What causes false alarms?

Here are the top 8 causes and what you can do to prevent them.

1.) Human Error

Residential

• Use of incorrect keypad codes
• Failure to train other authorized users (i.e., sitters, relatives, children, visitors, repairmen, dog walkers, etc.)
• Fail to cancel alarm with monitoring facility

Commercial

• Use of incorrect keypad codes
• Failure to train other authorized users (i.e., employees, janitors, delivery personnel, cleaning crews, etc.)
• Failure to cancel alarm with monitoring facility
• Failure to notify monitoring facility of unscheduled openings or closings (for businesses using set schedules)
• Failure to update authorized personnel list with monitoring facility

How to prevent it: Make sure anyone who needs to use your security system has been properly trained, respond to alarms promptly, and proactively provide all updates to our Customer service team.

2.) Accidental Activations (caused by keyfob panics)

• Keyfobs panic button becoming lodged or stuck
• Children playing with keyfob remote

How to prevent it: Be sure to keep your keyfob in a safe place when not in use, refrain from leaving in pockets.

3.) Smoke Detectors

• Placing smoke detectors near bathrooms, kitchens, or in areas where steam or dust can accumulate in the detector’s chamber
• Failure to replace batteries in smoke detectors

How to prevent it: Clean smoke detectors with a vacuum cleaner or a can of compressed air periodically to get rid of built-up dust. In addition, cover up smoke detectors temporarily during construction or projects in the home.

4.) Improper arming and disarming of the system

• Failure to arm and exit the home by the exit delay timeframe
• Failure to disarm the system within the entry delay timeframe

How to prevent it: Have your user codes for the system memorized and be aware of your entry and exit delay timeframes. If you notice you’re frequently exceeding the timeframe (and setting off the alarm) contact Customer Technical Support to update your settings. These alarms can also be prevented by entering your home with at least one hand free to properly disarm your system.

5.) Pets, rodents, and insects

• Failure to install pet-friendly motion detectors with adjusted settings
• Rodents and/or insects near sensors

How to prevent it: Purchase an alarm system that is tolerant of pets (pet immune). Spray insect repellent around sensors and detectors twice a year. Contact a professional exterminator if rodents, insects, or other pests are a repeated problem.

6.) Lack of maintenance (dead batteries)

• Failure to replace batteries in equipment (Motion Detectors, Smoke Detectors)

How to prevent it: Service and maintain the system (including replacing batteries) properly.

7.) Unsecured windows and doors

• Failure secure doors and windows before turning on the alarm
• Loose doors or windows (door or window jiggles or is difficult to close)

How to prevent it: Confirm doors and windows are shut securely and locked.

8.) Power problems

• An inconsistent/unreliable power source

How to prevent it: Ensure your transformer (power source) is secured to a working outlet. Multiple power outages can cause a weak backup battery which can cause an alarm.