There are several typical reasons for false alarms:

• “Closed is not latched”: It is very important that any opening, window or door, that is in the closed position when the system is armed not only be closed, but securely latched when the alarm is set. Movement of doors and windows by, for example pets or wind, can trigger the alarm if the contact is broken. Zones can be bypassed at the time the system is armed so that they can remain open. Keep in mind however, that bypassed zones are not secure.
• Guests, housekeepers, children, infrequent users: Make sure that EVERYONE using your system is not only informed about the sequence to enter into the keypad to disarm it (disarm code), but that s/he also knows your password. Be sure that all users understand that if they are unable to disarm the system, a central station operator will call. If the call is not answered, the operator will dispatch police. If the call is answered, but the password cannot be provided, the operator will dispatch police. Please be sure that all users understand that the password is different than the 4 digit disarm code.
• Incorrect phone numbers: Please call our office with any changes to your phone number at the location of your alarm system, or to your contact list. If your system is activated and the central station operator cannot contact you, s/he will dispatch.
• Shared phone and fax line: If you use the same phone line for both your telephone and fax, please be sure to turn the fax off when not in use. Should your system be activated when your fax is on, the central station operator will not be able to reach you, which will result in a dispatch (assuming your residential phone is first on your contact list).
• Neglected system maintenance: Please notify our office of any system irregularities or difficulties you may be experiencing.
• Incorrect disarm code: Please make sure that all users know the disarm code. If an error is made while entering the disarm code, allow 5 seconds before entering it again. Proceeding too rapidly can “overwhelm” the system, not allowing it the time necessary to differentiate the correct code from the original incorrect code. If you are still unable to disarm the system after allowing 5 seconds, you can quickly go to another keypad to enter your disarm code, as the problem may be a particular keypad.
• Home remodeling: Please call our office with daily activity and estimated daily work hours. Placing the system on “test” status will prevent false alarms and dispatch. You must authorize this, and you will need your password in order to do so. In addition, consider temporarily adding your contractor to your call list and assigning him a password.
• Commercial clients without an accessible phone: If your store or warehouse is large enough so that the phone is either inaccessible or cannot be heard by employees, this can result in a dispatch if the alarm is activated and nobody answers the call from the central station operator.
• Commercial clients whose employees are unaware of changes in the disarm code or password. When changes are made to your code or password, please make sure that ALL potential users are informed.