Personal Safety Tips: How to prevent false alarms

Besides being very expensive, costing as much as thousands over a period of time both from your security provider and local emergency agencies, false alarms bring about wasted hours of police and fire department resources, resources that are often limited. In fact, one of the biggest waste of time and resources for emergency personnel are false alarms, which why you may find yourself paying expensive fees and fines.

False alarms also are an inconvenience to you and your family and a cause of annoyance to your neighbors. False alarm fees can cost you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. It can also create dissatisfaction with your system, as well as the security provider.
There are ways to prevent false alarms, especially if you know most common causes:

   1. Entering the wrong code or not knowing how to use the alarm system properly.

   2. Not disarming the alarm before immediately re-entering the home. (Many believe they have sufficient time to re-enter and leave before the alarm sets, an common and expensive mistake!)

   3. Not checking that windows and doors are closed before setting the alarm and not closing the exit door properly or in time once the alarm is set.

   4. Failure to secure doors and windows once the alarm is turned on

   5. Equipment that is not working properly or poor battery systems

   6. Pets that are allowed to wander in areas with motion detectors. Also objects too close to motion detectors, such as hanging items, that can set off the alarm.

   7. Acts of nature (strong winds, electrical storms, etc.)
Since the most common cause of false alarms are by humans (rather than equipment failures or problems) it is best to know how to reduce these causes:

• Make sure anyone who needs to use the alarm is trained properly (even visiting relatives and friends, and especially babysitters!)

• Make sure all doors and windows are closed before the alarm is set . Make sure that the door used to exit is closed properly and timely after the alarm is set.

• If your system requires it, make sure your alarm company/security provider knows any changes in pass or arming codes. Again, if necessary, make sure the company knows of any new users or people who are no longer authorized access to the alarm system.

• Make sure the all equipment is checked, and be sure the system is maintained on a regular basis. Be sure any battery systems are functioning properly.

• Always be sure to contact the alarm company/security provider if you believe there is any problem with the functioning of your security system.

First Name *	Last Name *
State *	Zip *
Phone Number *	Email *

Existing System? No Problem. Our lead technicians have over 20 years combined experience! If they haven’t seen it it doesn’t exist. Either way, we’ll reprogram your existing system orreplace it with brand new technology.

 

It's important to understand that most security companies have one monitoring center, and in some cases, it's not based in the U.S. or even managed by an actual security company.

With ADT, you get security from eight interconnected command centers that are strategically located throughout the United States. Each command center is backed by powerful equipment and trained professionals, so if one center's connection is interrupted, another center will begin monitoring your home.

This means ADT is prepared for emergencies 24/7! Don't risk your home and family's safety, choose ADT - America's #1 security company - for monitored security protection.