According to recent studies, human error causes more than 80% of false alarms, but most false alarms are entirely preventable with proper understanding and maintenance. Let’s dive into the common culprits behind these nerve-wracking incidents and, more importantly, how you can put a stop to them.
False alarms represent a significant challenge for households and emergency services alike. Police officers respond to about 13.7 million emergency alarm calls each year nationwide, but according to international data, 98 per cent of these calls are unnecessary. This pattern is mirrored in Australia, where emergency services face similar challenges with false alarm responses.
The consequences extend far beyond personal frustration. In Victoria, for instance, the fines for building owners that trigger call-outs now cost $2800 in fines for fire alarm false alarms, though this does not yet cover the full cost of an emergency call, which could balloon to about $3083 for each false alarm.
While residential security alarm fines vary by council, the financial implications can quickly add up for repeat offenders.
We’re all human, and humans make mistakes. The single largest cause of false alarms is human error, and it manifests in several ways:
Incorrect keypad use
Whether you’re fumbling with the code in the dark or teaching your teenager the system, improper operation of the control panel is incredibly common. People often forget their codes under pressure, enter them too slowly, or accidentally trigger panic buttons.
Forgetting to disarm the system
We’ve all been there – you dash back inside for your forgotten keys, completely forgetting that you’ve just set the alarm. Re-entering the home just after leaving without disarming (assuming the exit delay is long enough to compensate) is a classic trigger for false alarms.
Poor user training
When babysitters, housekeepers, or visitors don’t understand how your system works, accidents are bound to happen. Research from ADT Security found that 71 per cent of people don’t investigate or call the police when they hear an alarm go off in their local area, which highlights the importance of proper system education for everyone who might need to use it.
A poorly planned security system is like a ticking time bomb for false alarms. The most common causes of false alarms are operator error, improper installation, including poorly positioned motion sensors, and a lack of maintenance.
Motion sensors in the wrong spots
Placing motion detectors near air conditioning vents, heating systems, or in direct sunlight can trigger false alarms. Air conditioners are not usually a problem if the motion detector is not installed directly beside them, but proximity to moving air is a common culprit.
Loose doors and windows
Sensors on loose doors or windows can trigger false alarms when the door or window jiggles. This is particularly common in older homes where doors and windows may not fit as snugly as they once did.
DIY installations gone wrong
While DIY security systems are increasingly popular, they come with risks. Poorly designed systems and component failure are common causes of false alarms which in many cases are linked to systems that have been installed by DIY enthusiasts or non-specialist professionals.
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Australian weather can be as unpredictable as it is diverse, and environmental conditions play a significant role in false alarms:
Extreme weather conditions: Strong winds can rattle doors and windows, lightning can create electrical interference, and temperature fluctuations can affect sensor sensitivity. Acts of nature (strong winds, electrical storms, etc.) are recognised causes of false alarms, though they’re relatively rare.
Insects and small animals: This might surprise you, but tiny intruders are a common cause of false alarms. Spiders building webs across motion sensors or insects crawling on equipment can trigger the system. Spraying insect repellant periodically around the detection sensors can also help to reduce the risk of crawling insects setting off the alarm.
Like any technology, security systems require regular care to function properly:
Dead or low batteries: Low batteries in security devices can causes false alarms as well as other faults. Most systems will give you a low battery warning, but it’s easy to ignore these alerts until it’s too late.
Dust and debris: Older smoke detectors can mistake dust for smoke and cause a false alarm. This is especially common if there’s any construction going on in the home. Dust accumulation on sensors can interfere with their operation.
Outdated equipment: Older equipment tends to cause more false alarms than newer equipment because sensors aren’t as sophisticated and lack modern features designed to prevent false triggers.
Our furry friends can be unwitting accomplices in false alarm scenarios. If homeowners have pets and don’t get sensors with pet-sensitivity settings, there will probably be a lot of false alarms.
Large dogs jumping on furniture, cats prowling at night, or even fish tanks with active filters can all trigger motion sensors that aren’t properly calibrated.
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Now that we’ve identified the usual suspects, let’s talk about practical solutions.
The good news is that most false alarms are preventable with the right approach.
Despite your best efforts, false alarms may still occur. Here’s how to handle them:
When a false alarm happens, act quickly. Contact your monitoring company immediately to report the false alarm and provide your security code. Many companies have a window of time where they can cancel the emergency response if contacted promptly.
ADT Security recently introduced an automatic notification service that takes security response to unprecedented levels. The automatic voice response service is a new interactive interface that provides an accurate and speedy way for customers to interact with ADT using text-to-speak technology. Take advantage of these modern communication features to reduce the likelihood of unnecessary emergency responses.
When they do, request that your customers take part in a short debriefing so that you can both better understand why the situation occurred. Work with your security provider to understand what caused the false alarm and how to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Not all security systems are created equal, and neither are the companies that install and monitor them. When selecting a security provider, consider their approach to false alarm prevention. Some DIY systems may not comply with Australian Standards AS2201 for intruder alarm systems and therefore may not be eligible for a potential insurer discount.
Look for companies that:
At Hypower Security, we understand the frustration of false alarms because we’ve been helping Australian families and businesses prevent them for years.
Our approach to false alarm prevention begins with a thorough assessment of your property and lifestyle. We consider factors like pets, family routines, local environmental conditions, and your home’s unique characteristics before recommending equipment.
Our professional installation ensures sensors are optimally positioned, and our comprehensive training ensures everyone in your family knows how to use the system correctly.
We also provide ongoing support through regular maintenance programs and responsive customer service.
Contact us today for a security system assessment. Let us show you how the right system, properly installed and maintained, can provide the security you need without the false alarm frustration you don’t.
Hypower Security is fully licensed, approved by Victoria Police and proud members of ASIAL. Dismiss
