Security FAQs

• Do people ignore ringing alarms?
• How should I test my alarm system?
• What are the components of a quality Alarm System?
• What are the most frequent equipment problems that cause false alarms?
• What are the most frequent human errors that cause false alarms?
• What can I do, as the alarm user, to help reduce false alarms?
• When should my alarm system be tested?

Question:
Do people ignore ringing alarms?

Answer:

Sadly yes, some members of the public will regard the noise made by an alarm as a nuisance.

The good news is the burglar cannot rely on this indifference. He doesn't know whether your alarm is monitored or if the police have been contacted.

Only the most foolhardy burglar would have broken into an alarmed property in the first instance, but only an imbecile would remain in the property with the alarm bells ringing! Hopefully he will be leaving empty-handed and in a big hurry.

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Question:
How should I test my alarm system?

Answer:


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Question:
What are the components of a quality Alarm System?

Answer:

Complete systems should operate on house current and battery back-up supplied current.

Any external components of the system should be made as inaccessible as possible so that intruders find it difficult to cut through wires or cables outside the home in an attempt to deactivate the system.

Make sure warning decals are displayed advertising your home is protected by an alarm system

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Question:
What are the most frequent equipment problems that cause false alarms?

Answer:
Improper application or installation of interior motion detectors (sensors are set too sensitive)

Improper application or installation of outdoor beams

Improper charging or checking of system batteries

Faulty equipment (panels, detectors, keypads)

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Question:
What are the most frequent human errors that cause false alarms?

Answer:
Use of incorrect keypad codes

Failure to train other authorized users (employees, janitors, delivery personnel)

Failure to notify your monitoring alarm company of unscheduled openings or closings (for businesses using set schedules)

Failure to update authorized personnel list with your monitoring alarm company

Failure to secure doors and windows before turning on the alarm

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Question:
What can I do, as the alarm user, to help reduce false alarms?

Answer:
Make sure everyone is familiar with the alarm system operations

Secure doors and windows before turning on the system

Be aware of changes in the environment (new animals, design changes, seasonal decorations, and plants)

Notify your monitoring alarm company of any and all changes (houseguests, name changes, new employees, termination of employees)

Equipment should be routinely inspected by the alarm user and also be maintained by qualified personnel (check all contact and routinely dust motion detectors, where spiders like to live)

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Question:
When should my alarm system be tested?

Answer:
Regularly! Monthly by the alarm user, and on all service calls by technicians

When the alarm user changes their telephone service (DSL, call waiting, etc.)

When the alarm user has experienced telephone problems

When the alarm user suspects there is an equipment malfunction

When you have a power failure/lightning damage

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