What Causes False Alarms and How Can You Prevent Them?
Despite advanced security technology, false alarms do happen. Non-emergency events are major strains on local emergency resources. Costs associated with false alarm dispatches cost the public millions of dollars every year.
False alarm fines are rarely levied against burglar alarm owners. Many jurisdictions give a pass to first- and second-time false alarm offenders. However, if you live in a jurisdiction that does levy a fine for first-time false alarms, or you are dealing with persistent false alarms, a fine can cost you as much as $250.
False alarms represent a costly issue for police, first responders, and communities as a whole.
Burglar alarm activations are the highest-volume type of call for emergency responders. Unfortunately, the majority of these burglar alarm activations are false alarms. Police and emergency responders dedicate significant resources to alarm response, and costs associated with false alarms go beyond what you might think.
Typical false alarm costs include:
- Personnel costs of police call takers and dispatchers.
- Backup personnel and equipment costs.
- Time and costs associated with analyzing false alarms.
- Lost-opportunity costs. False alarms can prevent police from responding to actual crimes.
- Costs associated with call displacement because the response to other 911 calls takes longer.
As we mentioned above, law enforcement agencies often give burglar alarm owners a pass for first- and second-time offenses. When fines are levied, they’re relatively inexpensive, not nearly enough to cover all the costs of a false alarm. Most costs associated with false alarms are passed on to taxpayers.
What can you do to prevent false alarms?
Approximately 80% of false alarms are caused by simple user error. Other common causes include installation mistakes and improper system maintenance.
The good news is that these false alarms are largely avoidable.
You can prevent false alarms by:
- Entering the correct PIN code and doing so before too much time elapses. While setting a secure PIN code for your burglar alarm system is incredibly important, it’s just as important to remember the PIN code so you can enter it correctly. Most burglar alarms will activate if the alarm gets entered incorrectly after multiple attempts. They will also activate after a set amount of time. Either choose a code related to a memorable event that isn’t public knowledge, or save your PIN code in the Notes app on your phone as long as your phone is fully secured.
- Becoming familiar with and training others how to use the security system. This is a common problem for businesses with multiple employees. Be sure to train all employees who will arm and disarm the system. Develop an action plan of what to do in case the alarm itself malfunctions or an employee has trouble arming or disarming. Such a plan might include who to contact and what steps to take to make sure the system works properly so a false alarm doesn’t get triggered.
- Properly securing doors and windows. This depends on the system you have, as some burglar alarms may not detect open doors and windows. Be sure to discuss this feature with your alarm provider. Alarm systems that do have this feature may display the location of open doors and windows, which can be helpful in preventing false alarms. Even if you believe all doors and windows are secure, be sure to double check.
- Properly installing and configuring motion sensors. People, pets, or objects in close proximity to motion sensors can set off a false alarm. A motion sensor should be installed near entryways and other points of interest, such as back-office inventory rooms. Most motion sensors activate the alarm in the presence of motion or heat. Try to avoid walking near motion sensors after the alarm has been set. You may have to configure the detector’s sensitivity settings, so it does not trip an alarm when the family pet or otherwise authorized person walks near it. A professional security provider can help you determine where best to install the sensors, so they don’t cause false alarms.
- Regularly checking system status and device operation. Weak batteries can trip an alarm, as can a power outage. Check the status of battery-powered security devices to make sure they have plenty of power. Certain devices will notify you that the batteries are low; other devices might beep or chirp, letting you know it’s time for new batteries. For devices that are plugged in, some security providers offer battery backups that automatically turn on in the case of a power outage. A battery backup can keep your security system active and prevent false alarms—test backup batteries, especially if your system is a few years old.
You should also consider alarm monitoring and live video monitoring services, both of which work to confirm an emergency when an alarm gets activated. In fact, you may be required to have some form of alarm verification, depending on where you live. Some police agencies and first responders will respond only to verified alarms.
