False Alarm Reduction Tips from FARA

The False Alarm Reduction Association (www.faraonline.org) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the hefty costs of security system false alarms to taxpayers and private security system companies. False alarms from your home security system can result in citations and heft penalty fees from local law enforcement agencies.

Here are some pieces of advice fork the FARA on how to avoid false alarms:

•  Be sure you and everyone else with keys to your home or business are fully trained on the proper use of the alarm system.

•  Know how to arm and disarm the system and how to cancel a false alarm dispatch.

•  Be sure that all windows and doors that have alarm contacts are properly maintained and close securely (create a tight fit that does not blow open in the wind or vibrate).

•  Maintain your alarm system in good operating condition and have annual inspections performed by a licensed and/or qualified alarm technician.

When selecting a security monitoring system, FARA recommends:

•  UL Listed: A UL listed monitoring service is required to maintain the highest industry standard for its premises, equipment, and operations. This is based on Underwriters Laboratories’ independent, objective standards, which it enforces through its rules and regulations, including regular and surprise visits, tests and inspections.

•  Back-Up Systems: The monitoring service should have a complete back-up system that includes duplicated computer systems, power generator, and an alternate routing into the nation’s telecommunication grid.

•  Location Is Unimportant: Some consumers wrongly perceive that a local monitoring facility is better than one out-of-town. The fact is, the quality of the monitoring service is the important issue. With the sophistication of the current telecommunications network, there is about a one-second difference between connecting with an out-of-town versus local telephone number.

•  In-House Versus Third Party Monitoring: A security company may perform the monitoring in-house or may contract to have a third party perform the monitoring. There’s no inherent advantage to either method. You can receive great or inferior monitoring with either in-house or third party methods.

Also, know when and how to use your security system keypad properly. Use it only for one of three purposes:

•  Turn System On/Off: All keypads are used to turn the system on and off. You select a function and enter your personal code to validate the entry. Some keypads allow you to assign a temporary code to a guest or baby-sitter and then delete the temporary code once it is no longer needed.

•  Help In A Panic Situation: Most keypads have a panic button or panic key sequence that will immediately activate the alarm and alert the monitoring service. The panic button will function regardless of whether the system is on or off. It’s the quickest and simplest method of calling for help.

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