False alarms can be a frustrating and expensive problem for businesses. They can disrupt operations, waste resources, and result in fines or penalties in some jurisdictions across Western Canada. 

In fact, in some locations, in response to the high rate of false alarms, it’s required that alarms will have to be verified before police response and they will not respond to alarms that are only triggered once. 

So, how can your business help to mitigate false alarms and better secure your premises? 

By implementing effective strategies to prevent false alarms, businesses can prevent false alarms and ensure that their alarm system is reliable and effective. In this blog, we will discuss five ways to prevent false alarms at your business.

 1 - Train Employees on Alarm System Use

One of the most effective ways to prevent false alarms is to ensure that all employees are properly trained on the use of the alarm system. This includes understanding how to arm and disarm the system, as well as knowing what actions can trigger an alarm. Regular training and refresher courses can help employees stay up-to-date on the latest procedures and reduce false alarms caused by user error.

2 - Regular Maintenance and Inspection

Regular maintenance and inspection of your alarm system can help prevent false alarms caused by equipment malfunction or wear and tear. This includes checking batteries, sensors, and connections on a regular basis to ensure they are functioning properly. By identifying and addressing potential issues early, businesses can reduce the risk of false alarms and ensure that their alarm system is reliable and effective.

3 - Address False Alarms Promptly

In the event of a false alarm, it's important for businesses to address the issue promptly and take appropriate action to prevent future false alarms. This includes investigating the cause of the false alarm and taking corrective measures to prevent it from happening again.

If the false alarm was caused by user error, additional employee training may be necessary. If the false alarm was caused by equipment malfunction, repairs or upgrades may be required. Additionally, businesses may need to review and adjust their alarm response procedures to prevent false alarms in the future.

By addressing false alarms promptly and taking appropriate corrective action, businesses can reduce the risk of future false alarms.

4 - Invest in Modern Alarm Technologies

Investing in modern alarm technologies is the most effective way to mitigate the risk of false alarms, and verified alarms are your best bet. At Sonitrol Western Canada, for example, we verify every alarm through audio and video surveillance before sending a call to emergency services. If it is a false alarm, we simply reset the system without bothering you or the authorities. 

If a crime is in progress, our operators will send for the police, without alerting the criminal, and relay everything that is happening to the authorities, assisting with the apprehension of the criminal.

5 - Conduct Regular Alarm System Audits

Conducting regular audits of your alarm system can help identify potential issues and prevent false alarms. This includes reviewing alarm activity logs to identify patterns and potential causes of false alarms, as well as checking the sensitivity settings of sensors and other components.

By conducting regular audits, businesses can ensure that their alarm system is optimized for their specific needs and is functioning properly. This can help prevent false alarms caused by equipment malfunction, user error, or environmental factors.

Regular audits can also help identify opportunities for improvement, such as upgrading to more advanced alarm technologies or adjusting alarm response procedures. 

False alarms can be a costly and disruptive problem for businesses, but they can be prevented with the right strategies in place.

By training employees on alarm system use, conducting regular maintenance and inspections, keeping contact information up-to-date with the alarm company, and investing in advanced alarm technologies, businesses can reduce the risk of false alarms and ensure that their alarm system is reliable and effective.

Interested in learning more about how you can mitigate false alarms with a verified security solution? Get a free security plan from Sonitrol Western Canada today.