While a professionally installed and monitored alarm system is a proven way to deter crime, as more and more families and businesses choose to protect their lives and property with alarm systems, the numbers of false alarms increase. A false alarm is simply the activation of an alarm system caused by human error or mechanical failure. False alarms are more than just irritating. They take police and other emergency workers away from real emergencies, risk lives, cost money, and make each alarm system less credible. What Causes False Alarms?.
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The vast majority of all false alarms are caused by human error. Ensuring that all users are properly trained on the use of an alarm system is the single most important thing anyone can do to prevent false alarms. Failure to make sure doors and windows are completely shut and locked before leaving. Faulty or improperly maintained equipment. If you suspect that your system has a problem, call your security company immediately to schedule a service call.
Balloons, ceiling fans, hanging and swaying banners or anything else that causes motion. Why Are False Alarms an Issue?. False alarms reduce the effectiveness of security systems.
If alarms are seen as unreliable indicators of threats, they may potentially be ignored. False alarms exhaust the resources of police, fire and emergency personnel and keep them from responding to actual emergencies.
False alarms increase costs for taxpayers, security service providers and users, requiring additional personnel to respond to alarms. False alarms can carry fines. In many cities and towns, the owners of systems that trigger false alarms can be fined for each occurrence. False alarms can lead to denial of service. In some cities and towns, police, fire and emergency personnel are instructed to ignore the alarms of users whose systems have set off false alarms in the past.
How can you help decrease the false alarm rate?. Test your system weekly for proper operation. Train the necessary people in the use of your home’s alarm system and schedule annual review sessions.
Replace all batteries regularly. Review your alarm system operating manual. Take time to educate everyone with access to your home on proper system operation. Make sure every system operator knows the cancellation password in case of a false alarm. Regularly check alarm contact switches/magnets on doors and windows for damage.
Check that all doors and windows are locked and cannot be inadvertently opened by a strong breeze. Improperly adjust doors and windows that can freely move more than 1/8″ while closed should be adjusted. Clean all motion detectors and ensure that they are free from bugs and spider webs.
Regularly check local alarm ordinances, if any, that govern the operation of the system and ensure that all permits, fees and other required components are in compliance to prevent any pitfalls with local authorities. At Sonitrol, we are always looking to be on the cutting edge of security technology. Sometimes, though, preventing a theft can be as easy as locking your door. Here are a few ways to prevent burglars that take only a matter of seconds.
Lock Doors and Windows We often overlook locking doors and windows, despite the fact that it’s one of the best ways to prevent burglars. Often, criminals will try doors or windows first to see if they are unlocked, and then simply walk into your home. Whenever you leave the house or go to bed at night, make sure your doors or windows are locked.
While it might be tempting to leave the house unlocked for a few moments to run an errand, take those few seconds to secure your home, no matter how long you will be gone. Install Curtains The perfect curtain can do more than just pull a room together- it can also deter thieves.
Many burglars peak into windows to see if there is anything worth breaking in for. Thicker curtains can deter thieves by keeping your rooms away from prying eyes. Put Away Toys Leaving expensive toys, like bicycles, out on the front lawn can signal to thieves that you may have something inside worth stealing. To prevent this, have your children put away their toys when they are finished playing with them.
Also consider taking other expensive items like grills inside to prevent the same issue. Don’t Hide Spare Keys Outside At some time in your life, you’ll lock yourself out of the house.
While it’s tempting to leave a key hidden in case of this situation, consider that most thieves have caught on and can easily find the key for their own use. Instead of hiding your keys somewhere outside, give them to a trusted neighbor so that you still have a back up plan while keeping your home secure. Check Your Mail An overflowing mailbox signals to a burglar that you are not home and that your house is an easy target. Picking up your mail everyday and newspaper can prevent an unwelcome surprise when you get home.
