Intrusion Alarm Systems by A to Z Security and Sound, Inc.
Total Connect Security Systems
A to Z Security and Sound, Inc. is an authorized First Alert (Honeywell) intrusion alarm systems dealer. Please check out the video below to learn more about our Total Connect solution through Honeywell. Just one of many integration we can provide for your home or business!
False Alarm Prevention
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Over the years, more and more homeowners and businesses have installed alarm systems. Although they are highly effective, the downside is an overabundance of false alarms, placing an undue burden on local police departments.
Over 80% of false alarms are the result of human error, and 50% of those errors occur when the alarm is being turned on and off. So here are some tips from the Florida Police Chiefs Association and the Alarm Association of Florida to help you reduce the possibility of false alarms in your home or business.
> Carefully review your alarm monitoring
company's procedures for cancelling accidental
alarms. Insist that written instructions are
provided to you. Do NOT call 911 if you
accidentally set off your alarm.
> Educate every person authorized to enter your
home or business on how the system works.
> Make sure people authorized to use your
system always have the appropriate passcode.
> Keep doors and windows locked when the
system is armed.
> Use deadbolt locks.
> Follow your alarm company’s instructions on
testing your system. Don’t test it by setting it off
prior to notifying your alarm company.
> Know how to clear a wrong code if you make
a mistake on the keypad.
> Doors and windows must be tight fitting, and
contacts should be free of paint and varnish.
> Choose a system that is tolerant of pets. If pets
run free in the house, you should ask your alarm
company for a motion detector that accommodates
pets. Also some dog barks can activate older glass
break detectors.
How your alarm company can help!
> Ask if the company is a member of the Alarm
Association of Florida and has proper licenses.
> Before selecting a system, ask the company about
equipment with proven low false alarm rates.
> Obtain a written instruction manual.
> Insist on getting thorough training on operating
the system.
> Make sure the main control panel battery is
replaced periodically by your alarm company,
typically every three to five years.
> Contact your alarm company immediately if you
are having any problem with the alarm system,
including any unexplained signal.
> The company must use multiple call verification
by making at least two calls to verify every alarm
signal, except fire, duress or hold-up alarms, before
calling the police.
> If the alarm is false, the company must
immediately attempt to cancel the police dispatch.
> Ensure that the company has someone on
call 24/7 for service or to answer questions.
> Make sure the company has written
instructions about the person or persons it is
supposed to call before requesting police
dispatch.
How local government is responding to the false alarm problem.
Many Florida municipalities have chosen toenact and enforce local alarm ordinances based on the Florida Police Chiefs Association’s model ordinance, some of which include alarm registration and permits with nominal fees for every alarm user. Some are issuing fines for false alarms. Others are providing mandatory
false alarm classes to better inform homeowners and businesses about correct operation
of equipment. Some police departments have even suspended responses to alarms for
chronic abusers.
But the real message in this brochure is that if alarm users and alarm companies do their best to operate and maintain their systems properly, the number of false alarms will decrease
dramatically.
