A security alarm system can be the best security solution that you can ever invest in. However, it can also be a problem if it’s prone to false alarms. Not only does a false alarm irritate the neighbors but it also comes with financial implications. In some states, for example, you may be forced to pay a penalty fee. This is meant to compensate the response team (normally the police or the fire department or both) for turning up for no reason at all. Basically, you compensate them for wasting their time. The other issue is that you may be ignored the next time the alarm goes off even if it’s for real.
So, it’s important that you ensure that your alarm doesn’t just go off unless there’s an actual threat. Here are some quick tips to apply:
- Master the Access Code
It’s a common habit for homeowners to enter the wrong access code, especially when they are in a hurry. This often leads to a false alarm and should be avoided. Since you are the one setting the code, you have to make it friendly and easy to memorize. You may also need to share the code with the people that you believe should have the right to deactivate the alarm if it accidentally goes off when you are not there.
- Educate Everyone at Home
Start with your kids; they need to know that the alarm system is not a plaything. So, they should avoid it. If they are old enough to master the access code, then you can share it with them. The next group of people to educate is your support staff. They should know how the alarm system works and what may cause a false alarm. Lastly, you should educate your guest when they visit your home. They should at least have the code.
- Use Motion Detectors that Are Pet-Immune
If you have pets, you should be aware that they can trigger a false alarm if you are using regular systems. This is because these systems detect all kinds of motion and may perceive pets as potential threats. That’s why you need to invest in motion detectors that are immune to pets.
- Keep the Openings Closed When You Leave
A simple act like leaving a door or a window open may trigger a false alarm. So, it has to be avoided. You have to ensure that all openings are tightly closed when you leave the house. You can unfasten them when you get back.
- Care and Maintenance
Lastly, you have to take care of your security alarm system to ensure it’s working well. Start with replacing the batteries regularly since old batteries can be a source of false alarms. The other thing to do is to ensure that your alarm system is inspected and serviced by a professional. If there are defects, you should have the expert fix them.
Looking at the above tips, they all have one thing in common; they address the cause. Therefore, to prevent a false alarm, you have to avoid the cause. If you are successful at this, then the alarm response team will only get an alert when a real threat is detected.
