False alarms do occasionally occur, despite the use of cutting-edge technology. Faulty equipment, dead batteries, user error, improper installation, and other reasons- these all contribute to false alarms. And false alarms are annoying. Annoying to you and your household, your neighbors, the alarm monitoring station, and, potentially, the emergency services. But false alarms can be more than just annoying. In this article, we examine the problem and price of false alarms and offer some tips to prevent false alarms.
The Problem, Pain and Price of False Alarms
I have experienced my fair share of false alarms, both as a home-owner, a business owner with multiple sites, and also as an installer of security systems! False alarms can get your heart racing! Whether it’s the sudden burst of a siren waking you up in the night, a call from the monitoring company, or a notification on your phone.
Every alert should be treated as a real alarm situation. But, what if it’s not a real alarm activation? And what if it happens a few times?
Do You Trust Your Alarm?
For starters, you will begin to distrust your own alarm system. After a couple of false alarms, an alert or siren won’t have the same effect. In fact, after disarming it, you might just roll over and ignore it. Don’t! Even when you’ve had a series of false alarms, a new alarm alert should be treated as genuine. Take it from me, after experiencing a series of false alarms that were mixed with a legitimate alarm signal!
Neighborly Annoyance
Then there’s of course the annoyance caused to your neighbors. They, too, can come to distrust your alarm. “It’s just So-and-So’s alarm going off again.” And rather than taking some action, peeking out the window, looking at cameras in the area, or calling you, they ignore the alarm too. And you really don’t want to annoy your neighbors. Their extra set of eyes are your greatest ally in preventing crime.
False Alarm Fines
But there can also be a tangible price involved with false alarms. Some local authorities and home-owner’s associations impose fines for repeated false alarms. Ouch!
Costs to Public Services
There’s also the enormous cost to society of false alarms. False alarms put pressure on public services. According to the US Department of Justice, the majority of alarm calls, 94-98%, are false alarms. And every response to a false alarm requires an average of 20 minutes of police time which typically comprises two officers. That corresponds to as much as $1.5 billion per year in police time.
So, for all of these reasons, it’s crucial that you deal with false alarms. And as these following tips highlight, the remedy can often be very simple.
What Should You Do If You Have a False Alarm?
If you know that your security system just triggered a false alarm, then call your monitoring station. Make sure you know the number or have it on quick dial. Be pro-active. Don’t let them guess and call or perhaps not reach you and then dispatch the authorities.
In most cases the cause of the false alarm will be human error. That probably means that you made a mistake, entered the wrong code, or walked back in just as the alarm was set. It will be obvious. But if it’s not obvious, read on. These tips may help you identify the source of the false alarm.
Tips to Prevent False Alarms
1. Make Sure You Know Your Alarm Code
The majority of false alarms arise from human error and one of those causes is the user entering the wrong code to disarm the system. It’s important that all those using the system know their code so they can enter it before an alarm triggers.
Why do people forget their code? It could be that they don’t use the alarm system regularly enough so they are not forced to use it and cement it into their memory. It could also be that we can get dependent on remote controls, alarm key fobs and even smartphones to arm and disarm the alarm. But, what if the battery in the key fob fails or communication to the alarm system is lost? Then you’ll be scrambling around trying to remember that elusive alarm code from years ago! That’s why it’s good practice to use your actual code from time to time rather than your convenient key fob or device.
Note: Make sure you use a suitable alarm code. The most common is 1234. Don’t use that! And don’t use one that is easy to guess or link to you, like the last four digits of your phone number or your birth year.
2. Make Sure You Know Your Password
This is different from your alarm code. Many monitoring stations will require that you have a password too. That way, if an alarm goes off and they call, they will request your password. This helps them confirm your identity and that all is well if you trigger a false alarm while at home. If an intruder gains access and triggers the alarm and the monitoring station call, they will ask for the password and they will not be able to provide it. In the worst circumstances, if your home is invaded and you are at home and the monitoring station calls, the intruder may demand you answer the call. If you provide the wrong password, it can indicate that there is an issue. This all works as long as you know your password. Make sure you do!
3. Use pet-immune motion sensors
Pets can be a source of false alarms. Fortunately, there are pet-immune motion sensors with sensitivity choices that allow the alarm to ignore movement from animals. Many alarm system manufacturers offer pet-immune motion detectors these days. Check the product line of your system, or ask your alarm provider.
