Monitronics is a residential security company established in 1994 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas. After more than 20 years in the security business, the company has grown to be the second-largest provider of monitored home security in the United States. The Monitronics business model is based on installing equipment in customers' homes and then monitoring that equipment around-the-clock from a remote monitoring facility. Its award-winning monitoring center is the backbone of Monitronics' service. It is staffed by trained monitoring personnel capable of responding to emergencies at a moment’s notice. Whenever an alarm is triggered at a customer's location, the system immediately sends a signal to the remote monitoring center where personnel are alerted. A security specialist contacts local authorities and attempts to make contact with the homeowner as well. Monitronics offers 24-hour monitoring for fire, burglary, carbon monoxide, flood, and medical emergency. Customers wishing to add full home automation to their systems can take advantage of the company's HomeTouch hardware and software that increases efficiency within the home while also giving the property owner remote access and control from anywhere in the world. Monitronics serves its customers through a nationwide network of licensed dealers located in all 50 states.