What is a false alarm?
There are two levels of false alarms, the first is when the alarm system goes off when there is no emergency or incident but the alarm is confirmed as a false alarm by the user by either disactivating the system in the alloted time, or the monitoring station contacts the home and establishes there is no real emergency.
The second level means the monitoring station has been unable to identify the alarm as being false and has sent an alarm dispatch request to the Police Service, and the responding officer finds no evidence of a criminal offence or attempted criminal offence after having completed a timely investigation of the alarm site.
An alarm is considered false when it is activated unnecessarily, improperly or for a purpose other than that for which it was installed, including:
- Mechanical failure
- Unauthorized testing
- Atmospheric conditions (i.e. weather)
- Excessive vibrations
- Power failure
- and User Error
Why are false alarms an issue?
The number of false alarms has been identified as consuming a significant quantity of police service resources, which could be better utilized to enhance police presence in your Municipality.
The registration of security alarm systems is an integral part of the strategy to reduce the number of false alarms, to promote education and discipline of alarm users and alarm companies, and to enhance officer safety.
Alarms were originally designed to protect lives and property. Properly installed, used and maintained, alarms are an asset. When misused, they become a liability. Reacting to false alarms costs the taxpayers thousands of dollars in police time and equipment. The system users also experience the inconvenience of false alarms and the assessment of fines.
- A false alarm can endanger responding officers and the whole community and it may delay an officer from responding to an emergency.
- False alarms can lead neighbours to ignore your alarm when it goes off making your system less reliable and less credible.
- False alarms make you reluctant to arm your system, exposing your home or business to undetected theft or damage.
- False alarms can cost you fines, and in some instances, suspension of police response.
- False alarms can cost you hundreds of dollars
- False alarms can create dissatisfaction with your security service
- False alarms can waste your time and interfere with your busy life
What you can do to help prevent false alarms
False alarms are typically caused by simple human error, whether they occur because of an incorrect code being entered or something inadvertently triggering the motion detector. Motion detectors do not only detect humans, they sense all types of movement from all sorts of objects. When items such as hanging mobiles or holiday decorations are shifted by a draft caused by an open window, fan or heater they have the potential to trigger your alarm system.
Before you arm your system, be sure to check the house for objects that may interfere with the motion detectors.
Learn your system
Be sure to read your product manual and always keep it close by. If you do not have your manual, we will be happy to provide you with an additional one. Simply call us at 1.866.275.4095.
Check your trouble light
Your ADT keypad is equipped with a trouble light. If the light is on, consult your product manual or call the monitoring station and ask for the Help Desk. IMPORTANT: Ignoring the light can cause your system to be unreliable.
Make your house visible
Good lighting in front and around your house not only deters potential criminals, but it is also important for lighting the way for emergency vehicles. When your address is clearly visible from the street, emergency vehicles will have an easier time finding the right house, making dispatches more reliable and timely.
Stay up-to-date
Alarm systems are becoming increasingly more advanced. Updating your system can provide you with more reliability, features and functions.Things to keep in mind to prevent False Alarms
- When installing the system, make sure your installer trains you thoroughly in the proper operation of the alarm system.
- Make sure you are given a summary operating sheet and the security system operating manual, and place them in a place with easy access by family members and other responsible individuals.
- Learn how to cancel accidental alarm activation and know the cancellation code. You should also train authorized users on this procedure, including resident, employees, guests, cleaning and other service people who must interact with the alarm.
- Make sure you understand how to turn off motion detectors while leaving other sensors on when there is movement in the house.
- Be sure to learn how to test your system, and know how to contact the ADT Customer monitoring Centre.
- Make sure the delay times on designated entry/exit doors are sufficient to get in and out of the premises.
- Keep ADT’s phone number in an accessible place to request repair service or to ask questions about the alarm system.
- If you are a new customer, there is a familiarization period for you to get used to the new alarm system.
