When it comes to home security, many homeowners think, “It won’t happen to me.” But sometimes, things go differently than expected, and a reliable monitoring service can make all the difference. Ron and Julie Ricci learned this firsthand—not once, but twice. Their experience serves as a powerful reminder of why professional monitoring is essential.
A Close Call in Italy: The First Incident
In 2018, Ron and Julie were vacationing in Italy, enjoying a midnight meal at a café, when Ron received an unexpected phone call from Security ONE. The message? A sump pump alarm was triggered at their home back in Canada. Assuming it might be a false alarm, Ron called his neighbour to check on the situation. What they discovered was alarming: the sump pump discharge pipe had collapsed, causing water to backflow into their basement.
“We have two backup pumps—one battery-powered and one water-powered. Unfortunately, the battery backup had died, and the water pump was running non-stop,” Ron recalls. Water was already seeping into the finished basement, but thanks to Security ONE’s monitoring, the problem was caught early. Their neighbour quickly shut off the water pump, drained the water, and called professionals to address the issue. Although there was some damage, it was quickly repaired within three months.
Had Ron cancelled his monitoring service months earlier—a decision he almost made—the issue would have gone unnoticed until they returned home over a week later. “Imagine the water pump running for eight days straight and slowly filling the basement. We could have ended up with several feet of water and catastrophic damage to our entire house!” Ron shares. The experience made monitoring worth every penny.Â
A Second Close Call: The Second Incident
Fast forward four and a half years to 2023, and Ron and Julie were on a relaxing Caribbean cruise when Ron received a familiar call from Security ONE. This time, a winter storm had caused an extended power outage, triggering the sump pump alarm once again. A failed check valve was causing water to backflow into the basement.
With quick thinking and support from a family member and neighbour, Ron’s daughter was able to connect a generator and start the main pump to drain the water. While there was some damage, it was significantly less severe than it could have been. “Without monitoring, the power outage would have gone unnoticed, and we would have faced a much larger disaster,” Ron reflects.
Peace of Mind When It Matters Most
Peace of Mind When It Matters MostFor Ron and Julie, professional security monitoring offered peace of mind both during their travels and daily life. Even while they were thousands of miles away, Security ONE was watching over their home, providing real-time alerts and giving them the ability to take action. “It’s comforting to know that someone is watching over your house even when nobody is there,” says Ron.
Why Professional Monitoring Matters
Ron and Julie’s story underscores the value of professional security monitoring in times of crisis. From protecting your property from flood damage to providing immediate support in emergencies, professional monitoring ensures that issues are detected quickly, allowing you to take action—even if you’re not around.
Many homeowners think, “It won’t happen to me,” and delay investing in a monitored security system or consider cancelling their service. Ron’s advice for these individuals is simple: “You hope you never have to use your monitoring system, but when you do, it’s worth every penny.”
A Reliable Partner: Security One
For Ron and Julie, their relationship with Security One has grown stronger over time. “Security ONE has saved us twice from more serious damage. They’ve truly helped save our beautiful home,” says Ron. Their experience shows that a monitored security system is more than just an alarm—it’s a trusted partner, ensuring the safety of your home and loved ones.
If you’re considering professional monitoring for your home, remember Ron and Julie’s story. The peace of mind it provides can be priceless, whether you’re on a vacation across the world or just running errands nearby.
Want to learn more about the benefits of professional monitoring? Contact us today and discover how we can help protect your home—no matter where you are.
