# Get Started with Verkada Classic Alarms {% hint style="success" %} This article is a guide for classic Alarms. Refer to this [article](/new-alarms/getting-started/getting-started-with-verkada-alarms.md) if you have new Alarms. See [New Alarms vs Classic Alarms](/new-alarms/getting-started/new-alarms-vs-classic-alarms.md) if you are unsure which version of Alarms you have. {% endhint %} *** Verkada [Alarms](https://docs.verkada.com/docs/alarms-professional-monitoring-overview.pdf), also known in the industry as *intrusion detection* or simply *intrusion*, provide fully integrated, 24/7 professional monitoring with emergency dispatch services. You can use your existing Verkada devices without purchasing any additional hardware. {% hint style="danger" %} You need Org Admin and/or Site Admin [permissions](/command/users-and-permissions/roles-and-permissions-for-command.md) for your Verkada Command organization to complete these actions. {% endhint %} ### What you need * PoE-enabled switch or PoE injector * DHCP-enabled network * Cat5 or Cat6 cabling ## Create a site Sites are the logical way of grouping and managing devices within your Command organization. Site-level permissions make managing and viewing your devices easier. See [Alarms Sites](/classic-alarms/configuration/configure-classic-alarms-site-settings/classic-alarms-sites.md) for more information on site creation and management. ### Configure settings The Alarms site settings page allows you to configure various settings, such as alarm triggers, arm/disarm schedules, alarm responses, and more. Each site’s settings can be uniquely configured to suit your security needs. See [Configure Alarms Site Settings](/classic-alarms/configuration/configure-classic-alarms-site-settings.md) for more information. ## Add Alarms devices You can add an Alarms device from the **Devices** page. See [Add a Device to Your Command Account](/command/organization-settings/add-a-device-to-your-command-organization.md) for more information. ## Licensing Most Alarms devices you manage in Command will need a license. Verkada licensing is applied for each Command organization, and the licenses co-term to a single expiration date. Your licenses may have been automatically added if you claimed your devices via order number. Otherwise, manually add the licenses from the Admin page. See [Manage Your Licenses](/command/licensing/manage-your-licenses.md) for more information on adding and managing licenses. ## Connect your Alarms devices {% hint style="info" %} While Verkada Alarms devices are considered low-voltage devices that do not require a certified electrician to install, we strongly recommend you work with a system integrator or other professional for installation. {% endhint %} Please refer to the device [setup guide](https://www.verkada.com/docs/?product=alarms\&contentType=setupGuide) for installation instructions. #### Powered and network The Alarms devices are powered in various ways. * The Alarms consoles, hub, and horn speaker use Power over Ethernet (PoE) for power and communication over the LAN. In most cases, these devices need to connect directly to a standard switch. PoE injectors can be used when a PoE switch is not available. * The Alarm panel is powered via AC power and connects to your network via Ethernet. * The wireless relay is powered via DC power. * The wireless Alarms devices are powered by CR123A lithium batteries. For more information on power and network requirements, see the product [datasheet](https://www.verkada.com/docs/?product=alarms\&contentType=datasheet). ## Check network settings Verkada Alarms devices are designed to be plug-and-play. However, if your environment includes a firewall with custom rules and policies, you may need to make some configuration changes to get your devices connected to the cloud. See [Alarms Network Settings](/classic-alarms/getting-started/classic-alarms-network-settings.md) for more information. ## Alarms reports Reports allow you to easily gather information about your Alarms site. You can create reports for a variety of events, including device actions and video verifications. For more information on creating reports, see [Alarms Reports](/classic-alarms/monitoring-and-reports/alarms-reports.md). ## Alarms Monitoring Certificate An Alarm Monitoring Certificate confirms that Verkada professionally monitors your alarm system and serves as proof for your insurance provider. See [Verkada Alarms Monitoring Certificate](broken://spaces/NU1He6Uj2tgInV2VdCLQ/pages/cjWSjS6etKtCnsdOkwNn) for more information. ​ --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://help.verkada.com/classic-alarms/getting-started/get-started-with-verkada-classic-alarms.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.