If you are leaving town, ask a neighbor to pick up your mail and newspaper everyday to make it look as if you are still coming and going. Security does not have to be complicated, and the easiest ways to prevent a burglary can be quite simple. Yet the tips we outlined above should not be the only ones to follow. Comprehensive home security also requires advanced technology, like our Sonitrol systems, to make your home truly safe from burglaries.
At Sonitrol, we would love to talk to you about the best ways to prevent burglaries and the best security system for you. Today to see what Sonitrol SC can do for you. Older homes have a certain charm that attracts many homeowners. From historic elements to sweet details, older homes offer certain advantages over newer builds. However, keep in mind that as a home ages, so do its safety features.
If you’re moving into a home that’s been around for awhile, it’s important to understand how you can secure an older home. Stay protected by following these tips to secure an older home: Update Locks As locks get older, rust can form and weaken them, making it easier for burglars break window and door locks. Putting up to date locks on all windows and doors lessens the chance of someone breaking in. Many updated locks are rust and corrosion-proof, and will last and keep you safe for many years to come. Protect the Windows Burglars often look to windows as an entry point. Like locks, windows weaken over time, and will give way to an intruder’s force more easily. Installing burglar-resistant glass for all of your windows will help ensure your safety.
Change the Smoke Detectors When moving into an old house, you may not know the last time the smoke detectors were changed. Today’s smoke detectors are much more advanced than those placed in homes twenty years ago. Newer models detect fires more quickly, alerting you sooner and giving you more time to take action. Upgrade the Garage Door In addition to locks, windows, and smoke detectors, make sure that your garage doors are up to date. Even if a home has advanced locks everywhere else, a neglected garage door will provide an easy entry point for intruders.
Replacing the remote controls and changing the codes is also important, as you never know who lived in the house before you. Add a Security System Alarm systems are one of the best forms of home protection. The presence of a home security system. But if a break-in does occur, an alarm system will alert authorities immediately. From alarm systems to security cameras and intruder detection, you can rest assured you and your family are protected with a home security system.
By following these tips, you can enjoy the charms of an older home while enjoying the safety a newer build brings. Interested in a comprehensive home security system to secure an older home?. From consultation to installation, we make it easy to secure your home. Today to learn how we can secure your home. Nobody wants to experience coming home to find that your house has been burglarized.
It’s a nightmare that leaves many people wondering “why me?” While some burglars strike impulsively without a strategy, many strategize and plan their crimes ahead of time. To help prevent a burglar from targeting your home, it’s important to understand why burglars target certain homes over others. Below are a few reasons a burglar might target your home over another, along with techniques that will make your home less attractive to potential burglars: Corner House Due to accessibility and the ability to escape without the fear of multiple neighbors watching, burglars often target corner houses. While you can’t change the fact that your house is located on the corner of your block, you can take measures to protect your corner home.
Motion-detecting lights, sturdy doors, and a security system can all help you. Obvious Signs of Valuables Obvious signs of valuables in and around your home are also more likely to attract burglars. Just seeing a nice car in the driveway alerts a burglar that there may be valuable items inside. Limit the visibility of your valuable items by closing blinds and parking your car in the garage.
No Dog Dogs can sense when something isn’t right, and a bark can alert owners to a potential intruder. Burglars know this, and tend to stay away from homes with dogs when choosing a target. Considering getting a dog? Think of keeping burglars away as an added bonus to their love and affection!
But you should only get a dog if you are prepared to undertake the responsibilities that come with having a pet. Empty House Most people assume that home break-ins occur at night, but that isn’t necessarily the case. While night-time robberies do occur, over half of take place between 6am-6pm.
Strategic burglars will watch the home they’re targeting to find out when the house is empty during the day. Catching on to the homeowners’ work or school schedules, these burglars will strike the house once everyone is gone for the day.