If your alarm accidentally activates, try not to panic. Here is what you can do to ensure emergency responders are not dispatched to your home or business when it’s a false alarm.
It’s clear that false alarms do happen—it’s also clear that they can happen due to simple user error. If an accidental alarm activation occurs, stay calm so you can work through the issue.
First things first: try to reset your alarm. Maybe you typed in the wrong PIN code, hit a wrong button, or didn’t notice that a door was still unlocked before setting the alarm. Whatever the case, go to your alarm control panel and enter the PIN code. This should disable the alarm.
Once the alarm is deactivated (or if you cannot deactivate the alarm), contact your security provider. Chances are they received an alarm activation alert and want to know if the situation requires an emergency response. You may be required to give the security provider representative your account password and ID number, so have it handy. It’s best to contact your security provider prior to re-arming your system, just to ensure they know it is a false alarm and there is no reason to dispatch police.
You should not contact 911 during a false alarm event. After all, it’s a false alarm—you don’t need police resources. Contact your security provider.
What if a false alarm is triggered when you are not present? This is something you probably talked about with your security provider when the system was installed. The alarm monitoring center should have a protocol to follow when they get an alarm alert. Most times, they will contact the burglar alarm owner and/or anyone listed on the account before contacting law enforcement. When you set up notifications with your provider, have them call at least two phones before alerting authorities.
If you are unsure what caused the false alarm, reach out to your security provider. They can help you properly operate the system—again, knowing the ins and outs of how your security system works can reduce false alarms.
At Bay Alarm, we know false alarms can happen. That’s why we offer live alarm monitoring and video verification—our monitoring agents work 24/7, always ready to act when they receive an alarm alert. They will work to determine if an alarm is a false alarm, and if it is, cancel police dispatch. Contact us today to hear more about our alarm verification services and learn how our security has been helping protect people just like you for 75 years!
Start a conversation with a Bay Alarm security expert.
Related Articles
Agricultural businesses face a variety of security concerns. They have to protect livestock, expensive machinery, and... Read More >
Preventing theft and inventory shrinkage is crucial for retail and grocery stores already challenged by razor-thin... Read More >
Security guard services offer on-the-ground protection for businesses seeking an additional layer of safety for their... Read More >
The Phoenix metropolitan area continues to experience incredible population growth. With year-round sun, affordable housing, and... Read More >
Office buildings pose a variety of security challenges that businesses must address to safeguard their people,... Read More >
Retail theft is one of the leading causes of business owners’ stress and economic hardships. In... Read More >
Outdoor and remote locations can push traditional surveillance systems to their limits. Fixed systems face challenges... Read More >
Commercial earthquake preparedness is critically important, especially in a city like San Francisco with its long... Read More >
As the backbone of supply chain management, warehouses play a crucial role in storing, managing, and... Read More >
Hospitals face many security challenges, one of which is ensuring proper storage and monitoring of controlled... Read More >
It’s common to think of cybersecurity and physical security as two separate operations. However, in the... Read More >
Door locks can be traced back thousands of years, making them one of the oldest and... Read More >
The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have caused unprecedented damage to homes, businesses, and landmarks, on... Read More >
The holiday season is a time for joy, family, and celebrations—but it’s also a time when... Read More >
In an emergency, every second counts. Whether it’s a threat to a school, bank, store, or... Read More >
With crime on the rise in major cities, the importance of security systems has never been... Read More >
If you live in California, you are no stranger to the challenges of getting insurance. It’s... Read More >
Fire safety is a priority everywhere, but in California it’s especially urgent. To be prepared, business... Read More >
This Saturday, May 4th, the St. Mary’s College (SMC) Men’s Rugby team will face Navy during... Read More >
Protecting educational campuses and facilities is an increasingly urgent and complicated problem. Campus buildings can be... Read More >
Is it time to update your business’s security system, but you’re unsure where to start? We... Read More >
