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KeepSafe Systems is dedicated to providing a high level of customer service in the Security Alarm Industry Misc Links *Products* *News & Blog* *The Sales Spiel* *Verify A Security Alarm Company or Installer* 604-874-8772	<!-- ************************************************************** --> <!-- ************************************************************ --> <!-- THIS IS THE FRAME SEO FRIENDLY CONTENT SECTION FOR TEXT BROWSERS --> <!-- ************************************************************ --> <!-- ************************************************************** --> <TR> <TD align=justify width=700 bgColor=#c0c0c0 height=60> <P align=center><U><B><FONT face="Monotype Corsiva" color=#ff0000 size=6>False Alarms</FONT></B></U></P></TD></TR> <TR> <TD align=justify width=700 bgColor=#c0c0c0 height=1> <FONT size=1> </FONT></TD></TR> <TR> <TD align=justify width=700 bgColor=#c0c0c0 height=365 rowSpan=22> <P align=center><FONT face="Monotype Corsiva" size=4>As with the story of the boy who cried Wolf, false alarms can be the downfall of any security system. False alarms are caused by many factors, these include but are not limited to poor system design, equipment failure, user error, and environmental.</FONT></P> <P align=center><FONT face="Monotype Corsiva" size=4>Unfortunately, false alarms do happen from time to time, the key to effective false alarm reduction is fast and accurate service response. At KeepSafe Systems, we use our many years of experience to stack the cards in your favour. If you are currently experiencing false alarm issues, feel free to contact KeepSafe Systems and we will do our very best to remedy the situation. If you do not yet have a security system and you are considering the services of KeepSafe Systems, you can be assured we will provide you with the best service possible.</FONT></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN lang=EN-US style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><FONT size=4>With the recent increase in false alarm awareness, many people have been either opting out or delaying the purchase of a security system. Others have distanced themselves from the decision-making process, by buying the least expensive "Package deal", without even considering how appropriate this system is for their needs and lifestyle.</FONT><O:P><FONT size=4> </FONT></O:P></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN lang=EN-US style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'"><FONT size=4> </FONT><O:P><FONT size=4> </FONT></O:P></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4><SPAN lang=EN-US>Depending on who you ask, the “main” cause of false alarms varies. Suspects include faulty installations /equipment, environmental conditions, pets, or user error. Although these are all valid factors that should and will be addressed, there is also the problem of misapplications or, simply put, improper selling. </SPAN></FONT><SPAN lang=EN-US style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'"><FONT size=4> </FONT><O:P><FONT size=4> </FONT></O:P></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4><SPAN lang=EN-US>In speaking with many alarm salespeople, I have noticed a disturbing trend of a lack of industry knowledge. Although some very knowledgeable sales people do exist, there is no official set of guidelines or training. Sure, if you ask them what a motion detector or a door contact is most will know the answer - It is with assessing the customers’ real security needs that some tend to lapse. This statement is not meant to discourage you from purchasing a security system, but mearly intended to encourage you, as with any major purchase, to know what you are buying. </SPAN></FONT><SPAN lang=EN-US style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'"><FONT size=4> </FONT><O:P><FONT size=4> </FONT></O:P></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN lang=EN-US style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'"><FONT size=4>A few common causes of user-initiated false alarms are: windows left ajar; too short delay times; taking too long to come in or leave; re-entering the home just after leaving without disarming (assuming the exit delay is long enough to compensate); decorations hanging by or around motion detectors; pets; and of course improper testing. I remember a particular customer that would insist on testing out her alarm system and not notifying the monitoring station, in order to measure the police response time. This caused absolute havoc with both the monitoring station and police to the point where her system was disconnected from monitoring.</FONT><O:P><FONT size=4> </FONT></O:P></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN lang=EN-US style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'"><FONT size=4> </FONT><O:P><FONT size=4> </FONT></O:P></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN lang=EN-US style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'"><FONT size=4>Another common cause of false alarms includes motion detectors being installed with the belief that they are “pet proof”. I have yet to be convinced that there is a good pet proof motion detector on the market. If you have a pet, either keep the pet in an area away from motion detectors when the system is armed, or do not have motion detectors installed and increase your perimeter and pre-entry protection (i.e. glass-break detectors).</FONT><O:P><FONT size=4> </FONT></O:P></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN lang=EN-US style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'"><FONT size=4> </FONT><O:P><FONT size=4> </FONT></O:P></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN lang=EN-US style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'"><FONT size=4>Then there is the problem of faulty installations. I read something a while ago that is appropriate in this case:</FONT><O:P><FONT size=4> </FONT></O:P></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN lang=EN-US style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'"><FONT size=4> </FONT><O:P><FONT size=4> </FONT></O:P></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN lang=EN-US style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'"><FONT size=4>“</FONT><B><I><FONT size=4>It is unwise to pay too much, but it is worse to pay to little ... The common law of business practice prohibits paying a little and getting a-lot in return -- it just can’t be done. If you deal with the lowest bidder, it is well to add something for the risk you run, and if you do that you will have enough to pay for something better.”