Unlocked Windows and Door Locking windows and doors seems like an obvious way to keep your home safe and sound, but many people tend to forget this simple step. Although a locked door doesn’t guarantee full safety, it helps deter impulsive burglars and those looking for an easy target. No Alarm System Finally, intruders are less likely to target a homes equipped with home security systems. No thief wants to attract the attention a security alarm or camera will bring. Just seeing a security system sticker on the door or in the yard will deter would-be burglars. Protect your home, your family, and your valuables with comprehensive security systems from. No matter your security needs, we can help.
Contact us today for a. According to the FBI, approximately to motor vehicle theft in the U.S. From stolen valuables to stolen vehicles, burglars will use an unsuspecting car as a quick, often easy target.
Therefore, it’s important to understand how to prevent car theft and protect your property. Protecting your car from theft sometimes involves common sense, and other times involves just a touch of effort on your part. Here are four ways that you can prevent car theft: Park in Well Lit Areas Vehicles parked in a dark isolated corner of the parking lot are prime targets for car thieves.
Instead of parking in areas that attract thieves, try to park under a lamp post or near a busy entrance. And at home, consider moving your car into the garage instead of parking out on the street. Lock Your Doors and Take the Keys The easiest way to get your car or items stolen? Leaving the doors unlocked or the keys inside. Always lock your car door, and never leave your keys inside. Even if you’re only going to be gone for a minute, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Avoid Leaving Valuables in the Car Leaving valuables, like a purse or a GPS device, out in the open in your car will certainly attract theft. Avoid leaving valuables in the car to not only protect those items, but your vehicle as well. If leaving them in the car is your only option, hide them underneath the seat or put them in the trunk.
Get a Car with an Alarm A loud, obnoxious alarm makes it hard for a theft to occur unnoticed. Most newer models come with a car alarm that you should set whenever you leave your vehicle. If your car doesn’t come equipped with a car alarm, a mechanic should be able to install one for you. You may also want to consider installing a tracking device to locate your vehicle in the event of a theft. With common sense and a extra few safety measures, you can prevent car theft and keep your property safe.
But when it comes to protecting your home, let Sonitrol help. Our comprehensive security systems can prevent home invasion and give you peace of mind. Today to learn what we can do for you. Burglars target homes even in the safest neighborhoods, meaning it’s important to protect entry points to your home.
Some parts of your home leave you more vulnerable to break-ins than others. By securing the weakest parts of your home, you can better protect yourself against burglary or intrusion. Learn more about the weakest parts entry points to your home and how to secure them. Front Door Did you know that approximately 30% of burglars enter homes? To secure your front door, check the hinges and locks to make sure they are working properly. Then, replace any outdated or broken hardware. Homes with recessed doorways or other architectural elements that obscure the door are also at risk.
If this is the case for your home, make sure the area is well-lit, and consider putting up visible deterrents like a security alarm sticker or beware of dog sticker. Windows First and foremost, make sure that-unless open- your windows are locked. You should also consider the age of your windows, as windows weaken and become worn over time.
Additionally, be wary of shrubbery or other obstructions near your windows where an intruder might hide. Glass is obviously quite easy to break, but so are window latches. Replace worn or outdated hardware like latches to strengthen your windows. While first floor windows should be your priority, don’t forget to secure second floor windows, too.
Pet Doors While your dog or cat’s freedom is great, pet doors offer an easy entry point for intruders. Fortunately, technological advances have increased the security of pet doors. Some pet doors even use a key attached to your pet’s collar to remotely open the door when your pet comes in. Most pet doors also come with a latch that you should lock whenever you leave the house or go to bed. If you have an older pet door with no security measures, consider replacing it. Garage Entries Your garage may not seem like an obvious place to burglarize.
That’s exactly why intruders take advantage of unlocked garage doors or unlocked cars within garages. Be sure to lock both your garage door and your car. It’s also a good idea to take any valuable possessions into the house rather than keeping them in your locked car. With attached garages, you also need to consider the possibility an intruder might enter your home there.
