False Alarms
Every false alarm distracts your Armed Response Officer from responding to positive incidents. Positive incidents account for less than 1% of actual reponses. If you do set your alarm off accidently please phone your Armed Response company to cancel the activation.
- Finger trouble. The alarm is activated while arming/disarming the system. Remedy – Familiarize yourself with the system, or call the alarm installation company.
- Doors and windows not secured correctly. Activations can be caused by draughts or wind. Remedy –Secure all doors and windows properly before setting the alarm
- Technical malfunction. The system has a fault and thus generates false signals. Remedy – Call the alarm installation company and rectify.
- Incorrect installation. Incorrect use of detection devices such as internal detection devices being used externally. Remedy – Use an approved installer.
- Insects. Ants and spiders can nest in devices. Remedy – Have your alarm system inspected, tested and serviced regularly.
- Sun reflection. Sunlight may shine directly onto or reflect onto infra red detection devices and cause them to activate. Remedy – Call the alarm installation company and rectify.
- Foliage for outside detectors. External beams require line-of-sight between them. Remedy – Ensure that external beams are not impeded by foliage and if necessary trim.
- Animals and pets. Animals are kept in homes that do not have “pet friendly” detection devices. Remedy – Call the alarm installation company and upgrade the alarm system to accommodate the pet requirements
- Forgetfulness (ie that the alarm is armed). Client forgets that the system is armed and the alarm is activated while entering or exiting the residence. Remedy – Have LED indicators installed to show that the system is armed.
- Children. Children are able to reach and press panic buttons. Remedy – Educate children to use the panic buttons correctly, or raise the height of these buttons.
This security message is courtesy of Coastal Security Services
