How to Avoid False Alarms for Your Business Security System | SDA ...

Responding to false alarm calls at your office or retail store wastes both time and money. These false alarms pull employees out of bed or away from leisure activities, and many communities now issue fines for businesses that incur too many false alarms, as they misuse city emergency resources. The best ways to avoid false alarms in your business are to understand how the security system works to get the best use out of it, and to test your system regularly. Below are a few helpful tips to determine whether your system is working properly and you and your employees know how to use it effectively.

1. Read the manual. Even if you are a tenant in a larger building and the security system is the responsibility of the landlord, you likely have access to the literature, or can request a copy. Familiarize yourself with how the alarm system works and what options you can adjust. You may even learn about some useful features you never knew it had. Have questions? Call the security company or talk to the building security manager. If you feel that the system is not working as described in the manual, let someone know.

2. Conduct a test. Your security company probably already performs routine testing of the system, but it?s a good idea to find out how often this happens?once a year is recommended. You can also test the alarm yourself regularly, but let the security company know ahead of time whenever you will be doing this testing to avoid more false alarms.

3. Who knows the code? Make sure any employees who may be coming in outside of regular business hours know the code and the procedure to shut off the alarm and turn it back on again as necessary. If you aren?t comfortable sharing the code with more than a few people, set up a company policy requiring employees to adhere to posted working hours. When training employees who will be responsible for turning the alarm on or off, be sure they know exactly what to do. As an added security measure, you should change the code regularly, especially if several employees have left the company recently. Many instances of theft and other losses are caused by individuals who are no longer with the company.

4. Check the battery. The system should have a backup battery in case of power failure. If this battery is low, it may trigger a false alarm. Most systems will alert you if the backup battery is failing, but again, check the manual for details. Don?t ignore any beeping or flashing lights on the keypad. A quick check could save a lot of trouble later when the battery failsafe goes into full alarm mode.

5. Check the sensors. Make sure all sensors are free of dust, unobstructed, undamaged, and pointing in the proper direction. Check for anything hanging from the ceiling or walls that could move in an air draft and set off the motion detector. This could mean that shutting down all HVAC systems (or closing windows) needs to be the first step in the alarm setting procedures at the end of the work day.

6. Check the surveillance feed. If you have a security system, you probably have surveillance cameras or a CCTV feed. Take a look at the footage from the time of the false alarms; they may turn out not to be false alarms at all. If whatever is setting off the system is not actually a security threat (cleaning staff, for example, or raccoons) it may be time to revisit the parameters of your alarm system. Change the location of sensors, and remove any shrubbery that brushes against the walls of the building.

Your business security system is there to make your life easier and safer, not harder. If false alarms are happening regularly, talk to a representative at your security company to try to find a solution. It may be that this particular system is not adequate for the needs of your particular workspace. A different system or configuration may solve the problem and allow you, the police, and the raccoons to go on about your business after hours.

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Photo Credit: Reflections on a security camera

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Source: http://www.sdasecurity.com/general/how-to-avoid-false-alarms-for-your-business-security-system/

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