FALSE ALARM PREVENTION FOR YOUR HOME 1 Introduction

FALSE ALARM PREVENTION FOR YOUR HOME 1

Introduction • What is a false alarm? • Why are false alarms a problem? • How do alarm systems work? • What are some causes of false alarms? • What can you do to prevent false alarms? FARA Tips for Residences 2

What is a False Alarm? False Burglar Alarm - A notification of an alarm to law enforcement when the responding authority finds no evidence of criminal offense or attempted criminal offense False Fire Alarm - A notification of a fire signal, resulting from a cause other than an actual fire FARA Tips for Residences 3

Effects of False Alarms Takes officers and fire fighters away from real emergencies Delay response when you really need it Wastes public resources FARA Tips for Residences 4

False Alarm Effects Endangers responding authorities and the whole community FARA Tips for Residences 5

Effects Continued… Can lead to neighbors ignoring your alarm when it activates, making you’re alarm system less reliable and credible FARA Tips for Residences 6

Effects Continued… May make you reluctant to arm your system, exposing your home and property to undetected theft FARA Tips for Residences 7

Effects Continued… Cost time & money • False alarm fines • Lost time • Service charges FARA Tips for Residences 8

The Alarm Process Siren Sounds Intruder Trips Control Panel On site Alarm Sent to Alarm Company Central Station Police Dispatched Fire Trips Control Panel On site Fire Dispatched FARA Tips for Residences Alarm Company Calls Public Safety 9

Common Causes of False Alarms… Lack of proper training for people given access to your home, such as cleaning people, real estate agents children, neighbors, guests, relatives, babysitters, workers, etc… FARA Tips for Residences 10

More Common Causes Open, unlocked or loose fitting doors and windows Unsecured Pets Weak batteries FARA Tips for Residences 11

Another. . . Drafts from heating/air conditioning systems and open windows moving plants, curtains, balloons, etc. FARA Tips for Residences 12

And a Few More. . . Insects, dust or dirt on motion or smoke sensors FARA Tips for Residences 13

Last but not Least. . . Cooking fumes will trip smoke detectors FARA Tips for Residences 14

False Alarm Prevention Tips for Residential Alarms FARA Tips for Residences 15

Before You Activate Check with your local jurisdiction for registration requirements FARA Tips for Residences 16

Before You Activate • Understand how the alarm system works; what it does and does not do • Ask your alarm company for written instructions, a DVD and a demonstration FARA Tips for Residences 17

Before Turning on your Alarm System when leaving… Make sure all alarmed doors and windows are locked Restart the exit time if you reenter FARA Tips for Residences 18

Keep Clear of Motion Detectors Keep balloons, fans, heaters, plants, curtains, decorations & birds from motion sensor areas FARA Tips for Residences 19

Training is Important! Teach ALL users how to operate your system, including: • Arming codes • Passwords • Phone numbers • Cancellation procedures FARA Tips for Residences 20

Identify the Cause Make sure your alarm system identifies the device that caused the alarm activation FARA Tips for Residences 21

Notify your alarm company … Before you test your system If your system is not working properly If you plan to remodel or install new wiring of any kind (telephone, DSL, Vo. IP, etc. ) FARA Tips for Residences 22

Update Your Alarm Company • If you …. • Hire domestic help • Get a new pet • Change phone numbers • Plan to sell your house FARA Tips for Residences 23

Tell Your Alarm Company Do Not dispatch public safety on • Power outages • Weather related signals • Low battery signals • Temperature sensors FARA Tips for Residences 24

Request ECV! Tell your monitoring company to use Enhanced Call Verification (ECV) ECV requires making two calls to a responsible party prior to requesting a dispatch FARA Tips for Residences 25

Cancel False Alarms Follow your alarm companies instructions to cancel all false alarms FARA Tips for Residences 26

Ask For Help! Ask Your Alarm Company For Help • To train new users • Find the cause for each false alarm • Plan for a new addition or remodel FARA Tips for Residences 27

Maintain Your Alarm • Keep your alarm system in properating condition • Upgrade old systems FARA Tips for Residences 28

Why? • Public safety resources are limited and should never be wasted • Thousands of hours are spent investigating alarm reports that turn out to be “false alarms” FARA Tips for Residences 29

Remember FARA Tips for Residences 30

False Alarm Reduction Association 10024 Vanderbilt Circle #4 Rockville MD 20850 301 - 519 -9237 Brad Shipp, Executive Director bradshipp@4 yoursolution. com www. faraonline. org FARA Tips for Residences 31