Duress Codes vs. Verbal Duress Codes: What They Are, Key Differences, and Why They Matter — Especially in Chicago

When it comes to security, it’s not just about alarms and sirens —  it’s also about having smart, discreet tools for the most dangerous situations. That’s where duress codes and verbal duress codes come in. These signals can be life-saving in a hostage or break-in scenario, and understanding how they work could make all the difference.


What Is a Duress Code?

A duress code is a secret PIN entered on your alarm keypad that appears to disarm the system—but silently notifies your central monitoring station to dispatch police. This is useful in scenarios like home invasions or robberies, where an intruder may be forcing you to turn off your alarm. Instead of entering your usual code, you use the duress code, signaling for help without raising any suspicion. Chicago homeowners and business owners should treat this as a lifesaving layer of security.


What Is a Verbal Duress Code?

A verbal duress code is used during a phone call with your monitoring center after an alarm triggers. Instead of your usual “all clear,” you provide a pre‑agreed secret word. The operator responds normally but simultaneously sends silent help—no sirens, no alarm panel, no alert to the intruder.

For example: If your real verbal passcode is “sunshine,” but your duress word is “cloudy,” giving the wrong phrase will inform the operator that you’re in trouble. The operator will act as if everything is fine, but they will immediately dispatch the police


Key Differences

Duress CodeVerbal Duress Code
Alarm panel/keypadPhone call with the central station
Disarms system, sends silent alarmSends silent alarm via voice confirmation
Appears normal to intruderOperator acts normal
Programmed in alarm panelMust be pre-set with alarm company

When Should You Use a Duress Code?

1. Home Invasion

You’re being forced to disarm your alarm system. Entering the duress code makes it seem like you’ve complied, while help is already on the way.

2. Alarm Triggers and Intruder Present

The alarm goes off and the monitoring company calls. You answer, but the intruder is watching. Instead of your normal code, you give the verbal duress code, signaling danger discreetly. 

3. Someone Follows You into Your Business

You arrive at your Chicago storefront and someone suspicious follows you in. They demand you disarm the alarm system. Use your duress code to comply while silently alerting police—without tipping them off that help is on the way.


Why It Matters for Chicago Residents

  • Both features require professional monitoring only—self‑monitoring can’t trigger silent alarms.
  • Setting these up requires coordination with your alarm provider.
  • Regular testing (e.g., quarterly) ensures functionality, especially for staff in Chicago businesses.

Important Reminder: Duress Codes Only Work With Professional Alarm Monitoring

Duress codes and verbal duress codes only work if your alarm system is connected to a central monitoring station. This feature is not available with self-monitored or local-only alarm setups. Be sure to check with your alarm company to ensure your current monitoring plan supports these features.


Final Thoughts

Duress codes and verbal duress codes are critical features that every business or homeowner should have. These tools offer discreet, reliable protection when it matters most. In a high-stakes situation, they can provide a silent but powerful call for help. 

If you’re unsure whether your system supports duress functions or if you’d like to add this feature to your existing setup, contact us today. We’ll help you review your current security system and walk you through how to stay protected, even in the most dangerous scenarios.

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Need help setting up a duress code? Want to upgrade your monitoring plan? 

Call us at 773.733.0970

Email us at info@inv-sys.com 

Stay safe, stay smart. Your security is our priority.

Extreme Weather and Your Security Cameras.

by Invision Systems

Lightning in a dark night sky. Illustrating extreme weather not suitable for security cameras

How do my security cameras stand up to extreme weather?

Below freezing temperatures, snow, sleet and violent wind gusts can negatively impact security cameras not built to withstand these weather extremes.

How do security camera manufacturers combat extreme weather?

Typical example of dome Security Cameras

Most indoor and outdoor cameras are designed by security camera manufacturers to withstand multiple levels of inclement weather. The Ingress Protection, or IP, enclosure rating system , is used rate how well their security cameras will stand up to environmental conditions. To represent the level of protection the camera has the rating is given a pair of numbers. The scale is measured from 0 to 8, with 0 being the least protected and 8 being the most. An IP rating 68 boasts “full immersion in water” protection while a camera with an IP67 rating is considered weatherproof.

The first digit in the IP rating represents the camera’s ability to resist solid hazards such as dust and dirt debris. The second digit represents how well the camera resists liquid hazards such as rain and snow. 

IP INGRESS PROTECTION RATING TABLE

IP rating chart for security cameras
IP rating for water protection on security cameras

Even indoors, it is important to remember that extreme weather can have an impact on your security cameras! Power outages can cause major damage to electronic systems and this includes your security cameras! Your system may be rendered inoperable after an outage due to a sudden surge in power, so make sure your system is installed by professionals to alleviate the risk of this happening. Add a backup battery to your security camera system that will keep the cameras running even during an outage.

Power outages can damage your security cameras

Keep the weather in mind when contemplating your security system. Extreme weather can wreak havoc on your camera system so be sure that the cameras being used in your installation are rated appropriately for the application they are used for. Look at the physical body of the camera periodically and report any damage to your security company’s support team. Be mindful of the weather and how it can impact your home or business security.

The 3G Sunset is Coming Here. Are you ready?

by Invision Systems

Cell Tower in a sunset landscape, artistically illustrating the title 3G Sunset

Changes are coming to the cell networks we use everyday. The 3G sunset date is quickly approaching!

It’s important to know what changes are coming to the 3G network and how the 3G Sunset will affect your home or business .

Why is this important for your burglar alarm?

Your burglar alarm communicates using cell tower networks. When new technology becomes available, carriers must adjust to accommodate the new networks.

What is “3G Sunsetting“?

“Sunsetting” is when wireless network carriers shut down existing out-of-date networks, like 2G and 3G, to accommodate new network technology i.e. 4G LTE, 5G. The motivation behind this is that it gives the network carriers the opportunity to remodel devices to be faster and more efficient.

The evolution of cellular network technology

How does this affect me?

In the security industry, we rely on cellular networks for a multitude of applications. Communications for burglar alarms being the top priority. Your burglar alarm system sends signals via cellular network, 24-7 to the central monitoring station.  If your burglar alarm s cannot communicate with the monitoring station, you are risking your security! Businesses and homeowners using the 3G network will have to upgrade their technology to ensure that their burglar alarms are able to send signals to the monitoring station. 

When will this change happen?

Calendar

Some network carriers have already started implementing changes. 3G cell towers will be shut down one by one over time and not all at once.

What do I need to do?

Contact us to learn more about how this change could affect you. Be prepared for the shutdown by making a plan for upgrades. We will be contacting affected customers in the coming weeks and months while we prepare for this change.

TAKEAWAYS

  • 3G Sunset is coming!
  • Upgrades are necessary if running systems on 3G networks.
  • You have time to prepare your home or business for the changes!
  • Don’t risk your security! Ensure your burglar alarm communicates 24/7 with the central monitoring station.
  • Contact us to learn more.

Email Support@inv-sys.com for more information!