How To Avoid False Alarms
What
to do if you do have a false alarm
If you accidentally cause a false alarm, do
not panic. Simply enter your code and press the 1 or off
button within 30 seconds. This will cause the system to
send a “cancel alarm” signal to the monitoring center
(“CA” will be displayed on the keypad shortly
afterward).
Avoid False Alarms
False alarms
are a serious concern for the security industry.
Repeated false alarms work against the home owner and
police and fire departments, by consuming resources and
desensitizing watchful neighbors.
False alarms are also responsible for increasing costs
at police departments. These costs are then passed on to
the community in the form of higher taxes and industry
service charges.
The
most common causes of false alarms:
- Incorrect keycodes.
- Running into the house "just for a second" without
disarming the system.
- Moving curtains, banners or pets that move into the
'sight' of the motion detector.
Tips To Prevent False Alarms
 Check for
drafts that may cause curtains, plants or decorations to
set off motion detectors.
When
you leave, be sure that all doors and windows are closed
tightly and securely. Loose fitting doors or windows may
set off contact sensors. Also, ensure that all
authorized users are aware of which doors are set for
delay and which are not. Many false alarms are caused by
a simple misunderstanding of this basic system
operation.
Be sure
that everyone in the family or at the business knows how to properly
operate the security system
Keep
your owner's manual in an accessible place for
reference.
Everyone that you give the code to should also know the
password. If you are unable to cancel the alarm within
30 seconds, the monitoring center will call to verify
the alarm. The only way that a false alarm may be
canceled is to answer their call and respond with the
correct password. Your password can be found on the
Subscriber Monitoring Information form, included in your
paperwork.
Motion
detectors require additional care to prevent false
alarms. Ensure that pets are not allowed to roam freely
through the area that is covered by the motion detector.
Do not keep balloons in an area covered by motion
detectors. Make sure to keep the motion detectors free
from insects. (A spider crawling on a web in front of
the motion detector appears very large to the motion
detector.)
Smoke detectors should be trouble free except in the event of kitchen
smoke or steam. In the event the alarm is sounded by
excess kitchen smoke, the alarm will continue to sound
until the house is cleared of the smoke. (Even though
you have followed the instructions in item “1” above.)
Steam-caused false alarms may occur when a smoke
detector is located too close to a bathroom. If you get
false smoke alarm signals caused by steam, give Bulldog
a call to look into moving the smoke detector.
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