On-line False Alarm Prevention Class

On-line False Alarm Prevention Class

It's easy! It's informative! And, it's quick!

Just get a grade of 70% or more on your test and you will receive a free false alarm credit towards your account.

This is what you'll learn

  • Why false alarms are a problem
  • How your alarm system works
  • How to prevent false alarms

There are three easy steps

  1. Just read the information
  2. Take the quiz
  3. Send it in!

Here's what we'll cover

Why are false alarms a problem?

  1. Delay response to calls that may be REAL emergencies.
  2. False alarms are costly and dangerous because they divert law enforcement from proactive crime prevention efforts.
  3. Disturb neighborhoods - ever heard your neighbor's alarm?

How big is the false alarm problem?

  1. It's a national problem found in cities and counties around the country
  2. More than 95% of alarms in Charlotte County are false.

The human costs:

  1. False alarms can lead to tragedy if they are not taken seriously.
  2. Cutting down on the number of false alarms ensures everyone's safety.
  3. Human error is the largest single cause of false alarms

What happens when my alarm system sounds?

  1. An open door or window or other part of the system tells the control panel something is wrong.
  2. Your control panel seizes your phone and calls your monitoring company. If you pick up your phone while this is happening, you'll hear static. (DO NOT DAIL 911 or the Sheriff's Office)
  3. Alarm company receives information from your control panel: name, address, phone and type of alarm.
  4. Alarm company will call back to verify; if no verification Law Enforcement would be dispatch.

What can I do to prevent false alarms

  1. A surge protector would be beneficial to reduce false alarms.
  2. Make sure all doors and windows are secure.
  3. Before setting your alarm make sure family pets are in a "safe" area where they will not disturb motion sensors.
  4. Have your system serviced on a regular basis and register with the Sheriff's Office.
  5. Replace those batteries, yearly - your system has a backup battery, but they only last 2-3 years it will not hold a charge.
  6. Call your alarm company if you make changes to your phone service, such as call waiting.
  7. Anchor or secure other objects that can be moved in the path of the motion detector by drafts or A/C
    • Balloons
    • Decorations
    • Curtains

How to prevent people-related false alarms?

  1. Show anyone who has a key or code to your home or business, how to use your alarm system.
    • Your kids
    • Neighbors
    • New employees
    • Cleaning crews
    • Delivery personnel
  2. Know your alarm company's procedures to cancel a false alarm.
    • Do you know your password or code?
    • Do you know if you have a specific length of time to cancel a false alarm by using your keypad?
    • Do you know the phone number of your alarm company?
    • Does everyone with a key or code to your business/home know how to cancel a false alarm?
  3. Call your alarm company if you:
    • Have any concerns about how to use your system
    • Worry about using it incorrectly
    • Think it's not working properly

What should I do if I have a false alarm and don't cancel?

  • Don't panic
  • Turn your system off - disarm
  • Wait a few minutes for your alarm company to call you
  • Give them the password or code
  • Explain the circumstance of the false alarm
  • Follow the alarm company's directions

Alarm system servicing, monitoring and registration.

  • Alarms that are not monitored still need to be registered with the Sheriff's Office.
  • Alarms that are monitored can be canceled by the alarm company provided the owner can be contacted and the proper codes given. A properly installed, maintained, and operational alarm system will not produce false alarms.

Now that you know all about false alarms and how to prevent them, you're almost done...

For an extra warning per year within your registration, just take this quiz.

NOTE:

Due to a number of browser issues, before clicking the SUBMIT button, print the Quiz. Once printed, then click SUBMIT.

If you receive an error message, email quiz to the Alarm Coordinator at alarms@ccso.org. Once received, the Alarm Coordinator will manually grade and advise accordingly.

If you receive no error message, the Quiz was successfully forwarded to the Alarm Coordinator for the prevention credit.


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False Alarm Prevention Quiz

Quiz
  • 1. Should you call your alarm company if you're planning to sell your home or business?
      Yes         NO
  • 2. Your alarm system is only connected to the electrical power?
      Yes         NO
  • 3. Do I check my windows and doors every time I arm my alarm?
      Yes         NO
  • 4. Do I get charged if my car or truck alarm goes off?
      Yes         NO
  • 5. Are false alarms costly and dangerous?
      Yes         NO
  • 6. Should I keep my emergency contact list updated?
      Yes         NO
  • 7. A properly installed, maintained, and operational alarm system will not produce false alarms?
      Yes         NO
  • 8. The largest single cause of false alarms is the users?
      Yes         NO
  • 9. If my alarm is activated and the deputy finds that someone had broken in, do I get charged?
      Yes         NO
  • 10. False alarm diverts Law Enforcement crime prevention efforts?
      Yes         NO
  • 11. If my alarm system is not monitored by a company, would I still need to be registered with the Sheriff's Office?
      Yes         NO
  • 12. After having a birthday party with decorations and balloons can we set our alarm and go to sleep?
      Yes         NO
  • 13. Would ceiling fans and balloons set off my alarm?
      Yes         NO
  • 14. If my cleaning company is at my business or home, do I need to show the workers how to use the alarm system?
      Yes         NO
  • 15. Would it be beneficial to install a surge protector to reduce false alarms?
      Yes         NO
Your name, address and phone number are required.
Please enter the address you would like the credit to be attributed to.
Name :
Business Name :
Address :
Phone Number :

Any further questions please contact Dawn Healey
Charlotte County Alarm Coordinator at 941-575-5284