WHAT IS A
FALSE ALARM?
A false alarm is most commonly defined
by the police departments as any alarm signal which elicits a response
where no actual emergency exists. The key word is response.
If a response by police does not occur,
that is if the alarm is canceled before they are called or actually
arrive, no report is written and no citation is given.
This is important because this is the
primary opportunity for alarm users to prevent costly fines from alarm
signals caused in error.
WHAT CAUSES FALSE ALARMS?
Up to 98% of all alarm signals are
false. Of that figure, 76% are caused by user error. That is, accidents
in setting the system improperly or not properly securing the building
prior to setting the system.
Equipment malfunction (alarm) accounts
for approximately 10% of the total false alarms, and weather, phone line
problems account for the remaining 14% of all false alarms.
WHAT CAN BE DONE TO
PREVENT FALSE ALARMS?
False Alarm Prevention Checklist
1. Know your system and password!
2. Make sure all doors and windows are locked.
3. With motion or glass break detectors, make sure
that windows are secured. A breeze can move curtains and plants, causing
motion sensors to trigger. A glass break detector may react to outside
noise.
4. Before setting your alarm system make sure
family pets are in a "safe" area where they will not disturb motion
sensors.
5. Do not allow any moving items to remain in an
area where a motion sensor is located. Loose banners, fans and balloons
cause false alarms.
6. Everyone with a key to your property should
know how to operate the system and have a password.
No Password = Police
Dispatch
7. Call your alarm company before tenting
fumigation or remodeling your home to get advice on how to prevent false
alarms from smoke detectors caused by fumes or dust.
8. Investigate all unexplained alarms. Have your
system serviced on a regular basis.
9. Make sure that your emergency contact list is
current and accurate.
False Alarm
Prevention Checklist provided by the Alarm Association of Florida |
