Join The Fight In Preventing False Alarms

    One of the biggest concerns in the security industry is false or nuisance alarms. False alarms displace law enforcement officers and may even endanger officers and civilians responding to erroneous activations. Here at San Lee Security, we are doing everything possible to address this concern. First of all, prevention of nuisance alarms is beneficial to all parties involved in the alarm circle, San Lee Security, emergency response services, Security Central, and most importantly you. Fortunately, we see a great response effort by emergency services in the area that we serve. Because of this, we would like to keep this relationship going strong. One such way, of course, is to prevent as many false alarms as possible.  .  

    How are false alarms prevented? The first way is to make sure your security system is installed professionally. At San Lee Security, we train each of our employees extensively and each of our technicians must attend classes and seminars to make them more efficient  knowledgeable and professional in each security installation. Once the system is installed the customer is schooled in the operation of the system. According to the Security Industry Alarm Coalition nearly 75% of false alarms are due to user error.  Many false dispatches are caused because premise and contact numbers are not kept up to date. When you change your number contact the central station and update your information. Everyone who has access to the home (a key) should know how to properly operate the alarm system and also know how to cancel a false alarm.  The alarm should be tested frequently as instructed by your alarm dealer. Your alarm system is as effective as you make it, your educated use makes it a very effective crime fighting tool.  Should you have questions on operation of your system contact your alarm dealer. Misuse of the alarm system could cause delayed dispatches and endanger lives.

                          The proper procedure for turning your alarm on is as follows:

·                     Check the alarm keypad, verify the system is ready to arm (turn on)

·                     If the alarm is not ready to arm check all protected doors and windows until the alarm is ready to turn on

·                     Make certain that everyone leaving is ready to exit

·                     Enter alarm code and have all people exit

·                     Close the exit door and lock

·                     Wait by the door and make sure the siren does not go off

·                     If for any reason you must re-enter wait for exit time to expire, open the door, and immediately turn off the system

·                      After re-entering and when you are ready to leave again  repeat steps above to turn system on

·                     Important!! if the alarm goes off never leave until you have spoken to the monitoring company. If they don't call you, you must call   them so have their number as well as your pass code (password /pass code) handy.

             The proper procedure when turning the alarm off. 

·                    Approach the door and unlock it

·                    Open the door and enter

·                    Immediately go to the keypad and enter your code

·                    Wait by the keypad until you are sure the system has been turned off

 The other 25% of the false alarms is caused by  equipment not being used as it is deigned to be.   Proper maintenance and service is a must. Notify your alarm company when you need service. Changes in weather can cause doors and windows to become warped or misaligned over time causing the alarm system to become over sensitive. The opening should be repaired and  the contacts adjusted. Motion detectors when used properly provide excellent protection. Motion detectors detect motion. The detector will see  balloons, banners, and plants as they will move when heat and air conditioning comes on. Also consider keeping your pets out of the path of your motion detector. Most motion detectors we install are designed with some degree of pet immunity, but for the best case scenario effect try to keep your pet confined to an area outside the detection field of the motion detector, while you are away from home. In addition to these suggestions, make sure the area around the detector is cleaned regularly. Spiders and other types of insect have been found to trigger false alarms. Place any object that may cause motion out of the path of the detector.

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  With smoke detectors regular maintenance is a must. The way smoke detectors are designed, they can not distinguish the difference between smoke and dust. So cleaning the detector regularly is a major priority. Also be aware that smoke detectors can not distinguish smoke from steam either. Take notice when opening the door to a steamy bathroom or any other time when steam is present in the home. 

    Naturally any time your security system goes into alarm, you will be notified by our monitoring center, Security Central. If you miss their call for any reason, you may cancel the alarm by calling them at 1-800-286-5699 provided that you can give them your code. Also, anytime your security system goes into alarm without apparent cause, be sure to notify San Lee Security as soon as possible. If your alarm has falsed once, chances are it will do it again if not repaired. 

    For any other information or questions regarding false alarms please contact us at 919-774-3005, bw@sanleesecurity.com, or jacobm@sanleesecurity.com.