A false alarm is when an alarm is activated unnecessarily. Improperly or for a purpose other than that for which it was installed.
In this article, I am explaining what causes false alarms, their consequences and how to get rid of them.
What causes a false alarm ?
- An equipment failure
There could be a failure in a system. Not only installation errors can lead to false alarms, but mechanical failures also can cause false alarms.
- Uncoordinated testing:
The technician must let the monitoring station know when he proceeds to tests before he does.
- End user errors:
The end user can cause false alarms when he
- Doesn’t know how to disarm.
- Enters a wrong code.
- Doesn’t answer when a monitoring station reach him out.
- Doesn’t know the pass code. Or the keyholder list is not up-to-date. (a monitoring station has a contact list)
- didn’t receive training on how to use his keypad
- keeps doors or windows poorly maintained
Learn more about monitoring stations
Alarm systems are designed to protect lives and property. As a result, monitoring station dispatch police services or firefighters. Then, False alarms consume a significant quantity of service resources.
What are false alarms consequences ?
- A false alarm can endanger responding officers and the whole community.
- It delays police or firefighters from responding to a real emergency.
- False alarms can lead people to ignore alarm signals when it goes off. Even for real alarm case.
- False alarms can lead to decrease people’s confidence in the alarm system. Making your system less reliable and less credible.
- False alarms can cost fines.
How to limit false alarms ?
- Train all users on the operation of the system.
- Work widely with the monitoring station: Contact your alarm company to confirm keyholder lists and phone numbers. Also, go over your instructions as to when to dispatch police or guard service.
- Designate an alarm manager: he or she must be reachable at any time. Knows how to react in an emergency situation.
- Upgrade your system: old systems, with old technologies, are more likely to cause false alarms.
- Inspect your system annually. In addition, contact your alarm company to fix any trouble on it.
- Place your system on test under construction or renovation situations
