There are different causes of false alarms that are easily preventable. We’ll explore the common causes of false alarms and give you tips about how to prevent them.
Below are 3 common cause of false alarms and how to prevent them:
Lack of Maintenance/Upkeep
The maintenance and proper use of an alarm system is the responsibility of the alarm user. False alarms can be caused by a variety of things; most are caused by human error. Defective equipment, telephone line trouble, electrical problems, improperly installed or adjusted equipment and overly sensitive sensors also cause false alarms.
How to prevent it: The best way to avoid false alarm fees is to ensure that your system is in good working order and that everyone uses it properly. If you are aware that your system has emitted a false alarm, have your alarm company cancel the police response. If we are canceled within five minutes, you will not be charged. If your system is set off because of a criminal act, report the crime to the Police and contact the Alarm Administrator. Source: Cityofdayton
Poorly-Designed Security Systems
Your system is more susceptible to false alarms If the installer did not consider the home, who lives in the home and how you use the home.
Some examples of a poorly designed security system include:
- Smoke detectors placed too close to heat sources. Your smoke detectors shouldn’t be too close to stoves or fireplaces or they could easily trigger false alarms.
- Smoke detectors placed too close to bathrooms. Steam from the bathroom can also cause false alarms.
- Not using pet-friendly motion detectors in a home with pets. A normal motion detector will cause all kinds of trouble for families with pets.
- Bad wiring. If you have a hard-wired alarm system, the wires can get crossed or come loose and cause false alarms.
- Loose doors or windows. Sensors on loose doors or windows can trigger false alarms when the door or window jiggles.
- Incorrectly placed motion sensors. Motion sensors placed too near a heating or cooling vent can create a false alarm. Check out our best practices for placing motion detectors.
How to prevent it: Hire a trustworthy security company to install a custom security system rather than relying on pre-packaged security products. Source: Ackermansecurity
Outdated or Old Equipment
False alarms are typically due to human error. In fact, roughly 70 percent of false alarms are attributed to user mistakes. But if you think a false alarm is caused by a malfunction of your home security system, contact your provider immediately. A representative from your home security company will be glad to check the status of your alarm system.
How to prevent it: The most fundamental way to prevent false alarms is by using your home security system on a regular basis. When your family uses the security system consistently, they’ll get comfortable with how it works, and that means there’s less likelihood of a false alarm. Source:Safewise
