Electronic Alarms and Home Security Devices - Can't turn on Brinks system....

I moved into a house that had no power for quite some time (it was a foreclosure). I can't get the alarm keypads to turn on. I checked the box in the closet but there aren't any switches or buttons that I can push to activate anything. There is a big battery and it feels warm. I have a motion sensor in the living room and the little red light goes on when I walk by, so I'm assuming some part of the system works. I could be completely wrong though, so any help you can give me would be appreciated. I don't want to activate the service, I just want to have the alarms in working order. Is that possible?

Thanks,
Jill

Brinks often shuts down their systems using remote dial in. If you don't want to do business with them, then your only option is to replace the keypads and control with another brand.

So you're telling me only brinks can turn it on? There's no button or wire I can connect or disconnect to make it work?

Yup, that's what I'm saying.

FRICK.

Thanks for your help.