How Do I Prevent False Alarms With My Home Security System?

The efficiency of your home security system and the avoidance of needless disruptions depend on your ability to prevent false alerts. Some areas have fees or punishments for false alarms, and they can also make people complacent.

Making sure that everyone who uses the security system, especially family members or trusted individuals, knows how it works is a good way to reduce the number of false alarms. To lessen the likelihood of inadvertent activation, instruct them on the correct way to arm and disable the system, including the correct use of entry codes and key fobs.

To avoid false alarms, it is crucial to regularly maintain and inspect the system components. Clean, clutter-free, and accurately calibrated sensors, detectors, and cameras should be your first priority. Motion detectors and camera lenses are susceptible to obstruction by dust, insects, or even cobwebs, which can cause false alarms.

Furthermore, keep in mind that sensors' accuracy might be affected by ambient factors like direct sunlight or drafts, so it's important to carefully situate them.

Why Home Security System False Alarms Are a Problem

The inconvenience of a home security system's false alarms isn't the only problem. Price is another consideration. Offenders who commit false alarms for the first or second time may be granted a "pass" by several jurisdictions. But after that, you should expect to pay fines of up to $250 each incident from local governments. 

First responders get more calls about home security system alarms than any other sort of call. False alarms account for a large portion of those calls, which is unfortunate. Here are the fees associated with various call types:

• Regional dispatchers' salary expenses
• Police and emergency services personnel and equipment expenditures
• Expenses incurred because of delays in addressing valid 911 calls

If there are only a couple of false alarms, maybe the government and the police will understand. However, these expenses can build up over time, and the government may end up footing the bill for them. Also, a home security firm can lose credibility if they are linked to a high number of false alerts. 

What Causes False Alarms?

No sign of an invader despite the blaring alarm? A false alert could have been produced by any of the following:

Pets

Upon sensing even the slightest movement in a designated area, certain home security systems are programmed to sound an alert. It is not uncommon for cats and dogs to trigger motion detectors when they run around the house when their owners aren't around. If you own pets, you should install motion detectors that aren't triggered by them or change the settings so that your pet can't accidently trigger the alarm. 

Wrong Payment Due

If you're doing the installation of your home security system on your own, be careful to arrange each component according to the instructions. Any component, be it a wiring harness, control panel, or motion detector, could cause havoc if positioned incorrectly. 

A motion detector placed too near an air conditioning or heating vent, for instance, or security system wiring that get loose and jumbled over time are other common causes of false alerts. Think about the weather as well; storms and winds can rattle windows and doors, which could set off an inaccurate motion detector.

Dead Power Sources

This one demonstrates its own worth. If you aren't careful about replacing the batteries in your older alarm system's sensors and cameras on a regular basis, you increase the likelihood of false alarms. This, thankfully, isn't the case for the vast majority of existing systems. 

Keeping Windows and Doors Open

Make sure there are no open windows or doors that could cause the security system to go off in the wrong way before you leave the house. A false alert could occur unknowingly if, for example, a strong wind pushes a drape into a motion detector or a slack window frame falls. Plus, there's always the possibility that an open door, for instance, will trigger your alarm the second you attempt to set it. 

Tips To Prevent False Alarms

People typically see their alarm system as having numerous benefits and just one drawback, which is the potential for a false alarm. If they aren't at home when the alarm goes off, they will, in an ideal world, have to visit the location to verify everything is fine. If the worst comes to worst, the cops will show up at the house, and the homeowner can face fines from the city if the alarm was false. 

The bright side is that you can avoid false alerts, which are usually the result of human mistake, by following these five tips:

Acquaint yourself with your system thoroughly.

Reading the instructions carefully before installing your system is a crucial step that can prevent a lot of problems, such as false alarms. Furthermore, once some time has passed with your security system, you should read it again to refresh your memory. 

This bit of advice may not seem important, but it's crucial: memorise your code so you don't mess up when you disable the system. Even if you're at home, a moment of carelessness, a bad day, or a distracted state of mind can cause you to temporarily forget your code—just long enough for the monitoring centre to despatch emergency personnel. 

Think about your furry friends.

False alarms used to happen frequently because pets would run amok or leap on furniture. Nowadays, the majority of motion detectors are engineered to accommodate pets with a weight of up to 25 kg (approximately 55 lbs) so they can walk freely without triggering the alert. That's why, if you own a pet, you must inform your security system provider.

After that, they can verify the proper placement and adequacy of your motion detectors and add the data to your file. Keep in mind that your current pet's behaviours can change if you adopt a new one, so it's important to inform your provider of this fact. When deciding where to put motion detectors, it's important to think about the animal's typical habits. A dog would likely run around on the floor, but a new cat could leap on furniture.

Make sure nothing in your home is unattended.

Balloons, whether they're floating or flying, or decorations that are hung from the ceiling can set off an alert. Never forget that even a slight vibration might cause an object high up to collapse, and that a sudden door closing can cause it to become unstable. In order to prevent false alarms, it is crucial to ensure that all things in your home are securely fastened.

Make sure to securely close all doors and windows before you arm the system.

A security system's efficacy may depend on the sensitivity of certain of its parts. However, in the event of a heavy wind or thunderstorm, an alarm could go off if the door or window contacts aren't closed correctly or aren't sturdy enough to withstand the disruption to the connection between them. 

To avoid any unwanted surprises, make sure all the doors and windows are securely locked before arming your security system. Feel free to touch or shake them to see how much they protrude from the frame when locked; if it's more than 5 mm, you might want to get them fixed.

Replace the batteries when they run out.

