Home security systems are highly user-friendly. However, it’s important to take some basic precautions to ensure that false alarms don’t occur. Dealing with a false alarm is stressful for you and a nuisance for your neighbours. In addition, this error can bring emergency responders to your door when they have important work to do elsewhere. Here are four tips for ensuring that your home alarm only goes off when it needs to.
1. Know your alarm system
If you’re getting a new security system, be sure to get a complete tutorial from the installer and have the device configured according to your preferences. And remember to prepare any questions or concerns you have in advance. When you have a good understanding of your system, you’re less likely to make errors that lead to false alarms.
If you have any questions after the system has been installed, you can contact your security company or the manufacturer for clarifications. Alternatively, you may find the answers you're looking for in the owner’s manual.
2. Properly train all users
Make sure that all family members who come and go from your residence are comfortable using the security system. Moreover, consider choosing a code that everyone in the family will be able to easily recall, and ensure that everyone has the monitoring station’s number just in case they encounter a problem.
3. Make sure your system is “pet-friendly”
When it isn’t people accidentally setting off house alarms, it’s usually pets. If you have a dog or cat, you’ll want to get pet-friendly motion sensors that won’t mistake them for an intruder. If you have a larger dog, you may choose to forgo the motion sensors and rely instead on door and window sensors and window break detectors.
4. Have your system inspected annually
While the majority of false alarms come down to human error, occasionally an issue with the equipment itself can cause a false alarm or even prevent your system from doing its job. Over time, electronics can wear down, get dirty and eventually fail. It’s important to have your security system regularly inspected to ensure it’s working well.
And if you’re ever unsure about whether your system is functioning properly, don’t hesitate to contact your security provider to check its status.
SECURITY SYSTEMS IN CALGARY AND LETHBRIDGE
At Guardian Security Solutions, we install state-of-the-art home alarm systems in Calgary and Lethbridge. We also provide comprehensive maintenance and inspection services so that your system is always working properly. To learn more about our security products and services, contact us today.