Many ordinances define a false alarm as: "the activation of an alarm system or a fire alarm through mechanical failure, malfunction, improper installation, inclement weather or the negligence of the subscriber, owner or lessee of said system or his employees, agent or representatives. Specifically expected are acts of God, such as false alarms caused by hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and the like."

Three main causes of false alarms are: 1) user error 2) installation/service errors 3) equipment failure.

1. More than 80% of all false alarms are caused by user error
2. There are easy steps you can take to prevent false alarms
3. False alarms present a serious threat to the effectiveness of your local police, fire and EMS departments
4. False alarms are costly and dangerous because they divert police officers from proactive crime preventation efforts and can divert response to true emergency calls

1. Unlock or loose doors/windows
2. Children, Neighbors, and Visitors
3. Cleaning Crews/Repairmen/Pet Sitters
4. Pets or other wildlife
5. User Error
6. Equipment Malfunction

1. Are you and others who use the system fully educated on its proper operations? This may include domestic/cleaning crews, children, neighbors, caretakes, employees and temporary staff.
2. Security close and lock all protected doors and windows.
3. If you are leaving your home or business, make sure the door you leave by is tightly closed.
4. Keep large pets, balloons, fans, heaters, etc., away from motion sensor areas.
5. Know and rehearse the process to cancel an accidental alarm. Anyone with your key should know this process.
6. Know how much time you have after you arm your system to leave and to disarm your system when you enter.

1. Don't panic. Carefully enter your disarm code to reset the system.
2. Wait for the central monitoring station to call. Provide your password. You may also call us at 1-800-662-2512 to report the false alarm.
3. Do not leave your home or business until you have talked with your monitoring station! If they do not call you, have the number posted by your control panel and contact them to cancel the police dispatch.
4. DO NOT call 911 to cancel alarm activations-you must call the monitoring station.
5. Link has arranged to have the alarm monitoring station call you or another designated person first before the police are called whenever your burglar alarm is activated.

Avoid objects that trigger your alarm:

1. Unlocked, loose fitting, or open doors or windows. Always keep doors and windows locked when the alarm is in an "ON" mode to reduce the chance that friends, neighbors or customers enter and cause the alarm to activate.
2. Unsupervised pets - If you have pets, take special care to purchase ana alarm system that is tolerant of pets. You may not want to purchase motion detectors if your large pets have free run of the house when the alarm is on. Also, barking dogs can sometimes activate glass break detectors.
3. Balloons that move can cause motion sensors to go off.
4. DO NOT call 911 to cancel alarm activations-you must call your alarm company.
5. Drafts that move plants and curtains.

Watch for these pitfalls that may activate your alarm:

1. Swinging doors or windows
2. Banners or sign
3. Mylar balloons
4. Plants or curtains caught in drafts
5. Stacked items which may fall, setting off motion detectors
6. Unsupervised guests
7. Untrained, unaware or uncaring employees
8. Alarm equipment, such as motion sensors or overhead door magnets, being hit by forklifts

Enhance your alarm system's potential:

1. Train responders with keys on complete system operation and provide them with the password.
2. Ensure that anyone authorized to use your alarm system is properly trained in its usage.
3. Use dead bolt locks.

1. Divert emergency resources away from true emergencies.
2. Are a nuisance to you and your neighbors.
3. Make your security system less reliable.
4. Cost you and your community money.

1. Perform a system check monthly.
2. If you are apprehensive about using your system, call us TODAY!
3. Do your part to prevent false alarms.