WHY ARE FALSE ALARMS A PROBLEM? False alarms take
police away from real emergencies.
False alarms are not merely embarrassing, they endanger responding
authorities and your whole community. Setting off a false
alarm is like dialing 9-1-1; the police will respond thinking
there is an emergency. False alarms can lead neighbors to
ignore your alarm if it goes off repeatedly; it's like "crying
wolf".
In effect, your security system becomes less credible.
False alarms may make you reluctant to arm your system --
exposing your home to undetected theft or fire.
False alarms can cost you big fines in many U.S. cities and
towns. In fact, in some instances, chronic abusers may even
have police response suspended.
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! 76% of false alarms are
caused by user error.
To reduce that number, make sure anyone with a key to your
home knows how to operate your system. Make special arrangements
for guests or repair technicians.
Routine maintenance can greatly reduce false alarms. Have
your security company check and service your system (including
batteries) regularly. Also, call your security company immediately
if your system doesn't seem to be working correctly or before
you do any remodeling
| WHAT IF YOUR ALARM GOES OFF? |
| Don't panic.
Remember your security I.D. code. |
| Find out if there really
is an intruder or fire and respond appropriately. |
| If the alarm activation
was accidental, carefully disarm your system per your
system's instructions. |
| Not every home needs all of the above. Give us
a call to assess your home's specific needs. |
| After you've reset the system, wait
for your monitoring station to call you. |
|
Don't leave your home or business until you've spoken
with your monitoring station and assured them there
is not an emergency. BE PREPARED!
|
| Rehearse alarm cancellation with everyone
who might use your system. |
| Make sure everyone who has a key to your home or business
knows how to operate the security system. |
| Give all system users the name and
number of your monitoring station and a security I.D.
in case the alarm sounds. |
| Keep your security system instruction book, monitoring
station's name and phone number handy (but not in an obvious
place where an intruder can find it!) |
| Call your monitoring station if you
change your phone number, get a pet, plan to sell or remodel
your house, or test your system. |
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