Procedures For False Alarm Reduction

False alarms have become a target of police in jurisdictions throughout the country. Both homes and businesses are subject to penalties for repeat false alarms. That means you need to be a conscientious operator of your home and commercial security system.

Police departments throughout country advise residents with home security systems to do the following:

• Make sure all alarmed doors and windows are locked.
• Keep pets, balloons, fans, heaters, plants, curtains, decorations from motion sensor areas.
• Educate everyone who has legal access to your home such as family members, key holders or domestic help.
• All users should be properly trained in how to operate your security system, including knowledge of correct arming codes, passwords, telephone numbers and cancellation procedures for accidental activations.

Notify your security system provider if…

• Your system is not working properly
• You plan to remodel or install new wiring of any kind (telephone, DSL, VoIP, etc.)
• You hire domestic help, get a new pet, or plan to sell your house.
• Before you test your system.
• Have your security system company check and service regularly, at least once or twice a year.

Contact your local police or sheriff’s department and your security system company when you have name or telephone number changes, plan to move, or an authorized key holder needs to be changed.

Businesses with commercial security systems should:

• Make sure all employees are thoroughly trained before attempting to use the security system.
• Hold monthly training sessions to ensure everyone (including temporary help) is aware of how to use the security system and proper entry/exit procedures.
• Service and maintain your system on a regular basis. This includes batteries.
• Don’t use silent hold up alarms to summon police when dealing with customers causing a disturbance or similar situations when you are able to call 911.
• If you have private security that confirms that an alarm activation is false, there is no need to dispatch police. Please discuss this with your security system monitoring company.
• When your security system is maintained and used properly it makes a great tool for deterring crime.