“Why get an alarm when nobody pays attention to it going off?”
There is a reason people tend to agree with this statement. If your alarm is prone to activating without due cause, this could get annoying for your neighbours and in turn lead them to believe all activations are false, even in the event of a real intrusion.
This is even more important if you have a monitored system as false alarms could lead to the monitoring being withdrawn for wasting police time.
Occasionally, system faults occur which are unavoidable, but the majority of false activations are due to user error. Take a look at our tips below to help reduce the number of false activations on your alarm, particularly around the festive period.
System not fit for purpose
If your alarm system was not fit by someone with knowledge of security systems, it may be likely that some design mistakes may have been made, leading to incorrect devices being placed in rooms which require pet friendly detectors for example, or dual tech sensors for warm spaces such as conservatories. (Read more about this in our summer blog)
Incorrect operation
Make sure anyone who has access to the house knows how to use the alarm. It is also wise to inform friends and family of what to do if they do accidentally set off your alarm.
Poor maintenance
Having your alarm regularly serviced is one of the best ways to prevent false alarms. This can avoid battery failures which could lead to the alarm activating during a power cut. Regular servicing will also allow the engineer to notice any small issues before they develop into a fault.
Windows or Doors left insecure
Leaving windows or doors open, especially during winter, can lead to false activations as wind or rain can cause movement inside the house. Keeping the house secure also prevents any wildlife from making its way inside and being construed as an intruder.
Décor
At Christmas time many people decorate their homes, but it is a good idea to think about where you are positioning them. Central heating can move lighter decorations which may be hung near to radiators, causing them to be detected by your alarm. Decorations and cards which could fall are also likely to cause an activation. It is important that you do not hang decorations in the direct line of your alarm sensors.