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False Alarm Reduction
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Alarm Consumers
Most Frequent Causes of False Alarms
- User Error: more than 80% of all false alarms are caused by user error (unlocked or loose doors. kids, neighbors, relatives, visitors, repairmen, pets, etc. )
- Installation and/or Service Errors
- Equipment Failure and/or Equipment Malfunction
- Storms
- Power Outages
False Alarm Prevention Tips
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Ensure all users of the security system are fully educated on its proper operation (including cleaning crews, children, neighbors, caretakers, employees, temporary staff, etc.)
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Ensure all protected doors and windows are securely closed and locked.
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Keep pets, balloons, fans, heaters, etc. away from motion sensor areas.
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Know how much time you need to disarm the system upon entering.
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ALWAYS keep doors and windows locked when the alarm is in an "on" mode.
Keep the Following Facts in Mind When Selecting Your Alarm System
- Barking dogs can activate ‘glass break’ detectors.
- House pets that have access to roam throughout the house can activate motion detectors.
- Plants and/or curtains caught in drafts can activate motion sensors.
- Stacked items that can fall, such as boxes, may activate motion detectors.
- Mylar balloons may cause motion sensor alarms activate.
- Swinging doors and/or windows can activate motion detection alarm.
Selecting an Alarm Company
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Determine your needs before contacting an alarm company.
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A security system is not something that you should buy “off the shelf,” but should be customized to meet your needs, as well as your finances.
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An on-site evaluation by the alarm company is essential before an educated quote can be provided to you.
- Contact the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA) for a list of member companies in your area. Association members agree to maintain a high level of conduct under its National Code of Ethics and to render services at the highest level of quality.
- Ask each alarm company to conduct an inspection, make a recommendation, and provide a detailed quote in writing, indicating the length of time the quote is valid (30 days for example). You would be wise to obtain a minimum of three quotes before making a decision.
- Contact your local police department’s crime prevention department, state licensing agency, consumer protection agency, and the Better Business Bureau to find out any/all information on file for each company.
- Ask your insurance agent, friends, family or neighbors for referrals.
Sample questions to ask potential alarm businesses:
- Does the company conduct pre-employment screening or criminal background checks of employees, as required by Maryland law?
- Is the company a member of the False Alarm Reduction Association (FARA) and/or the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA) and have employees completed NBFAA’s Level One Training Course?
- Is the company an NBFAA Installation Quality (IQ) Certified company?
- Can the company provide proof that it has all applicable state and County licenses (e.g., an MSP license and a Calvert County ABL)?
- How long has the company been in the security alarm business and is it a registered or incorporated company?
- Can the company provide proof that it carries professional liability and/or errors & omissions insurance?
- Will the company provide references?
- Does the company adhere to a false alarm/dispatch reduction program?
- Will the company provide a written quotation?
- Once an agreement has been reached, will the company provide a written contract outlining applicable warranties, costs, services, and the term of the contract included in the price?
- Will the company provide the necessary user training on the system as part of the contract price?
- Is there a written warranty of equipment and labor?
- Will you own the system or lease it?
- Does the company guarantee customer satisfaction, and if you are dissatisfied will you be able to terminate the contract with no obligation, and receive a pro-rated refund?
- If you move or sell your home, can you cancel the contract or allow the new tenant or homeowner to assume it?
- If you cancel the contract, can you contract with another alarm company to take over the monitoring or servicing of the system, or will the system have to be removed and a new system installed by the new company?
- If the company's local and/or state license was not acquired, was allowed to expire, was suspended, or was revoked, would the contract become null and void, allowing you to enter into a contract with another, properly licensed, alarm company?
- If the system requires servicing, are there additional fees, and how quickly are service calls performed?
- Will the system be monitored 24 hours a day? If so, what is the cost of this monitoring service and which company will do the monitoring? Does the monitoring company also possess all applicable state and County licenses?
- Does the company offer any discounts for pre-paid monitoring?
- If the company does not follow agreed upon procedures (contacting me or my designee prior to dispatching emergency personnel) will the company reimburse any fines/fees that may incur from such incident?
Non-Emergency Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tammy McGuire, Administrator
Phone: 410-535-1600 or 301-855-1243, ext. 2304
Fax: 443-486-4074; Email: ps_management@co.cal.md.us
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