False alarms can happen from time to time and can be a headache for users, monitoring stations and police alike. Knowing what causes them and how to prevent them therefore becomes important.
Needless to say, intrusion detection systems play a huge part in residential and commercial security. However,
false alarms can happen from time to time and can be a headache for users, monitoring stations and police alike. Knowing what causes them and how to prevent them therefore becomes important.
Intrusion detection systems are often referred to as the father of security industry. While they may not attract the same kind of attention as AI or video analytics, their role in security is indispensable. For security, countries like the U.S. and
Italy have end users, whether residents or commercial operators, who rely heavily on intrusion detection systems, which are consisted of infrared- or microwave-enabled sensors that are connected to control panels. When burglaries occur, the alarms will sound and send a signal to a contracted monitoring station, which then dispatches staff or calls the police to deal with the situation.
However, a frequent headache for intrusion alarm users is false alarms that happen from time to time and can be caused by something as small as an insect or a leave. This can waste a tremendous amount of taxpayers’ money as well as the works of the police, who send officers to the end user organization only to find out that the alarm turns out to be false. In fact, a lot of monitoring stations as well as city governments now charge a fine for false alarms. In certain countries like Spain,
video verification has become mandatory.
For end users whose alarms are not video verified, knowing common causes of false alarms as well as how to fix them has become quite important. Some of the causes and their solutions are as follows.
User error
User errors can range from entering wrong passwords too many times to wrongly disarm or disengage the alarm. “False alarms due to user error can be greatly reduced when businesses make alarm system training a part of every employee’s onboarding process and continuing education. Make sure that employees who are frequently in the office late, coming in early, or otherwise allowed in the building at ‘odd’ times understand how to disarm the alarm system,” said a recent
blogpost by Eyewitness Surveillance.
Unsecured doors and windows
It should be noted that leaving windows or doors unsecured before arming the alarm system can trigger a false alarm. Or, unsecured windows that are blown by the wind can trigger an alarm due to the sensitive nature of the sensor. “Make sure all windows are closed and all doors properly shut before the alarm system is armed for the night. It’s worth calling in a repairman if you’re having a door or window that’s failing to latch securely,” the post said.
Animals
The user’s pets or other animals passing by can trigger an alarm from a motion detection sensor. Animal filters are recommended. “If your rat or pest problem is so bad that your security system is alarming to them — rather than human pests — then it’s time to consider professional exterminator or animal control solutions. You should also spray insect repellent around your outdoor sensor locations twice a year,” the post said.
Poorly installed and maintained equipment
According to the post, badly installed and barely maintained security equipment, including low batteries, can leave the user vulnerable to loss from false alarm fees. “If you’re tired of maintaining and monitoring your security system 24/7, consider partnering with a professional security company to take over the installation and upkeep of your security system. However, schedule a spot-check of your systems every three months or so to make sure your equipment’s hardware and software are all effective,” it said.