Tips For Avoiding Security System False Alarms

As Murphys Law so aptly states, Anything that can go wrong will go wrong. So you just know that as you are sitting down to a rare dinner out, watching your 8 year-old play George Washington or simply settling into bed with a good book the security alarm at your business will sound off.

Avoid security system false alarms with testing and training.

Chances are good that it’s a false alarm and that’s fine, but it’s still a hassle that could end up costing your money. Security companies and municipalities are increasingly charging for recurring false alarms so now it’s costing you time, hassle and money. Nationally, about 10 to 15 percent of residents and businesses generate 80 percent of alarm dispatches, many of them accidental, according to the Security Industry Alarm Coalition.

There are a few steps you can take to avoid having to visit your business in the middle of the night.

• Know how your security system works. Sure, this sounds rather basic but simply knowing how to operate your system can stave off some false alarms. A thorough reading of the operations manual will be useful in learning just what your system’s capable of, how to regulate sensitivity and other features. Any employees who are also using the system should get a thorough debriefing as well.
• Test it. A routine test is always a good idea. Your security company should perform a yearly test to check out your system but you should also perform monthly tests yourself. But be sure to notify the company to avoid the false alarm charge you’re already trying to avoid.
• Check the sensors. Make sure they’re free of dirt or debris, that they’re unobstructed and not damaged. False alarms can also be caused when your cooling or heating system blows anything into the path of the motion sensors. Even trees or shrubs that are overgrown can blow in the wind and trip the sensors.
• Do a battery check regularly. The backup battery keeps your system operating in case of a power outage but when the battery gets low or dies it may set off the main alarm. Check the manual so you’ll know the signs of a low or dead battery.
• Check the tape. If your system has video surveillance and continues to send false alarms it’s smart to check the video. You may be surprised to see wildlife, neighborhood kids, or even just misaligned sensors are causing your headache.

Your security system is your best defense against theft or other disasters. Knowing how they operate is your best defense against the hassle and cost of a false alarm. ACS specializes in smart buildings for business, education, hospital and retail that can make your life easier and your business more efficient and secure. For more information just give us a call at 888-265-2773.