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Be sure all employees are thoroughly trained before attempting to use the alarm system. |
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Hold monthly training sessions to ensure alarm users are aware of: any changes to the system; the importance of careful pre-arming checks; designated entry/exit doors; proper opening/closing procedures; correct pass codes and arming codes; and rehearse how to cancel accidental activations. |
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Watch out for holiday-related false alarms: thoroughly train temporary holiday employees; watch last minute schedule changes leading to inexperienced employees arming or disarming your system; be careful with the placement of seasonal decorations; long hours and/or holiday parties can result in careless use of your alarm system by employees. |
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Look for items that can move within the “view” of your motion detectors, causing false alarms (fans, heaters, hanging signs, seasonal decorations, balloons, curtains, plants, pets, etc.) |
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Confirm that special consideration has been given to the installation of motion detectors in high bay areas with overhead doors, large exhaust fans or ceiling vents which allow entry of birds. Discuss with your alarm provider whether your location’s environment requires specially designed and installed motion detectors that will not false due to birds, wildlife, rodents, cats, etc. |
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Ensure all doors and windows are secure and locked before arming your system. |
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Ensure that floor mounted contacts are not being used on overhead/rollup doors. Instead, use track-mounted contacts by placing a track mounted contact on BOTH sides of the door tracks at 4–5 feet on one side and at 7-8 feet on the other side. Require that BOTH contacts must be activated to trigger the alarm. This will reduce and/or eliminate false alarms due to wind or shaking of the door. Have your alarm provider check the type and condition of contacts installed on your overhead doors. |
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Don’t change pass codes without advising your central monitoring station. |
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Don’t change pass codes and arming codes without advising the appropriate authorized users. |
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Train new users thoroughly, notifying your monitoring station of new authorized users. |
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Your central monitoring station should not request a police dispatch for power outages, low battery signals and loss of telephone connections. |
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If you believe your alarm system is not working properly, immediately contact your alarm provider. |
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Service and maintain your system (including batteries) regularly before false alarms occur. |
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If your business requires wireless hold-up protection, use dual-action devices only. |
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Replace old police department direct-connect monitoring equipment with newer, high security monitoring technology. Dirty or wet phone lines, telephone repairmen and service interruptions do not require police response! |
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Upgrade old alarm systems to current equipment conforming to Security Industry Association (SIA) false alarm prevention standards, further reducing false alarms.
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