4. Communicate With Your Guests
Make sure to tell anyone you share a key with that there is an alarm set, and they will need to disarm it when entering. It might be the dog sitter or a family member visiting from out of town- make sure they know there is an alarm, otherwise, they will trigger false alarms as they enter.
5. Replace Low Batteries
Another cause of false alarms is deficient batteries. When batteries are drained, they can trigger false alarms. That’s why it’s important to change the batteries in your alarm devices regularly. Most alarm systems will notify you when batteries start to run low, but it is a good habit to change batteries once a year.
6. Keep Motion Sensors Clear
Another cause of false alarms can be objects that obstruct the view of motion detectors. Balloons are a major culprit, so before you go out, make sure that any balloons or objects that can float around, are tied down. I’ve seen repeated alarms caused by a helium balloon that has been pushed around a living room as the air condition kicks in. In the end, that zone is simply ignored or bypassed, and that isn’t a great option as it increases risk.
7. Check & Spray for Bugs
It’s not just inanimate objects that can trigger motion detectors. Bugs can as well. Motion detectors are often placed up high in the corners of rooms. This is the same place a spider likes to hang out. Or other creepy crawlies. Lizards can pass across the sensors, and I have seen roach eggs laid inside motion sensors. Make sure webs are removed from around motion detectors and do an inspection for insects. A quick spray of Baygon at a 2-3′ distance (do not get too close to the devices) can help deter insects too.
8. Close Windows and Doors Securely
If you have window or door sensors, then make sure you close the doors and windows properly. A door that isn’t quite latched properly can be blown open by a breeze, air conditioning or by a pet and trigger the alarm. Regardless, an open window or a door left ajar is an invitation to an intruder, so make it a habit to close windows and doors fully.
9. Maintain Your Security Equipment
While most alarms are caused by user error, equipment can also contribute to false alarms. Make sure you check your devices periodically. Are they working reliably? If there is an issue, replace the device as soon as possible. Or, have a professional come and service the equipment annually. Many alarm companies offer warranties too, so give them a call and find out.
10. Keep Your Contact List Up-To-Date
If your home is monitored by a central station, then make sure your contact list is updated. if you change phone numbers, be sure to inform the monitoring station. If the monitoring agent cannot call you in the event of an alarm, it is likely they will call the police to respond. And that can be embarrassing but also mean a fine!
10. Be Aware of Wind and Weather
Nature can cause false alarms too. These are far less likely than those caused by human error, but the weather, for instance, can sometimes activate an alarm or two. I have had vibration sensors triggered by an exceptionally close lightning strike. I have also received false alarms from a location’s photobeam because of the setting sun. The sun’s rays at a particular time of evening would be angled into the beam and set it off. These are definitely unlikely, but being aware of the weather conditions can provide context for an alarm event.
11 . Adjust Entry & Exit Delays
Most security systems will have entry and exit delays that are adjustable. These delays allow you time to enter and exit a building without setting off the alarm. So, for example, let’s say you are arriving home and you have an entry delay of 30 seconds set for the front door. When you open the front door rather than trigger the alarm immediately, you will have 30 seconds to go to the control panel or find your remote to disarm the system. These delays can be tweaked so that if you find that you cannot get to the control panel quick enough and the alarm is triggered, you can increase the delay.
12 . Use “Stay Arm” Modes
Again, most alarm systems will allow you to arm a system in “stay” mode. This mode is designed for when you arm the system while you are at home. You can select what devices are included in stay mode. So, for example, you may want all perimeter devices on doors and windows to be armed in stay mode and exclude all interior motion detectors. That means you can walk around inside your home at night without triggering the alarm. But the moment a door or window is opened the alarm will activate. Some people don’t realise this option exists. Check your alarm system information or professional installer and see what’s possible. It can make using your alarm more convenient and also reduce false alarms.
The Final Score – Simple Steps to Reduce False Alarms
False alarms aren’t just annoying. They can cost you too- whether that’s through distrust in your system or an actual fine for repeated false triggers. The cause of false alarms is usually from user error, but can also be from pets, dead batteries and how the system is set up. These twelve tips will help prevent false alarms with your security system. Security extends beyond a security system. Check out how to secure your home using the 6 D’s.