How to Prevent Home Security System False Alarms

The old story about the boy who cried wolf is particularly pertinent when dealing with home alarm systems. False alarms cost your security company time and resources, and may be ignored by friends or family members if they occur too often. In some cities, there may even be fines involved, and a few civic governments instruct police and fire departments to ignore alarms from homes with a history of false alarms. The good news is that you can prevent false alarms with just a little vigilance and familiarity with your system.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Read the review manual carefully and understand how to deactivate a false alarm. In addition, some alarm companies may call to double check, and you may need to give them a password. Make sure everyone in the household knows the password and is familiar with the deactivation steps as well.

2. Check the contact switches on doors and windows, and ensure that they have not loosened. Always close armed doors and windows securely so that they are not blown open by a stiff breeze.

3. Set up motion detectors away from fans, fireplaces or heating vents. Also look for the impact of vents on plants or curtains, which may blow and set off a motion detector.

4. Monitor the impact of pets on the alarm system in your home. Most security systems can be adjusted to overlook small animals such as dogs or cats. If they keep setting off your alarm, you should call the security company and have your system fine-tuned.

5. Change the batteries regularly. Low power has been known to activate false alarms in some systems.

6. Keep contact information up to date. If you change phone numbers or get a new cell phone, make sure the security company has them. It will allow them to contact you to confirm a false alarm.