How to Avoid Setting False Alarms

Tuesday, 08 February 2022 18:45

False alarms or the activation of an alarm system that garners an emergency response when the situation does not warrant it are a big concern to emergency personnel. They can tie up phone lines and use vital resources that might be needed elsewhere.

Many counties and towns have municipal ordinances specifically for commercial and residential alarm systems.

Installed systems that repeatedly give false alarms can see fines ranging from $50 per offense to $200 in larger towns and cities. In some cases, you may have the ability to report to the police or fire department revoked.

If a security company offers a monitoring service, they will generally waive any fine received due to installation or hardware error. But accidental and user error alarms will still incur a fee.

How to Avoid Setting False Alarms

Even as advanced as technology has gotten, false alarms happen. User error, pets, or improper installation can trigger an alarm. But there are some steps you can take to keep your home or business secure and keep the alarm functioning properly.

1. Practice With the Alarm System

A security system is of no use if you and the people using the space do not know how to operate it. Ensure you get a thorough explanation of best practices with the system when installation occurs. Systems can have different settings if you are away from the building or staying within.

Make sure kids, employees, and visitors know the proper way to activate and deactivate the alarm. One of the more common reasons for false alarms is owners entering an incorrect code. Ensure everyone who needs to know the alarm code before entering does so.

Alarm systems generally need to be deactivated pretty quickly. Have the control panel situated where you can easily access it and enter the alarm code within 30 seconds of entering. While you can have a delay set on the alarm, the easier it is, the less likely you will feel rushed and make mistakes.

2. Pet Proof

If you have cats or dogs that roam the house while you're gone, they may end up being the most significant risk of a false alarm for your system. Check your motion sensor sensitivity to ensure that your pets won’t set off alarms.

Consider positioning motion sensors not to detect movement below waist level. And motion-activated sensors pointing at curtains can set alarms off with or without pets as they get blown about by air currents. If the sensor can see your pet or something the pet can feasibly move around, it will likely set off an alarm.

Motion isn’t the only thing our pets do that might set off a false alarm. Glass break detectors for determining if someone is breaking through a window rely mainly on noise. Other sharp noises like a dog barking or cats knocking things around have been shown to set off these sensors. When installing, make sure to talk with a technician to get these detectors calibrated for your needs.

3. Secure Doors and Windows

When discussing a secure home alarm system, checking doors and windows might seem redundant, but many false alarms trigger when doors and windows are not adequately secured. All it takes is a slight gust of wind, a pet, or a delivered package nudging the door ajar to set off an alarm.

Get in the habit of checking that everything is closed and locked. It will not only keep you from a potential false alarm but will deter any unwanted visitors.

4. Keep Up with Maintenance

The most straightforward maintenance to perform on your alarm system is to keep up on batteries if the system isn’t wired directly into your home or business. Low or dead batteries can set off alarms. If a system indicates it requires battery replacement, do so promptly.

If you do any significant remodeling of your house or business, check the alarm systems to ensure the calibration of motion sensors and contact detectors work appropriately. And if you have a smoke or heat alarm that ties into your system, clean them of dust regularly.

While most false alarms are accidental or due to user error, sometimes it is a failure of the equipment itself. Keep on top of mechanical or software issues with regular maintenance by having your system serviced by professionals. If you find you have recurring alarms with no apparent cause, have your system inspected as soon as possible.

5. Use Verification Technology

If you have pets, kids, or frequently have new employees and vendors moving through a secured space, consider installing verification technology with the system. Strategically placed cameras and microphones can activate your phone when an alarm is triggered.

From anywhere, you can check to see if an alarm is warranted before a call goes to emergency responders.

Hire Experts

Get your security or fire alarm system installed by experts you can trust. Experts can give you peace of mind and reduce false alarms from faulty installation. Professional installation will tailor the system to your unique needs and provide experts you can rely on for prepper training and maintenance.

Integrity Security Inc.

Located in North Wilkesboro, NC, Integrity Security is the expert you can trust to deliver a top-of-the-line secured system tailored to your home or business needs. With a combined 50 years of experience, we serve residents and business owners throughout the foothills and piedmont.

Contact us to get started on a free estimate. We can help install a brand new system or upgrade existing residential and commercial properties equipment.