How to Prevent False Dispatches in Alarm Systems
False dispatches: A major headache for alarm companies, a nuisance for police officers, and a costly mistake for you. Here’s an in-depth look at what happens during a false dispatch and, more importantly, how you can avoid it.
1. What is a False Dispatch?
A false dispatch occurs when your alarm system triggers an emergency alert to responders—such as the police or fire department—despite there being no actual emergency. False dispatches are often caused by user error, system malfunctions, or preventable factors like pets or unsecured doors. When emergency responders arrive and find no emergency, they waste valuable time and resources, and the public services face unnecessary strain.
2. How Does a False Dispatch Happen?
Imagine this: You’ve installed a brand-new monitored alarm system. You’ve set your passcodes, and everything seems to be in place. But one day, you accidentally punch in the wrong code. The audible alarm immediately confirms your mistake. You try again, but within moments, your alarm monitoring company has already been notified. They assume an intruder has entered your home. If you don’t pick up the verification call in time, the police will be dispatched to your location.
Now, when the police arrive, you’ll have to explain that the alarm was triggered by a simple mistake. False dispatches caused by user errors are among the most common reasons alarms go off. However, other factors can also contribute, including:
- Unlocked or ajar doors and windows
- Visitors or people unfamiliar with the system, such as housekeepers, repairmen, children, etc.
- Pets triggering motion detectors
3. The Impact of False Dispatches
Every false dispatch represents a waste of time, money, and resources. When the police, fire department, or other emergency responders are sent to a location where no emergency exists, it delays their ability to respond to actual crises. In some cases, the cost of responding to false alarms may be passed on to homeowners, resulting in fines or higher monitoring fees.
Repeated false dispatches can also harm the relationship between you, your alarm provider, and local authorities. This could lead to penalties or strained cooperation in future emergencies. To avoid these problems, it’s crucial to take steps to reduce the occurrence of false dispatches.
4. Steps to Prevent False Dispatches: A Practical Approach
To prevent false dispatches, you need to ensure your alarm system is properly configured, regularly maintained, and that everyone in your home or office knows how to use it effectively. Here are key strategies to help minimize the risk of false dispatches:
(1) Educate All Household Members on Alarm System Usage
Ensure that everyone in your household, including family members and roommates, knows how to properly use the alarm system. This includes understanding how to arm and disarm the system, how to respond to an alarm, and how to enter passcodes correctly.
- Action step: Hold a family meeting to walk through how the system works. Practice arming and disarming the system together to make sure everyone is familiar with it. This reduces the chances of accidental alarms due to user error.
(2) Issue Temporary Passcodes to Service Personnel
When you have repairmen, house cleaners, or other service workers entering your home, provide them with temporary passcodes to disarm the system. This prevents the monitoring company from receiving false alarm notifications when someone enters your premises.
- Action step: Set up time-sensitive passcodes for anyone who needs access to your home while you’re not there. Ensure these codes expire once the work is completed.
(3) Ensure All Doors and Windows Are Secure
Before arming your system, double-check that all doors and windows are properly closed and locked. Open or loosely secured doors can trigger motion detectors or window sensors, causing false alarms.
- Action step: Perform a quick inspection of all entry points, including doors, windows, and even garage doors, to ensure everything is locked and secure before arming the system.
(4) Schedule Regular Maintenance for Your Alarm System
Alarm systems need regular maintenance to ensure they continue to work as intended. Faulty sensors or connections can trigger false alarms. Regular checks will help you identify and fix issues before they become a problem.
- Action step: Schedule annual or semi-annual system maintenance with your alarm provider. During these checks, replace batteries, clean sensors, and test all components to ensure they are functioning properly.
(5) Use Video or Audio Verification for Enhanced Accuracy
Many modern alarm systems come with video or audio verification. This allows the monitoring company to visually or audibly confirm whether there is a real emergency, reducing the chances of false dispatches.
- Action step: If your alarm system supports it, enable video surveillance and/or audio monitoring features. This will provide the monitoring company with more information, allowing them to verify alarms quickly and accurately.
(6) Keep Motion Detectors Clear of Obstructions
Ensure that motion detectors are free from obstructions like curtains, furniture, or hanging objects. Pets can also set off motion sensors by moving in front of them, so it’s important to be mindful of this.
- Action step: Regularly check that motion detectors have a clear line of sight and are not blocked by furniture or objects. If you have pets, consider installing pet-friendly motion detectors that can differentiate between human and animal movement.
(7) Respond Promptly to Monitoring Center Calls
If an alarm is accidentally triggered, the monitoring center will call you to verify the situation. Answering the phone and providing your passcode will usually prevent emergency responders from being dispatched. If you’re unavailable or unable to answer, the monitoring company will send the police.
- Action step: Always keep your phone close and accessible, especially when your system is armed. If you’re away from home, inform other household members so they can answer the call and resolve the situation quickly.
(8) Train New Users Properly
If new people, like a nanny, housekeeper, or tenant, will be using the alarm system, make sure they are properly trained on how to operate it. Explain how to disarm the system and provide them with clear instructions on what to do in case of an alarm.
- Action step: Give a brief orientation to any new users, and make sure they understand how to use the system and how to avoid accidental alarms.
(9) Check for Malfunctions and Faulty Equipment
Malfunctions in the alarm system can trigger false dispatches. Regularly check your equipment to ensure it’s functioning properly. Pay attention to issues such as faulty wiring, low battery levels, or sensors that aren’t responding as expected.
- Action step: Contact your alarm company immediately if you notice any issues, such as frequent false alarms, unresponsive sensors, or unusual system behavior.
5. Final Thoughts: Preventing False Dispatches
False dispatches are more than just a nuisance; they can be costly and disruptive for both homeowners and emergency responders. By following these steps and ensuring your system is well-maintained, you can reduce the risk of false alarms and ensure that your security system works efficiently when you need it most. Remember, you’re responsible for your alarm system. By taking simple precautions, you can eliminate false dispatches and help keep emergency services available for real emergencies.