Security and Alarm Systems Blog

What is a False Alarm?
A “False Alarm” is when an Alarm System goes off in error, and the Police are dispatched. As you can imagine, this causes a big problem for Law Enforcement because the officer’s time can be better spent than driving and inspecting a California home or office that has not been burglarized
County and City Police Departments have been charging false alarm fines for years now, which motivate home owners and businesses to keep their Security Company accountable. Usually, the first False Alarm is free, but the costs grow as more False Alarms occur.
How do you prevent False Alarms?
The two predominant causes of a False Alarm are faulty equipment and outdated (or limited) call lists. Faulty Equipment will send an Alarm signal, just like an actual burglary will, and this will send the Police to your home or office expecting the worst.
Having an outdated call list is very preventable. A good rule of thumb is that if a person has a key to your building or a code to disarm the system, then they should be included in your call list. This is because they have the potential to make a mistake to cause the system to alarm, so they should have a way to quickly fix the mistake before the Police arrive.
Some of the uncommon culprits for False Alarms include spiders inside of motion detectors and hanging holiday decorations that are moved around by an automatic air conditioner or heater. When the weather is poor False Alarms seem to double because water has a very bad effect on electronics.
It is a good idea to keep up on your call list regularly, and to test your system at least every six months to discover if any equipment needs replacement.

What, I have to maintain my Alarm System?
You have to defrost your freezer when the ice builds, you have to get an oil change every 3000 miles, and you have to polish your fancy shoes when they get worn. So, how is it less important to maintain your Security System? Many people have an Alarm System, but do not know that they can maintain it themselves.
How to maintain your Alarm System:
Testing your system IS maintaining your system, and this involves setting your system and trying to break into your home or office. You should test your system about every six months.
First, call your security company and tell them you are going to test your system. This way, you won’t have the police show up thinking you are a burglar. Tell them to “put the system in test” and tell them it will take an hour. You will need to know your account password.
Second, you will be setting off your alarm, so let your neighbors know. If you don’t, they might call the Police because of the commotion.
Third, set your alarm and start opening any doors or windows that lead to the outside. Every time you will have to go back to the keypad and disarm the system.
Fourth and last, call your Security company and tell them “Take the system out of test.”