FALSE ALARM PREVENTION
HOW CAN I REDUCE FALSE ALARMS?
What is a “False Alarm?”
As it pertains to a security system, a false alarm, also called a nuisance alarm, is the deceptive or erroneous report of an emergency, causing unnecessary panic and/or bringing resources (such as emergency services) to a place where they are not needed.
There are several successful false alarm reduction techniques that have been proven to reduce the likelihood of false alarms. If you would like to get retrained on how to use your system, please call our office.
FALSE ALARM ORDINANCES
- Click Here for a copy of the Shreveport False Alarm Ordinance. A PDF copy is availible here.
- Click here for the Bossier City False Alarm Ordinance. A PDF copy is availible here.
Train All Users
Educate all alarm system users on the proper use of the alarm system. If you need to get a copy of the user manual for your system, look at our FAQs Section.
Fix any Problems
Schedule a service call if the alarm is not working properly.
Use and Understand ECV- Enhanced Call Verification
ECV is an alarm monitoring procedure requiring that a minimum of two calls be made to two different alarm user telephone numbers prior to requesting public safety dispatch. Typically, one of the phone numbers is the premise and the other is the alarm user’s cell phone. At Shreveport Security, we use ECV on all of our accounts, and in some municipalities, this is required by law.
Keep your Contact Information Up to Date
Make sure the contact numbers on file with your alarm company are always up to date. Be proactive and add your alarm company’s phone number to your cell phone contact list.
If you Give them a Key, Give them a Code
To avoid false alarms, ensure that persons with access to your location (Scheduled workers, Maintenance, Cleaners/Cleaning Crews, House or Pet Sitters & Landscapers) have the proper temporary codes and passwords for your alarm system.
Be Mindful of Decorations
Always ensure that hanging or moving decorations will not activate motion detectors, especially when heating systems come on.
Take Care when Rearranging
Before rearranging your furniture or putting up the new spring curtains or drapes, first determine whether the design change would interfere with the operation of your motion detectors.
Check Before Remodeling
Always contact your alarm company prior to starting any remodeling project. You need to work with your alarm company to make sure the remodeling process does not cause false alarms and that your system will continue to work properly after the work is completed.
Check your Batteries
Like all batteries, your backup has a useful life of about 3 to 5 years, but that life may be shortened if you have had several power outages. This also applies to batteries in any wireless device you may have. Your system battery should be checked annually, or after any storm related false alarm, by an alarm technician and replaced when needed.
Use Video Verification
If you have security cameras installed, peek into your home if you get an alarm call while away. this way you can make a more informed decision on whether police need to be dispatched to your home.