Managing properties, whether one or multiple, means constantly juggling challenges. Dealing with buildings in different cities... Read More >
As security technology advances, so do the options for customizing security protocols. A security protocol tells... Read More >
Live video monitoring is a next-generation security service that combines new technologies in threat detection (way... Read More >
Businesses and people are now using facial recognition technology to make payments, bank online, and as... Read More >
In their research report on “The Future of Physical Security,” execs from Microsoft and Accenture interviewed... Read More >
Customer: Laborers Training School Laborers Training School provides construction-based labor training to union workers in multiple locations... Read More >
As we mentioned in a previous article, several trends in the security market have made live... Read More >
News about artificial intelligence is everywhere these days. So it’s no surprise that business owners are... Read More >
The best runners in the world aren’t simply fast; they’re efficient. The most popular cars don’t... Read More >
What are security GUARD services? Security agent services (SAS) are live security guards who work on... Read More >
A typical customer in 2023 wants—and expects—a shopping experience that works for them. A challenge for... Read More >
There’s no denying that AI-powered technology offers you a chance to step up your business’s security... Read More >
You’ve probably heard of behavioral analytics. It’s everywhere these days, shaping our world and dramatically influencing... Read More >
Understanding who is at your business—and when—is a key priority for most business owners. Another obvious,... Read More >
Video security has come a long way, so much so that the full capabilities of a... Read More >
What is live video monitoring? Live video monitoring is a commercial security service that deters crime... Read More >
You can pay your Bay Alarm bill in one of three ways: through our online portal,... Read More >
According to Security Magazine, more than 2,000 first-responder agencies across the US currently use drones and... Read More >
Scaling a business is an exciting time filled with new possibilities. But it can also bring... Read More >
If you’re relatively handy and feel like you have a solid understanding of technology, you might... Read More >
A video security system is only effective if it’s installed properly. The most advanced, AI-based camera... Read More >
Preserving employee safety can be a big challenge when expanding your business to multiple locations. As... Read More >
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, more than one million cars were stolen across the... Read More >
Has a speeding car in the next lane ever distracted you from seeing a pothole until... Read More >
Every business owner deals with risk: it’s part of doing business. Some risks are worth taking,... Read More >
An unsafe work environment poses hazards for businesses beyond the physical risks to employees. It can... Read More >
The best modern business security systems feature some of the most advanced technology on the planet.... Read More >
Build a culture of safety the right way Protecting employees and the office work space takes... Read More >
Warehouses are complex environments that present many potential hazards to employees. According to the Occupational Safety... Read More >
Protect Your Business Without Breaking the Bank Protecting staff, inventory, and physical property is a priority... Read More >
Security tools work best when they fit the exact needs―and capacity―of your business and staff. The... Read More >
Implementing an effective security system for your business isn’t as simple as installing a camera, setting... Read More >
Following business safety regulations isn’t a choice but an obligation. Ignoring compliance standards not only puts... Read More >
Business leaders know how difficult choosing a security system can be. Every organization has specific needs... Read More >
Securing your business is crucial for longevity and future success. Maintaining a safe work environment goes... Read More >
Researching business security systems can be frustrating and confusing. There are many moving parts, and when you ask for the cost, the answer is usually, “It Read More >
One of the most frequent reasons business owners approach security companies is, unfortunately, one of the... Read More >
Keeping up with trends and technological advancements in the security industry can be challenging. Knowing where... Read More >
Robbery, theft, and arson cost US businesses over $17.2 billion in losses in 2021. As a... Read More >
With the rapid pace of technology, business security systems can become outdated faster than ever. Seeing... Read More >
For businesses concerned about deterring theft, vandalism, and other costly threats to their property and inventory,... Read More >
Waste is kindling for fires. If you work in the waste industry, you are likely aware... Read More >
The numbers don’t lie. Despite all the focus on cybersecurity, cybercriminals remain a costly threat to... Read More >
