False alarms are one of the most serious , most costly, and most frustrating problems facing the alarm community today. The Security Industry, and the Consumer, must be cognizant of the problems that false alarms cause and the burdens they place on the resources of the Emergency Responding Services .

All of us must work together and make every effort to help alleviate the stigma that frequent, false alarms bring to the alarm community … or, we will face ever-increasing "false alarm charges" from the effected Municipalities and risk losing our credibility entirely.

As concerned security specialists, we would like to offer a special section of " false alarm prevention tips " for Customers and to suggest ways in which the occurrence of false alarms may be lessened.

Make sure that everyone , who is going to use the alarm system, understands how to arm and disarm it - relatives, friends, Key Holders, maintenance personnel, employees, etc.

Teach all users how to reset , or silence, the alarm system after a fire alarm, or other activation.

Be certain that all users know the appropriate and most current identifying abort codes or passwords.

Make all users aware of whom to call in the event the alarm system is tripped by mistake .If a fireplace is in use, make sure that any motion detection device in the area is " bypassed " before engaging the alarm system.

 Do not allow children to " play with " the Key Pad, Portable Panic device, or any other portion of the alarm system .Please advise all users to answer the phone , and be ready with the appropriate abort code or password, if the Alarm monitoring center calls the property.

 Have the entire alarm system professionally " Tested and Inspected " annually.

If the alarm system is tripped by mistake , be sure to advise the Alarm monitoring centre, immediately ! If the Alarm monitoring center is advised quickly enough, it may avert them from dispatching a response unnecessarily.

Check the building to determine if all doors and windows are securely locked before engaging the alarm system.