How to Avoid False Alarms

A tremendous amount of pressure exists from Police and Fire departments to reduce false alarms as much as possible. Doyle Security takes this issue very seriously and has led the way in helping reduce these alarms by working with Sheriff's departments as well as with Police and Fire departments.

Consider the following. The call goes out over the police radio and a patrol car is dispatched. The officers rush to the scene expecting to find a fire or crime in progress. What they find is an alarm system user who was careless with their system - a false alarm. False alarms divert valuable police patrol time and law enforcement dollars. Many communities are now levying fines for false alarms responded to by law enforcement.
An alarm system links your locations to an emergency response network, giving your business, employees, and families better protection and security. But this security carries with it the responsibility for proper use and maintenance. Doyle Security believes that preventing false alarms is a joint effort. If we aren’t careful, wasteful false alarms could actually hamper crime prevention efforts by diverting police resources and attention.

Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to help avoid false alarms:

• Make sure all doors and windows with sensors are completely secured before turning your alarm system on. A door that isn't properly closed can pop open after the system has been activated, causing a false alarm.
• Be sure that everyone who will use your alarm system knows how to operate it properly and what to do if the system is set off accidentally.
• Make sure all Contact Information, System User Codes, and Personal Identification Codes re maintained and kept current.
• Review system instructions periodically.
• Test your alarm system periodically to ensure against equipment malfunction. Smoke detectors, motion detectors and some other devices should be well maintained and checked on an annual basis by Doyle Security.

If you have any further questions or would like more information on preventing false alarms, just contact Doyle.

For businesses, security programs are often unsuccessful when employees are not educated about the program. Doyle can help you keep your employees informed through the use of informational newsletters and/or presentations (available through Doyle Security). Another easy way to educate your employees is by including security tips with each paycheck. If you would like more information on reducing false alarms or informational programs for your employees, please contact us.