How to Reduce False Alarms
The event of a security system’s alarm being inadvertently activated, or a false alarm being triggered, is a growing issue that extends far beyond inconvenience.
A professionally installed security system is designed to provide users protection from loss of property; physical damage and even personal injury. However, when local authorities are constantly dispatched in response to false alarms, this not only results in losses of both taxpayer-funded work time and money, but also cultivates a habit of hesitation among law enforcement officials when a real alarm signal is received.
In the event of a true emergency, the impact that the high volume of false alarms can have on the appropriate and timely response from law enforcement, as well as the peace of mind and well-being of a community, can become increasingly problematic.
False alarms continue to be an ongoing problem in the security industry, as 95% of all reported alarm calls into law enforcement are reported as false. Of these false alarms, at least 80% are caused by a preventable error by the end-user, with the rest attributed to weather-related circumstances, equipment malfunction or poor design.
To combat the high volume of unnessary false alarms and in an effort to raise awareness of the wasted law enforcement resources, many cities and states across the United States have been implementing two different types of false alarm prevention programs:
False Alarm Fines – a penalty is issued to users with repeated false alarm responses to a specific property over a period of time. Beyond a fine, this can even lead to placement on a “No Response” list by law enforcement.
Verified Response or Enhanced Call Verification – new laws now being enforced by many cities and states require that an alarm call first be verified, either by audio or video, or in some cases, multiple calls to the end user, before law enforcement is dispatched.
Sonitrol Security, with its VERIFIED Electronic Security Solution, has compiled some simple steps to ensure the proper operation and efficiency of an electronic security system. Making sure the security system is used properly and the users properly trained are the easiest and most essential actions to reduce false alarms.
By following these basic procedures, false alarms can be greatly reduced or even eliminated:
1. Make sure the security system provider’s central monitoring station has current contact information so that the correct and timely notifications can be made.
2. If the security system has motion sensors, keep pets out of the area of protection to prevent unintentional activation of the system. Motion detectors are one of the most problematic devices in security systems today. Sonitrol Security’s VERIFIED Audio and Video solutions eliminate the guess work and subsequent false alarms that accompany the use of motion sensors.
3. Make sure the perimeter security of the protected facility is maintained, such as repairing loose fitting doors and overhead doors that do not seal properly. Be sure all doors and windows are locked when the facility is closed.
4. Be sure that all users are trained on how to arm and disarm the system, as well as how to call and cancel an unintentional alarm. This includes neighbors who have keys to a home or business while the user is on away. Sonitrol Security provides additional training for this to ensure maximum efficiency and protection from their systems.
5. Make sure that exit and entry delay times allow enough time to exit the premises when arming the system and enough time to disarm upon entry.
6. Keep the system properly maintained. Sonitrol Security recommends and provides periodic maintenance service for their systems. Obsolete or malfunctioning equipment will add to the false alarm problem.
7. Strongly consider upgrading to newer technology, if system is aging, specifically a system that offers a VERIFIED solution. Just like PCs and mobile devices, technology in security systems is constantly changing for the better.
8. Make sure that the stand-by batteries are properly charged. Designed to run a security system in the event of a power failure, if the stand-by batteries are not functioning properly, neither will the security system.
9. Make sure that communication lines (phone line, internet, cellular) are in proper working order. Security systems require communication between the premises and central monitoring station to operate properly. Having a system like Sonitrol, that verifies its communication path to the central monitor station each and every time it is armed, not only allows for a greater sense of security, but is truly the most thorough solution.
10. During any renovations, please contact the security provider so that they may assist in the modifications of the security system to avoid any problems associated with construction.
Sonitrol Security of Delaware Valley is committed to providing customers with the most comprehensive security in order to ensure peace of mind, safety and protection of property and loved ones. Cooperation in the elimination of false alarms is not only beneficial to the system’s user, buy aids in better protection of the entire community by allowing law enforcement to use their resources as efficiently as possible.