Preventing False Alarms

Why are false alarms a problem? False alarms take police away from real emergencies. This embarrassing situation for you can endanger responding authorities and your community.

• False alarms make your security system less reliable and credible.
• False alarms can cost you money! Almost all cities and towns assess costly fines for excessive false alarms.
• False alarms may make you reluctant to arm your system thus exposing your facility and property to undetected theft and fire.
• False alarms at night make your responders less productive the next day.

How can I prevent false alarms?

• Allow SONITROL Technicians to check and service your system regularly. Routine maintenance can help prevent many false alarms from occurring.
• Notify SONITROL immediately if you think your system is not working properly.
• Make sure everyone who uses your security system understands how it works. Anyone who has a key to your facility should know how to operate your system.

What if my alarm goes off accidentally?

• Determine if there really is a fire or an actual break-in.
• Don't panic - remember your code.
• If the alarm was accidental, disarm your system.
• Carefully press each number of your code. Practice and be prepared to reset.
• After you've reset the system, call SONITROL to report the accidental activation.
• If your SONITROL system is tying up your phone line, wait several seconds and try again or use an alternate phone.
• Don't leave your facility until you've spoken with SONITROL personnel.

Be prepared!

• Rehearse alarm cancellation with anyone who might use your system.
• Make sure that anyone with a key to your facility knows how to operate your system.
• Tell all users who to call when the alarm activates.
• Keep your SONITROL system instruction book and phone number handy.
• Cancel all alarms that don't need an emergency response.