Secure the door from your garage into your home like you would any other entry point. You may also want to invest in a garage door sensor to detect movement in or around your garage. Specialty Doors Decorative doors, like a French or sliding door, can also act as an easy entry point for intruders. When securing specialty doors, take into account the extra security measures they may require.
Install special locks and handles to prevent potential burglars from jimmying the lock or breaking the glass. While it may sound like a lot of work, taking the time and effort to secure the weakest parts of your home is important. Not to mention, it can save you time, money, and heartbreak by preventing an intrusion or burglary. In addition to securing weak entry points to your home, installing a comprehensive security system will keep you and your family protected.
Sonitrol offers a number of security system options to help homes and small businesses of all sizes. Interested in learning more about what Sonitrol can do for you? Contact us today for a.
Did you know that approximately 30% of burglars enter homes through an? And once they’ve gained access, these thieves can burglarize your home. If you want to prevent a break-in and not become part of a statistic, it’s important to take preventative measures. Check out our tips for prevent burglars from breaking in to your home: Lock Your Doors and Windows Locking doors and windows may seem like an obvious task, but as the statistic above shows, it’s easy to forget. Everytime you leave your home, double check to make sure that your windows and doors are closed completely and locked. You may also consider getting a deadbolt lock for your door to prevent forceful entry into your home.
Invest in Motion Detecting Lights Motion detecting lights are one of the best ways to prevent a nighttime break-in. The better-lit your home is, the less likely a burglar will attempt to break in. Additionally, motion detecting lights can act as a built in light when you return home late at night.
You can get motion detecting lights either hardwired or screwed into the outside of your house. Get a Dog Burglars are also a house with a dog. Dogs are highly unpredictable and can be very loud, drawing unwanted attention to a burglar’s presence.
But if you aren’t prepared to love and care for your new furry friend, getting a dog is not the right option for you. Talk to Your Neighbors Your neighbors are perhaps one of the best resources when it comes to preventing a burglary. Talking to your neighbors can give you a better understanding of what’s going on around your home. They may have information about what’s going in the neighborhood, such as suspicious persons or cars lingering around your home. And if you leave for vacation, ask your neighbors to help make your home looked ‘lived in’ while you’re gone.
By picking up mail and taking in the garbage for you, your neighbors can deter would be intruders. Install a Security System Home security systems and alarms are a powerful deterrent to potential burglars. From burglary monitoring to video surveillance, there are a number of home security options to fit your needs. Installing a home security system is an easy way to prevent a break-in, and well worth the investment. Sonitrol home security systems come with stickers and yard signs that let burglars know your home is well protected.
About how Sonitrol’s can help prevent a break-in and protect your home. Owning a business comes with many responsibilities, including making sure that every aspect of your business is protected. The benefits of video surveillance will take your catapult your organization’s security to a new level. It’s a smart investment that will keep your building, employees and customers protected.
Learn more about the benefits of video surveillance for your business. Reduces the Chance of Theft Perhaps the greatest benefit, surveillance cameras help reduce the chance of both external and internal theft. From shoplifting to armed robbery, many businesses are at risk of theft.
However, burglars are businesses with surveillance equipment. Video cameras also provide eyes and ears to protect your business and help authorities in the event of an incident. If a burglary occurs, the system provides clear video footage to help law enforcement, showing facial features and other important details. In addition to burglary, 64% of businesses fall victim to employee theft. Video surveillance also helps reduce the chances of employee theft. Employees are much less likely to take advantage of their position or access if they know they’re being monitored. Improves Safety Protecting employees and customers in the workplace is just as important as protecting the business itself.
The presence of security cameras can help your employees feel and stay safe. Whether employees worry about break-ins, property vandalism, or internal issues, video surveillance lets them- and customers- know they are protected.
