TIPS FOR
ALL ALARM USERS
Nationally the police respond to millions of calls to alarm systems where no crime or attempted crime has
been committed. Numerous studies have shown that over 75% of these calls
are due to user error. The purpose of this document is to help alarm owners identify the mostcommon mistakes that are made and how to correct them. Please review these helpful hints and
should you need additional information or training contact your alarm company.
The most common errors occur when the alarm is being turned on.
- Check the alarm keypad and verify that the system is ready to turn on.
- If the alarm is not ready to turn on check all doors and windows until the alarm is ready to turn
on.
- Make certain that everyone who is leaving is ready to exit.
- Enter the code to turn the alarm on and have all people exit.
- Close the exit door and lock it.
- Wait by the door to make certain that the siren or bell does not go off.
- If for any reason you must re-enter the premises, open the door and immediately turn the alarm
off.
- When you are again ready to exit repeat the above steps.
- MOST IMPORTANT, if the alarm goes off never leave until you’ve spoken to the alarm
company. If they don’t call you then you must call them, so have your password or pass code ready and have the
phone number for the alarm company close by. (program this number in all cellular phones)
The second most common error occurs when turning the alarm off.
- Approach the door and unlock it.
- Open the door and enter.
- Immediately go to the alarm keypad and enter your code.
- Wait by the keypad until you get confirmation that the alarm is off.
Alarm systems are not maintenance free and must be
serviced periodically.
- Your alarm runs on a system battery. This battery should be replaced every two to three
years, maybe even sooner if frequent power outages have occurred. An outdated or weak battery can cause the
alarm to malfunction during power fluctuations or bad weather.
- Doors and windows can warp or become misaligned. This could cause the alarm system to be
over sensitive and should be addressed by either fixing the door or window, or adjusting the
protection.
- Many dispatches occur because emergency contact lists with the alarm company are not kept current. Even more
important, contact lists should include cellular phone numbers. Request that your alarm company call the house number and then cellular prior to dispatching the police on burglary alarms.
- It is your responsibility to make certain that anyone with access to your home knows how
to use the alarm system. Review this list with them and make certain they know how to cancel a false
alarm.
- If you decide to use the Internet for your phone service make certain to let your alarm
company know. Your alarm may not transmit over the cable system unless adjustments are
made!
Be a good citizen. Your alarm is
only as effective as you make it, and your educated use makes it an effective crime
fighting tool. For more tips on using your alarm call your Cherokee Integration Group, LLC at (678) 261-6560 and visit: www.cherokeeintegration.com
TIPS FOR
NON-RESIDENTIAL ALARM SYSTEMS
Non-residential alarm systems have a much higher rate of false
alarms than residential alarms. This is typically the result of multiple alarm users, many of them casual users who may not be tasked to turn the alarm on or off
for months at a time. In non residential applications you must also deal with employee terminations, transfers, promotions and other reasons for turnover. Even in the case of chain locations
where the alarms are supposed to be similar, newer systems with slightly different arming procedures can result in false alarms.
The tips on
the reverse side of this document for turning the alarm on and off apply equally to residential and non residential alarm systems. Review these procedures to familiarize yourself and your employees with the proper procedure for using your alarm system.
In addition to turning the alarm on and off
there are other factors that play into non residential alarm systems.
- A common issue with these systems is after- hours access to a telephone with an outside
line. Many businesses turn their telephone system off after regular working hours or forward it to an answering
service. If an employee makes a mistake and the alarm company calls they are unable to reach anyone as the employee is unable to answer the phone due to either
the call going to a message center, or no access to a phone with an outside line after hours. If there is a direct number that rings after hours, make
certain that your alarm company has that number.
- If the alarm is accidentally set off instruct your employees to never leave the premises
until they have spoken to the alarm company and make certain they have the phone number for the monitoring
center and the pass word required to cancel an accidental alarm.
- A huge problem revolves around emergency call lists. Most non residential systems should
review their emergency call lists monthly. In cases of church's or other such occupancies no key should be given to any individual that does not know how to use the alarm system.
- Training of those with access should be an ongoing process. Work with your alarm company
to develop a program that can be reviewed by employees frequently.
- Employees should be educated in how to use the robbery alarm. The robbery alarm should
only be used for a robbery. Do not activate the robbery alarm for events such as customer disputes. In these
cases someone should dial 9-1-1.
Responsible use of your alarm system
insures that police will continue to respond. In some areas of the country the police require that a 3rd party verify an actual crime has been committed prior
to dispatching an officer. This places you and your employees at risk if they are responding. When there is an alarm, and the police are dispatched
someone with access should meet them at the premises and allow the police access. On commercial properties it is not unusual for burglars to enter through
the roof or walls of a neighboring business.
For additional information on how to prevent false dispatches contact
Cherokee Integration Group, LLC and visit www.cherokeeintegration.com