Preventing False Alarms
Before Activating Your System
- Lock all protected doors and windows.
- Keep pets, balloons, fans, heaters, plants, curtains, seasonal decorations, etc. away from motion sensor areas.
- Know how to cancel the alarm if the system activates.
Educate Alarm System Users
All users, key holders or any person with legal access to your property must be thoroughly trained in how to operate your system, including knowledge of correct arming codes, pass codes, telephone numbers, and procedures for canceling accidental alarm activation.
Have your security company check and service your system regularly. Routine maintenance can help prevent many false alarms.
Security Company Notifications
Notify your security company if:
- You think your system isn't working properly
- You plan any remodeling, including replacing doors or windows, hanging drywall, sanding floors, installing attic flooring or basement ceiling, changing phone systems, installing intercoms, siding, ceiling fans or skylights, fumigating, installing wiring for cable or other electronics, installing anything near the system control panel or keypads
- You hire domestic help, get a new pet, plan to sell your house, or are testing your system
Alarm Coordinator Contact
Contact your jurisdiction's Alarm Coordinator if:
- You have a phone service or name change, or if situations change, such as a disabled person now residing at the residence, etc.
- Your central monitoring station should not request a police dispatch for power outages, low battery signals or loss of telephone connections
- Replace old police department direct-connect monitoring equipment with newer, high security monitoring technology. Dirty or wet phone lines, telephone repairmen and service interruptions do not require police response
- Upgrade old alarm systems to current equipment conforming to Security Industry Association (SIA) false alarm prevention standards, further reducing false alarms