</FONT><O:P><FONT size=4> </FONT></O:P></I></B></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN lang=EN-US style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'"><FONT size=4> </FONT><O:P><FONT size=4> </FONT></O:P></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4><SPAN lang=EN-US>In short, you get what you pay for. Do not let price be the sole determining factor in choosing your alarm system. I’m not saying that you should choose the highest price in order to get a decent security system, instead, you may wish to carefully consider what you’re purchasing and from whom you are purchasing it, keeping in mind you are not only purchasing the equipment but the proper installation of it. </SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4><SPAN lang=EN-US>Questions to ask the company are: </SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN lang=EN-US><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4>-</FONT><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-VARIANT: normal"><FONT size=4> </FONT></SPAN></SPAN><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4><SPAN lang=EN-US>Do they have a list of standards that they follow (Solder all connections, test all devices, run individual cables to all devices, don’t double up on devices etc.)? </SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN lang=EN-US><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4>-</FONT><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-VARIANT: normal"><FONT size=4> </FONT></SPAN></SPAN><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4><SPAN lang=EN-US>Do they stand behind their work? </SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN lang=EN-US><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4>-</FONT><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-VARIANT: normal"><FONT size=4> </FONT></SPAN></SPAN><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4><SPAN lang=EN-US>How long is the warranty and what does it cover? </SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN lang=EN-US><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4>-</FONT><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-VARIANT: normal"><FONT size=4> </FONT></SPAN></SPAN><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4><SPAN lang=EN-US>Do you feel comfortable with their knowledge and the system that they are selling you? </SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN lang=EN-US><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4>-</FONT><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-VARIANT: normal"><FONT size=4> </FONT></SPAN></SPAN><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4><SPAN lang=EN-US>Does the company selling you the system have an installation license for the province, or do they just “Farm out” their work to whatever subcontractor is available? </SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN lang=EN-US><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4>-</FONT><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-VARIANT: normal"><FONT size=4> </FONT></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN lang=EN-US style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'"><FONT size=4>Most importantly, does at least one of the technicians installing your alarm have a security alarm trade qualification ticket?</FONT><O:P><FONT size=4> </FONT></O:P></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN lang=EN-US style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'"><FONT size=4> </FONT><O:P><FONT size=4> </FONT></O:P></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN lang=EN-US style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'"><FONT size=4>Finally, there is the problem of faulty equipment: Once again, the “you get what you pay for” rule kicks in. For the most part, the professional equipment in use is pretty much standardized. As well, equipment installed by most of the professional security alarm companies is run through stringent industry testing procedures. Now, I’m not saying that all of the equipment sold on a retail basis is low-quality, but before you buy something you should ask yourself why is this equipment only being sold on a retail level and more importantly, does this system suit your needs or are you only buying it because of the price?</FONT><O:P><FONT size=4> </FONT></O:P></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN lang=EN-US style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'"><FONT size=4> </FONT><O:P><FONT size=4> </FONT></O:P></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN lang=EN-US style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'"><FONT size=4>Once your system has been installed, ensure that you understand exactly how it works and what you can do to avoid false alarms. The features and operation of your security system may seem a bit overwhelming at first, but as with anything new, it may take you a little time to get used to it. Ensure that everyone who will be using the security system knows how to operate it and, if you are monitored, how to cancel a false alarm. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you are unsure of any features, phone the installation company’s technical support line: Most companies understand the problems that you are going through and have no problem in helping a customer out.</FONT><O:P><FONT size=4> </FONT></O:P></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN lang=EN-US style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'"><FONT size=4> </FONT><O:P><FONT size=4> </FONT></O:P></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN lang=EN-US style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'"><FONT size=4>Those are the basics of false alarms and how you can help reduce them by choosing a proper system. Next month I will discuss some of the basic options available to you and how you can determine your own security needs. If you have any questions on this months article or on security systems in general feel free to contact me at 604-874-8772. If I am not in please leave a message and I will get back to you.</FONT><O:P><FONT size=4> </FONT></O:P></SPAN></P></TD></TR> <!-- BASIC INFORMATION --> KeepSafe Systems installs services and provides Security Alarm System monitoring services for security alarm systems in the Vancouver area of the Lower Mainland Fraser Valley British Columbia. We install hardwired security alarm systems because we have found them to be far more reliable than wireless security alarm systems. We have various pet friendly security system options available for you including floor flex sensors and glassbreak detectors. When it comes to pet proof motion detectors or pet friendly motion detectors we have found them to be unreliable and therfor rely on better pet friendly security alarm systems. The KeepSafe Systems service area includes but is not limited to North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Richmond, Delta, Tsawassen, Ladner, Surrey, Cloverdale, Abbotsford, Mission, Aldergrove, Maple Ridge, Haney, Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, Port Moody, Burnaby, New Westminster, Kamloops, Kelowna, Courtney, Comox, Nanaimo, Lions Bay, Squamish and pretty much everywhere in between. Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames.
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