The cost of false alarms: how to reduce false alarms and save money

What causes a false alarm?

False alarms can be caused by a variety of non-threatening factors, such as user error, equipment malfunctions, environmental factors, or changes in temperature. They can trigger a response from emergency services, such as the police or fire department, which can result in fines and other expenses for the homeowner or business owner. In addition, false alarms can lead to a lack of confidence in the security system and a decrease in the effectiveness of the system overall.
It’s important to take steps to minimize the occurrence of false alarms in order to avoid these costs and maintain the reliability and effectiveness of the security system. In the following sections, we’ll explore some tips and strategies for reducing false alarms and the associated costs.

Why are false alarms expensive?

Though users may not initially realise it, false alarms can be both costly and detrimental to security system users. They can end us paying in the form of:

Response fees. Many jurisdictions charge a fee for the authorities to respond to home alarms. These fees can add up quickly, especially if you have multiple false alarms in a year.
Wasted time. False alarms can also waste the time of homeowners and businesses, as they often require someone to be present to cancel the alarm and ensure that everything is safe. This can be especially inconvenient if the false alarm occurs outside of work hours, at night, or while the owner is out of town.
Damaged reputation. False alarms can also damage the reputation of a business. If authorities or security personnel are called to a business multiple times for false alarms, it can create a negative perception of the business and damage customer trust.
Decreased effectiveness. False alarms can also decrease the effectiveness of a security system. If a security system triggers false alarms frequently, users may become less likely to take them seriously, which can put the safety of the premises at risk.

How to reduce false alarms

There are several steps that can be taken to reduce the number of false alarms from security systems:

Properly install and maintain the system. False alarms are often caused by improper installation or maintenance of security systems. To reduce false alarms, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing and maintaining the system, and have it serviced regularly.

Don’t use motion detection technology. Motion detection technology is notorious for causing false alarms based on the limited range and capabilities of this outdated security method. Replace it instead with advanced AI-based object detection, which relies on security cameras rather than infrared sensors, and informs you of specific objects moving across your perimeter.

Train users on how to use the system. False alarms are often caused by user error. To reduce false alarms, make sure to properly train users on how to use the security system, including how to arm and disarm it and how to cancel an alarm if necessary.

Install cameras and sensors in the proper location. False alarms can also be caused by installing alarms in the wrong location. To reduce false alarms, make sure to install alarms in the proper location, such as away from vents, windows, and other sources of drafts.

Use a security monitoring service. A security monitoring service can help reduce false alarms by verifying the status of an alarm before dispatching authorities or security personnel. Consider using a security monitoring service to reduce false alarms.

By following these simple steps, you can significantly reduce the number of false alarms from your security system and ensure that your home or business is protected!

Summary for website preview: This article explores the costs associated with false alarms and the steps that can be taken to reduce the occurrence of false alarms.