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Step 1
Read how your alarm is set up. Each installation is different. Figure out if you have motion detectors on the windows, connected smoke detectors, glass-break detectors or other devices. The LCD panel that lets you control your alarm lets you know which sensor was tripped. Read the instruction booklet that comes with your home-alarm system to learn how it is set up or simply fiddle around with the buttons on the module.
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Step 2
Ask your installer about any unexpected aspects of alarm operation. Some systems may have useful features that you wouldn’t know about unless you ask or read the manual carefully. Some of the top-selling brands for home-security systems include ADT, Brinks and Guardian. ADT offers digital keypads, remote keychain access and infrared interior motion detectors. Brinks widely advertises its interior sirens, door and window sensors and wireless remotes. Guardian Alarms extensively promotes its wireless security and fire protection systems.
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Step 3
Decide upon a code to use with your alarm system. This should be unique and something that cannot be easily guessed at. Birthdates and wedding anniversaries are pretty easy to figure out, so go with something more random. This code will be punched in when you leave your home and when you get back to engage and disengage your system, respectively.
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Step 4
Punch in your unique passcode when you leave to engage the alarm system. When you get home, you’ll have a predetermined number of seconds to punch your code in again before the alarm goes off. Look for the lights on the different zones of your home to be lit or unlit. Typically, when a light in Zone One is lit, that means there is motion within that zone of your home. Conversely, when there is no motion in a particular zone, there is no activity or motion detected. If a light in a particular zone is lit and you don't believe anyone is in that area, check that the monitored windows in that room are closed and that the area is secure.
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Step 5
Program your panic buttons and let the other adults in your home know about them. Once the correct phone numbers are programmed in, just one push of the button will alert the police or fire department that you need assistance. Check that the System Armed light is activated. This means that your alarm system is set and your home is protected.
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Step 6
Evaluate the effectiveness of your alarm from time to time. If the motion detector is not set up in the right place, you can move it to a better location. You should also change your passcode periodically. These changes can be made randomly or after specific events. For example, if a housekeeper leaves and your system doesn't offer separate passcodes for such events, you might want to stay on the safe side and change your code.
