Hi we've recently moved to a house with a burglar alarm (something we have never had). Can someone enlighten me about whether or not I need or should get a maintenance contract (as far as I can see this means someone comes to check the alarm once or twice a year and sorts out any faults that arise over the year). Also what on earth is monitoring about - is it that the alarm tells some company that the alarm is ringing but I still need to sort out turning it off? We are in a totally new area so have not family here and no friends we could ask to hold a key at the moment. Any gems of wisdom about what people who have alarms usually do would be very welcome as I am a bit lost (so haven't dared use the alarm yet).