Company Known for its Security Expertise Offers Tips on How to Prevent Being a Victim. CONCORD,... Read More >
Contact sensors are security devices typically installed on doors and windows. They can notify you and... Read More >
Standard commercial security guard services include agent response, guard patrol, and standing guard, all of which... Read More >
Biometric security systems digitally identify people through biological signatures, like fingerprints, facial recognition, and eye scans.... Read More >
Are you hesitant to get a security and fire alarm system for your business due to... Read More >
Fire alarm systems keep buildings and building occupants safe from fires. While it is easy to... Read More >
Catalytic converter theft has become a big issue for car lots as the price of materials... Read More >
An IP camera, or internet protocol camera, is a type of digital security camera that receives... Read More >
A geofence is a virtual perimeter, or boundary, around a specific, real-world location. A geofence can... Read More >
CONCORD, CALIF. – Bay Alarm, a seventy-five-year-old family owned and operated security company, doesn’t just protect... Read More >
Video alarm verification pairs your security system with an alarm monitoring center. In the event an... Read More >
A motion sensor, or motion detector, is an electronic device that uses a sensor to detect... Read More >
A fire alarm system is one of the most important security features of any building—they are... Read More >
Traditional metal keys can be easily lost, locks must be professionally re-keyed if an ex-employee fails... Read More >
Modern security camera systems are great for monitoring your home or business, as many systems offer... Read More >
For those looking to increase the safety of their home or business, it can be tempting... Read More >
As a small business owner, you need more than just a security camera or burglar alarm.... Read More >
Constructing a new commercial building—be it a retail space, apartment complex, skyscraper, or sporting arena—is a... Read More >
There are a wide variety of home and business security devices and systems. You can opt... Read More >
Your home or business burglar alarm system increases the safety of everyone and everything within. It’s... Read More >
On Tuesday, July 14, the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors approved Bay Alarm Company’s donation to... Read More >
Many homeowners have adopted home automation technology due to its convenience and security. Z-Wave, one of... Read More >
In 2016, there were over 11,000 reported construction-site equipment thefts in the United States, which accounted... Read More >
St. Mary’s College recently had their Steadauto.com car raffle to benefit their Galloping Gaels Fund and... Read More >
A cyber security breach, or data breach, is an intentional or unintentional release of private information... Read More >
Whether you’re planning a summer vacation for the whole family, or you and your spouse are... Read More >
The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) is shifting most day-to-day work operations from the office to the home.... Read More >
Smart home technology includes a vast variety of wirelessly connected devices. When it comes to entertainment... Read More >
With California under shelter-in-place orders and everywhere across the nation practicing social distancing, Santa Clara County... Read More >
The California State Fire Marshal recently announced that it is still essential for contractors to ensure... Read More >
Homeowners occasionally find themselves shopping for a new home security services provider, whether because of dissatisfaction... Read More >
As doorbell cameras become more pervasive, there are also an increasing number of cases in which... Read More >
Fire is one of the top risks to any small business. According to the National Fire Prevention... Read More >
While you can’t always predict supply and demand, ensuring the protection of your business is one... Read More >
With natural disasters being an ever present concern, we wanted to help bring to mind some... Read More >
Smart home devices are growing in popularity, and doorbell cameras are shaping up to be a... Read More >
Is Airbnb safe? Check out these security tips before you list your home on this vacation... Read More >
Now in its 35th year, National Night Out (NNO) was founded in 1984 in a western... Read More >
Bay Alarm is proud to be a title sponsor and partner with the California State Sheriffs... Read More >
April 10, 2019 CONCORD, CALIF. – Bay Alarm continues to grow and expand in Southern California... Read More >
CONCORD, CALIF. – Bay Alarm, the largest independently owned security company in the United States, got... Read More >
CONCORD, CALIF. – Bay Alarm, a family owned and operated security company dedicated to protecting homes,... Read More >
Pacheco, CA. April 6, 2016 – Two of Bay Alarm’s leading executives have been inducted into the Security... Read More >
The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff operates the Law Enforcement Training Center (LETC)... Read More >