Improves Customer Experience In addition to protecting your employees, video surveillance benefits your customers. Customers will have an overall better experience with your business if they feel safe in your establishment. Owners can even use footage to study customers’ shopping habits or patterns, making alterations to ensure a better shopping experience. Resolves Conflicts Video surveillance can also provide proof of what actually happened in the event of internal conflict. The information provided by camera footage can help easily resolve employee disputes. Management can clearly assess the situation and help employees come to an agreement. Offers Peace of Mind Finally, video surveillance offers peace of mind to business owners and managers.
With an extra set of eyes watching your organization, you can focus on other important aspects of your business. With continuous, automated recording and clear images, you can rest easy knowing your organization is secure and protected. Video surveillance cameras do much more than catch criminals. Designed to secure, protect, and monitor, video cameras benefit businesses both large and small. At Sonitrol, we offer options with a number of advantages. Today and learn how we can help protect your business. The are well-documented and include police protection, video surveillance, and peace of mind.
However, while an alarm can be lifesaving in the event of a break-in, a false alarm is a disaster. It’s important to understand how to properly use your security system and prevent a false alarm from occurring. Otherwise, you could incur hundreds of dollars of fees and waste the valuable time of law enforcement officers. Here are five simple strategies for preventing a false alarm: Know the code Although this may seem obvious, a surprising number of false alarms are due to the homeowner forgetting the code or failing to inform someone of a code change. When you first install your security system, make a list of everyone who knows the code and update it as needed. This could include family members, babysitters, or a friend who is watching your home for the weekend.
Choose a code that is easy to remember, but not easy to guess. Avoid choosing something like the house number. Keep an eye on pets Motion-detecting systems in your home or yard are great for security, but pets and animals can set off false alarms. If you use a motion-detection alarm system, you’ll need to keep pets in a secured area where they won’t trigger the alarm. Talk to your security provider for information about pet-friendly product options. Replace the batteries Although many home security systems are outfitted with batteries that can last for five years, any system will need a battery replaced eventually.
Most alarm systems will let you know when the batteries are weak. Keep a record of when you have last changed the batteries to prevent any unexpected malfunctions. Report faulty equipment Although an estimated 70% of false alarms are caused by human error, a system malfunction can occur. If you suspect that the security system may be at fault for a false alarm, contact your provider.
A representative will be sent to your home to examine the system for any defects. A few general rules Although you may think that running back into your house to grab a forgotten item won’t trigger an armed alarm system, even a short duration will cause the alarm to go off.
If you need to go back into your home or office after setting the alarm, take a few moments to disable it as soon as you walk through the door. Inclement weather, such as electrical storms, hurricanes, strong winds, and tornadoes can also cause a false alarm, although this is rare. As a precaution, take the weather into consideration when using your security system.
The key to successfully using your alarm system is to set and disable it as often as possible. When this becomes routine, you reduce your risk of triggering a false alarm.
Always ensure that your security equipment is working properly. For information about the benefits of a security system in your home or office, give our expert team at a call at (888) 747-0904. Smart security systems connect with an app on your smartphone and allow you to monitor your home or business remotely. These high tech systems use a combination of cameras, motion detectors and alarms to keep your property safe. The system can lock or unlock your door from any location, alert you to someone entering your property, and check for carbon monoxide in the air. Installing a smart security system into your home or business is easy, cost-effective, and convenient. Sonitrol offers six systems for commercial and residential properties that provide comprehensive protection and peace of mind.
Theft Prevention Systems Firstly, you can protect your home from theft with Sonitrol’s. Motion detectors will sound an alarm if someone is lurking outside your home or if there is a break-in while the system is armed. Alarms will also frighten off a burglar and alert the authorities. Our team is available around the clock to monitor the alarm system and notify the police of a forced entry. For commercial properties, install the, which provides the same security and benefits for your business. Fire and Smoke Detection A fire can be devastating to your business by rapidly destroying property and endangering the lives of employees. Sonitrol’s monitors your facility 24 hours a day for heat and smoke.
