A method is provided for transmitting an alarm message from a portable alarm system to a remote monitoring station. Upon determining an alarm condition, an alarm message is transmitted via a wireless communication link to a remotely located monitoring station. Prior to receiving an acknowledgement regarding the transmission sent over the wireless communication link, the alarm message is also transmitted to the monitoring station using a landline. This approach improves the likelihood that at least one alarm message sent from the alarm system will reach the monitoring station.