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How to Reduce Them and
How to Handle Them.
False alarms are a serious, costly and frustrating problem facing the alarm industry, consumers and local authorities. Without proper installation and usage of the alarm system, we all face an increase of false alarms and thereby an increase in false alarm charges by local authorities. By our combined efforts we can keep the response by authorities at an urgent and effective level giving us the protection and peace of mind we seek.
Tips on reducing false alarms:
- Make sure that everyone who is going to use the system understands how to turn it on and off.
- Learn how to reset (or silence) the alarm system after an alarm.
- Be certain that all authorized users know the password (cancellation code). You may have more than one password if you would like separate passwords for household help, guests or each employee. It is recommended that employees or household help also have their own pin number for the keypad so it can be easily deleted without having to retrain everyone with a new number.
- Make sure the phone number for the central station is easily accessible in the event the alarm is tripped by mistake.
- Advise all users to answer the phone and be ready with their password if the central station calls.
- Regularly change the batteries on all wireless equipment.
- Don’t leave hanging decorations, signs, balloons, etc. in a room that has a motion detector.
- Be sure everyone has left the premises before arming the system.
- When cooking, always use the exhaust fan to avoid activating any nearby smoke detectors.
- Call the central station before and after testing or working on the alarm system.
- Inform the office of any changes, such as: phone numbers, authorized personnel, passwords, or business hours (if applicable).
- Report faulty equipment for repair as soon as possible.
If you set off your alarm by accident:
- Turn off the alarm
- Call the central station. Be prepared to give them your name and password.
- If the central station calls you first, answer the phone! The dispatcher will identify himself or herself, ask if everything is all right and ask for your name and password.
- It is imperative that you call the central station immediately if you accidentally set off your (silent or audible) duress, panic or hold-up alarm. Unless they have instructions to the contrary, they will immediately call the police, without calling the premises.
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