By Barbara Hamlin
Posted August 12, 2008

Prevent False Alarms – Know How to Use Your Security System

Sonitrol Pacific is 100 percent committed to eliminating false burglar alarms. Many false alarms are caused by incorrect use of a security system, especially turning it on and off and coming and going from the protected facility. Excessive false burglar alarms compromise your security.

Does everyone who uses your security system know where the “delay” doors (doors programmed to allow time to enter or exit when the system is turned on) are located? Delay doors usually have a keypad and/or arm/disarm card reader close to them. This also applies to interior doors that separate independent zones (partitions). Using doors other than the delay door(s) to enter or exit areas when your security system is turned on will cause an immediate alarm.

Delay Time is the amount of time programmed on the specific doors chosen for entry and exit so there is adequate time for turning off security after entering the premises or exiting the premises after turning on the security system. The delay time may be set for the amount of time that best suits your needs.

Before you turn on your security system and leave, close, lock and inspect all protected doors. The security system will not turn on if a door is open. However, the system can’t recognize if a door is locked or not and an unlocked door could cause a false alarm, or even worse, compromise your security.

Sonitrol Pacific includes a false alarm guarantee in our Commitment to Service. If you receive a fine for a false alarm that was dispatched by Sonitrol Pacific and not caused by one of your users, the telephone company or an Act of God, Sonitrol Pacific will represent you in canceling the fine or will pay the fine.

Make sure to call your Customer Service Representative whenever you have questions about your security equipment or its operation, or whenever you would like to schedule a training session. Training is included in your monthly investment for service.