Your alarm system relies on batteries for several functions, such as motion, contact, smoke, hazardous gas, and water detectors. However, if the batteries in your alarm system are insufficient, it could lead to false alarms. If your batteries are getting low, you should be able to tell from your control panel or, in the case of some providers, by receiving a direct message. Whatever the situation may be, you shouldn't wait to replace the batteries when you see a low-battery warning; instead, you should swap them out immediately.

Methods for Reducing Systemic False Alarms

Running a home security company can be challenging due to the potential for false alarms. In addition to wasting resources, they can annoy customers and damage your brand's image. In order to avoid false alerts, consider the following. 

Select the Appropriate Customer System

Every client has different needs, and not all burglar alarm systems are the same. A homeowner that has multiple pets, for instance, could want a different system that doesn't have motion sensors that aren't harmful to them. Give your customers a range of options to choose from so they may acquire the security system that suits their needs perfectly.

Educate Your Clients on the Proper Use of the System

After the new home security system is installed, make sure you spend some time teaching the customer how to utilise it correctly. As we discussed earlier, human mistake is a leading source of false alerts. The best way to avoid these mistakes is to provide the right information right from the start.

Providing Bi-Directional Tracking

There is a centralised monitoring system that many home security systems are linked to. This sets up a system where a central station can monitor the residence, talk to the homeowner, and then call the police. With the support of central station monitoring, you can provide your customers the most value possible.

Utilise Two-Factor Authentication

Double verification is another strategy for lowering the rate of false alarms. The central station will not alert the authorities until the homeowner verifies the activation of the home alarm system through audio or visual means. 

Take Part in Post-Alarm Review

False alarms can occur regardless of how well trained and careful someone is. When this happens, have your clients fill out a small debriefing form so you can both learn from the experience. Doing so can lessen the likelihood of a subsequent false alert. 

Have Them Check In Occasionally 

Have your clients check on their home security systems every so often. This would include making sure that there is no dust or debris on any of the sensors, smoke detectors, motion detectors, or cameras that could cause a false alarm. 

Conclusion 

False alarms in home security systems can lead to costly fines and loss of credibility for the system. To prevent false alarms, ensure everyone, including family members and trusted individuals, knows how to arm and disable the system. Regularly maintain and inspect system components, such as sensors, detectors, and cameras, to prevent obstructions.

Adjust sensitivity settings for motion sensors and invest in advanced security systems with video verification. Keep your security system provider updated on any changes to your home or surroundings.

Causes of false alarms include pets, wrong payment due, loose wiring, weather, dead power sources, and keeping windows and doors open. By taking necessary precautions, your home security system can continue to serve as an effective and trustworthy protector. Running a home security company can be challenging due to the potential for false alarms, but these tips can help reduce systemic false alarms.

To ensure a successful home security system, consider the client's needs, educate them on proper usage, use centralized monitoring, and use two-factor authentication. Conduct post-alarm reviews and have clients check their systems regularly. Installing a system in rented properties is possible, but check with landlords and lease agreements.

Regular testing is crucial for system effectiveness. If changing Wi-Fi networks or passwords, update the system's information. Be aware of privacy laws and communicate openly with neighbors about security cameras. When choosing a monitoring service, consider factors like response time, reputation, and alert types. Read customer reviews to gauge service reliability and satisfaction.

Content Summary:

• Regular maintenance and inspection of system components is crucial to prevent false alarms.
• Clean, clutter-free, and accurately calibrated sensors, detectors, and cameras are essential.
• Sensors' accuracy can be affected by ambient factors like direct sunlight or drafts.
• Adjusting sensitivity settings of motion sensors can help block out innocuous motions.
• Investing in state-of-the-art security systems with advanced technology like video verification can improve accuracy and reduce the likelihood of responding to non-threatening incidents.
• Providers can make adjustments to settings or offer advice on reducing false alerts when informed of changes to the home or surroundings.
• False alarms are a significant issue, with fines of up to $250 each incident from local governments.
• First responders receive more calls about home security system alarms than any other sort of call.
• False alarms account for a large portion of these calls, leading to significant government and police costs.
• Pets: Certain home security systems are programmed to sound an alert if they sense even the slightest movement.
• Wrong Payment Due: Installation of the system can cause havoc if arranged incorrectly.
• Weather: Storms and winds can rattle windows and doors, setting off an inaccurate motion detector.
• Dead Power Sources: Regular replacement of batteries in older alarm systems' sensors and cameras can increase the likelihood of false alarms.
• Keeping Windows and Doors Open: Ensure no open windows or doors could cause the security system to go off in the wrong way before leaving the house.
• Acquaint yourself with your system thoroughly: Read instructions carefully before installing your system and refresh your memory after some time.
• Memorise your code: Don't forget your code to avoid errors when disabling the system.
• Consider your pets: Motion detectors are designed to accommodate pets with a weight of up to 25 kg, preventing false alarms. Inform your security system provider about your pet's behavior.
• Ensure everything in your home is unattended: Balloons, decorations, and even slight vibrations can trigger an alert. Securely fasten all things in your home.
• Securely close all doors and windows before armament: Ensure all doors and windows are securely locked before arming the system.
• Replace the batteries when they run out: If your alarm system relies on batteries for motion, contact, smoke, hazardous gas, and water detectors, they could lead to false alarms.
• Reducing systemic false alarms: Running a home security company can be challenging due to the potential for false alarms.
• Different clients have unique needs and security systems.
• Provide a range of options to suit different needs.
• Educate clients on proper system usage to avoid human error.
• Use a centralised monitoring system for monitoring, communication, and police response.
• Use two-factor authentication to reduce false alarms.
• Have clients participate in post-alarm reviews to learn from experiences.
• Have clients check their home security systems periodically to ensure no dust or debris is present.