Most of us have experienced a false security alarm. At first, you think it could be a burglary, but you quickly realize the system has triggered by accident and you’re in a panic to quickly turn off the alarm. In fact, this is one of the biggest reasons people cite for not using their home alarm systems.
Whether you’re using an alarm system in Chicago, New York, or Los Angeles, it is more important than ever to have and utilize your home’s security alarm system. If you’re not taking advantage of a home alarm system, Video and Sound can assist you with a custom security alarm system to suit your needs.
Here are 10 tips you can take to prevent home security false alarms.
- Make sure everyone in your household knows how to operate your home alarm system. Anyone who needs to know should be able to turn on and off the alarm, as well as the passcode to deactivate the system if the alarm goes off.
- Move objects that might trigger the motion sensors and the alarm. This can include curtains moving when the air conditioning system turns on or pets. Pets are one of the biggest causes of false alarms. Address this with pet immune sensors or putting your pet in an area that they won’t trigger the alarm system
- Ensure windows, doors, and other entry ways are secure. If you forget to latch a door or window, there is a good chance the system will go off. Have a process you go through before leaving your house to make sure that no windows will trigger a false alarm when you are away.
- Pay attention to issues with the system, such as low battery notifications or malfunctions. Your security alarm system is like any other system or appliance in your house and will require some level of maintenance. Contact your alarm company if you are experiencing a false alarm and they can send a technician to do a review of the system.
- Keep systems clean and free of dust. Dust buildup is a leading cause of false alarms. Be sure to sweep and dust these areas and sensors as part of your typical house cleaning.
- Be mindful of the weather – false alarms are more likely to occur during sever weather such as a hurricane or strong winds. Your alarm monitoring center can help identify where the false alarm is coming from in times of severe weather.
- Keep your system up to date. It is much easier to address false alarms before they happen by making sure your system is up to date and you’re using the latest technology. Your security alarm company will be able to assist in upgrading your system to the latest hardware (sometimes at no cost to you).
False alarms can be frustrating, but you can take steps to prevent these headaches from occurring. Make sure you’re using your system often, stay informed, teach others how to use the system, and have an active dialogue with your alarm system provider. Your custom security alarm system provider is ready to assist you 24/7.