Don't Cry Wolf: Avoiding False Alarms on Your New Home Security System
by Jessica Groach-Santina
jessica.groach@homeimprovementideas.net
Home Improvement Ideas Columnist
The estimated annual cost of home security system false alarms in America is at least $600 million, and they divert about 60,000 officers each year away from real crimes.
Your home security system is meant to keep your family and belongings safe. But because of the exorbitant costs of false alarms, which comprise 95-99% of this country's alarm calls, many law enforcement agencies have taken precautions against false alarms.
What does this mean to you? Aside from many police departments lowering their response priority for burglar alarms, it could also mean stiff penalties. In January of 2004, a new false alarm ordinance was passed in Seattle that charges home security companies a yearly license fee per alarm system, as well as a $125 false alarm fee per occurrence. Those charges, in turn, will be passed along to Seattle's home security system users. Such ordinances are cropping up in cities across the country.
Preventing False Alarms
The False Alarm Reduction Association reports that more than 80% of false alarms result from preventable user errors. So use common sense. Before purchasing any alarm system, contact your local police department and Better Business Bureau, to track the home security company's false alarm rates. High rates could be a reflection of poor installation, training, or monitoring by the home security company. Make sure you understand who will monitor your system, where they're located, and what their verification and cancellation policies are on calls. Make sure the company provides thorough training to anyone with access to your property, as well as routine maintenance. Finally, you definitely want to make sure that you and the monitoring company have efficient communication systems in place.
Naturally, you should also install good locks, and keep pets, balloons, fans, heaters, or other obstructions away from motion sensors. Don't let your house be the house that cried wolf.
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About the Author
Jessica Groach, a new homeowner herself, is a freelance writer and writing instructor at the University of Nevada, Reno. Her work has appeared in various lifestyle and business publications, including a Warner Business Book, and she has seven years’ experience in advertising and television production.
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