, knowing that we provide reliability and security.”

The certification process included an in-depth assessment of WHIRC’s monitoring center, evaluating key factors such as power redundancy, response times, cybersecurity measures, and compliance with industry best practices. By meeting these criteria year after year, WHIRC ensures that its dealers receive rapid and dependable alarm monitoring services 24/7.

For more information about WHIRC and its UL-certified alarm monitoring services, please visit WHIRC.com.

WHIRC is a leading provider of security and alarm monitoring solutions, dedicated to help protect homes and businesses with state-of-the-art technology and expert monitoring services.

WHIRC appointed to prominent industry committee

WHIRC appointed to prominent industry committee

The Alarm Industry Communications Committee (AICC), part of The Monitoring Association (TMA), recently welcomed WHIRC as its newest member. The AICC includes representatives from national industry associations and alarm companies from across the country. It coordinates with the Federal Communications Commission, regulatory bodies, and Congress to address telecommunications issues affecting the alarm industry. The AICC maintains a presence in Washington, D.C., to advocate for the industry’s interests. They also manage a Political Action Committee (AICC-PAC) to engage in the legislative processes.

As a member of the AICC, WHIRC is actively involved in furthering our industry through technology and legislation.

Highlights from the June meeting

At the most recent meeting, held in June, Ashley Raisanen and Shane Clary from Bay Alarm were invited to discuss the topic of POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) replacements. The discussion centered on the industry’s efforts regarding National Fire Protection Association code compliance, and the potential requirement for supervision of POTS replacement devices. Additionally, they addressed other issues such as communications, network stability, and standby power.

Other AICC updates

  • 3G network decommissioning: AT&T and Verizon Wireless continue to phase out 3G towers. AT&T still operates about 30% of its towers with 3G technology, which will be transitioned to 5G or extended LTE.
  • Telephone carriers: These carriers will continue to shut down circuits, focusing on fiber and network buildouts.
  • Dial tone: The “dial tone” customers hear is now a recording played by the provider when the phone is off the hook, rather than a true dial tone.
  • Signal transmission checks: Using a butt set is not a reliable method for investigating signal transmissions unless specifically listening for receiver tones.
  • Network buildouts and outages: With ongoing network expansions, more outages and communication issues may occur, as these companies are not regulated by the FCC and can schedule outages without notice.

WHIRC joined AICC to provide our dealers with the latest industry information, connect with other committee members, and advocate for our industry. We will continue to communicate updates to you throughout the year.

WHIRC celebrates 32 consecutive years of UL certification

WHIRC receives UL listing for 30th straight year

Rockford, Minn. (March 14, 2023) — WH International Response Center (WHIRC) recently received its Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL) listing as a Central Monitoring Station for the 30th straight year, dating back to 1994. This means WHIRC has met or exceeded quality, safety and training standards set by UL. WHIRC is committed to exceeding UL’s standards to ensure continuity of quality service to its customers.

“At WHIRC, we’re more than alarm monitoring,” said WHIRC Technology & Dealer Manager Ashley Raisanen. “We provide collaborative solutions and reliable support for 24/7 monitoring.”

To learn more, visit WHIRC’s website at whirc.com or call (800) 858-7811.

WHIRC is a leading national central station monitoring partner for residential and commercial security, alarm, video and personal emergency response system dealers. WHIRC’s headquarters are located in Rockford, Minn.

New technology from WHIRC

New technology from WHIRC

As we kick off 2023, the 3G sunset is in the rearview mirror and we can put our full attention and resources towards growth. Video is the fastest growing sector of the security market and can bring high value to your customers. Did you know that now you can add recurring revenue to your video services?

With our video health monitoring, video verification, and structured remote guard tour offerings, WHIRC can help you achieve your revenue goals. We have direct integration with multiple video platforms like OpenEye, and soon we will be offering Digital Watchdog. For video systems that without direct integration, we have the Universal Connector which translates email communications from the video system into alarm signals that we can act on.

WHIRC is committed to providing reliable and custom monitoring solutions for you and your customers. As reliability from traditional phone lines continues to decrease, installing a new communicator, either cellular or Internet Protocol, ensures alarm signal continuity. Replacing traditional phones lines will decrease the time that it takes to report a signal and minimizes signal interruption. Let us know if we can assist with transitioning your customers.

WHIRC is excited to expand our offerings in 2023! Keep your eyes peeled for the 2023 WHIRC Dealer Symposium coming this summer. We hope to see you there!