More and more commercial and residential buildings are upgrading their alarm systems to enhance the safety and security of their properties. That said, there are occasions where false alarms can take away from the effectiveness of the systems.
Threats today are diverse and unpredictable. Installing a professional central station alarm monitoring system not only offers peace of mind, but plays an instrumental role of the safety and security of your property and everyone who is inside. This real-time protection is invaluable, however there are times when false alarms can occur. This can be challenging to prevent.
The security experts at Quick Response Monitoring Services want you to understand the advantages of central station alarm monitoring services, the impact of false alarms, and strategies to improve your overall emergency response.
The Importance of Central Station Alarm Monitoring
Central station monitoring services provide a 24/7 link between the alarm systems and emergency responders. When an alarm is triggered, the signal goes to a central monitoring station, where trained professionals evaluate the situation and take action needed.
This could include a number of things including contacting the property owner, dispatching security, or notifying police, fire, or medical responders. Take a look at central station alarm monitoring benefits.
Timely Responses: Every second matters in an emergency. An alarm is only effective when an immediate and proper response is activated. Central station monitoring ensures that all alarms are addressed which reduces the time for emergency responders to get to critical situations. This could involve break-ins, fires, and medical emergencies. Seconds could make the difference between life and death, and saving a property from tragic fire damage.
Dedicated Team Enhances Security: A dedicated and professional team that works 24/7 adds an invaluable layer of security. This constant watch guard monitoring not only prevents criminal activity, but ensures that any security issues are quickly identified and handled properly.
Peace of Mind: Investing in an around-the-clock security system provides both residential and commercial property owners with peace of mind. Instead of worrying about whether the property is secure and safe, you can go about your daily routine and business with confidence.
How Quick Response Enhances Monitoring with Enhanced Call Verification (ECV)
One way Quick Response enhances security is by mitigating false alarms through Enhanced Call Verification (ECV). As an ECV central station, Quick Response makes two verification calls prior to dispatching the police for burglary alarms (note: ECV is not used for fire alarms). Additionally, they send a text message to subscribers that includes an option to cancel the alarm if they are unable to answer the phone.
This process significantly reduces false alarms, providing a more reliable monitoring experience. It’s important to note that mitigating false alarms is approached differently by a central station than by a security installer, emphasizing the specialized role of central station monitoring in maintaining effective security.
The Negative Impact and Challenge of False Alarms
We’ve covered the many benefits of a central station alarm monitoring system, but we also want to discuss how false alarms can cause unexpected challenges. False alarms happen when the security system mistakenly detects an event that is not really happening. The security monitoring center has to decide whether it is a real emergency or not.
This is where trained dispatchers follow protocol no matter what system triggered the alarm. False alarms are caused by many different reasons including user error, faulty equipment or weather conditions including strong winds and power surges.
Common Types of False Alarms
- Animals: Pets, animals, birds, bugs, spiders and spider webs and other wildlife trigger security systems that detect motion if sensitivity levels are not set correctly
- Dust & Dirt: Sensors are very sensitive and dust, debris, and insect nests can activate alarms.
- Environment and Weather: Temperature changes, humidity, wind, rain, snow, ice, and other environmental factors can trigger alarms.
- Equipment Malfunctioning: Wiring problems, faulty sensors, and switches can trigger alarms
- Signal Interference: Outside interference can set off alarms and include electromagnetic fields, radio frequency, outside electrical equipment, or power lines can cause false alarms.
- Objects Blocking Detectors: Objects that are placed in front of and blocking the detectors can set off motion detectors. Helium balloons are a common culprit when it comes to motion and camera obstruction.
- User Error: Employees who accidentally do something wrong can cause false alarms.
Downfalls and Negative Consequences of False Alarms
Emergency Services Strain: If there are multiple false alarms, it can overwhelm emergency responders and take resources away from actual emergencies, causing delays.
Financial Costs: Some communities fine property owners for excessive false alarms which can quickly add up.
Complacency: If a property has continual and multiple false alarms, both property owners and first responders may become complacent, resulting in an increased risk of ignoring an actual emergency.
Strategies For Preventing False Alarms
It is always a good strategy to be proactive and institute strategies to maximize your alarm system policies to prevent false alarms. Consider the following:
User Education and Ongoing Training: User error tops the list in causing false alarms. Provide comprehending training for everyone who uses the alarm systems, including how to properly arm and disarm the system, what to do if an alarm is triggered by mistake, and how to identify and resolve common issues.
Invest in Advanced Technology: Modern alarm systems are equipped with the latest innovative technology designed to reduce false alarms from happening in the first place. Invest in features like video verification for visual confirmation, multi-factor authentication, and smart sensors designed to accurately identify humans, animals, and other non-threatening movements.
Establish Clear Policy and Procedures: Reduce false alarms by making sure everyone is familiar with and follows clear policies and procedures. This could include establishing rules for verifying alarms. Clear communication channels between the central monitoring station and the property owner are important so that false alarms are quickly identified and resolved.
Collaborate With Local Authorities: One of the best ways to keep the lines of communication open is to build a strong relationship with local emergency services. Sharing information about false alarm causes and working together to develop doable strategies can lead to better outcomes for all involved.
Enhance Your Security Systems With Quick Response
Safety is key in maintaining business as usual. Invest in central station monitoring services that you can trust to work for you 24/7. The professional and experienced team at Quick Response Monitoring Services is here to find a solution for your business or personal property. Contact us today and get the peace of mind you deserve.
