Consumer
Tips for Reducing False Alarms
WHY ARE FALSE
ALARMS A PROBLEM?
- False alarms
take police away from real emergencies.
- False alarms
are not merely embarrassing, they endanger
responding authorities and your whole
community. Setting off a false alarm is like
dialing 9-1-1; the police will respond
thinking there is an emergency.
- False alarms
can lead neighbors to ignore your alarm if
it goes off repeatedly; it's like
"crying wolf".
- In effect,
your security system becomes less credible.
- False alarms
may make you reluctant to arm your system --
exposing your home to undetected theft or
fire.
- False alarms
can cost you big fines in many U.S. cities
and towns. In fact, in some instances,
chronic abusers may even have police
response suspended.
YOU CAN MAKE A
DIFFERENCE!
76%
of false alarms are caused by user error.
- To reduce
that number, make sure anyone with a key to
your home knows how to operate your system.
- Make special
arrangements for guests or repair
technicians.
- Routine
maintenance can greatly reduce false alarms.
- Have your
security company check and service your
system (including batteries) regularly.
- Also, call
your security company immediately if your
system doesn't seem to be working correctly
or before you do any remodeling.
WHAT IF YOUR
ALARM GOES OFF?
1. Don't panic.
Remember your security I.D. code.
2. Find out if there really is an intruder or
fire and respond appropriately.
3. If the alarm activation was accidental,
carefully disarm your system per your system's
instructions.
4. After you've reset the system, wait for your
monitoring station to call you.
5. Don't leave your home or business until
you've spoken with your monitoring station and
assured them there is not an emergency.
BE PREPARED!
1. Rehearse
alarm cancellation with everyone who might use
your system.
2. Make sure everyone who has a key to your home
or business knows how to operate the security
system.
3. Give all system users the name and number of
your monitoring station and a security I.D. in
case the alarm sounds.
4. Keep your security system instruction book,
monitoring station's name and phone number handy
(but not in an obvious place where an intruder
can find it!)
5. Call your monitoring station if you change
your phone number, get a pet, plan to sell or
remodel your house, or test your system.
|