Simple Tips to Prevent False Alarms
Preventing false alarms in your home security system requires careful planning, awareness, and utilizing the available technology effectively. False alarms can not only be a nuisance but also a drain on local law enforcement resources, potentially leading to fines and a strained relationship with your neighbors.
To ensure that your home security system operates smoothly and doesn't trigger unnecessary alarms, you can follow these seven tips.
Know Your System
Many false alarms occur due to user error. Reading the user manuals provided by the security system manufacturer can be immensely helpful. These manuals contain detailed information on how the system operates, how to arm and disarm it, and how to troubleshoot common issues.
Furthermore, if you have professionals install your system, don't hesitate to ask them to walk you through its operation, ensuring that all household members who will be using the system receive proper training. Regularly practicing arming and disarming your system is also crucial, as it helps prevent accidental activations.
Keep an Eye on Your Pets
Pets can be another common cause of false alarms, as they can inadvertently trigger motion detectors or even open doors. It's vital to account for your pets when setting up your security system.
Consider investing in pet-immune motion sensors that can differentiate between the movement of a pet and a potential intruder. These sensors are designed to ignore smaller animals, reducing the likelihood of false alarms. If you have multiple pets or pets that climb, you may want to consider using glass break detectors and window sensors instead of motion detectors, as they are prone to causing false alarms.
Leverage Smart Security Systems
Modern home security systems offer advanced features that can enhance their accuracy and reliability. Enabling mobile alerts on your security system is a smart move, as it allows you to receive notifications directly on your smartphone.
This capability enables you to respond quickly to alerts and potentially cancel false alarms remotely. DFW Security’s smart security system allows you to cancel a false alarm quickly right from the app.
Video verification is another valuable feature to consider. Incorporate security cameras with this capability as they can capture footage when an alarm is triggered, providing visual confirmation of an intrusion. With DFW Security, video verification elevates your dispatch priority for a faster police response.
Home automation is also beneficial; integrating your security system with home automation features can automatically arm your system when you leave home and disarm it when you return. Two-way communication can be highly useful as well, allowing you to communicate with monitoring personnel in case of an alarm, aiding in verifying the situation and reducing false alarms.
Place the Sensor Correctly
Incorrectly positioned sensors can lead to false alarms or missed intrusions. It's advisable to consult with professional security system installers if you're unsure about sensor placement. They can assess your home's layout and recommend optimal sensor locations.
Additionally, sensors should be placed away from direct sunlight or sources of heat to prevent false alarms. Be cautious of positioning sensors near moving objects like curtains or plants that could trigger false alarms when they move. When it comes to door and window sensors, ensure they are securely installed so they don't trigger false alarms due to vibrations or loose connections.
Regularly Replace Batteries
Battery-powered devices are prevalent components of home security systems, and failing batteries can lead to false alarms and system malfunctions. To prevent this, conduct regular checks of the battery status of all battery-powered devices in your security system.
Most systems provide a low-battery warning, so promptly heed these warnings and schedule replacements. It's better to replace batteries preemptively rather than wait for low-battery alerts. Invest in high-quality, long-lasting batteries for your security devices to reduce the frequency of replacements, and keep a supply of spare batteries on hand for quick replacements when needed.
Close Windows and Doors Before Arming the System
Open or unlocked entry points can trigger alarms when the system is armed, leading to false alarms. To avoid this, perform visual checks of all entry points, including doors, windows, and garage doors, to confirm they are closed and locked.
DFW Security can help you secure your home. We offer access control, fire alarms, security cameras, and automation systems. Contact us now for more information.
