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Courtesy of Louisville Metro TV 

One of the biggest concerns for people who are considering a security system for their home is having false alarms.  Because they have heard numerous horror stories of friends or others who have accidentally had their alarm system go off and the police dispatched, they are afraid this will happen to them.  This discourages many homeowners from installing a security system and protecting their home and family.

As a security consultant with ADT Security for 20 years, I had to deal with this concern for prospects as well as existing customers.  False alarms can be a real “pain” for local authorities and the customer.  Some of the biggest problems with false alarms are customer errors.  People who are not properly trained to use the security system – who don’t have the proper access or identification codes – should not be entering a home with an alarm system turned on.  Of course, equipment malfunctions, pets, and other issues can also be part of the problem.

If you are consistently having false alarms, immediately find out why.  There could be a malfunction with part of your equipment, such as a door contact or motion detector.  If that’s the case, be sure to have a service call to your alarm company so they can fix the problem.  After a certain number of false alarm calls, the police will begin to charge a fee each time they are dispatched to your home and find no evidence of an actual break-in or attempted break-in.  Keep in mind local authorities have real criminal issues to take care of and when they are constantly being sent out on burglar calls that are false, they may not be so quick to respond when the alarm call is REAL.

My job as a security consultant was to ensure customers and those who would be using the security system were properly trained.  I encouraged my customers to begin using the security system immediately – even if they were just running to the store – so they could start to develop a daily habit.  The more you use your security system the more comfortable you will be with it.  The next thing you know it becomes automatic that you turn it on when you leave your home, when you go to bed at night, and even when you are watching TV by yourself at night.

For over 22 years I have had a security system and wouldn’t live in another home without one.  My children were very young when we had our first system installed and they learned to use it and did very well.  There was a tremendous amount of “peace of mind” knowing when my kids came home from school by themselves they were walking into a safe house.  Even today when I enter my home and the alarm starts beeping (telling me to shut it off) I know I’m walking into a safe home.  And that’s a good feeling!!

It may sound crazy, but you begin to think of your alarm system as your friend.  And if you treat it that way, you should not have major problems such as false alarms.  One thing to keep in mind as your security system ages, there is the potential of normal wear and tear that may happen.  Check with your alarm company to see if they offer any type of “Quality Maintenance Program” coverage. 

To prevent false alarms from happening to you and your family, use the False Alarm Prevention Checklist (courtesy of ADT) below.  If you follow specific guidelines in using your security system, you’ll have a more positive overall experience to tell others about!

False Alarm Prevention Checklist
Please review this list to ensure that you and your family are taking all the appropriate measures to prevent false alarms.

How ADT can help you prevent false alarms:  (Insert your alarm company name if not ADT)
 
My family and I have been trained in the proper operation of the system.
 
I have been given a summary operating sheet and the security system operating manual, which I have placed in an emergency procedure file for easy access by family members or other responsible individuals.
 
I know how to cancel an accidental alarm activation and know the cancellation code. And I have trained authorized users on this procedure.
 
I know how to turn off motion detectors while leaving other sensors on. I understand that moving objects on the premises may cause a false alarm.
 
I know how to test the system and how to contact the ADT Customer Monitoring Center.
 
I understand the length of the delay time on designated entry/exit doors and I believe this will provide sufficient time to get in and out of the premises. My entry time is __________. My exit time is __________.
 
I have ADT’s phone number to request repair service or to ask questions about my alarm system.
 
I have been offered the option of a familiarization/no-dispatch period (only applicable to new customers).
 
I know where the main control panel, battery and transmitter are located.
How you can help prevent false alarms:
 
I understand that indoor pets can cause false alarms and I will contact ADT to adjust the system as necessary.
 
I have received an alarm sheet that describes how the alarm company will communicate with me in the event of various alarm signals.
 
I understand the importance of keeping my emergency contact information current by calling 1-800-ADT-ASAP.
 
I understand the importance of immediately advising ADT if my phone number changes (including area code changes). I understand the importance of any other changes to my telephone service such as call waiting or fax line.
 
I am aware of the possibility that local alarm ordinances may govern the operation of the system and I will comply with applicable requirements (permits, fees, etc.).
 
I will contact ADT before I do any remodeling (such as extensive painting or moving walls, doors or windows).
 
I understand the certain building defects (such as loose-fitting doors or windows, rodents, inadequate power and roof leaks) can cause false alarms. I will correct these defects as I become aware of them.
 
The alarm company has given me written false alarm prevention techniques to help me prevent false alarms.
 
I understand my responsibility to prevent false alarms. I understand it is critical to safety and security and my responsibility to assure that all users of the system (such as residents, employees, guests, and cleaning and other service people) are trained on its proper use. I will review the procedure with the appropriate people immediately and schedule periodic refresher sessions.

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