Preventing False Alarms

There are some easy ways to prevent False Alarms. Just think about the:

How Can I Prevent Equipment-Related False Alarms?

Don't play "beat the clock" - make sure your alarm company has programmed your control pad to give you enough time to get in and out the door before the alarm goes off. They can give you more time if you need it.
Replace those batteries - your system has a backup battery, but after 2 to 3 years it will not hold a charge. If that happens and we get one of our afternoon thunderstorms, a power surge can trigger your alarm. This is a very common cause of False Alarms.
Consider having your system serviced annually - this can prevent equipment-related problems.
Call your alarm company if you:
- Remodel your home or business
- Make changes to your phone, such as adding call waiting

Close and lock windows and doors. This prevents doors and windows that are not secured being opened by the wind or by a draft from your air conditioning system. This happens quite often with the door between your house and garage, so be sure it is closed and locked. For safety's sake, according to the National Crime Prevention Center, thieves who came through unlocked doors or windows committed nearly half of all completed residential burglaries.
Be sure your pet and your motion detector are compatible;
- Get a "pet-friendly" motion detector. It will trigger the alarm only if the weight of the object moving through the room is over a certain weight limit. This type of detector allows your pet to roam freely through your house with the motion detector on.
If they aren't compatible:
- Restrict your pet to part of the house not covered by the motion detector
- Consider bypassing the motion detector
Anchor or secure other objects that can be moved into the path of the motion detector by drafts, such as:
- Balloons
- Curtains
- Decorations

Show anyone who has a key to your home/business how to use your alarm system.
- Your kids
- Neighbors - does anyone take care of your home while you are on vacation?
- Guests - especially important during the summer or holidays.
Know your alarm company's procedure to cancel a False Alarm.
- Do you know the phone number of your alarm monitoring company?
- Does everyone with a key to your home/business know how to cancel a False Alarm?
- Do you know if you have a set number of seconds to cancel a False Alarm by using your keypad?
- Do you know your password or pass code?

Have any concerns about how to use your system
Require retraining in the proper operation of your alarm system
Plan on leaving your residence vacant for an extended time due to a possible vacation
It appears your system is not working properly