Hair Transplant — False alarm

There’s nothing more embarrassing than when the neighbors start complaining about your alarm system going off too much. It gets even worse when the police issue you a warning or worse – a citation.

According to security system experts, at least 90 percent of alarms are false alarms. How do you avoid being a statistic?

First, choose your security system carefully. Don’t buy just any system. Make sure you’re getting quality components. Names like Honeywell (www.security.honeywell.com) and General Electric (www.gesecurity.com) mean solid products on which you can rely.

If you’re buying your own system, get reviews on any model you’re considering. While no one likes to hear it, the general rule with security systems is that you get what you pay for. The products will work when you need them to and not when you don’t, cost more than the basic models.

If you get a security system through a security system company – especially if they provide it for free as part of a sign-up package, be even more cautious. Your general assumption may be that if the security system company is providing they equipment, they must have chosen well and you can rest easy.

But security companies are like most any other business – the freebies and promotional products are not the high-quality stuff. And they may not mention this – because security system companies make a good portion of their money off the monthly monitoring fees, rather than the equipment sales. Sales representatives and their companies may be more interested in you getting any system than the best system.

However, the opposite situation can also be a problem. Getting every bell and whistle available can get you in as much or more trouble than the bare basics.

Devices like glass shatter audio sensors are designed to “listen” for a burglar breaking in. Unfortunately, they can also make a lot of mistakes and signal an alarm because of a falling tree branch, a noisy dog or a strong wind that rattles the windows.

Sensor mats are a great security device than can turn on you. Mats placed strategically under the floors of your entries are great for triggering your security system in case of unauthorized entry. At the same time, if they get too much foot traffic, they can wear out and start triggering alarms for no reason at all.

Again, look through reviews before you commit to any system or set of devices. Find out from your local law enforcement who they might recommend against – they know whose alarms are going off unnecessarily.

If you’re very serious, you can also hire an independent security consultant who can help you review what systems and options are appropriate for your needs. You may found out you need more, less or totally different than what you initially think.

Photo via a100tim

Like everything electronic, our home security systems are a blessing most of time. But when something goes wrong, you can find yourself confused and frustrated. Given that the technology which protects us continues to become more sophisticated, so the problems too can be more complex.

Have you ever called for computer or software tech support? Before they look for complicated problems that may involve a specialist or physical repair, the tech support people always start with the most basic possibilities.

That’s a good idea with security systems.

If your security system isn’t functioning, if it’s working selectively or even if it’s giving off false alarms, check the power supply. Are there any frayed wires? If your system is hardwired, is its connection to your home’s power supply in tact? Is the backup battery working? If your security system is wireless, are the batteries good? And the backup?

Let’s delve further into false alarms. These have you falling out of graces with your neighbors and local law enforcement pretty quickly. In fact, some jurisdictions issue tickets and fines to residents who have repeated false alarms.

Your security system may have several kinds of triggers. The most common are the sensors on windows and doors. Make sure nothing’s come loose or that wires haven’t become caught or frayed. Also consider whether wind or a pet might be rattling a window or door, triggering the alarm. If you’re still getting false alarms, it may be time to contact your security system company or a security system repair professional to check the sensors themselves.

Also look at other forms of sensors. Do you have floor mat sensors? If they get too much traffic, they can start to wear and go off for no reason. What about motion sensors? If you have a rodent problem in conjunction with passive motion sensors, you might have a false alarm problem too.

With a wireless security system, the different sensors communicate with a central server via radio transmission. While these systems are easier to install and more versatile than traditional wired systems, they also have a higher rate of false alarm because transceivers are more prone to problems. Your security system should have testing procedures from the command center. Make sure to run checks every now and then to make sure all radios are working. A faulty radio could become a cause of misery.

Beyond these, unless you’re an electronics expert or a contractor – get help. Something more serious like a software malfunction or faulty hardware could be at the root of your security system difficulties. If you have a professional security system company, contact them for help and service.

Photo via *clarity*