Tips for Preventing the Common Causes of False Alarms
Train Authorized Users
Many false alarms are caused by human error. Frequently, individuals are given a key to the door and an alarm system code, but are not instructed in the proper procedure for arming and/or disarming the system. Make sure that those that have access to your home or business are properly instructed in the function of your alarm system.
Forgotten or Unknown Password
False alarms can be avoided if all authorized alarm system users have memorized the system password. Often, human error triggers the alarm system. The alarm monitoring company calls into the business or residence to verify the alarm activation and speaks with an authorized user that does not have or does not remember the password. Per protocol police are dispatched and often arrive while the authorized user is trying to convince the alarm monitoring company that they belong there. Insuring that all authorized users know the password will allow swift cancelation of an accidental alarm activation. Remember, if you cancel a false alarm prior to police arrival no cost recovery fee will be assessed.
Power Backup Battery Failure
Periodically test the status of your backup battery. Many alarm systems have a backup battery that powers the alarm system in the event of power failure. A low battery is often the cause of random alarm system activation.
Door and Window Sensor Adjustment
Poorly adjusted door and window sensors and/or loose fitting doors and windows are frequently the cause of false alarms. Wind will often move a loose door or window enough to trigger a poorly adjusted sensor. To avoid these false alarms, adjust door and window latch mechanisms to minimize movement while closed. Additionally, rattle and shake all alarm sensor equipped doors and windows to ensure that the sensors are not triggered due to the allowed movement.
Balloons
Believe it or not, helium filled balloons are a frequent cause of false alarms. Air movement from the HVAC system will cause balloons to move which triggers motion sensors. Whenever introducing movable items into an environment covered by a motions sensor consider the possibility that air movement will cause them to move enough to trip a motion sensor. In addition to balloons, this includes display banners, large potted plants, paper party displays, etc.
Pets
Many motions sensors are marketed as “pet friendly” meaning that they are immune to pet motion either by not sensing small animals or by not sensing the lower areas near the floor. Nevertheless, pets are frequently able to trigger these sensors by jumping into the “view” of the sensor or by congregating within “view” of a sensor that would ordinarily ignore the presence of a single small pet. If you use pet friendly motions sensors, test to ensure that your pets are truly unable to trigger your alarm system.
Keep Contact Information Current
SVMC Chapter 7.20 requires alarm monitoring companies to attempt to verify alarm activation prior to requesting police dispatch. This means that your alarm monitoring company will call the contact numbers that you have provided prior to dispatching police. Police response to false alarms can be prevented if your alarm monitoring company is able to promptly reach you by phone in the event of an accidental alarm activation.
Properly Install a Quality Alarm System
Do your research before purchasing an alarm system to verify that you are installing quality, reliable equipment. Also, do your homework prior installing your own system to ensure that the system design maximizes coverage without inherent flaws that are prone to false triggering.
Answer Your Phone
It is not uncommon after an accidental alarm system activation for an authorized user to be searching for the number to call to cancel police response while ignoring an incoming call from their alarm monitoring company. Their phone rings and they look at the caller ID number and say to themselves, “I don’t know anyone in Texas.” and ignore the call. Even if your system was installed by a local company it is likely monitored by an out of state alarm monitoring company with a caller ID number that looks like an out of state marketing call. Also, have the phone number of the monitoring service to be able to reach them, and provide the number to all users including house-sitters.