Early detection gives employees more time to escape the building and limits damage to your property. This system also monitors the water flow from sprinkler systems, triggers an elevator recall, and is aware of sensitive temperatures in freezer rooms. Total Connect System To protect either your home or business, install the alarm monitoring system. Total Connect allows you to access your smart system’s video and camera feed from anywhere in world, at any time, providing real-time alerts to your synced smartphone or mobile device. You can check on your pet while at work, or monitor your home while you and your family are away on vacation. You can also control the thermostats, lights, and locks, as well as remotely arm or disarm the system.
Video Surveillance Cameras Additionally, Sonitrol offers for your home or business that seamlessly connects with our other systems. Video cameras provide the highest level of security by allowing you to monitor your property remotely. Cameras and alarms are powerful deterrents to both crimes and false claims. Our operators provide 24/7 alarm verification to dispatch authorities to your property if needed. Wireless Security Systems In the past, security systems were installed by drilling holes into the walls and required a mess of wires. Fortunately, technological advances have rendered these old systems obsolete. Sonitrol’s has a sleeker design, causes less damage, and provides unmatched security.
Plus, it’s easy to install, with no wires or drilling. These smart security systems can be linked to your mobile device and are ideal for renters since they can be moved from apartment to apartment with no damage to the walls. If you are asleep or away from home when a thief breaks into your home or a fire is sparked, a smart system will act immediately to save your possessions and even your life.
Access Control Panels Finally, Sonitrol’s are a cost-effective option for introducing keyless entry into your workplace. Our systems can allow for free entry during business hours and restricted entry during after hours. This limits who has access to your property and controls the flow of traffic in and out of the building. The access control panels can also detect fire and smoke, providing total protection for your commercial property. Sonitrol Security Systems have the highest apprehension rate and the lowest false alarm rate in the industry.
Our highly-trained professional monitoring team can determine whether a break-in is in progress or a false alarm has occurred. By dispatching police only in appropriate situations, our team drastically reduces the number of false alarms. Give us a call at (888) 747-0904 or to install the smart security system that provides the best protection for your property.
The difference between a home invasion and a burglary is simple: a burglary occurs when an intruder breaks in while you are not home, while a home invasion occurs while you are at home. While both are dangerous, home invasions often pose a greater threat to your safety and the safety of your family. Below are steps you can take to protect yourself and your family during a home invasion. Take Preventative Measures First and foremost, you should take preventative measures to protect your home and family. Trim trees and bushes around your home to prevent potential burglars from hiding in them. Make sure that all doors and windows are secure and locked.
You should also stay alert to suspicious people or cars near your home. Call 911 Unfortunately, even the best plans and preventative measures can fall short. If you are home and someone breaks into your house, calling the police is absolutely the first thing you should do. Answer their questions thoroughly and take their advice. Try to stay on the line until the police arrive.
Flee or Hide Attempting to leave the house is the next thing you should do after you call the police. If this is difficult and cannot be done safely, find a place to hide. If you are in your bedroom, lock the door and keep still, or find another place to hide, such as a closet, until help arrives. Then Fight The last thing you want to do is confront the invader.
You have no idea who this person is and what this person may be carrying as a weapon. Sometimes, though, you must fight back to protect yourself or to protect your family. If you have to fight, go for vulnerable areas such as the knee or the face. Do anything that you need to do to keep yourself safe. When the invader is incapacitated, leave the area immediately. Even though a home invasion is stressful, the biggest thing to do is to stay calm. Acting irrationally can lead to a situation where someone gets hurt, including your loved ones.
Go over these steps with your family to make sure that everyone knows what to do if a home invasion arises, including escape routes and emergency plans. One of the best ways to protect your home from invasion? Install a home security system. Security systems and security decals will help from targeting a home. At Sonitrol, we offer comprehensive home security solutions that can give you and your family peace of mind. You can also for more tips and advice on protecting your home and family in many situations, not just a home invasion. Reach us or at (888) 747-0904 to see what Sonitrol can do for you.