False Alarm Prevention

False Alarms Are Costly to Everyone

False alarms take police away from real emergencies. They can endanger responding authorities and your whole community. Setting off a false alarm is like dialing 9-1-1; the police will respond thinking there is a real problem. False alarms can lead neighbors to ignore your alarm if it goes off repeatedly. It's like "crying wolf", and can, in effect, make your security system seem less credible. False alarms may make you reluctant to arm your system — exposing your home or business to undetected theft or fire.

If the Alarm Goes Off Accidentally

1. Don't panic. Remember your security password.
2. Find out if there really is an intruder or fire and respond appropriately.
3. If the alarm activation was accidental, carefully disarm your system per your system's instructions.
4. After you've reset the system, wait for DFT's monitoring center to contact you.
5. Don't leave your home or business until you've spoken with DFT's monitoring center and assured them there is not an emergency.

You Can Make A Difference

To reduce the number of false alarms, make sure anyone with a key to your home or business knows:

• How to operate your system.
• Has rehearsed the alarm cancellation procedure.
• Has the name and number of DFT's monitoring center and the security password in case the alarm sounds.

Keep your security system instruction book, DFT's monitoring center information and phone number handy (but not in an obvious place where an intruder can find it!)

Routine maintenance can greatly reduce false alarms. Have DFT Security check and service your system (including batteries) regularly. Make special arrangements for guests or repair technicians.

Also, Call DFT Security immediately if:

• Your system doesn't appear to be functioning correctly.
• You change your phone number.
• You are going to test your system.
• You plan to sell or do any remodeling.