Chief Michael Chitwood

FALSE ALARM PREVENTION IN APARTMENT COMPLEXES

Information for Alarm Users

With modern technology providing for enhanced security systems, today’s apartment dwellers are protecting their dwellings and personal property against theft in record numbers. Many apartment complexes provide the equipment, and the renter can activate the monitoring service at their own expense.

Utilizing the alarm system in your apartment is smart, and we encourage you to do so. But you must remember it is your responsibility to have the system maintained in good working order, and to do everything possible to prevent false alarms.

Taking the following steps can help reduce or eliminate false alarms:

Test your system with your alarm company monthly to ensure it is in proper working order. Be sure the alarm company does not dispatch a false alarm during the test period.

If you feel the alarm system is not working properly, have the management company or the alarm company service it immediately. Low batteries, trouble signals and faulty contacts can hinder the function of the system.

When moving into a unit with an existing alarm system, DO NOT experiment with the system without first contacting the alarm company and having the system put on test. This will prevent law enforcement being dispatched needlessly.

If you need assistance on operating the system, contact your management company or alarm company for instructions. Be sure you understand all of the functions of the system, and all of the monitoring company requirements you must adhere to if the alarm signal is activated.

PRIOR TO ARMING YOUR SYSTEM AND LEAVING YOUR APARTMENT, FOLLOW THESE STEPS:

Lock all windows and doors, and make sure there are no balloons (particularly Mylar) holiday decorations, heaters, or pets in areas protected by a motion sensor.

You may want to wait a moment before leaving the property to be sure you entered the exit code correctly and did not set off the alarm.

If you did set off the alarm upon exiting, follow the procedure the alarm company gave you when activating the system to avoid a law enforcement dispatch.

CHECK TO SEE IF YOU CAN MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR ROUTINE APARTMENT MAINTENANCE LIKE BUG SPRAYING, OR GIVE THE ALARM CODE TO THE ON SITE MANAGER BEFORE THEY ENTER THE PREMISE TO AVOID A FALSE ALARM DISPATCH.

If you have any questions, or would like additional information on false alarms prevention, please call an Alarm Bylaw Administrator at 403-428-8336